Health and Safety Policy
1. Introduction
This document has been prepared in compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act (2005).
2. Board of Management Philosophy
The Board of Management recognises and accepts not only its statutory responsibilities but also its obligations as an employer to direct, manage and achieve the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of every employee and guest alike, so far as is reasonably practicable. Its objective is to endeavour to provide a safe and healthy school for our staff and pupils
The Board of Management believes that each employee accepts his or her legal and moral responsibilities for improving and maintaining Safety, Health and Welfare in the workplace, and for behaviour which does not jeopardise the individual’s personal safety, health and welfare, or that of others.
3. Safety Organisation
Safety is a line management responsibility. Staff are responsible for safety in their own areas and for the implementation of relevant safety procedures. The Safety Officer (the principal) shall monitor safety generally and the operation of safety procedures. The Safety Officer shall provide each employee with a copy of the Safety Statement. Each employee must familiarise himself/herself with its contents. (Employees include teachers and ancillary staff.) A copy of this statement will be retained in the secretary’s office for inspection purposes.
4. Safety Representative
The principal is the Safety Officer. She shall be responsible for overseeing the safety provisions on behalf of the school. The elected teacher Rep on the Board of Management is the Safety Representative. Both Safety Officer and Safety Representative should be consulted if any of the employees have queries regarding any of the safety provisions mentioned in this statement.
The Safety Officer shall make the Board of Management aware of their duties with regard to the following:
(a) To guide and advise on all health, safety and welfare matters.
(b) To ensure that the school fulfils all statutory requirements in respect of the
Safety, Health Welfare Act (2005).
(c) In particular to ensure:
- that our place of work is arranged to take account of employees with
disabilities;
- that training is provided for people with disabilities on health and safety
issues, taking into account their capabilities to take on a particular task,
and using formats accessible to people with disabilities;
- that consideration is given to evacuation procedures in the event of an
emergency for people with disabilities, and that adequate assistance is
provided.
(d) To ensure that the appropriate safety education and training for staff, pupils
and volunteers (if appropriate) are co-ordinated and carried out, using both in-
house and external resources.
(e) 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.
(f) To ensure that adequate fire protection and prevention measures are provided.
The Safety Officer shall investigate all accidents and dangerous occurrences and shall ensure that appropriate statutory notification procedures are properly completed. Causes of accidents shall be determined as far as is practicable and where appropriate, remedial action shall be specified. The Board of Management will be informed of any safety malpractice which could lead to injuries or otherwise.
5. Hazards
Risk Assessments are carried out under the supervision of the Board of Management (BOM), at regular intervals. Copies of recent reports are available (see Appendix 1, in school office). The following hazards (in as much as can be identified) are at all times considered by the school management to be a source of potential danger and are brought to the attention of all concerned.
(i) Main Fuse Board Room and Power Distribution Board: Access is restricted.
(ii) Boiler House:
Access to the boiler house is restricted. Any adult entering must be aware of the
dangers involved and must be extremely careful. At all times, this room must
be free from flammable and combustible materials.
(iii) Car Park:
Pupils are instructed on use of marked ‘Safe Route’ in the school grounds. This
route is ‘on display’ for staff and parents on both the Staff Room and corridor
notice boards.
(iv) Kitchen and Staff Room:
Care must be exercised by all when using the electrical appliances and cookers provided therein.
(v) Gym/Hall:
Care must be exercised by all in the Gym/Hall.
(vi) Steps:
On corridor; in hall up to stage; in and out of school building, particularly
those leading out to Junior Yard and those in Junior Yard leading to back-
stage.
(vii) Photocopier and Guillotine in Secretary’s Office: restricted access to these items.
(viii) ALL electrical equipment.
(ix) Stage lighting in Hall: To be operated by adults only.
(x) Trailing leads: should be positioned in a safe, unobtrusive manner.
(xi) Computer room: Rules of room must be strictly adhered to.
(xii) Wet Surfaces, especially during cold weather when condensation may occur. Great care must be taken on wet floors. Slippery floors in toilet area are of
particular concern, and mats are provided. Pupils and staff are reminded not
to leave tissue paper dropped on the floor in the bathrooms. In the case of
spillages, teachers should ensure that surfaces are wiped immediately.
(xiii) Yard at break-times:
It is imperative that there should be adequate supervision. The steps out to
the Junior Yard and the “roundabout” in the Senior Yard would be of
particular concern. The yards are checked after each weekend by the caretaker
and any glass or other dangerous materials strewn about is removed. If glass
etc. is found at any time in the yard, the teacher on duty should see that it
is removed.
