Belgrove Junior Boys' School

Safety Statement

by · Published · Updated

Safety-Statements2-794x576Belgrove Junior Boy’s School,
Seafield Road, Clontarf:

Safety Statement
Version 2.0 December 2011

 

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. This Statement
3. School Policy on Safety
3.1. Objective of School Policy
3.2. Accident Reporting and Recording
3.3. Safety Inspections
3.4. Management of Safety & Health
4.  Duties of Employees
5. Fire Safety [This section to be reviewed further.]
6. Hazards
6.1. Consultation and Information on Hazards
6.2. List of potential hazards
6.3. Highly Polished Floors / Frosty Outside Surfaces:
6.4. Broken Glass
6.5. Chemicals
6.6. Drugs and Medication
6.7. Protective Measures in regard to Hazards:
7. Machinery, equipment, electrical appliances:
7.1. Machinery, equipment, & appliances in general:
7.2. Visual Display Units
8. Health & Welfare
8.1. General health & welfare issues
8.2. Smoking
8.3. Infectious Diseases
8.4. First Aid
9. Contractors
10. Access To School
11. Pupil Issues
11.1. Collecting Children
11.2. Pupil Absences
11.3. Pupil Supervision
12. Emergency Procedures
Appendix 1: Approval of this Safety Statement
Appendix 2: Administration of Medicines Policy
Appendix 3: Fire Drill & Evacuation Policy (Jan 2012)

1 Introduction

The Board of Management brings to the attention of its staff the following arrangements for safeguarding the safety, health and welfare of those attending and working in the school.

The Board of Management of St. John the Baptist Junior Boys’ School (Belgrove Junior Boys’ School) recognises that its statutory obligations under legislation extends to employees, pupils, to any person legitimately conducting school business, and to the public.

The Board of Management of Belgrove Junior Boys’ School, undertakes to ensure that the provisions of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 are adhered to.

2 This Statement

This statement outlines the Board of Management policy, and the associated arrangements in regard to Safety, Health, and Welfare.

This statement shall be reviewed annually or more frequently if necessary, in the light of experience, changes in legal requirements and operational changes and the progress and completion of the joint building programme with the Senior Boys’ School.

It is the policy of the Board of Management to consult with staff in the preparation and revision of the Safety Statement and to have a copy of the statement made available to all employees.

This policy requires the co-operation of all employees.

3 School Policy on Safety

3.1 Objective of School Policy

The Board of Management of the Belgrove Junior Boys’ School, 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 the school.
• Plant and Machinery will be operated safely
• 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 the staff and students.
• Protective clothing or equivalent shall be provided as is necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of its employees.
• Plans for emergencies shall be complied with and revised as necessary. eg fire safety and evacuation drill.
• Employees shall be consulted on matters of health and safety.

3.2 Accident Reporting and Recording

All significant accidents to employees or to pupils or to members of the public shall be reported to the Principal immediately and an associated Accident Report Form shall be completed. Significant accidents are defined as accidents where the individual must leave the school to obtain medical attention as a result of the accident, or where a student or member of staff must leave school early as a result of the accident.

An Accident Report Book shall be maintained for the recording of all accidents and incidents by the Principal.

All significant accidents shall be reported to the Board of Management by Principal.

3.3 Safety Inspections

A safety audit shall be carried out at least once per annum by Principal/Safety Representative and a report on the audit provided to the Board of Management and made available to staff.

3.4 Management of Safety & Health

Safety & Health shall be an agenda item at all Board of Management meetings.
As part of this agenda item, the following may be reviewed:
• recent accidents,
• the outcome of recent safety inspections,
• any safety issues raised by the Principal, the Safety Post Holder, or others,
• progress on any safety or health related initiatives or enhancements

It is intended that there shall be an annual inspection of furniture, floors, apparatus, equipment, and fittings by Principal, with the assistance of the Caretaker.

