Gilson National School
Safety Statement
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. brings to the attention of its staff the following arrangements for safeguarding the safety, health and welfare of those employed and working in the school.
This policy requires the co-operation of all employees. It shall be reviewed annually or more frequently if necessary, in the light of experience changes in legal requirements and operational changes. A safety audit shall be carried out annually by the Board of Management Safety Officers. Mr William Smith (BOM) and Mr Mark Carey (Principal) will carry out this audit and make a report to the Board of Management. All records of accidents and ill-health will be monitored in order to ensure that any safety measures required can be put in place to minimise the recurrence of such accidents and ill-health.
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practical:
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. recognises that its statutory obligations under legislation extends to employees, students, to any person legitimately conducting school business, and to the public.
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. undertake to ensure that the provisions of safety, Health and welfare at Work Act 1989 are adhered to:
Duties of Employees
It is the duty of every employee while at work:
No person will intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience or other means or thing provided in pursuance or any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing safety, health or welfare or person arising out of work activities.
Employees using available facilities and equipment provided should ensure that work practices are performed in the safest manner possible (see section 9 of safety, health and welfare at Work Act 1989).
Consultation and Information
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Gilson N.S. to consult with staff in preparation and completion of hazard control forms, to give a copy of safety statement to all present and future staff, and to convey any additional information or instructions regarding health, safety and welfare at work to all staff as it becomes available. Health, safety and welfare at work will be considered in any future staff training and development plans.
Hazards
Hazards shall be divided into two categories. Those which can be rectified will be dealth with as a matter of urgency. Those that cannot will be clearly indicated and appropriate procedures listed beside them. All hazards shall be eliminated in so far as recources and circumstances allow.
Fire
It is the policy of the B.O.M. of Gilson N.S. that:
Constant Hazards
Machinery, kitchen equipment, Electrical appliances.
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Gilson N.S. that machinery, kitchen equipment and electrical appliances are to be used only by competent and authorised persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checjs by the school electrician.
Electrical Appliances
Arrangements will be made for all appliances including sockets and fuse boards to be checked on a regular basis at least annually by the schools electrician.
Chemicals
It is the policy of Board of Management of Gilson N.S. that all chemicals, photocopier toner, detergents etc be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and shall be kept in the store room and photocopying room where children do not have access.
Broken Glass
The Board of Management shall minimise the danger arising from broken glass. Staffs are asked to report broken glass to the Principal so that it may be immediately removed. Children are prohibited from bringing glass bottles or containers to school.
Infectious Diseases
It is the policy of the Board of Gilson N.S. that all infectious diseases shall be notified and steps taken to ensure the safety of staff and students against all such diseases. The Board of Management will endeavour to minimise the risk by adherence to sound principals of cleanliness, hygiene and disinfection and have provided disposable gloves for use in all First Aid applications, cleaning tasks, etc. Toilets and washrooms shall be provided at all times with an adequate supply of water, soap, towels and facility for the safe disposal of waste.
Access to School
In as much as it is compatible with the practical layout of the school premises, anyone entering the school premises shall be required to identify themselves to the Principal or the secretary as relevant before gaining admittance to the school. Children can only be collected from school by a parent/guardian or other authorised persons only.
On the following pages you will find a list of workplace hazards and risks showing appropriate:
1. Safety Hazards - Electrical work in the school is 30 years old - light fittings, sockets, wiring etc. Sockets have no tripping device.
Risk Assesment - Medium - High.
Control Measures - Replace all sockets and install new fuse board.
Review - Quotations are being sought currently.
2. Safety Hazards - Oil tank and trees surrounding it.
Risk Assessment - Low.
Control Measures - Children are not permitted to play in this area.
Review - Tank will eventually need replacing.
3. Safety Hazards - Loose chippings and broken tarmacadam at the "Alley" end of the playground.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - The caretaker does remedial repair work on a continuous basis.
Review - This area will need to be reviewed.
4. Safety Hazards - Cleaning Materials.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - Stored in secure room.
Review - No problems.
5. Safety Hazards - Playgrounds.
Risk Assessment - Low.
Control Measures - Ensure supervision rota is adhered to.
Review - No Problems.
6. Safety Hazards - Unauthorised access during the school day.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - Principals office situated at main door.
Review - Needs Review.
7. Safety Hazards - Unauthorised access during the weekend.
Risk Assessment - High.
Control Measures - School is fully alarmed.
Review - All gates in front of school to be locked at the weekends.
8. Safety Hazards - Accidents on yards.
Risk Assessment - High.
