Health and Safety

1. Aims

The Barnet Education Arts Trust (BEAT) aims to:

• Provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment
• Establish and maintain safe working procedures
• Have robust procedures in place in case of emergencies
• Ensure that any premises and equipment are maintained safely, and are regularly inspected
• Provide adequate resources to ensure effective implementation of this policy

2. Legislation

This policy is based on advice from the Department for Education on health and safety in schools, Department of Health and Social Care, Health and Safety Executive and the following legislation:

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which sets out the general duties employers have towards employees and duties relating to lettings.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, which require employers to make an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their employees.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to implement necessary measures, and arrange for appropriate information and training.

Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977, Functions of trade union appointed Health and Safety representatives

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, which require employers to control substances that are hazardous to health.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, which state that some accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive and set out the timeframe for this and how long records of such accidents must be kept.

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, which require employers to carry out digital screen equipment assessments and states users’ entitlement to an eyesight test.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires employers to take general fire precautions to ensure the safety of their staff.

BEAT follows national guidance published by Public Health England when responding to infection control issues.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1. The Trustees

Overall and final responsibility for health and safety lies with the Board of Trustees, the trustees delegate operational matters and day-to-day tasks to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and staff members.

The Trustees have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that staff and students are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. This applies to activities on or off the BEAT premises.

The Trustees, as the employer, also have a duty to:

• Assess the risks to staff and others affected by BEAT activities to identify and introduce the health and safety measures necessary and to manage those risks
• Inform employees about risks and the measures in place to manage them
• Ensure that adequate health and safety training is provided

3.2. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The CEO is responsible for day-to-day health and safety activities. This involves:

• Implementing the health and safety policy
• Ensuring there are enough staff to safely supervise students
• Ensuring that any buildings and premises are safe and regularly inspected
• Providing adequate training for school staff
• Reporting to the Trustees on health and safety matters
• Ensuring appropriate evacuation procedures are in place and regular fire drills are held
• Ensuring that in their absence, health and safety responsibilities are delegated to another member of staff
• Ensuring all risk assessments are completed and reviewed

In the CEO’s absence, the Director of Standards and Excellence assumes the above day-to-day health and safety responsibilities.

3.3. Health and Safety Lead

To ensure health and safety standards are maintained / improved, the following people have responsibility in the following areas.

BEAT Offices
Located at Dollis Primary School, Pursley Road, Mill Hill, London NW7 2BU
Name: Dollis Primary School Site Manager

BEAT Music Academy West (BMAW)
Located at St Mary’s and St John’s School, Sunningfield Road, Hendon, NW4 4QR
Name: Sophie Boden

BEAT Music Academy East (BMAE)
Located at East Barnet Academy, Chestnut Grove, East Barnet EN4 8PU
Name: Kerry Reid

BEAT Music Academy Central (BMAC)
Located at Dollis Primary School, Pursley Road, Mill Hill, London, NW7 2BU
Name: Sophie Boden

3.4. BEAT Staff

BEAT staff have a duty to take care of students in the same way that a prudent parent would do so. Staff will:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do at work
• Co-operate with BEAT Senior Management Team (SMT) on health and safety matters
• Work in accordance with training and instructions
• Inform the appropriate person of any work situation representing a serious and immediate danger so that remedial action can be taken
• Model safe and hygienic practice for students
• Understand emergency evacuation procedures and feel confident in implementing them

3.5. Health and safety representatives

Under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977, a recognised independent trade union has the right to appoint safety representatives. Recognised trade unions will inform the school in writing when a health and safety representative has been appointed and, where this is the case, BEAT will consult with that representative on health and safety matters.

Trade union health and safety representatives are entitled to raise any issue of health and safety as it affects employees. BEAT will consult in good time with health and safety representatives on any measures which may affect the employees represented by the health and safety representative

BEAT will ensure that paid time off is provided for the inspections that the health and safety representative is entitled to undertake as well as for training necessary to enable the health and safety representative to carry out their functions effectively. Paid time off for routine functions will also be provided.

Union-appointed representatives (hse.gov.uk)

3.6. Students and Parents / Guardians / Carers

Students and parents / guardians / carers are responsible for following BEAT’s health and safety advice, on-site and off-site, and for reporting any health and safety incidents to a member of staff.