(xiv) Chemicals used by secretary and/or cleaner:
Chemicals used in the secretary’s office and cleaning chemicals should be
stored carefully. The cleaner’s storage room is located at the end of the Senior
corridor, with no access to children. Chairs should not obstruct access to this
room.
(xv) When work is being done by ”caretaker” /tradepeople:
Similarly, chemicals used by the caretaker/tradespeople should be stored
carefully. Also, tools being used, particularly electrical tools, ladders,
machinery items with trailing flex/leads are of particular concern. No
machinery should be used in yards during breaktimes; and tools and
equipment must not be accessible to children.
(xv) Gardening by children:
Proper and safe use of gardening tools/equipment by pupils needs to be
supervised at all times by teachers and/or by the assigned parent volunteer.
To minimise any dangers in the school, the following general safety/protective measures must be adhered to:
(a) Access to and operation of machinery and powered equipment is strictly
restricted to qualified members of staff.
(b) In addition all such machinery/equipment is to be used in strict accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations and, where
applicable, members of staff are instructed in its correct uses.
(c) All machinery and electrical equipment is fitted with adequate safeguards.
(d) Plans in respect of Safety matters are displayed at relevant points where
necessary.
(e) Mats are provided on terrazzo floors to prevent falls, and floor washing is
carried out, as far as possible, after school hours.
6. Safety Training
All employees will be:
(a) Advised of the protective clothing and safety equipment available, and how
they should be used.
(b) Advised of the nature and location of fire equipment and how it is safely
operated.
(c) Notified of changes in safety procedures.
(d) As previously stated, training provided for people with disabilities takes into
account their capabilities to take on a particular task, and uses formats
accessible to people with disabilities.
7. Electrical Appliances
The caretaker is assigned to carry out appliance checks at regular intervals to ensure that:
- All safeguards which are a normal part of the appliances are fitted and in
working order.
- Power supply cables/leads are intact and free of cuts or abrasions.
- Suitable undamaged fused plug tops are being used.
All users are asked to visually check leads etc. before use; and to advise the caretaker re any concerns.
Children will be made aware of the dangers of tampering with electrical apparatus, sockets etc. Children will never be allowed to connect/disconnect electrical appliances.
8. Chemicals, Solvents etc.
Safety data sheets are supplied with all such materials. Members of staff using these materials should familiarise themselves with the hazards associated with the materials and the precautions to be taken in the event of spillage, splashes etc.
Proper clothing/protection will be required while employees are handling or using dangers or toxic chemicals, solvents, etc. Dangerous chemicals are to be kept in a safe storage place.
9. Welfare
A. Employees:
To ensure the continued welfare of employees, toilet and cloakroom areas are provided. Staff must co-operate in maintaining a high standard of hygiene in these areas.
Members of staff are reminded that:
(a) Any person who is under medical supervision or on prescribed medication, yet
has been certified fit for work, should notify the principal of any known side
effects or temporary physical disabilities which could hinder their work
performance and which may be a danger to either themselves or their fellow
workers or pupils. The principal, in consultation with the Department of
Education and Skills, will try to arrange or assign appropriate tasks for that
person to carry out in the interim.
(b) Staff/trainees are not allowed to attend the premises or carry out duties whilst
under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol. Any person found breaking this
rule will be liable to instant dismissal.
B. Students:
Teachers must be aware of their responsibility for their students. It is most important that teachers are punctual for their classes at all times. If teachers are going to be late, it is important that the principal or deputy principal would be notified, where possible.
Where staff members are absent for whatever reason, it is very important that teachers notify the principal beforehand, or as soon as possible, to minimise dangers which might result due to lack of supervision of classes. The office phone number and/or the principal’s and deputy principal’s mobile phone numbers (as provided to all staff members) should be used.
Students are to be advised by their teachers of safety regulations, as follows, and of the necessity for full co-operation:
(a) Students are not to run in any of the corridors or rooms.
(b) They must not interfere with any electrical fittings in the school.
(c) They must walk in and out of the school grounds, using the ‘Safe Route’ and
employing the ‘Safe Cross Code’
(d) They must not throw any object which would endanger another person’s well-
being.
(e) They must treat every evacuation drill in a serious manner and realise the
need for good drills by co-operating fully with teachers.
(f) They must exit by the proper designated door and avoid pushing or shoving or
any behaviour likely to lead to an accident.
(g) They must not behave in any manner contrary to the spirit of this Safety
Statement.