Control Measures - Appoint SNA as first aider to allow teachers remain in the yard.
Review - Working well.
9. Safety Hazards - Running in the school building.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - No running rule to be strictly enforced.
Review - Working well.
First Aid
Gilson NS provides and will maintain adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, suitability marked and easily accessible, in order that first-aid can be provided. The first-aid equipment is located in the secretary's office.
The First aid box Contents
The first aid box will contain the following:
First-Aid Treatment Area
The area assigned for the provision of First Aid treatment in our school is the secretary's office/P.E. Room. Where practicable, this will be a dedicated First Aid area of a room and will make our best endeavour to equip this location with as many as possible of the following:
Safety Statement
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. brings to the attention of its staff the following arrangements for safeguarding the safety, health and welfare of those employed and working in the school.
This policy requires the co-operation of all employees. It shall be reviewed annually or more frequently if necessary, in the light of experience changes in legal requirements and operational changes. A safety audit shall be carried out annually by the Board of Management Safety Officers. Mr William Smith (BOM) and Mr Mark Carey (Principal) will carry out this audit and make a report to the Board of Management. All records of accidents and ill-health will be monitored in order to ensure that any safety measures required can be put in place to minimise the recurrence of such accidents and ill-health.
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practical:
- The design, provision and maintenance of all places in the school shall be safe and without risk to health.
- There shall be safe access to and from places of work.
- Plant and machinery may be opened safetly in so far as is possible.
- Work systems shall be planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to be safe and without risk to health.
- Staff shall be instructed and supervised in so far as is reasonably possible so as to ensure the health and safety at work of its employees.
- Plans for emergencies shall be complied with and revised as necessary.
- The statement will be continually revised by the Board of Management as necessity arises, and shall be re-examined by the Board on at least an annual basis.
- Employees shall be consulted on matters of health and safety.
- Provisions shall be made for the election by the employees of a safety representative.
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. recognises that its statutory obligations under legislation extends to employees, students, to any person legitimately conducting school business, and to the public.
The Board of Management of Gilson N.S. undertake to ensure that the provisions of safety, Health and welfare at Work Act 1989 are adhered to:
Duties of Employees
It is the duty of every employee while at work:
- To take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare, and that of any person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions while at work.
- To co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such extent as will enable his/her emplyer or the other person to comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions.
- To use in such manner so as to provide the protection intended, any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or thing provided (whether for his/her lone use or for use by him/her in common with others) for securing hi/her safety, health or welfare at work.
- To report to the Board of Management without unreasonable delay, any defects in plant, equipment, place of work, or system of work, which might endanger safety, health or welfare of which he/she becomes aware.
No person will intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience or other means or thing provided in pursuance or any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing safety, health or welfare or person arising out of work activities.
Employees using available facilities and equipment provided should ensure that work practices are performed in the safest manner possible (see section 9 of safety, health and welfare at Work Act 1989).
Consultation and Information
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Gilson N.S. to consult with staff in preparation and completion of hazard control forms, to give a copy of safety statement to all present and future staff, and to convey any additional information or instructions regarding health, safety and welfare at work to all staff as it becomes available. Health, safety and welfare at work will be considered in any future staff training and development plans.
Hazards
Hazards shall be divided into two categories. Those which can be rectified will be dealth with as a matter of urgency. Those that cannot will be clearly indicated and appropriate procedures listed beside them. All hazards shall be eliminated in so far as recources and circumstances allow.
Fire
It is the policy of the B.O.M. of Gilson N.S. that:
- The B.O.M. will ensure that an adequate supply of fire extinguishes suitable for the type of fires likely to occur in each area, are identified and regularly serviced by authorised and qualified persons (currently Masterfire). Each fire extinguisher shall have instructions for its use.
- The principal will ensure that fire drills shall take place each term.
- Fire alarms shall be clearly marked (Responsibility of BOM Safety Officer).
- Signs shall be clearly visible to ensure that visitors are aware of exit doors and routes. (School Principal)
- All doors, corridors, and entries shall be kept clear of obstruction and shall be able to be opened at all times from within the building. Each teacher who has an exit in his/her classroom must ensure it is kept clear. P.E. hall main door - Principal will see they are free of obstruction.
- A plan of the school shows assembly points outside the school.
- Assembly area is designated outside the building, and the location specified.
- Exit signs shall be clearly marked.
- All electrical equipment shall be left unplugged when unattended for lenghty periods and when the building is empty. Teachers are responsible for their own classroom. The secretary and Principal are responsible for their offices. Staff room is every teacher's responsibility. Cleaner to check when cleaning.
