Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Clontubrid

Safety Statement

1. The Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Clontubrid, charged with the direct government of the school, has prepared this Safety Statement, in accordance with the requirement of the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1989, Section 212, sub-sections 1 - 8. In doing so it is mindful of the unique place the school occupies as an extension of the home life of the child and of the responsibilities entrusted to the personnel of the school by parents of the pupils. Safety, health and welfare within the school is, and always has been, a most sacred duty incumbent on all members of the school community and one which calls for constant vigilance.
2. Under Rule 123 (1) and Circular 16/73 of the Department of Education and Science, our Principal Teacher, Mr. Thomas Maher, is responsible for the discipline of the school generally, the direction and co-ordination of the teaching programme within the school and the effective supervision of the teachers' work, the organisation of the school and other matters relating to the work of the school. In carrying out these duties, Mr. Maher is required to organise supervision of the pupils during breaks, lunch periods, assembly and dismissal. A table of names and times of supervision duties should be on display in the staff room. He is to arrange adequate supervision and work for the pupils whose teacher is absent. He will hold regular conferences with staff members concerning the general work of the school. In accordance with Section 13 (3) of the Act, the teaching staff, in consultation with other employees, may select from time to time, a representative, who as 'Safety Representative', will conduct consultations with the Principal Teacher. Mr Seamus O'Gorman of the Board of Management will act as Safety Officer.
3. The Board of Management, in consultation with the Teaching Staff, has identified the following areas of school life and activity, as requiring special care in order to prevent injury or damage to members of the school community.

• Activity outside the classroom.
• Activity within the classroom.
• Restricted Areas.
• Hygiene.
• Fire Drill.
• First Aid.

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Activity outside the classroom

• Our school is open for business at 9.20a.m., and, in accordance with Rule 124 (4), all teachers will be present to exercise the required supervision over their classes at that time. It is recognised that the short break at 11.00 a.m. and the lunch break at 12.30 p.m. require special attention and care. Attention of the teaching staff is directed to Rule 121 (4).
• In all pupil activity, involving games of whatsoever kind, teachers will exercise prudent judgement on the level of safety required and bring to the notice of the Principal Teacher any matter requiring corrective action.
• Activities which involve pupils travelling from the school, such as School Tours, School Sports, Swimming Classes, etc. will require specific rules to ensure the safety of all participating. In these instances the rules will often be specific to the nature of the places being visited and the activities being engaged in.
• When completing the Enrolment Application Form parents will be asked to include the names of any persons into whose care their children should not be allowed.

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Activity within the classroom

• Within the classroom and the school building during normal school business, the potential hazards for all within the school are:
  • Activity involving the use of tools of any kind, e.g. scissors, craft knives, pointed implements, etc.
  • Activity involving the use of electrical power.
  • Moveable furniture.
• Our teachers are professional people, trained to conduct group activity. However some accidents occur due to oversight or the postponement of rectifying defective equipment, e.g. defective plugs, defective furniture, etc.
• Teachers and Ancillary Staff are requested to conduct periodic safety checks of their classrooms and/or work-place and to effect or to request immediate corrective action. For this purpose it is recommended that each teacher keep a written record of the safety checks conducted and the action taken. This record is to be made available on request to the Principal Teacher. This recommendation equally applies to the Clerical Staff and to Caretakers.

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Restricted Areas

The Restricted Areas in our school are as follows:

• The pumphouse, which contains electrical equipment.
• The storage shed, which contains tools and lawnmower.
• The Cleaner's store room, which contains cleaning equipment and chemicals.

These are restricted to authorised personnel only and such authorisation may only be granted by the Principal Teacher.

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Hygiene

• Hygiene is the concern of everyone in our school. Good hygiene practice is essential for the health and welfare of all in the school. For this reason any infringement of the Code of Conduct in this regard will be viewed with particular seriousness. Teachers are requested to train their pupils in good hygiene practice. The Staff - Teaching and Ancillary - is requested to be vigilant in this regard and to bring to the notice of the Principal Teacher any corrective action which may be deemed necessary.

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Fire Drill

• The Board draws attention to the dangers of fire and to the loss of life that may be caused in the event of a fire in the school. Each teacher shall instruct her/his pupils in the fire drill to be observed in the event of fire.
• Fire Drill and Evacuation instructions are included in Appendix 2.

