SAFETY STATEMENT

 

STATEMENT ON GENERAL POLICY

 

The Board of Management St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen recognises the importance of the Legislation enacted in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.

This Safety Statement sets out the Safety Policy of the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen and sets out the means to achieve that policy. The Board of Management’s objective is to endeavour to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees and pupils and to meet our duties to members of the public with whom we come in contact.

 

This policy requires the co-operation of all employees.

It is our intention to undertake regular reviews of the statement in light of experience, changes in legal requirements and operational changes.

The Board of Management will undertake to carry out a safety audit annually and report to staff. This inspection / safety audit will be carried out more frequently if requested by either staff or the Board of Management.

All records of accidents or ill-health will be monitored in order to ensure that any safety measures required can be put in place, wherever possible, to minimise the recurrence of such accidents and ill-health

 

Signed: ______________________________________

Chairperson – Board of Management

 

SAFETY STATEMENT

 

POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF ST. PATRICK’S N.S. DRUMKEEN.

 

1.1

The members of the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s N.S. are

Chairperson: Stephani Friel

Secretary:     Noeleen Scanlan

Treasurer: John Conaghan

Other Board members: Mrs Stephani Friel     Mr John Conaghan  Ms. Paula McGlinchey (Teacher’s Rep)                    Ms. Eithne Cranwell      Ms. Alice Gregg   Mr. Jarlath Donnellan          Mr Charlie Ward

1.2

The Board of Management will ensure that, in so far as is practicable, the highest standards of safety shall prevail and that, at a minimum, the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 are applied.

 

1.3

Specifically, the Board of Management wishes to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable:

  • the design, provision and maintenance of all places in a condition that is safe and without risk to health.
  • the design, provision and maintenance of safe means of access to and egress from places of work.

 

  • the design, provision and maintenance of plant and machinery.
  • the provision of systems of work that are planned, organised, performed and maintained, so as to be safe and without risk to health.

 

  • the provision of instruction to staff on proper lifting techniques of pupils and dealing with pupil challenging behaviour.
  • the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure safety and health at work of its employees.
  • the provision and maintenance of suitable protective clothing or equivalent as necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of its employees.

 

  • the preparation and revision as necessary of adequate plans to be followed in emergencies. e.g. fire drill, injuries etc.

SAFETY STATEMENT

  • The safety and prevention of risk to health at work, in connection with use of any

article or substance.

  • The provision and maintenance of facilities and arrangements for the welfare of employees at work.
  • Obtaining where necessary, the service of a competent person for the purpose of ensuring the safety and health at work of its employees.
  • The continuing updating of the safety statement.

 

  • The provision of arrangements for consultation with employees on matters of

Health and Safety.

  • The provision of arrangements for the selection from amongst its employees of a representative.

1.4

The Board of Management recognises that its statutory obligations under legislation extends to employees, students, any person legitimately conducting school business and the public.

1.5

The Board of Management St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen will ensure that the provisions of the safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 are adhered to.

1.6

A Safety Committee may be established to monitor the implementation of the Safety and Health Policies of St. Patrick’s N.S. and the requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.

SAFETY STATEMENT

1.7

Noeleen Scanlan shall be responsible for overseeing the safety provisions on behalf of the school and Peter Tooher is the Safety Representative elected under the provision of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. They should be consulted if any of the employees have queries regarding any of the safety provisions mentioned in this statement. Their main duties and responsibilities are as follows:-

  • To guide and advise on all health, safety and welfare matters.
  • To ensure that the School fulfils all statutory requirements in respect of the Factories Act 1955, Safety in Industry Act 1980, and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989.

 

  • To ensure that appropriate safety education and training are co-ordinated and carried out using both in – house and external resources.
  • To undertake regular and appropriate revision and auditing of the school safety procedures and methods of operation, to ensure that they are kept up to date.
  • The Safety Officer shall investigate all accidents and dangerous occurrences and shall ensure that appropriate statutory notifications are properly completed. Causes of accidents shall be determined as far as practical and where appropriate, remedial action shall be specified

 

 

 

 

 

SAFETY STATEMENT

 

DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES

  1. 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 employer 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 anything provided

(whether for his / her use alone or for use by him/her in common with others) for

securing his / her safety, health or welfare while 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.

 

  1. No person will intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance

protective clothing, convenience, equipment or anything provided in pursuance of

any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing safety, health or

welfare of persons arising out of work activities.

 

  1. Employees will, by using available facilities and equipment provided, ensure that

work practices are performed in the safest manner possible.

 

SAFETY STATEMENT

 

CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION

 

It is the policy of the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen:

  • To consult with staff in the preparation and completion of the Health and Safety Statement and of hazard control forms.
  • To give a copy of the Safety Statement to all present and future staff.
  • That any additional information or instructions regarding Health, Safety and Welfare at work not contained in the document will be conveyed to all staff as it becomes available.

 

  • That Health, Safety and Welfare will form an integral part of any future staff training and development plans.

 

HAZARDS

All staff and the Board of Management will complete Hazard Control Forms. Some Hazards can be rectified but others remain constant. The Hazards have been divided into two categories.

 

Hazards that can be rectified or minimised will be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Those that cannot will be clearly indicated and appropriate procedures listed beside them.