4. Site security and BEAT Office Equipment

• The CEO and Site Manager will be responsible for identifying all equipment / plant needing maintenance.
• The CEO and Site Manager will be responsible for ensuring effective maintenance procedures are drawn up.
• The CEO and Site Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all identified maintenance is implemented.
• Any problems found with plant / equipment should be reported to the Site Manager.
• The CEO and Site Manager will check that new plant and equipment meets health and safety standards before it is purchased.

5. Fire

Emergency exits, assembly points and assembly point instructions are clearly identified by safety signs and notices. Fire risk assessments of the BEAT office and Music Academy premises will be reviewed regularly.

Emergency evacuations are practised at least once a term.

The fire alarm is a loud continuous bell.

Fire alarm testing will take place once a week in the BEAT Office

New staff will be trained in fire safety and all staff and students will be made aware of any new fire risks.

In the event of a fire:

• The alarm will be raised immediately by whoever discovers the fire and emergency services contacted. Evacuation procedures will also begin immediately
• Fire extinguishers may be used by staff only, and only then if staff are trained in how to operate them and are confident they can use them without putting themselves or others at risk
• Staff and students will congregate at the assembly points. For the BEAT office this is the far end of the car park. Specific Assembly points are in place for each Music Academy (see individual risk assessments).
• Staff will take a register of students, which will then be checked against the attendance register of that day
• The BEAT Business Manager will take a register of all staff in the BEAT Office.
• The Head of Music Academies will take a register of all staff and parents / guardians / carers present at Music Academies.
• Staff and students will remain outside the building until the emergency services say it is safe to re-enter

BEAT will have special arrangements in place for the evacuation of people with mobility needs and fire risk assessments will also pay particular attention to those with disabilities.

A fire safety checklist can be found at the bottom of this page.

All staff working in client schools must make themselves aware of the school’s fire evacuation procedures on their first visit to the school.

6. Hazardous Materials

• All equipment, materials and chemicals will be held in appropriate containers and areas conforming to health and safety regulations.
• Hazardous substances will be labelled with the correct hazard sign and contents label.
• No hazardous substances will be used without the permission of the CEO.
• Low toxic products, such as Valve oil and corrective fluid, will be stored securely and only used under supervision in a well-ventilated area. Dust and fumes will be safely controlled by local exhaust ventilation regulations.
• No staff member or pupil should ever be put at risk through exposure to any hazardous substance used in our practical curriculum.
• Where a substance has a workplace exposure limit, control measures will ensure that exposure is below the limit.
• The CEO and site managers will be responsible for identifying all substances which need a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessment.
• The CEO and site managers will be responsible for either undertaking COSHH assessments or engaging a suitably qualified consultant to do the assessment. The CEO will be responsible for ensuring that all actions identified in the assessments are implemented and ensure that all relevant employees are informed about the COSHH assessments.
• Assessments will be reviewed every twelve months or when the work activity changes, whichever is soonest.

7. Equipment

• All equipment and machinery is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, maintenance schedules outline when extra checks should take place
• When new equipment is purchased, it is checked to ensure that it meets appropriate educational standards
• All equipment is stored in the appropriate storage containers and areas. All containers are labelled with the correct hazard sign and contents

7.1. Electrical equipment

• All staff are responsible for ensuring that they use and handle electrical equipment sensibly and safely
• Any pupil or volunteer who handles electrical appliances does so under the supervision of the member of staff who so directs them
• Any potential hazards will be reported to the CEO or Site Managers immediately
• Permanently installed electrical equipment is connected through a dedicated isolator switch and be adequately earthed
• Only trained staff members can check plugs
• Where necessary a portable appliance test (PAT) will be carried out by a competent person
• All isolator switches are clearly marked to identify the machine they control.
• Electrical apparatus and connections must not be touched by wet hands and will only be used in dry conditions
• Maintenance, repair, installation and disconnection work associated with permanently installed or portable electrical equipment is only carried out by a competent person

8. Lone Working

Lone working may include:

• Late working
• Weekend working
• Working in a single occupancy office

Potentially dangerous activities, such as those where there is a risk of falling from height, will not be undertaken when working alone. If there are any doubts about the task to be performed, then the task will be postponed until other staff members are available.

If lone working is to be undertaken, a colleague, friend or family member must be informed about where the member of staff is and when they are likely to return. The lone worker will ensure that they are medically fit to work alone

9. Manual Handling

It is up to individuals to determine whether they are fit to lift or move equipment and furniture.

