Netherwood School

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

This statement of policy is produced in respect of Netherwood School and forms the basis of future planning and implementation of health & safety matters within the school.

STATEMENT OF GENERAL POLICY

1. The Principal working in conjunction with Citation plc is responsible for formulating the overall policy.

2. The planning and implementation of the policy is the direct responsibility of the Principal, ensuring that staff at all levels fulfil their duties to cooperate with it. Arrangements will also be made to bring it to the notice of all staff, including new appointees and supply teachers.

3. The Principal recognises the need to consult staff on health and safety matters and for the need to consult individuals before allocating particular health and safety functions. This will be achieved by discussion in Staff meetings and Heads of Key Stage meetings.

4. The aim of this policy is to take all the steps possible to minimise the possibility of personal injury, health hazards and damage to property. This protection is extended to students, contractors and members of the general public from foreseeable risks.

5. The Principal and Citation PLC recognise their responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act and any subsequent legislation/regulations so far as is reasonably practicable to:

· Provide plant, equipment and systems of work which are safe and without risk to health:

· Make arrangements for ensuring so far as is reasonably practicable and without risks to health, the handling, storage and transportation of articles and substances.

· Provide adequate training, information, instruction and supervision so far as is reasonably practicable to enable all staff employed in the school and students to perform their work safely and efficiently.

· To promote the development and maintenance of sound safety, health and welfare practices.

· To maintain the premises in a condition that is safe and without risks to health and the maintenance of access to and egress from the premises.

· To provide and maintain a working environment that is so far as is reasonably practically safe without risks to health and adequate as regards welfare facilities for staff and students.

· To ensure sufficient funds are available to provide as necessary protective clothing and equipment to all staff employed in the school, for the safe use of machinery, equipment and substances.

· Maintain a close interest in all health and safety matters insofar as they affect activities on the premises under the control of the school.

6. It is recognised by the Principal that the owners of Netherwood are responsible for the capital expenditure, central administration and subsequent professional advice and information in health and safety matters, any change in those responsibilities may involve the school seeking advice from outside specialists, such as Citation plc.

7. The Principal will conduct an annual audit of health and safety matters in order to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the system and to determine the way forward.

8. The health and safety manual and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) are circulated to all relevant members of staff and are used as a source of information until such time as they are suspended.

ORGANISATION

1. The Proprietors recognise the need to identify organisational arrangements in the school for implementing, monitoring and controlling health and safety matters. The Proprietors will also ensure that the school budgets reflect the finance necessary to implement health and safety matters so far as is reasonably practical.

2. The overall duties of the Proprietors are as follows:

· To co-operate with outside agencies in monitoring the effectiveness of arrangements at their establishment and operations in respect of the functions for which they are responsible.

· To ensure that they are aware of their duties and responsibilities under health and safety legislation.

· To ensure that the Principal makes the necessary arrangements for implementing policy.

· To ensure that all premises, plant and equipment for which they are responsible are safe and properly maintained according to manufacturers recommendations.

· To ensure, in the selection and purchase of equipment, that it is suitable for the use that will be made of it, and account is taken for the working conditions and any hazards in the workplace.

· To ensure that in respect of any project that they initiate, they consider the health and safety of all persons at the planning stage and include any necessary measures to control risks.

· To ensure that all employees of their establishment adopt safe methods of work for the activities carried on.

· To receive and act upon reports from the Principal.

· To ensure that staff in their establishment are given the necessary information, instruction and training on Health and Safety issues relevant to their job specification.

· To receive and act upon any direction from Citation plc as regards any matter regarding Health and Safety.

3. The Duties and Responsibilities of the Principal will be:

· To promote an interest in and enthusiasm for safe and healthy working conditions.

· To assist the Proprietors in identifying the arrangements for implementing this policy including appointing a competent person responsible for Health and Safety. Should this not be possible, to take on the role as Acting Health and Safety Officer.

· To receive from Citation plc information on Health and Safety related matters and ensure its dissemination to appropriate staff.

· To follow suitable arrangements for Fire Precautions, First Aid, reporting to RIDOR, Hazardous Substances, PAT Electrical Testing, Risk Assessment and Staff Training.

· To identify and react to Health and Safety issues and to ensure that the necessary Safety Inspections are carried out.

· To refer any Health and Safety problem to the Proprietors.

· To draw to the attention of any contractor working at their establishment any risk which may not be readily apparent, so that the contractors’ personnel are not exposed to risk.

· Where they believe that the activities of contractors are such as to put at risk anyone who is under the control of the establishment, they shall remove all persons under their control from that environment.

· Maintain an up-to-date Asbestos register and make it available to all staff and contractors.