10. First Aid
The deputy principal and several members of staff are qualified in First Aid. It is school policy that only water and cotton wool will be used on cuts or abrasions i.e. no plasters or antiseptic preparations. Care is to be exercised in dealing with open wounds and suitable gloves are available for use in dealing with same. In addition there is a more comprehensive First Aid kit in the principal’s office, for use in dealing with more serious injuries and for carrying on field trips/tours.
A record is taken of any significant accidents and of injuries sustained, date and time of the accident, cause if known, who was supervising and other relevant details.
Parents are contacted when a child receives a bee/wasp sting or in the event of a more serious injury. Emergency cases are brought to hospital. Contact and Consent forms are completed by parents annually (see Appendix 2 , in school office).
11. Fire Protection
(a) A Fire alarm system is in place.
(b) Fire extinguishers are provided and correctly sited to meet statutory and
insurance requirements and are placed as shown on attached school plan A.
(c) All fire fighting equipment is regularly tested and serviced by specialised
contractors.
(d) All fire exits and emergency paths of egress are marked on special school plans
(see Appendix 3, in school office). Exit doors are clearly marked and are free
from obstruction at all times.
(e) A ‘Fire Log’ (stored in ‘Caretaker’s Cupboard’ in Staff Room) is maintained,
which records the checking/servicing of the following:
- Fire Exits
- Fire fighting equipment
- The fire alarm
(f) Operation of internal fire doors should be understood by all staff members, and
also perceived as a potential hazard in everyday situations.
12. Fire Prevention
(see also www.environ.ie: ‘Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in places of assembly’)
(a) Fire safety inspections and analysis of potential fire hazards are
regularly carried out (see also ‘Fire Risk Assessment Checklist’ in ‘Guide
to Insurance, Safety and Security in the School’ – Allianz)
(b) Liaison with relevant authorities takes place as is necessary.
13. Evacuation
An evacuation procedure (See Appendix 4, in school office) has been prepared and is provided to each employee.
Evacuation drills will take place at least twice per year or more if required. Employees are reminded to familiarise themselves with the evacuation procedures so that a fast and effective evacuation of the premises can be completed in the event of an emergency. Roll call is timed in to facilitate the gathering of information so that the teaching staff can know of the whereabouts of pupils at all times in the event of evacuation being required.
Consideration needs to be given at regular intervals to evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency for people with disabilities. Good planning can help to ensure that adequate assistance would be provided.
14. Smoking
Smoking is prohibited at all times in Primary and Secondary schools, including in the school yard.
15. Duties of Employees
The attention of employees/trainees/volunteers is drawn to the following duties of persons employed, as laid down in legislation.
1. It shall be the duty of every employee while at work -
(a) To take reasonable care for his/her safety, health and welfare and
that of any person who might be affected by his/her acts of omissions
while at work.
(b) 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.
(c) To use in such manner and so as to provide the protection intended,
any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or
other means or thing provided (whether provided for his/her use alone
or for use by him/her in common with others) for securing his/her
safety, health or welfare at work.
(d) To report to his/her employers or immediate supervisor, without
unreasonable delay, any defects in machinery, equipment, place of work
or system of work, which might endanger safety, health or welfare of
which he/she becomes aware.
2. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any
appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or other means or
thing provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or
otherwise for securing the safety, health or welfare of persons arising out of
work activities.
16. Accident / Incident Reporting
All accidents/incidents, other than minor ones, whether to employees, pupils or members of the public must be reported immediately to the principal. This is necessary to monitor the progress of safety standards and to ensure that proper medical attention is given when required. An Accident Report Book is retained for recording all such accidents. This is available from the Principal’s Office.
17. General Safety
The aim of the Board of Management is to provide a healthy and safe working environment. This can be achieved with the help and assistance of all employees and pupils by:
(i) Observing the general rules of safety.
(ii) Using all machinery and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
(iii) Employing the proper procedures when carrying out tasks and ensuring that
no practices are used which may act as a source of danger to themselves
and/or others.
(iv) Keeping work area clean and tidy at all times.
(v) Making sure all corridors and passageways, particularly those leading to
escape routes, are kept free of obstructions at all times.
(vi) Taking care that fire points are not blocked or covered up in any way, and
that they are ready for use if the need arises.
18. Concluding Comment
This Health and Safety Statement has been prepared based on conditions existing in the premises of the school at the time of writing. It may be altered, revised or updated at a future date so as to comply with any changes in conditions. It will also be reviewed in the light of experience and developments, and suggestions for improvement are always welcome.