The Principal shall take the lead in the management of safety in the school. The Principal may on occasions delegate activities in regard to safety to the Vice Principal.

It is intended that one or more staff members shall act as a Safety Representative for the school.

4 Duties of Employees

It is the duty of every employee while at work:

(a) To take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare, and that of any child or person who may be affected by his/her acts or 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 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 his/her safety, health or welfare at work.
(d) To report to the Board of Management without unreasonable delay, any defects in plant, equipment, place or work, or system of work, which might endanger safety, health or welfare of which he/she becomes aware.
(e) Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience or other means or thing 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.
(f) Not to be under the influence of any intoxicants to the extent that they endanger their own or other person’s safety.
(g) To submit for tests for intoxicants, if reasonably required, with the tests carried out by or under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner, who is a competent person (this provision will come into effect after regulations specifying testing procedures are adopted).
(h) If suffering from a disease or illness that adds risk to tell the employer.
(i) Employees using available facilities and equipment should ensure that work practices are performed in the safest possible manner.

5 Fire Safety

This section to be reviewed further in the light of the progress and completion of the Joint Building Programme with the Senior School.

It is the policy of the Board of Management, that:

1. An adequate supply of fire extinguishers, suitable for the type of fires likely to occur in each area, is available, identified and regularly serviced by authorised and qualified persons. All recommendations made by a Fire Officer in addition to these provisions shall be implemented.
2. The Board of Management will ensure that fire drills and evacuation procedures shall take place at least once a term. Entrance and Exit signs and assembly areas will be clearly marked.

3. Fire prevention equipment shall be clearly marked.

4. Signs shall be clearly visible to ensure that visitors are aware of exit doors and routes.

5. All doors, corridors, and entries shall be kept clear of obstruction and may be accessed at all times from within the building. Classroom doors must be kept free from obstruction. P.E. hall and Main door on to playground- Principal will ensure that they are free of obstruction.

6. A plan of the school shows Entrances, Exits and Assembly points outside the school. Each classroom will have on display an evacuation picture plan.

7. Assembly areas are designated and the locations specified.

8. Each teacher will bring her/his Leabhar Rolla to the assembly point.

9. All electrical equipment shall be left unplugged when unattended for lengthy periods (holidays). Each teacher is responsible for electrical equipment in her / his own classroom. The Secretary/Principal, as appropriate, are responsible for their offices. All Staff are responsible for the staff room. Caretaker to check when locking up.

10. Health and Safety Representative / Post Holder shall be responsible for fire drills and evacuation procedures. [See separate Fire Drill and Evacuation Policy – a version is attached as appendix 3.]

11. Dublin Fire Brigade requested to check the water pressure hydrants twice a year.

6 Hazards

6.1 Consultation and Information on Hazards

It is the intention of the Board of Management to consult with staff on revisions to the Safety Statement including any new hazards in the school.

6.2 List of potential hazards

Hazards shall be divided into two categories. (i)Those, which can be rectified, will be, and dealt with as matter of urgency. (ii) Those which cannot be rectified will be clearly indicated and appropriate procedures listed beside them. All hazards shall be eliminated in so far as resources and circumstances allow.

The following hazards (in so much as can be identified) are considered by the Board of Management to be a source of potential danger and are brought to the attention of all concerned:
1. Wet hall, corridors and classroom floors.
2. Broken or Leaking toilets and wet area in toilet area.
3. Furniture (corners, broken edges etc.)
4. Trailing leads.
5. Computers
6. Printers and Photocopiers
7. Guillotine
8. Fuse Board
9. Electric kettles, Microwave, Dishwasher
10. Classroom equipment
11. PE equipment
12. Library – shelving, colour coded stacking boxes.
13. The stage in the hall and steps leading to the stage in the hall.
14. Ladders left unattended
15. Equipment storage on the corridor
16. Painted linings on the school yard, and the sharp corners on the pillars in the playground shed.
17. Protruding units and fittings
18. Flat roof of main corridor.
19. The boiler house must be kept closed and child-locked.
20. Cleaning agents must be kept locked at all times
20. Caretaker equipment
21. Slabs around perimeter of pond and the pond in the playground.
22. Icy surfaces on a cold day
23. Mats in hall and floor mats round the school
24. Windows opening out.
25. Car Parking areas around the school including both entrances. Uneven footpath surfaces.
26. Stairs.
27. Yard gates onto Seafield Road
28. Cage around gas meter.
29. The Lift (The lift shall not be used by children unless accompanied by an adult.)
30. The bike rack and bikes left unattended (may be a tripping hazard.)
31. Bait boxes.
32. Window sills surrounding school playground.