4. The Duties and Responsibilities of Heads of Key Stage are:

· To be responsible and accountable to the Principal for all matter relating to Heath Safety and Welfare within their areas of the school.

· To ensure that all aspects gleaned from Health and Safety training are passed on to all individuals.

· To inform all members of staff of their obligations with respect to Health and Safety.

· To make certain that all members of staff are aware of regulations, codes of practice and guidance notes appropriate to their specialist areas.

· To be responsible for producing their own departmental safety policy, defining safe working arrangements and bringing it to the attention of members of staff including new appointees and any temporary members of staff.

· Is responsible for ensuring all statutory notices, placards, regulations and safety signs are displayed as appropriate to their workplace. This will include arrangement for facilities such as first aid equipment, protective clothing/equipment, registers, log books, etc.

· Must report to the Principal all problems, defects and hazards.

· Must carry out regular safety inspections of the department. Priorities must be given to plant, machinery, equipment, electrical appliances and risk assessments to include use of substances.

· Must ensure that risk assessments for rooms, trips and activities are carried out regularly.

5. The Duties and Responsibilities of all Staff are:

· All staff are responsible and accountable to the Heads of Key Stages and, ultimately, to the Principal for the implementation of the school’s safety policy in the performance of their duties.

· They should be familiar with the school’s safety policy, the implementations of that policy and equally any procedures, arrangements and practices relating to their department.

· To conform to the guidance given to them by their Head of Key Stage and supporting safe working arrangements.

· To ensure that where conditions apply, all students or persons under their control receive instruction and are provided with all necessary assistance.

· To report to their Head of Key Stage, using the agreed procedure, all problems, defects and hazards that are brought to their notice.

· Ensure that temporary members of staff are made aware of the school’s Health and Safety policy and of any special arrangements, procedures, relating to their work area before commencing work.

6. The Duties and Responsibilities of Students are:

· To exercise personal responsibilities for the safety of themselves and their fellow students.

· To observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene (this would preclude unsuitable footwear, knives and other items considered dangerous).

· To observe all the safety rules of the school and in particular the instructions of the teaching staff in the event of an emergency.

· To use and not misuse, neglect or interfere with things that are provided for safety purposes.

ARRANGEMENTS

The Proprietors recognise that the way forward in achieving effective management of the Netherwood Health and Safety Policy and the arrangements necessary to fulfil the obligation is through a Safety Body, to include the Health and Safety Officer, the Principal and the Proprietors themselves.

The mechanism will be put into place as follows:

1. ACCIDENTS - All accidents should be reported in the Accident Book and the Health and Safety Officer informed as soon as possible. Anyone requiring medical attention should be sent to the School Matron, Mrs Dowling.

2. FIRST AID PROVISION - First Aid is available in the Staff Room, where any of our trained first aiders can administer first aid. The main first aider is Mrs Shirley James. Another provision exists in the Boarding House, where Mrs Dowling can administer the first aid. There is a third provision in the Lower School block, where any trained first aider can administer the first aid and a fourth in the Science lab.

3. FIRE PRECAUTIONS - The School Fire Officer is the Principal. Fire practices will take place every half term individually for both the main school and boarding house. The alarm systems are tested according to the requirements of the Fire Department and a log is kept. Fire Extinguishers are tested and, if necessary, refilled on an annual basis. All relevant Fire Signs will constantly be displayed in all appropriate places. All escape routes will be kept clear and unobstructed. No doors are wedged open. Fire doors are kept closed and in good working order.

4. INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING ARRANGEMENTS - All information requiring Health and Safety issues will be made available to staff via morning break meetings. All requests for training in Health and Safety should be handed in to the Principal.

5. COSHH - Any member of staff using any substance subject to COSHH regulations will be responsible for the risk assessment of substance and processes. No new substance should be brought into school until a COSHH risk assessment has been undertaken.

6. PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING - Competent persons will undertake Portable Appliance Testing on an annual basis. The current PAT testing (and fire alarm system testing) is conducted by a representative of Hilling and Allen Ltd. No electrical appliances are to be brought onto the premises and used until such appliances have been tested and approved safe by a competent person.

7. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES - In the event of fire/accident, the first priority is for the health and safety of staff and students, by evacuation and medical attention, whichever is appropriate, or both. Following this, the Principal must be informed immediately that the building is clear and whether or not any staff or students require medical attention.

8. SAFETY AUDIT - This policy and its related procedure will be regularly audited by the Health and Safety Body and the Heads of Key Stages to ensure that all aspects are up-to-date and that the complete system runs as efficiently as possible.

Download Health & Safety Policy

Back