This document has been prepared in compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act (2005).
2. Board of Management Philosophy
The Board of Management recognises and accepts not only its statutory responsibilities but also its obligations as an employer to direct, manage and achieve the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of every employee and guest alike, so far as is reasonably practicable. Its objective is to endeavour to provide a safe and healthy school for our staff and pupils
The Board of Management believes that each employee accepts his or her legal and moral responsibilities for improving and maintaining Safety, Health and Welfare in the workplace, and for behaviour which does not jeopardise the individual’s personal safety, health and welfare, or that of others.
3. Safety Organisation
Safety is a line management responsibility. Staff are responsible for safety in their own areas and for the implementation of relevant safety procedures. The Safety Officer (the principal) shall monitor safety generally and the operation of safety procedures. The Safety Officer shall provide each employee with a copy of the Safety Statement. Each employee must familiarise himself/herself with its contents. (Employees include teachers and ancillary staff.) A copy of this statement will be retained in the secretary’s office for inspection purposes.
4. Safety Representative
The principal is the Safety Officer. She shall be responsible for overseeing the safety provisions on behalf of the school. The elected teacher Rep on the Board of Management is the Safety Representative. Both Safety Officer and Safety Representative should be consulted if any of the employees have queries regarding any of the safety provisions mentioned in this statement.
The Safety Officer shall make the Board of Management aware of their duties with regard to the following:
(a) To guide and advise on all health, safety and welfare matters.
(b) To ensure that the school fulfils all statutory requirements in respect of the
Safety, Health Welfare Act (2005).
(c) In particular to ensure:
- that our place of work is arranged to take account of employees with
disabilities;
- that training is provided for people with disabilities on health and safety
issues, taking into account their capabilities to take on a particular task,
and using formats accessible to people with disabilities;
- that consideration is given to evacuation procedures in the event of an
emergency for people with disabilities, and that adequate assistance is
provided.
(d) To ensure that the appropriate safety education and training for staff, pupils
and volunteers (if appropriate) are co-ordinated and carried out, using both in-
house and external resources.
(e) 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.
(f) To ensure that adequate fire protection and prevention measures are provided.
The Safety Officer shall investigate all accidents and dangerous occurrences and shall ensure that appropriate statutory notification procedures are properly completed. Causes of accidents shall be determined as far as is practicable and where appropriate, remedial action shall be specified. The Board of Management will be informed of any safety malpractice which could lead to injuries or otherwise.
5. Hazards
Risk Assessments are carried out under the supervision of the Board of Management (BOM), at regular intervals. Copies of recent reports are available (see Appendix 1, in school office). The following hazards (in as much as can be identified) are at all times considered by the school management to be a source of potential danger and are brought to the attention of all concerned.
(i) Main Fuse Board Room and Power Distribution Board: Access is restricted.
(ii) Boiler House:
Access to the boiler house is restricted. Any adult entering must be aware of the
dangers involved and must be extremely careful. At all times, this room must
be free from flammable and combustible materials.
(iii) Car Park:
Pupils are instructed on use of marked ‘Safe Route’ in the school grounds. This
route is ‘on display’ for staff and parents on both the Staff Room and corridor
notice boards.
(iv) Kitchen and Staff Room:
Care must be exercised by all when using the electrical appliances and cookers provided therein.
(v) Gym/Hall:
Care must be exercised by all in the Gym/Hall.
(vi) Steps:
On corridor; in hall up to stage; in and out of school building, particularly
those leading out to Junior Yard and those in Junior Yard leading to back-
stage.
(vii) Photocopier and Guillotine in Secretary’s Office: restricted access to these items.
(viii) ALL electrical equipment.
(ix) Stage lighting in Hall: To be operated by adults only.
(x) Trailing leads: should be positioned in a safe, unobtrusive manner.
(xi) Computer room: Rules of room must be strictly adhered to.
(xii) Wet Surfaces, especially during cold weather when condensation may occur. Great care must be taken on wet floors. Slippery floors in toilet area are of
particular concern, and mats are provided. Pupils and staff are reminded not
to leave tissue paper dropped on the floor in the bathrooms. In the case of
spillages, teachers should ensure that surfaces are wiped immediately.
(xiii) Yard at break-times:
It is imperative that there should be adequate supervision. The steps out to
the Junior Yard and the “roundabout” in the Senior Yard would be of
particular concern. The yards are checked after each weekend by the caretaker
and any glass or other dangerous materials strewn about is removed. If glass
etc. is found at any time in the yard, the teacher on duty should see that it
is removed.