6.3 Highly Polished Floors / Frosty Outside Surfaces:

It is the policy of the Board of Management of St. John the Baptist Junior Boys’ School, that every attempt will be made to avoid the creation of slippery surfaces. The washing of floors shall be conducted, as far as is possible, after school hours to eliminate, the danger of slipping. Where floors are wet, warning signs regarding wet floors shall be used. Attention is drawn to the possibility of outside surfaces being affected by frost in cold weather, (Step edges shall be fitted with clearly marked edges of a non-slip nature wherever practical). Pupils will not be allowed to go to areas of the playground where the ground surface is hazardous due to ice / frost. Salt will be applied to icy surfaces and pedestrian paths as early as possible on school days.

6.4 Broken Glass

The Board of Management shall minimise the danger arising from broken glass. Staff are asked to report broken glass to the Principal so that is may be immediately removed.

6.5 Chemicals

It is the policy of the Board of Management that all chemicals, cleaning solvents, photocopier toner, detergents etc. be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use. These shall be kept in a locked area in the cleaners’ store room and protection provided to be used when handling them. (Secretary/Cleaner/Principal where appropriate).
That White Board cleaning equipment used in the classrooms be kept under lock and key when not in use
Cleaning agents etc. to be kept in locked marked cupboards at all times.

6.6 Drugs and Medication

It is the policy of the Board of Management of the Belgrove Junior Boy’s School, that all medications, etc. be kept in a secure location and used in line with manufacturer’s recommendations. (See Medication Policy –Apprendix 2).

6.7 Protective Measures in regard to Hazards:

To minimise these dangers the following safety / protective measures must be adhered to (see duties of employee page 3 of document):

1. Access to and operation of plant/equipment is restricted to qualified members of the staff, whose job/function is that of running, maintaining, cleaning and monitoring particular items of plant/equipment in the course of their normal duties.
2. In addition all plant and machinery is to be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
3. Where applicable Board of Management will ensure that members of the staff will have been instructed in the correct use of plant, machinery and equipment.
4. All machinery and electrical equipment to be fitted with adequate safeguards.
5. Precautionary notices, in respect of safety matters are displayed at relevant points.
6. Ladders must be used with another person’s assistance.
7. Use of glass bottles by pupils is prohibited. Remove broken glass immediately on discovery.
8. Floors are checked to ensure they are clean, even, non-slip and splinter-proof. (Responsibility of Caretaker and Board of Management).
9. The Post Holder for PE will check that PE equipment is maintained.
10. Each class teacher will ensure that all equipment is stored correctly after each PE lesson and report any damage to the PE Post Holder.
11. The Post Holder for the Library will check that the Library equipment and furnishings are stacked securely, maintained, and positioned so as not to cause a hazard.
12. The PE Post Holder will check that all PE mats and other mats are in good condition.
13. The PE Post Holder will heck that wooden beams, benches etc, are free from splinters and generally sound
14. Teachers will check that the computers and printers in their rooms are positioned so as not to cause a hazard. Cables/leads will be stowed neatly so as not to constitute a trip hazard.
15. The Caretaker will check that there are no uneven/broken/cracked paving/concrete slabs.
16. The Caretaker will check that roofs, guttering, drain pipes etc. as far as can be seen are sound and well maintained.
17. The Caretaker and Supervisor on Duty will check that all play areas, are kept clean and free from glass.
18. The Caretaker will check that outside lighting works and is sufficient.
19. The Caretaker will check that all builders’ materials and maintenance equipment, external stores etc. are stored securely.
20. The Caretaker will check that refuse is removed from the building daily and is carefully stored outside.
21. It is the responsibility of each Teacher to notify the principal or post holders of potential hazards in their curricular areas.