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First Aid

• In the event of accidents, it may be necessary to administer First-Aid. Mr.Thomas Maher is the Safety First Aid Officer for the school and is in charge of the First-Aid equipment. As Principal Teacher, overall responsibility for First Aid and First Aid Equipment resides with him.
• In formation on the procedure the school will follow in the event of a pupil needing medical attention will be communicated to parents/guardians.
• Medical information the school would need in the event of a pupil needing urgent medical attention will be sought on the pupil Enrolment Application Form.

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Accident/Illness

• The procedure to be followed in the event of a pupil requiring medical attention as a result of an accident or illness is laid out in Appendix 3.

4. This Safety Statement has been prepared on conditions existing in the premises of the school at the time of writing. It may be altered, revised or updated so as to accommodate any changes in these conditions.

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Specific Hazards

It is the policy of Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Clontubrid that:

1. There is an adequate supply of fire extinguishers which deal with any type of fire. In particular, because of the presence of computers in each classroom, all classroom fire extinguishers will be capable of being used on electrical fires.
2. All fire equipment is identified and regularly serviced.
3. Regular Fire Drill takes place.
4. Instruction is given to staff in the use of fire extinguishers for specific materials/equipment.
5. Signs are clearly visible to ensure that visitors are aware of the exit doors.
6. All electrical equipment will be unplugged or turned off outside school hours and when the school is vacated for long periods.
7. An Assembly Area is designated outside the school building.
8. Those leaving the school premises should inform someone in authority.
9. Exit signs are clearly marked.
10. The school and equipment have been checked by a fire officer and all recommendations made by him/her have been implemented.

The school has recently been completely refurbished and all the work has been carried out under the supervision of the Office of Public Works and to the best modern standards of safety. In particular, in the context of health and safety, the following improvements have been made:

• Wheelchair access to classrooms.
• Installation of toilet for use by disabled.
• Installation of monitored burglar alarm.
• Installation of fire alarm system.
• Power sockets in dado trunking at desk level to reduce the risk of trailing cables from computers and other electrical equipment.
• New fire fighting equipment
• New exit signage.
• Installation of new windows which allow for emergency escape.

The Safety Officer has identified some potential hazards, the Board has assessed the risks involved, and decided upon remedial action. These hazards, and the remedial action to be undertaken, are listed in Appendix 1.

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Constant Hazards

1. Machinery and Electrical Appliances are used only by competent persons. Such appliances and equipment will be subject to regular maintenance checks.
2. All chemicals, detergents, etc. be stored in clearly identifiable containers bearing instructions and precautions for their use, and kept in a locked area. Protection provided to be used when handling them.
3. All medications, drugs, etc. be kept in a proper medicine cabinet, locked at all times, the key to which is kept in a secure and safe place. No medication to be given by staff by pupils.
4. Floors not to be polished to a slippery finish. Washing of floors will be conducted after school hours to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the elimination of the danger of slipping.
5. The Code of Discipline of the school provides for a level of behaviour to minimise personal risk or stress to any employee.
6. Access to employees is by consent. When an employee feels at risk from, or threatened by, a particular person on school property, this must be drawn to the attention of the Board of Management. The Board of Management will undertake to ensure that in such circumstances all appropriate measures will be taken to protect employees. Such measures will include meetings by appointment, with/without witnesses, and, in extreme circumstances, an injunction/barring order and any necessary legal steps.
7. The whole school has been designated a Smoke Free Zone.
8. No children are allowed to bring drinks to school in glass bottles, to minimise the risk of breakages and cuts.

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Visual Display Units

Proper procedure regarding the use of Visual Display Units is to be followed carefully. Any up-to-date information regarding hazards relating to the use of VDU's will be studied and recommendations and directives implemented.

Infectious Diseases

1. As far as reasonably practicable staff, permanent, temporary or voluntary, will be protected against infectious diseases, to include Hepatitis 'B'.
2. There will be adherence to sound principles of cleanliness, hygiene and disinfection and provision of disposable gloves to be used for all First-Aid applications, cleaning jobs, etc.
3. The Staff have been provided with a separate toilet, with hot and cold water and soap.

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Trained First Aid Personnel

1. Both Mr. Thomas Maher and Mrs. Mary Maher are trained to apply First-aid to other employees and pupils.
2. All required remedies and equipment are made available for First-Aid function.
3. There will be a properly equipped First Aid Kit available at all times to staff, which will include:

• Plasters
• Wasp Eze
• Tape
• Antiseptic Disinfectant
• Eye Lotion
• Antiseptic Cream
• Cotton Bandage
• Burn Cream
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Scissors
• First Aid Chart
• Sling
• Disposable Gloves

This policy was sanctioned by the Board of Management in September 2002.