If an individual feels that to lift an item could result in injury or exacerbate an existing condition, they will ask for assistance. BEAT will ensure that proper mechanical aids and lifting equipment are available, and that staff are trained in how to use them safely.

Staff and students are expected to use the following basic manual handling procedure:

• Plan the lift and assess the load. If it is awkward or heavy, use a mechanical aid, such as a trolley, or ask another person to help
• Take the more direct route that is clear from obstruction and is as flat as possible
• Ensure the area where you plan to offload the load is clear
• When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight, feet apart and angled out. Ensure the load is held close to the body and firmly. Lift smoothly and slowly and avoid twisting, stretching and reaching where practicable

10. Violence at Work

We believe that staff should not be in any danger at work, and we will not tolerate violent or threatening behaviour towards our staff. All staff will report any incidents of aggression or violence (or near misses) or threats directed to themselves immediately to their line manager / CEO and to the Head Teacher (if they are working in a school). This applies to violence from students, parents / guardians / carers, visitors, other staff, or any other persons

11. Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Trust premises or on any site where BEAT activities take place.

12. Infection Prevention and Control

BEAT follows national guidance published by Public Health England (PHE) when responding to infection control issues. We will encourage staff and students to follow this good hygiene practice, outlined below, where applicable.

12.1. Face Covering

A face covering / mask should:

• cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably (a nose wire may help with fit)
• fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
• be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
• be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton
• ideally include at least two layers of fabric
• unless disposable, it should be able to be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged. Single-use disposable masks should not be washed and reused

When wearing a face covering you should:

• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on
• avoid touching the part of the face covering in contact with your mouth and nose, as it could be contaminated with the virus
• change the face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it
• avoid taking it off and putting it back on a lot in quick succession to minimise potential contamination

When removing a face covering:

• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before removing
• only handle the straps, ties or clips
• do not give it to someone else to use
• if single use, dispose of it responsibly
• if reusable, wash it in line with manufacturer’s instructions at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser once removed

Make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household cleaning products. If eating in a café, for example, it is important that you do not place the face covering on the table.

12.2. Hand Washing

• Wash hands with liquid soup and warm water, and dry with paper towels
• Always wash hands after using the toilet, before eating or handling food, and after handling animals
• Cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings

12.3. Coughing and Sneezing

• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue
• Wash hands after using or disposing of tissues
• Spitting is discouraged

12.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Where BEAT finds PPE to be necessary after a risk assessment, they have a duty to provide it free of charge.

The Government does not regard face coverings as PPE.

The following are instances where BEAT employees may be required to wear PPE.

• Wear disposable non-powdered vinyl or latex-free CE-marked gloves and disposable plastic aprons where there is a risk of splashing or contamination with blood/body fluids
• Wear goggles if there is a risk of splashing to the face
• Use the correct personal protective equipment when handling cleaning chemicals

12.5. Cleaning of the environment

Clean the environment, including musical instruments and equipment, frequently and thoroughly.

12.6. Cleaning of blood and body fluid spillages

• Clean up all spillages of blood, faeces, saliva, vomit, nasal and eye discharges immediately and wear personal protective equipment
• When spillages occur, clean using a product that combines both a detergent and a disinfectant and use as per manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure it is effective against bacteria and viruses and suitable for use on the affected surface
• Never use mops for cleaning up blood and body fluid spillages –use disposable paper towels and discard clinical waste as described below
• Make spillage kits available for blood spills

12.7 Clinical waste

• Always segregate domestic and clinical waste, in accordance with local policy
• Used nappies / pads, gloves, aprons and soiled dressings are stored in correct clinical waste bags in foot-operated bins
• Remove clinical waste with a registered waste contractor
• Remove all clinical waste bags when they are two-thirds full and store in a dedicated, secure area while awaiting collection

12.8. Students vulnerable to infection

Some medical conditions make students vulnerable to infections that would rarely be serious in most children. BEAT will normally have been made aware of such vulnerable children. These children are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox, measles or slapped cheek disease (parvovirus B19) and, if exposed to either of these, the parent / carers will be informed promptly, and further medical advice sought. Advise these children to have additional immunisations, for example for pneumococcal and influenza.