The Board of Management in consultation with the employees will review and make recommendations on the elimination of Hazards.

 

 

 

 

SAFETY STATEMENT

SPECIFIC HAZARDS

 

FIRE

It is the policy of the Board of Management St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen that:-

  • there is an adequate supply of fire extinguishers which will deal with any type of

fire.

  • all fire equipment is identified and regularly serviced.
  • regular fire drills take place at least once a year / term.

(as appropriate for your school).

  • instruction is given in the use of Fire Extinguishers for specific materials /

equipment.

  • fire alarms are clearly marked.
  • signs will be clearly visible to ensure visitors are aware of exit doors.
  • all electrical equipment be unplugged or turned off outside office hours and when

offices are vacated for lengthy periods

  • an assembly area is designated outside each building i.e. the Basket Ball court for

all classes.

  • those leaving building/classrooms should let someone know. Teachers will inform each other, school bell will be rung.
  • no bottled gas will be used in the school, the teacher in each classroom is

responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures.

  • the school and equipment have been checked by a fire officer and all

recommendations made by him/her have been implemented.

SAFETY STATEMENT

OTHER HAZARDS

 

  • The Slopes at the back of the school:

Children are not allowed to climb or come down these slopes.

 

  • Steps frost:

Children are not allowed to run up or down steps or play on them. During frost, all

children will use gate near the chapel.

 

  • Perimeter fence/wall:

Children are not allowed to climb these. If the ball goes into the field, selected

children climb over stile provided to get it.

  • All P.E. equipment etc, will be stored in the Store Room or in the Spare Room.
  • Drinking water for children is in their own classrooms. They should not drink the

water in smaller sinks in the toilets – this is clearly marked in each toilet.

 

  • Teachers will handle, plugging in and out all electrical equipment in the school.

the children are not allowed to do these tasks.

 

  • Soap, towels and water is supplied in each toilet in each room, and in the teacher’s toilet. Hot water is provided in office sink only. Sanitary disposal unit are

provided in the girls’ toilets in Senior Classes and in the Teachers toilets.

SAFETY STATEMENT

 

CONSTANT HAZARDS

 

MACHINERY, KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.

 

It is the policy of the Board of Management St. Patrick’s N.S Drumkeen that:-

Machinery, Kitchen Equipment and Electrical Appliances are used only by competent persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checks.

CHEMICALS

It is the policy of the Board of Management St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen that all chemicals, detergents etc., be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use and kept in a locked area, and protection provided for use when handling them.

 

DRUGS MEDICATIONS

It is the policy of the Board of Management St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen that all medications, drugs etc., be kept in a proper medication cabinet, locked at all times, key to which is kept in a secure and safe place. The school’s policy in regard to the administration of medication to pupils should be outlined here. The teachers will not administrate any medication to any child unless under written instruction from parents.

 

 

 

 

 

HIGHLY POLISHED OR WET FLOORS

It is the policy of the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen that:-

Floors will not be polished or made slippery.

That washing of floors is conducted after school hours to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, elimination of danger of slipping. To this end warning signs regarding wet floors will be used.

THE CODE OF DISCIPLINE

The Code of Discipline in the school provides for a level of behaviour to minimise personal risk or stress to any employee.

 

ACCESS TO EMPLOYEES IS BY CONSENT

When the employee feels at risk from or threatened by a particular person on school property, this must be drawn to the Board of Management’s attention. The Board of Management will undertake to ensure that in such circumstances all appropriate measures will be taken to protect employees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAFETY STATEMENT

TRAINED FIRST AID PERSONNEL

It is the policy of the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen that:-

An employee will be trained to apply First Aid to other employees.

All required remedies and equipment are made available for first aid function.

There will be an adequate supply of properly equipped First Aid Boxes available at all times to staff which will contain:

Elastoplast Plasters,Wasp Eze,Tape,Savlon Antiseptic Disinfectant,Optrex Eye Lotion

Savlon Antiseptic Cream,Cotton Bandage,,Burn EzeAntiseptic Wipes,Scissors,First Aid Chart.

Disposable gloves which must be used at all times when administering First Aid. Hot water and soap will be available and should be used before and after administering First Aid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

OTHER ITEMS FOR INCLUSION IN A STATEMENT

 

When the Patron is making nominations to the Board of Management and when parents are electing parents representatives to the Board of Management they are requested to bear the Health and Safety Act in mind and, where possible, to ensure that the Board of Management should contain at least one member with skills in this area.

Persons coming onto the school premises must identify themselves clearly to whoever answers the door before gaining admittance to the school premises. Any contractor should make direct contact with the Principal or Deputy Principal before initiating any work on the school premises.

It is the policy of the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s N.S. Drumkeen to minimise sound pollution – room to room, yard to room etc.

When people are working on the premises with drills or other loud implements they must wear protective ear muffs. Where such work is taking place which constituted any threat to Health and Safety the school will be closed or the work will not take place during school hours.

All flammable, toxic and corrosive substances must be kept in the locked press/room provided. All the above substances must be clearly and accurately labelled at all times.

 

When a child who needs to be lifted is enrolled in the school, suitable support services must be provided, arrangements made and training provided for the lifting of the child in order to minimise strain of staff.

Arrangements will be made to ensure to protection of children and staff from violent or disturbed children.