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Health and Safety Statement

Appendix 1

Identification of Hazards

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Health and Safety Statement

Appendix 2

Fire Instructions

The Fire Alarm Signal is:

The school bell being rung at any time other than break times or three o'clock or the fire alarm going off at any time.

Assembly Point:

Top corner of Car Park.

Anyone discovering a fire should immediately inform a teacher or any adult who will raise the alarm at once.

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On hearing the Fire Alarm:

The Principal is to ensure that the Fire Brigade is called immediately. Each teacher will collect his/her Roll Book and take his/her class in silence to the designated Assembly Point via an exit route away from the fire. Any pupil who is not with his/her class when the alarm sounds will make his/her way directly to the assembly Point or go with the class group he/she is with. There must be no rushing or overtaking on the way to the Assembly Point.

As soon as classes are assembled each teacher will take a roll call or count and report to the Principal. The principal will also check the presence of any temporary staff or visitors. If any person is unaccounted for an immediate search must be made by the staff. No other person must leave the Assembly Point to recover clothing, books, etc. until permission is given by

• In the case of a drill, the Principal or
• In the case of a fire, the Fire Officer in charge.

An immediate attack on the fire by staff members with the available fire appliances should be carried out where this can be done without personal risk.

Senior pupils should be appointed to assist in the proper execution of all drills. They should be instructed to hold open doors in the line of march, to close doors where necessary to prevent spread of fire or smoke and, if time permits, to close windows.

The School has a service contract with ....................……….., for maintenance and repair of Fire Extinguishers. A copy of the Certificate of Inspection and Service is enclosed in the Plean Scoile.

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Alarm:

Any member of the Staff discovering an outbreak of fire should raise the alarm at once. Pupils should be taught to inform the nearest teacher or adult. The sounding of the fire alarm is the signal for the complete evacuation of the building.

Evacuation:

On hearing the alarm, pupils should:

• Stand in silence by their desks.
• Leave the classroom in single file.
• Proceed in silence to the designated Assembly Point. The teacher will follow taking with him/her the Roll Book, closing all doors and checking toilets on their escape route.

On hearing the alarm, the Principal should:

• Arrange for the Fire Brigade to be informed.
• Go at once to the Assembly Point and remain there until a report has been received. Special arrangements should be made to deal with any pupils with physical disabilities.

• No talking should be permitted during the evacuation in order that any instructions given may be heard.
• Any pupil not with his/her class when the alarm sounds e.g. in the toilets, staff room, corridors, etc., should go immediately to the Assembly Point and join his/her appropriate class.
• No one is allowed to re-enter the building for clothing, books, etc.
• The Officer of the Fire Brigade should be met on arrival and immediately informed whether all persons have been safely evacuated.

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Safety Statement

Appendix 3

Accidents and Illness

The class teacher or the teacher on supervision duty looks after the child who suffers an accident or who becomes ill. In the case of superficial injuries, First Aid is rendered, by either teacher, both of whom are trained in First Aid.

In the case of more serious accident or illness, parents are informed and the pupil is taken home by the parent. If the family does not have transport available, the pupil is taken home by the class teacher, or Principal Teacher.

• Parents will be asked, when completing the school Enrolment Application Form, to include a second contact name, in the event that it was not possible to contact a parent.
• Parents will also be asked to give the name of the family doctor, for the same reason.
• Parents will also be asked to give consent for their child to be taken directly to a doctor or to hospital in the event that all attempts at the above contacts fail and where the child needs urgent medical attention.

No pupil is to be given medicine or a tablet of any kind by a teacher or staff member in school or on a school outing from the school.

All accidents/ illnesses are to be reported to the Principal Teacher. The details of accidents happening within the school premises are to be entered in the Accident Book which is kept in the Staffroom. The following information should be noted:

• Date and time of accident.
• Where the accident happened and who witnessed it.
• Description of the accident.
• What First aid was administered and by whom.
• Any other relevant information, e.g. if the pupil needed to be taken to a doctor or hospital.
• Any follow-up information on the incident.

Brennan Insurances are to be informed of all serious accidents in the school within seven days and the claim form to be filled in for same.

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