7 Machinery, equipment, electrical appliances:

7.1 Machinery, equipment, & appliances in general:

It is the policy of the Board of Management, that machinery, kitchen equipment and electrical appliances are to be used only by competent and authorised persons.

Before using any appliance the user should check that:
• Power supply cables/leads are intact and free of cuts or abrasions.
Plugs should be in good repair. Visibly damaged plugs shall not be used in any circumstances.

During use, the user should:
• Follow the instructions for safe use.

Following use, the user should:
• Unplug lead of appliances if no longer required.

7.2 Visual Display Units

It is the policy of the Board of Management that the advice contained in the guidelines on the safe operation of visual display units, issued by the Health and Safety Authority is carefully followed. Any up-to-date information regarding hazards relating to the use of VDUs will be studied and recommendations and directives implemented.

8 Health & Welfare

8.1 General health & welfare issues:

Toilets and hand basins are provided. A staff room separate from the work area is provided, where tea and lunch breaks may be taken. Staff must co-operate in maintaining a high standard of hygiene in this area.

A high standard of hygiene must be maintained at all times. Adequate facilities for waste disposal must be available. An adequate supply of hot and cold water, hand dryers and soap and sanitary disposal facilities must be available.

Members of staff, pupils and their parents are reminded:

(a) A person who is under medical supervision or on prescribed medication and who has been certified for work, should notify the school of any known side effect or temporary physical disabilities which could hinder their work performance and which may be a danger to either themselves or their fellow workers. The school will arrange or assign appropriate tasks for the person to carry out in the Interim.
(b) Staff and students 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 disciplinary action.

8.2 Smoking

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Belgrove Junior Boys’ School, that the school shall be a non-smoking area to avoid hazard to staff and pupils of passive smoking and to comply with current legislation.

8.3 Infectious Diseases

It is the policy of the Board of Management 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 principles of cleanliness, hygiene and disinfecting 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, hand dryers and a facility for the safe disposal of waste. (See Infection in School Manual – in the Office).

8.4 First Aid

It is the intention of the Board of Management that at least one member of staff shall be trained to provide First Aid to staff and pupils. Staff shall be encouraged and supported attend a first aid course.
1. Notices are posted in staff room, Principal’s office, and Secretary’s office detailing:
• Arrangements for giving First Aid
• Location of First Aid Boxes / Anapens
• Procedure of calling ambulances etc…
• Telephone numbers of local Doctor, Gardaí, Hospital

The Principal shall ensure that there is a properly equipped First Aid Box available to staff at all times containing:
• Sticking plasters
• Anti-histamine for Stings, etc.
• Tape
• Disinfectant eg Savlon
• Eye lotion eg Obtrex
• Antiseptic cream
• Cotton Bandage
• Cream for First Aid treatment of Burns
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Scissors & Tweezers
• First Aid Chart

Children with Anaphylaxis: At the beginning of each school year, a briefing shall be given to staff on the treatment of anaphylactic shock.

An anapen hangs on back of staffroom door and on back of Principal’s office door.

A first aid box and an anaphylactic kit (where applicable) shall be brought on school outings.

There is a defibrillator in the school. It is the intention of the Board of Management that staff shall receive periodic training in the use a defibrillator.

Disposable gloves will be available in each classroom.

Relevant Health / Safety posters will be displayed in appropriate places.

9 Contractors:

It is the policy of the Board of Management and Principal that this Safety Statement is communicated to all contractors working in the school.

