Gaelscoil Chill Dara

Safety Statement

Gaelscoil Chill Dara

(Reviewed January 2010)




General Policy Statement.


The Board of Management of Gaelscoil Chill Dara recognises the importance of
the Legislation enacted in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts,
1989 and 2005.

This Safety Statement sets out the Safety Policy of The Board of
Management (name of school) 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

POLICY STATEMENT ON SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK OF THE
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF Gaelscoil Chill Dara


The members of the Board of Management of Gaelscoil Chill Dara are
Chairperson: _______________________
Secretary: _________________________
Treasurer: ________________________
Other Board Members:


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 Acts, 1989 and 2005 are applied.
1.3 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 and 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
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.
(1) 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 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 of Gaelscoil Chill Dara will ensure
that the provisions of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Acts,
1989 and 2005 are adhered to.
1.6 A Safety Committee may be established to monitor the
implementation of the Safety and Health Policies and the requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare
at Work Acts, 1989 and 2005.

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 while 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 Gaelscoil Chill Dara:

- 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, and to have a copy in the office and staffroom
- 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

1. Fire
It is the policy of the Board of Management of Gaelscoil Chill Dara 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.

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

materials/equipment,

• fire alarms are clearly marked.(*There is no fire alarm in the main school building, a letter was sent to the Department of Education but no reply has been received yet. (Jan. 2010))
• signs will be clearly visible to ensure visitors are aware of exit

doors,

• Each door, hallway and entrance is to be kept free from obstacles and may be opened from inside the building at anytime. Each teacher will make certain that the way out of their classroom is free from obstacles. The principal will ensure that the hall doors and the main door are free from obstacles.
• all electrical equipment be unplugged or turned off outside office hours and when offices are vacated for lengthy periods, The Principal/secretary is responsible for the office. All teachers are responsible for the staffroom. The school caretaker will check also when cleaning.
• an assembly area is designated between each building, in the lunch yard of rang 3 and 4, across from the main school entrance.
• teachers leaving buildings/classrooms during the school day should let the principal or vice-principal know.
• exit signs are clearly marked,
• all bottled gas is stored in outdoor sheds away from the main buildings,
• there will be a named person in each unit 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.

CONSTANT HAZARDS

The board of management would like to draw everyone’s attention to the following hazards, which may be dangerous

1. Ice on the ground/ surfaces on a cold day
2. Windows opening out, especially towards the infants’ yard.
3. The school pond
4. Gym mats in the hall
5. Climbing frames
6. Gas tanks
7. lead wires that could be tripped over.
8. Guillotine
9. projectors
10. ladders
11. heating equipment/ any equipment protruding
12. outside storage to be kept locked
13. paving slabs which are to be found all around the school
14. Garden slabs

• Ladders must be used with the help of another person
• Glass is not allowed in school, especially for children. Broken glass will be cleaned as soon as it is noticed.
• The Board of Management will make certain that the floors are clean and level, that there is no danger of slipping, and that wooden floors are free from splinters. Floors are to be cleaned when the children are off the premises.
• The teachers will ensure that any P.E. equipment is stacked carefully in such a manner that it doesn’t pose any hazard.
• The teachers will certify that the P.E. store is always locked, and no child will be allowed in without a teacher present.
• It is assured that every P.E. mat in the hall is in good condition.
• It is assured that the beams and wooden benches are in good condition and free from any splinters.
• It is assured that no P.E. equipment in the hall will be unstable.
• It is assured that no paving slabs are broken, cracked or unstable.
• It is assured that roofs, gutters, pipes and drains are in good condition and well maintained.
• It is assured that outdoor lights are working and are sufficiently bright.
• It is assured that any equipment that belongs to builders or cleaners will be kept in an outdoor store safely.
• It is assured that every rubbish bag will be removed from inside the school building every day and stored outside.

Machinery, Kitchen Equipment and Electrical Appliances

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. Before using any of this equipment, the user should make certain of these conditions:

• That any ordinary safeguards are in place and working.
• Any leads are free from breaks or cuts.
• Any plug that is not in use to be taken out of the socket
• That the correct fuse is used.
• That the official guidelines of the Health and Safety Authority are followed

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.

Drugs Medications

It is the policy of the Board of Management that all medications, drugs etc., be kept in the medicine cabinet in the main school office. The office will be locked when unoccupied. In this case the key will be in the principal’s office or another room as certified when necessary.

• It is the policy of the Board of management not to give medication for any type of pain. If any staff member is worried about any child, parents or guardians will be contacted, or a doctor if necessary.

• Each family is required to fill an emergency contact form which gives information to the school on how to contact parents/guardians of the child if necessary.

• In the case that a child is ill and parents or guardians cannot be contacted as per the emergency contact form, it is the policy of the board of management that the school staff will do whatever is suitable and necessary to safeguard the health of the child; ie. To bring him/her to a doctor or hospital, or whatever other arrangement the staff feel is necessary in a specific case.

• In the case that an anti-biotic or medication is been taken by a child, it is permitted that a staff member gives this medication if the parents request this, on the condition that the parent gives specific instructions with regard to the medication.

• In the case of above; if there is any disagreement between the directions of the parent and directions written on the bottle or box where the medication is kept, the staff member will not give the medication to the child, and that will be relayed to the parent.