(xiv) Chemicals used by secretary and/or cleaner:
Chemicals used in the secretary’s office and cleaning chemicals should be
stored carefully. The cleaner’s storage room is located at the end of the Senior
corridor, with no access to children. Chairs should not obstruct access to this
room.
(xv) When work is being done by ”caretaker” /tradepeople:
Similarly, chemicals used by the caretaker/tradespeople should be stored
carefully. Also, tools being used, particularly electrical tools, ladders,
machinery items with trailing flex/leads are of particular concern. No
machinery should be used in yards during breaktimes; and tools and
equipment must not be accessible to children.
(xv) Gardening by children:
Proper and safe use of gardening tools/equipment by pupils needs to be
supervised at all times by teachers and/or by the assigned parent volunteer.
To minimise any dangers in the school, the following general safety/protective measures must be adhered to:
(a) Access to and operation of machinery and powered equipment is strictly
restricted to qualified members of staff.
(b) In addition all such machinery/equipment is to be used in strict accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations and, where
applicable, members of staff are instructed in its correct uses.
(c) All machinery and electrical equipment is fitted with adequate safeguards.
(d) Plans in respect of Safety matters are displayed at relevant points where
necessary.
(e) Mats are provided on terrazzo floors to prevent falls, and floor washing is
carried out, as far as possible, after school hours.
6. Safety Training
All employees will be:
(a) Advised of the protective clothing and safety equipment available, and how
they should be used.
(b) Advised of the nature and location of fire equipment and how it is safely
operated.
(c) Notified of changes in safety procedures.
(d) As previously stated, training provided for people with disabilities takes into
account their capabilities to take on a particular task, and uses formats
accessible to people with disabilities.
7. Electrical Appliances
The caretaker is assigned to carry out appliance checks at regular intervals to ensure that:
- All safeguards which are a normal part of the appliances are fitted and in
working order.
- Power supply cables/leads are intact and free of cuts or abrasions.
- Suitable undamaged fused plug tops are being used.
All users are asked to visually check leads etc. before use; and to advise the caretaker re any concerns.
Children will be made aware of the dangers of tampering with electrical apparatus, sockets etc. Children will never be allowed to connect/disconnect electrical appliances.
8. Chemicals, Solvents etc.
Safety data sheets are supplied with all such materials. Members of staff using these materials should familiarise themselves with the hazards associated with the materials and the precautions to be taken in the event of spillage, splashes etc.
Proper clothing/protection will be required while employees are handling or using dangers or toxic chemicals, solvents, etc. Dangerous chemicals are to be kept in a safe storage place.
9. Welfare
A. Employees:
To ensure the continued welfare of employees, toilet and cloakroom areas are provided. Staff must co-operate in maintaining a high standard of hygiene in these areas.
Members of staff are reminded that:
(a) Any person who is under medical supervision or on prescribed medication, yet
has been certified fit for work, should notify the principal of any known side
effects or temporary physical disabilities which could hinder their work
performance and which may be a danger to either themselves or their fellow
workers or pupils. The principal, in consultation with the Department of
Education and Skills, will try to arrange or assign appropriate tasks for that
person to carry out in the interim.
(b) Staff/trainees are not allowed to attend the premises or carry out duties whilst
under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol. Any person found breaking this
rule will be liable to instant dismissal.
B. Students:
Teachers must be aware of their responsibility for their students. It is most important that teachers are punctual for their classes at all times. If teachers are going to be late, it is important that the principal or deputy principal would be notified, where possible.
Where staff members are absent for whatever reason, it is very important that teachers notify the principal beforehand, or as soon as possible, to minimise dangers which might result due to lack of supervision of classes. The office phone number and/or the principal’s and deputy principal’s mobile phone numbers (as provided to all staff members) should be used.
Students are to be advised by their teachers of safety regulations, as follows, and of the necessity for full co-operation:
(a) Students are not to run in any of the corridors or rooms.
(b) They must not interfere with any electrical fittings in the school.
(c) They must walk in and out of the school grounds, using the ‘Safe Route’ and
employing the ‘Safe Cross Code’
(d) They must not throw any object which would endanger another person’s well-
being.
(e) They must treat every evacuation drill in a serious manner and realise the
need for good drills by co-operating fully with teachers.
(f) They must exit by the proper designated door and avoid pushing or shoving or
any behaviour likely to lead to an accident.
(g) They must not behave in any manner contrary to the spirit of this Safety
Statement.