Any contractors entering the school must be shown a copy of the schools Safety Statement and shall adhere to its provisions.

Where major construction/renovation work is carried out on site, the following shall apply:
– The construction area shall be adequately fenced off from the main school, with appropriate signage, and clear access points for construction traffic and school personnel;
– The main contractor shall prepare a safety plan for the construction work and shall provide this plan to the school Principal;
– The main contractor shall consult regularly with the school Principal on safety issues;
– If required, a Traffic Management plan shall be put in place by the main contractor, in consultation with the School Principal;
– The School Principal shall provide a copy of the School Safety Statement to the main contractor;
– The School Principal shall carry out periodic Safety Inspections on the school site. This shall include the full area where school activities are continuing and school personnel are located, and the boundaries with the construction site, but not including the construction site itself. The target frequency for such safety inspections is monthly.
– Safety during the construction work shall be raised as a topic at staff meeting.

10 Access To School

In as much as is compatible with the practical layout of the school premises, visitors to the school shall be asked to identify themselves to the Principal or the Secretary as relevant before gaining admittance to the school. Any contractor must make direct contact with the Principal before initiating any work on the premises and shall be shown a copy of the safety statement applying to the school and shall agree to its provisions.

Entrance to the School post-completion will only be possible once visitor has identified themselves to the School Secretary. Until then, the gates to the School yard will be chained and visitors must approach current office and speak with Secretary. School gates will be chained each morning at 9. The chain is at a height to enable an adult to release it in case of an emergency.

While work is in progress, any noise shall be avoided wherever possible during school hours and shall at all times be reduced to the minimum necessary. The contractor and his/her workpeople shall not create any hazard, permanent or temporary, without informing the principal or his/her nominated agent and shall mark such hazard with warning signs or other suitable protection.

11 Pupil Issues:

11.1 Collecting Children

• All parents/guardians/carers in the interest of safety must obey all signs upon entering the school grounds.
• Cars are not allowed to block school entrances when bringing children to school, or collecting children. Appropriate road markings have been made indicating this.
• Class teachers escort children to the school playground for collection by parents.
• Parents are allowed to collect children from the school playground at normal dismissal times.
• If a parents wishes to have a child leave the school unaccompanied, a written instruction shall be required. Normally, only children in 2nd class are allowed such permission.

11.2 Pupil Absences:

(a) The school should be notified by parents of any planned absences (e.g. hospital appointments).
(b) Where a child is sick, there is no need for the parent to telephone the school. A note of explanation should be sent in when the child returns to school.
(c) Repeated absences and/or ongoing poor punctuality should be reported to the Principal.
(d) A pupil’s name should be removed from the roll, if they are absent for more than 15 consecutive days.
(e) The National Education Welfare Board is notified when a child has cumulative absences of more than 20 days.

11.3 Pupil Supervision:

Pupils on the school premises shall be supervised at all times as far as reasonably practicable.

12 Emergency Procedures:

The follow procedure will be followed in the event of an emergency (e.g. a heating failure), which causes the school to be closed:
(a) Parents will be informed by a message (Text, website notice etc.)
(b) If it is not possible to notify parents in writing, efforts will be made to phone parents and ask them to pass on the word to others.
(c) Staff shall be informed.
(d) All staff are expected to attend the school to assist in dealing with children and parents.
(e) All staff shall sign the attendance book.
(f) Where a child arrives unaccompanied by an adult, they shall be admitted and their parents or child minder will be contacted.
(g) If conditions are suitable, staff shall remain in school and planning sessions will be held.
(h) If conditions are not suitable, staff may go home, once all children are safely accounted for.
(i) Should heating break down during a school day, children shall be supervised until they are collected.
(j) If the duration of the closure is known in advance, then this should be communicated to parents and this information communicated on the school answering machine, by a notice on the School railing, by text alert and on the School website.
(k) If the closure includes a week-end, it may be possible to have an announcement made at local masses.