- Principal shall be responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures. (see attached)
- All recommendations made by a Fire Officer in addition to these provisions shall be implemented. Members of the Oldcastle Fire brigade attended the school, checked our provisions for fire as well as checking our Fire Evacuation procedures.
Constant Hazards
Machinery, kitchen equipment, Electrical appliances.
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Gilson N.S. that machinery, kitchen equipment and electrical appliances are to be used only by competent and authorised persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checjs by the school electrician.
Electrical Appliances
Arrangements will be made for all appliances including sockets and fuse boards to be checked on a regular basis at least annually by the schools electrician.
Chemicals
It is the policy of Board of Management of Gilson N.S. that all chemicals, photocopier toner, detergents etc be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and shall be kept in the store room and photocopying room where children do not have access.
Broken Glass
The Board of Management shall minimise the danger arising from broken glass. Staffs are asked to report broken glass to the Principal so that it may be immediately removed. Children are prohibited from bringing glass bottles or containers to school.
Infectious Diseases
It is the policy of the Board of Gilson N.S. that all infectious diseases shall be notified and steps taken to ensure the safety of staff and students against all such diseases. The Board of Management will endeavour to minimise the risk by adherence to sound principals of cleanliness, hygiene and disinfection and have provided disposable gloves for use in all First Aid applications, cleaning tasks, etc. Toilets and washrooms shall be provided at all times with an adequate supply of water, soap, towels and facility for the safe disposal of waste.
Access to School
In as much as it is compatible with the practical layout of the school premises, anyone entering the school premises shall be required to identify themselves to the Principal or the secretary as relevant before gaining admittance to the school. Children can only be collected from school by a parent/guardian or other authorised persons only.
On the following pages you will find a list of workplace hazards and risks showing appropriate:
- Risk assessment.
- Actions and controls to reduce the risk or provide protection from the risk.
- Review dates where necessary.
1. Safety Hazards - Electrical work in the school is 30 years old - light fittings, sockets, wiring etc. Sockets have no tripping device.
Risk Assesment - Medium - High.
Control Measures - Replace all sockets and install new fuse board.
Review - Quotations are being sought currently.
2. Safety Hazards - Oil tank and trees surrounding it.
Risk Assessment - Low.
Control Measures - Children are not permitted to play in this area.
Review - Tank will eventually need replacing.
3. Safety Hazards - Loose chippings and broken tarmacadam at the "Alley" end of the playground.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - The caretaker does remedial repair work on a continuous basis.
Review - This area will need to be reviewed.
4. Safety Hazards - Cleaning Materials.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - Stored in secure room.
Review - No problems.
5. Safety Hazards - Playgrounds.
Risk Assessment - Low.
Control Measures - Ensure supervision rota is adhered to.
Review - No Problems.
6. Safety Hazards - Unauthorised access during the school day.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - Principals office situated at main door.
Review - Needs Review.
7. Safety Hazards - Unauthorised access during the weekend.
Risk Assessment - High.
Control Measures - School is fully alarmed.
Review - All gates in front of school to be locked at the weekends.
8. Safety Hazards - Accidents on yards.
Risk Assessment - High.
Control Measures - Appoint SNA as first aider to allow teachers remain in the yard.
Review - Working well.
9. Safety Hazards - Running in the school building.
Risk Assessment - Medium.
Control Measures - No running rule to be strictly enforced.
Review - Working well.
First Aid
Gilson NS provides and will maintain adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, suitability marked and easily accessible, in order that first-aid can be provided. The first-aid equipment is located in the secretary's office.
The First aid box Contents
The first aid box will contain the following:
- Box of latex gloves
- Large roll of cotton wool
- Savlon Antiseptic Liquid
- Deep Freeze Pain Relief Spray
- Arnica Gel
- Wasp-eze Spray
- Sterile Burn Dressing
- Medicare Hypoallergenic Waterproof Strip Dressings
- Meditape
- Sterile Water
- Scissors
First-Aid Treatment Area
The area assigned for the provision of First Aid treatment in our school is the secretary's office/P.E. Room. Where practicable, this will be a dedicated First Aid area of a room and will make our best endeavour to equip this location with as many as possible of the following:
- Sink with running hot and cold water,
- Drinking water,
- Soap,
- Paper towels,
- Smooth topped working surface,
- A suitable store for first aid materials,
- First Aid equipment,
- Suitable refuse containers lined with a disposable plastic bag,
- A chair.