10. First Aid
The deputy principal and several members of staff are qualified in First Aid. It is school policy that only water and cotton wool will be used on cuts or abrasions i.e. no plasters or antiseptic preparations. Care is to be exercised in dealing with open wounds and suitable gloves are available for use in dealing with same. In addition there is a more comprehensive First Aid kit in the principal’s office, for use in dealing with more serious injuries and for carrying on field trips/tours.
A record is taken of any significant accidents and of injuries sustained, date and time of the accident, cause if known, who was supervising and other relevant details.
Parents are contacted when a child receives a bee/wasp sting or in the event of a more serious injury. Emergency cases are brought to hospital. Contact and Consent forms are completed by parents annually (see Appendix 2 , in school office).
11. Fire Protection
(a) A Fire alarm system is in place.
(b) Fire extinguishers are provided and correctly sited to meet statutory and
insurance requirements and are placed as shown on attached school plan A.
(c) All fire fighting equipment is regularly tested and serviced by specialised
contractors.
(d) All fire exits and emergency paths of egress are marked on special school plans
(see Appendix 3, in school office). Exit doors are clearly marked and are free
from obstruction at all times.
(e) A ‘Fire Log’ (stored in ‘Caretaker’s Cupboard’ in Staff Room) is maintained,
which records the checking/servicing of the following:
- Fire Exits
- Fire fighting equipment
- The fire alarm
(f) Operation of internal fire doors should be understood by all staff members, and
also perceived as a potential hazard in everyday situations.
12. Fire Prevention
(see also www.environ.ie: ‘Code of Practice for the Management of Fire Safety in places of assembly’)
(a) Fire safety inspections and analysis of potential fire hazards are
regularly carried out (see also ‘Fire Risk Assessment Checklist’ in ‘Guide
to Insurance, Safety and Security in the School’ – Allianz)
(b) Liaison with relevant authorities takes place as is necessary.
13. Evacuation
An evacuation procedure (See Appendix 4, in school office) has been prepared and is provided to each employee.
Evacuation drills will take place at least twice per year or more if required. Employees are reminded to familiarise themselves with the evacuation procedures so that a fast and effective evacuation of the premises can be completed in the event of an emergency. Roll call is timed in to facilitate the gathering of information so that the teaching staff can know of the whereabouts of pupils at all times in the event of evacuation being required.
Consideration needs to be given at regular intervals to evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency for people with disabilities. Good planning can help to ensure that adequate assistance would be provided.
14. Smoking
Smoking is prohibited at all times in Primary and Secondary schools, including in the school yard.
15. Duties of Employees
The attention of employees/trainees/volunteers is drawn to the following duties of persons employed, as laid down in legislation.
1. It shall be the duty of every employee while at work -
(a) To take reasonable care for his/her safety, health and welfare and
that of any person who might be affected by his/her acts of omissions
while at work.
(b) 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.
(c) To use in such manner and so as to provide the protection intended,
any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or
other means or thing provided (whether provided for his/her use alone
or for use by him/her in common with others) for securing his/her
safety, health or welfare at work.
(d) To report to his/her employers or immediate supervisor, without
unreasonable delay, any defects in machinery, equipment, place of work
or system of work, which might endanger safety, health or welfare of
which he/she becomes aware.
2. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any
appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or other means or
thing provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or
otherwise for securing the safety, health or welfare of persons arising out of
work activities.
16. Accident / Incident Reporting
All accidents/incidents, other than minor ones, whether to employees, pupils or members of the public must be reported immediately to the principal. This is necessary to monitor the progress of safety standards and to ensure that proper medical attention is given when required. An Accident Report Book is retained for recording all such accidents. This is available from the Principal’s Office.
17. General Safety
The aim of the Board of Management is to provide a healthy and safe working environment. This can be achieved with the help and assistance of all employees and pupils by:
(i) Observing the general rules of safety.
(ii) Using all machinery and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
(iii) Employing the proper procedures when carrying out tasks and ensuring that
no practices are used which may act as a source of danger to themselves
and/or others.
(iv) Keeping work area clean and tidy at all times.
(v) Making sure all corridors and passageways, particularly those leading to
escape routes, are kept free of obstructions at all times.
(vi) Taking care that fire points are not blocked or covered up in any way, and
that they are ready for use if the need arises.
18. Concluding Comment
This Health and Safety Statement has been prepared based on conditions existing in the premises of the school at the time of writing. It may be altered, revised or updated at a future date so as to comply with any changes in conditions. It will also be reviewed in the light of experience and developments, and suggestions for improvement are always welcome.