Signed:____________________________

Appendix 1: Approval of this Safety Statement

This statement has been revised by the Board of Management of Belgrove Junior Boy’s School, Seafield Road, in accordance with experience and the requirements of the Health and Safety Act 2005.

Chairperson: ……………………………………… Date:

Prepared by the Board of Management, in consultation with teachers in accordance with the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

Appendix 2: Administration of Medicines Policy

St John the Baptist Junior Boys’ National School

Roll No: 19006Q

Policy on the Administration of Medication to Pupils

Introduction:
The policy was recently drafted through a collaborative school process and was ratified by the Board of Management (BoM) on March 10th 2011.

Rationale:
The policy as outlined was put in place to;

a) Safeguard children
b) Safeguard school staff who are willing to administer medication
c) Ensure that appropriate guidelines and controls are in place and that clear instructions are available to staff

Relationship to School Ethos:
The school promotes positive home-school contacts, not only in relation to the welfare of children, but in relation to all aspects of school life. This policy is in keeping with the school ethos through the provision of a safe, secure and caring school environment and the furthering of positive home-school links.

Aims of this Policy:
The aims and objectives of the policy can be summarised as follows;

• To minimise health risks to children and staff on the school premises
• To fulfill the duty of the Board of Management in relation to Health and Safety requirements
• To provide a framework within which medicines may be administered in cases of emergency or in instances where regularised administration has been agreed with parents/guardians

In-School Procedures:
Parents/guardians must complete a Health/Medication form when enrolling their child/ren in the school. No teacher is obliged to administer medicine or drugs to a pupil and any teacher willing to do so works under this policy.

• Prescribed medicines will only be administered after parents/guardians of the pupil concerned have written to request the BoM to authorise a member of the staff to do so. Under no circumstance will non-prescribed medicines be either stored or administered in the school. The BoM will seek indemnity from parents/guardians in respect of any liability arising from the administration of medicines

• The school generally advocates the self-administration of medicine (e.g. inhalers) under the supervision of a responsible adult, exercising the standard of care of a prudent parent/guardian. A small quantity of prescription drugs (e.g. Zirtek) will be stored in the Principal’s Office where a child’s parents/guardians have requested such storage facilities. Parents/guardians are responsible for the provision of medication and notification of change of dosage.

Emergencies:
In the event of an emergency, teachers will exercise care to the standard of a prudent parent/guardian (not someone familiar with medical matters) to relieve extreme distress or prevent further and potentially irreparable harm. The School will call for qualified medical treatment at the earliest practicable opportunity.

Where no qualified medical treatment is available, and circumstances warrant immediate medical attention, designated staff members may take a child into Accident and Emergency. Parents/guardians will be contacted simultaneously. The School will endeavor to contact parents/guardians using the telephone numbers which were furnished on enrolment.

Medical Conditions
Parents/guardians must ensure that teachers are made aware in writing of any medical condition which their child has, symptoms, and the treatment which is to be administered if an emergency occurs. For example children who have epilepsy or who have diabetes may have a seizure at any time and teachers must be made aware of symptoms in order to ensure that treatment may be given by appropriate persons.

Written details are required from the parents/guardians outlining the child’s personal details, name of medication, prescribed dosage, whether the child is capable of self-administration and the circumstances under which the medication is to be given. Parents/guardians should also outline clearly proper procedures for children who require medication for life-threatening conditions e.g administering Anapen. The school requests that parents/guardians outline clearly to all staff proper and current procedures in respect of children with life-threatening conditions e.g anaphylaxis.

The School maintains a register of contact details of all parents/guardians including emergency numbers. This is updated in September of each new school year. The School relies on parents/guardians to notify it of any changes to any contact numbers.

First Aid Boxes:
A first aid box is kept outside the Principal’s office containing anti-septic wipes, anti-septic bandages, sprays, steri-strips, cotton wool and scissors. A medical kit is taken when children are engaged in out of school activities such as tours, football/hurling games and athletic activities.