Welfare

To ensure the continuous safety of the staff and pupils, toilets and cloakrooms are available. The staff room is available, and separate from the work area, a place where tea and lunch breaks can be taken. The staff must cooperate to keep a high standard of health and safety in this area.

A high standard of health must be kept always. Suitable areas to remove waste must be available. Hot and cold water, towels, soap and resources for removal of sanitary equipment must be available.

*Staff members must inform the school (principal) if taking medication or prescription medication from a doctor even if they are permitted to work. They must inform the school if the medication might interfere with their ability to work or cause danger to other employees. The school can make appropriate arrangements if necessary.

Highly Polished or Wet Floors

It is the policy of the Board of Management that:
Floors will not be polished or made slippery (or specify a non slip polish).
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. Surfaces or the ground outside may be slippery with frost in cold weather, and the staff and pupils will be advised to use handrails on the stairs/steps as necessary. If not, non slip edges will be put on the edges of the steps.

Smoking

Is is the policy of the Board of Management of Gaelscoil Chilll Dar that smoking is completely forbidden in the school to avoid any hazards to the staff or pupils.

Broken Glass

The Board of Management will make every effort to minimise the risk from broken glass. The staff will inform the principal immediately if broken glass is found, so it can be removed.


Infectious diseases

It is the policy of the Board of Management that they are informed about any infectious disease so they can take steps to safeguard the pupils and staff. The board of management will do its best to minimise the danger from the disease by following principles of cleanliness and health. Disposable gloves and disinfectants are available for first aid and cleaning. Suitable water and soap will be available as will suitable facility to remove waste. Electrical hand dryers are available in the toilets to evade infection.

Entrance to school

Insofar as is suitable, it is the duty of anyone who enters the school to introduce themselves to the principal or secretary before entering. Any contractor must introduce him/herself personally to the principal before beginning any work. The Safety statement will be shown to him/her, and he/she will be asked to abide by it.

As the work is ongoing, any excessive noise will be avoided when possible, and noise will be reduced to required levels always. No contractor will create any hazards, temporary or permanent, without first speaking to the principal, and signs will be erected to give warning of the hazard or other suitable safeguards.

Collecting children

Each parent/guardian/ childminder must yield to signs on the school grounds, for safety reasons.
It is advised that vehicles are driven slowly on school grounds when children are being collected.
It is advised to those who are parked outside school grounds to accompany children to and from the school building.

The Code of Discipline
The Cold of Discipline in the school provides for a level of behaviour to
minimise personal risk or stress to any employee. The school principles are to create a positive, Irish orientated atmosphere, to ensure the safety of the pupils, and to create traits of good citizenship in every child. Thus, we encourage the children to be well mannered and cooperative.

Gaeilge:

Children must speak Irish in school. This rule is begun in Junior Infants, and we envisage its full implementation in First class and upwards.

Safety:

1. The pupils are asked to follow school rules, and to follow teachers’ orders with regard to safety precisely and quickly.
2. No child may leave the school grounds without permission of the parent/guardian.
3. Children must be aware of their own safety and the safety of other pupils.
4. The Board of Management acknowledge the danger with the steps at the back of the school close to the garden and pond. Children are not permitted to play in these areas before school, during breaks or any time.
5. The school provides supervision for children gathering for school
from 8.50 onwards every school morning. It is not permitted for children to be on the school grounds any earlier than this.

First Aid:

It is the policy of the Board of Management of Gaelscoil Chill Dara:
1. Staff members who are trained in first aid. A list will be available of those who completed a suitable first aid course.

2. Two first aid boxes will be available in the staffroom and office.

3. Any teacher going on a sports trip will take a first aid box.

4. A basic first aid box will be available in every classroom. Basic first aid equipment will be included: Disposable gloves, cotton wool pins, cotton buds and antiseptic wipes.
5. Hot water and soap will be available always.

6. Disposable gloves must be used when administering first aid. They are to be found in all first aid boxes and in the staffroom on the fridge.
7. Ice is available to be used (with a covering on it) if necessary for anyone with a swelling.

Review of this safety statement.
The Board of Management of Gaelscoil Chill Dara will review this safety statement regularly from experience and requirements of the Health and Safety Acts and the Health and Safety Authority.

Signed by the Board of Management:

Cathaoirleach: ___________________ Dáta:_________

Príomhoide: ___________________ Dáta:_________

Oifigeach Sábháilteachta: ____________________ Dáta__________
Iondaí an Bhoird B.

Oifigeach
Sábháilteachta: ____________________ Dáta__________
Ionadaí na foirne

Gaelscoil Chill Dara
Bóthar Glas
An Currach
Cill Dara
045 -442300

Ráiteas polasaí de réir Acht Sábháilteachta, Sláinte agus Leasa ag obair 1989,2005

Baill an Bhoird Bainistíochta:
Cathaoirleach
Baill an Bhoird :
Oifigeach Sábháilteachta:
Ionadaí na foirne:


Ullmhaithe ag ionadaithe an Bhoird Bainistíochta, i gcomhchomhairle le tuismitheoirí agus múinteoirí de réir Acht Sábháilteachta, Sláinte agus Leasa ag obair 1989, 2005