12.9. Exclusion periods for infectious diseases

BEAT will follow recommended exclusion periods outlined by Public Health England. In the event of an epidemic / pandemic, BEAT will follow advice from Public Health England about the appropriate course of action.

13. New and expectant mothers

Risk assessments will be carried out whenever any employee notifies BEAT that they are pregnant. Appropriate measures will be put in place to control risks identified. Some specific risks are summarised below:

• Chickenpox can affect the pregnancy if a woman has not already had the infection. Expectant mothers should report exposure to their antenatal carer and GP at any stage of exposure. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, so anyone who has not had chickenpox is potentially vulnerable to the infection if they have close contact with a case of shingles
• If a pregnant woman comes into contact with measles or German measles (rubella), she should inform her antenatal carer and GP immediately to ensure investigation
• Slapped cheek disease (parvovirus B19) can occasionally affect an unborn child. If exposed early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks), the pregnant woman should inform her antenatal carer and GP as this must be investigated promptly

14. Occupational stress

We are committed to promoting high levels of health and wellbeing and recognise the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors through risk assessment. Systems are in place within BEAT for responding to individual concerns and monitoring staff workloads.

15. Accident reporting

15.1. Accident record book

The Accident Book is an essential document for employers and employees, who are required by law to record and report details of specified work-related injuries and incidents

• An accident will be logged in the First Aid and Accident Book as soon as possible after the accident occurs by the member of staff or first aider who deals with it.
• As much detail as possible will be supplied when reporting an accident
• If a student is the victim of an accident, information about injuries will also be kept in their educational record
• Records held in the first aid and accident book will be retained by BEAT for a minimum of three years, in accordance with regulation 25 of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979, and then securely disposed of
• A near miss e.g. a trip with no injury, must be treated as an accident and be entered into the accident book.

15.2. Accidents on School Premises

In the event of an accident occurring on school premises the details of the accident must be entered into the school’s accident book. Full details of the accident must also be reported, in writing, to the employee’s line manager, where the employee, or a student under the employee’s control at the time of the accident is the victim of the accident. Details of an accident suffered by a BEAT employee on school premises must be recorded in BEAT’s accident book.

15.3. Reporting to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The CEO will keep a record of any accident which results in a reportable injury, disease, or dangerous occurrence as defined in the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) (regulations 4, 5, 6 and 7). The CEO will report these to the Health and Safety Executive as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event within 10 days of the incident. Reportable injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences include:

• Death
• Specified injuries. These are:
  • Fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes
  • Amputations
  • Any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight
  • Any crush injury to the head or torso causing damage to the brain or internal organs
  • Serious burns (including scalding)
  • Any scalping requiring hospital treatment
  • Any loss of consciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia
  • Any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space which leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness, or requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
• Injuries where an employee is away from work or unable to perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days
• Where an accident leads to someone being taken to hospital
• Where something happens that does not result in an injury, but could have done
• Near-miss events that do not result in an injury, but could have done. Examples of near-miss events relevant to BEAT include, but are not limited to:
  • The collapse or failure of load-bearing parts of lifts and lifting equipment
  • The accidental release of a biological agent likely to cause severe human illness
  • The accidental release or escape of any substance that may cause a serious injury or damage to health
  • An electrical short circuit or overload causing a fire or explosion

Information on how to make a RIDDOR report is available on the HSE website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm

15.4. Notifying Parents / Guardians / Carers

Management and / or Staff will inform parents / guardians / carers of any accident or injury sustained by a pupil, and any first aid treatment given, on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable.

16. Training

BEAT will ensure that staff are provided with the health and safety training they need for their job. This may not mean attendance at training courses; it may simply involve providing staff with basic instructions and information about health and safety within BEAT activities.

The CEO will ensure that there are an appropriate number of first-aid trained staff working within in each BEAT activity.

Staff will be provided with regular training opportunities and have access to support where needed.

17. Drugs and alcohol

BEAT is a drug and alcohol free area. For further information refer to the Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse policy

18. Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed by the CEO every three years, or as required to keep it up to date with current and new legislation. Following a review, the policy will be presented to the Board of Trustees for comment and approval.

19. Links with other policies

This health and safety policy links to the following policies, procedures and documents:

• First aid
• Risk assessment
• Staff code of conduct
• Alcohol, Drug and Substance
• Abuse policy
• Critical Incident Procedures