General Recommendations:
We recommend that any child who shows signs of illness should be kept at home. Requests from parents/guardians to keep their children in at lunch break are not encouraged. A child too sick to play with peers should not be in school.

Roles and Responsibilities:
The BoM has overall responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the School policy on Administration of Medication. The Principal is the day-to-day manager of routines contained in the policy with the assistance of all staff members. The School Principal is the Safety Officer. The maintenance and replenishment of First Aid Boxes will be assigned to a member of staff under the direction of the Principal.

Success Criteria:
The effectiveness of the school policy in its present form is measured by the following criteria;

• Compliance with Health and Safety legislation

• Maintaining a safe and caring environment for children

• Feedback from parents/teachers when emergencies or other relevant events occur.

• Ensuring the primary responsibility for administering medication remains with parents/guardians

Ratification and Review:
This policy was ratified by the BoM in March 2011. It will be reviewed in the event of incidents or on the enrolment of child/children with significant medical conditions, but no later than December 2013

Implementation:
The policy has been implemented since ratification at staff meeting of 6th May 2011

Appendix 3: Fire Drill & Evacuation Policy

St. John the Baptist Junior Boys’ N.S.

Roll no. 19006 Q

Fire Drill and Evacuation Policy.

Introduction:
The School Fire Drill and Evacuation Policy has been formulated through whole staff consultation in response to changing circumstances in the school.

Rationale for the policy:
This policy aims to:

• enable the school to provide for the immediate needs of pupils, staff and visitors in the event of a fire.
• have in place appropriate safety procedures which comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• ensure a safe school environment for all.

Relationship to School Ethos:
The school is committed to the care of the whole school community and the
provision of a safe and secure environment for learning. This policy is in keeping with those ideals.

Aims / Objectives:
• To utilize outside agencies (local fire station, fire officer, parents who are members of the Fire Service) for school visits, so as to enhance safety procedures.
• To develop a tried and trusted frame-work which will ensure the safety of all school personnel in the event of a fire.

Internal procedures:
• Pupils and visitors are reminded of all exit points from the Hall before all assemblies/performances
• Fire extinguishers and are checked on an annual basis by a local Fire Company.
• Each area of the school is served by a fire siren.
• The fire alarm console for the main building is currently in the main foyer.
Contingency fire drill and evacuation procedures.

The signal for evacuation is the fire alarm.

The BGUs (Break Glass Units) are located:

1. In the Principal’s office.
2. In Hall on the left hand side of each emergency door.
3. On wall opposite door of old Room 1.
4. At exit of Senior Boys’ School adj. Mariettes’ Office
5. On ground floor corridor outside Room 3.
6. On first floor outside Room 6.
7. At Seafield Road entrance of new block on ground floor.
8. In boiler house on left hand side of door.

The assembly area is the Junior Boys’ yard.

In order to account for all pupils during fire drill/evacuation it is essential that class teachers call the roll before 9:30 in the day. A note of the number of pupils present should be made in a designated area in the class as early as possible (e.g. back of door, corner of blackboard).

In the event of a fire the following steps must be taken:
(We also use the same procedure for fire drill)

• The fire alarm is activated. The Principal and Care-taker are fire marshalls and one of these calls 999.
• In all classrooms/resource rooms the children are lined up calmly and in single file at the door. They should not bring anything with them.
• Each teacher takes his/her class roll book.
• The teacher lets the children out first and then follows closing the classroom door when leaving the room. If there is an SNA in the class, she leads pupils out to the assembly area and teacher follows. Where there is a pupil with restricted mobility this child should be escorted to the designated assembly area by his SNA alongside his class (rather than in his line)
• Rooms 1, 2 and 5 exit via main foyer. Rooms 3 and 4 exit via Seafield Road. door. First teacher out opens both doors fully.
• Rooms 6, 7 and 10 exit via stairs to Seafield Rd. door. Rooms 8 and 9 exit via Senior Boys’ stairs and main foyer. First teacher out opens both doors fully.
• Teachers in new block must check class toilets before vacating the room.
• Mrs. Breen’s class and Mrs. Duffy’s class exit via main foyer.

