St. Rynaghs National School

SCOIL NAOMH RAGHNACH

Main St., Banagher, Co. Offaly   -   Phone: 057 91 51419
email: strynaghs@strynaghsns.com

Health and Safety

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St. Rynagh’s National School is a Primary School, catering for the educational requirements of 291 pupils.

There are 15 people employed in the school full-time on a permanent basis. In addition to the full-time staff, there are 3 part time staff employed.

In compliance with the ” Safety Health and Welfare”at work Act 1989, this “Safety Statement” sets out the obligations placed on the Board of Management of the School. The Board of Management will, as far as is “Reasonably Practical” comply with the Regulations as set out in the “Safety Health and Welfare at work Act 1989.

General Policy Statement

In compliance with the “Safety Health and Welfare” at work Act 1989 the following is St. Rynagh’s Primary School Safety Policy Statement

To each employee, student, visitor and contractor at this school.

It is the policy of the Board of Management of this school to ensure the Safety Health and Welfare of all persons on the premises at all times.

The success of the this Policy will depend on the co-operation of all persons on the premises, adequate resources and training will be provided to ensure that all persons will be aware of their responsibilities with regard to the “School’s Safety Statement”.

It is our intention to undertake regular review of this Statement to facilitate the changes in legal requirements and operational changes as required. Each accident and dangerous occurrence will be recorded and monitored, in an effort to minimise the recurrence of such situations.

Signed: ……………………………………………………………………..

Chairperson Board of Management.

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ST. RYNAGH’S NATIONAL SCHOOL

BANAGHER

  1. OFFALY

 

Chairperson: Rev. Fr. Pierre Pepper

Secretary: Mr. Fergal McMahon

Treasurer: Arian Staunton

Other Board Members:

Sr. Margaret

Cora Stronge Smith

Micheal McGarry

Tomás Flaherty

Martina Moylan

Safety Representative

The Board of Management of St. Rynagh’s N.S will make arrangements for the selecting of a Safety Representative by the employees who will have certain rights under the Act (1989), including the right to appropriate training, to make reports and to investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences in the workplace.

The representative will have the right to represent all employees on Occupational Health and Safety Matters.

The current Staff Representative is

1.1 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.

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

(a) the design, provision and maintenance of all places in a condition that is safe and without risk to health

(b) the design, provision and maintenance of safe means of access to and egress from places of work.

(c) the design, provision and maintenance of plant and machinery;

(d) the provision of systems of work that are planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to be safe and without risk to health.

(e) the provision of instruction to staff on proper lifting techniques of pupils and dealing with pupil challenging behaviour.

(f) the provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure safety and health at work of its employees.

(g) the provision an maintenance of suitable protective clothing or equivalent as necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of its employees.

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

(i) the safety and prevention of risk to health at work in the connection with use of any article or substance.

(j) the provision and maintenance of facilities and arrangements for the welfare of employees at work.

(k) obtaining where necessary, the services of a competent person for the purpose of ensuring the safety and health at work of its employees.

(l) the continuing updating of the Safety Statement.

(m) the provision of arrangements for consultation with employees on matters of Health and Safety.

(n) the provision of arrangements for the selection from amongst its employees of a Safety Reresentative.

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 of St. Rynagh’s Primary School 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. Rynagh’s Primary School and the requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989.

DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES

  1. 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 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 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 at work.

(d) 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.

CONSULTATION & INFORMATION

It is the policy of the Board of Management of St. Rynagh’s Priamry School

  • 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.

SPECIFIC HAZARDS

FIRE

It is the policy of the Board of Management 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 drill take place at least once a year.

– 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 the building i.e. Basketball Court.

– those leaving buildings/classrooms should let someone know. Communication from parents is required for children to leave the school

– exit signs are clearly marked,

– when the school is in use the exit gates in car park should be unlocked and kept clear.

– the school and equipment have been checked by a fire officer and all recommendations made by him/her have been implemented.

CONSTANT HAZARDS

  1. Machinery, Kitchen Equipment and Electrical Appliance

It is the policy of the Board of Management that: Machinery, Kitchen Equipment and Electrical Appliances are used only by competent persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checks. Children are not permitted to carry or use the guillotine.

  1. Chemicals

It is the policy of the Board of Management 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.

  1. Drugs Medications

It is the policy of the Board of Management that drugs or medication should not be administered to pupils by the staff.

  1. Highly Polished or Wet Floors

It is the policy of the Board of Management that:

Floors will not be polished or made slippy.

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

  1. 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 pupil or to any employee.

  1. 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.

FIRST AID

It is the policy of the Board of Management that there will be an adequate supply of properly equipped First Aid Boxes available at all times which will contain:

Elastoplast Plasters

Wasp Eze

Tape

Savlon Antiseptic Disinfectant

Cotton Bandage

Antiseptic Wipes

Burn Eze

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.

Minor cuts and bruising will be treated by a member of the school staff. Minor bruising will be similarly treated.

A first aid bag will be brought to all school matches

In the case of minor accidents the parents may not need to be contacted. If the teacher has concerns, however, the parents should be phoned or given a note.

More Serious Accidents

In more serious cases parents should be phoned once first aid is administered or during the administering of first aid. More serious cases would be where a broken bone is suspected, where a cut will not stop bleeding or where concussion is suspected. Parents’ telephone numbers and emergency numbers are kept in the office. If necessary a teacher or the Principal will accompany an injured pupil if emergency care is needed before parents arrive or can be contacted. It is, however, preferred if a child can wait to be taken for emergency treatment in a hospital or doctors until the parents or guardians arrive.

Defibulator

If a defibulator is called for the Fire Brigade will be quicker to get one to the school than the ambulance service.

For Emergency Services Dial 112

Records

If a serious accident happens or an accident the nature of which causes the teacher concern an Accident Report Form should be filled out. These forms from the C.P.S.M.A. handbook are kept with this policy. The Health and Safety Authority should be informed of the accident if as a result of a Health and Safety issue. Records of serious accidents or accident report forms should be kept indefinitely.

The insurance company should be contacted if necessary.

Infectious Diseases:

The following steps should be followed:

  1. Get the contact number of the doctor who made diagnosis.
  2. Contact the Department of Public Health and Planning (Tel. 057 9359910)
  3. This Department will contact the doctor to confirm diagnosis
  4. The Department of public health will then advise the school on what note to

Enrolment:

  • On enrolment, information regarding pupil health and allergies will be gathered
  • On enrolment emergency contact numbers will be gathered.