• All L.S./Resource teachers based on old corridor and in Senior Boys’ School bring their pupils out to the Junior Boys’ yard via main foyer. Pupils should be handed over to their class teachers and lined up with their respective classes.
• If access to Junior yard or lobby area is blocked by fire in main foyer, L.S. /Resource Teachers and pupils based in SB S corridor should exit to Vernon Court. by door adj. Mariette’s office and then re-enter JBS yard via new main gate and again hand pupils over to their base class.
• If emergency egress from resource rooms based in Senior Boys’ School is not possible for any reason, then teachers and pupils here should exit via window openings and then onto Vernon Court.
• Senior Boys’ classes currently based on the old Junior Boys’ corridor (ie old Rooms 1-4) exit via door opposite Principal’s office and line up in Junior Boys’ yard parallel to Infant classes. Teacher in old Room 1 checks adjacent toilets. The first teacher to exit via this route should tie back the doors.
• In case of fire on the old corridor, low-lying windows in all classrooms on this corridor may be used as emergency exits. In this case, having opened each window fully, the teacher helps the boys through the window, directing them to their assembly point on the astro-turf pitch. Where there is an SNA available, she exits first and helps the boys from the sill onto the ground.
• Classes line up in their designated area in the Junior Boys’ yard in a calm and orderly manner.
• Each teacher calls the roll for his/her own class to make sure all are accounted for. Missing persons must be reported to the Principal who informs the Fire Brigade.
• Ancillary staff must evacuate the building once the alarm is sounded and make their presence known to the Principal or care-taker.
• If the fire alarm sounds while classes are in the Junior Boys’ yard, the children line up in their usual places under the supervision of the teacher and SNAs on duty.
• If a class is in the Hall when the fire alarm sounds, the children evacuate to the Junior Boys’ yard via the door at the end of the hall. Children leave first (with SNA where present), teacher follows and lines children up in their usual place in the yard.
• In the event of the fire alarm sounding during a break, staff and visitors in the staff-room evacuate to the Junior Boys’ yard.
• Students/work-placement trainees/visitors to school assemble with the group with whom they work.
• Everybody should wait until they are given the go-ahead before returning to the school.
Fire drill is carried out once a term. For the duration of the building works it is inevitable that fire drill/evacuation procedures will need to be changed. When this is done, changes will be tested by having a fire drill using new procedures.

Role and Responsibilities:
All teachers are responsible for the safety and well-being of the pupils in their care. The Principal has overall responsibility for ensuring proper procedures are in place. Fire drill schedules are part of the post of responsibility within the In-School management structure of St. John the Baptist J.B.S.

Evaluation:
The effectiveness of this policy is evaluated using the following criteria

• Feedback from all stakeholders following fire-drill. Matters arising from fire drill to be discussed at staff meeting with teachers, with Fire-Marshalls and persons with a professional background in fire safety.
• Maintaining safety standards by responding to problems and implementing changes on foot of feedback.
• Achieving a coordinated and orderly evacuation in the shortest time possible.
• Yearly reviews. These will be more frequent in view of changing circumstances due to building works. This policy to be discussed at first staff meeting of each school year.
• ‘Dry runs’ by individual class teachers in order to gauge effectiveness of evacuation procedures, timing, etc.

Implementation:
Fire drills have been in operation in this school for many years. Due to altered access/egress during building works, assembly area and evacuation routes have changed and will be subject to further change. This policy, with amendments from staff at meeting of 2nd June 2011 takes effect from that date.

Ratification:
This policy was ratified by the Board of Management at its meeting of 16th June 2011.

An updated version in view of new accommodation arrangements was approved at the Board meeting of 6th December 2011

Download Safety Policy Statement