guernsey college hs report - final 110116

7/26/2019 Guernsey College HS Report - FINAL 110116

1/25

GCFE Health & Safety Report 1

Guernsey CollegeHealth and Safety Audit Report

Author: David Coleman (CMIOSH) (MIFSM) on behalf of AoC CreateDate: 8thJanuary 2016


2/25


Content

Item Page

Introduction 3

Health and safety management 3

Risk Assessments 4

Health and Safety Induction and Training 5

Communication of Health and Safety Matters 6and Health and Safety Committees

Competent Advice 7

Auditing 8

Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation 9

Specific Risk Areas 9 - 12

Specific Curriculum/Department Information 12 - 21and Observations

General Building Observations 21

Summary of Key Recommendations 21

Appendix ARisk Assessment Template 22

Appendix BTraining Costs 23

Appendix CH&S Committee 24

Appendix DCompetent Advice Costs 25


3/25


Introduction

The purpose of this report is to assess and establish the current health and safety positionwithin Guernsey College of Further Education (GCFE) in relation to the overall health andsafety management process currently in place as well as the current provision regardingspecific risk areas. This report will give recommendations for improvement includingresources required to achieve goals.

GCFE require standards to be in-line with UK Health and Safety legislation and bestpractice. This report will therefore give information as to how this can be achieved

Health and Safety Management

Having reviewed the available information and spoken with various members of staff it isclear that there is an unstructured approach to health and safety resulting in no formalmanagement processes. Day to day operational issues are managed to a reasonable

standard but there is little in the way of formal process and procedures to follow.

This has led to inconsistent approaches to a variety of health and safety issues and inparticular risk assessments.

A health and safety management process should follow the current HSG65 model or amodel which allows similar control. It is the norm to follow HSG65 as this is a tried andtested approach to management. Recent changes to HSG65 have brought it in line withother management standards which follow the plan, do, check, act cycle. This has not onlysimplified the process but allows integration with other management systems should GCFEwish to do so in the future.

In addition to the change of methodology in HSG65 it has also seen the introduction of riskprofiling as a key part of the process. This has been introduced to enable organisations toidentify and focus resources on the key health and safety risk areas within the business.

The majority of information held at present is generic and stems from the GuernseyEducation Department. Policies and procedures have not been tailored specifically for thecollege resulting in them not being fit for purpose.

Recommendations

To ensure a full and robust management system is implemented the following isrecommended.

1. Develop a health and safety policy to include:

PlanningObjectives and targets

Roles and responsibilities

Resourcing

Risk profiling

Competency information Training

Reporting of H&S Information including KPIs


4/25


Budgeting for H&S

Document/version control method

Monitoring

Reviewing

Signpost to operational procedures

2. Develop operational procedures as below to ensure robust control of all health andsafety areas, clarify working methods and work towards compliance with current UKlegislation and best practice.

Accident, Assault, Near Miss, Incident Reporting Procedures

Asbestos Management Procedure

Auditing

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Driving at work

DSE Guidance

Electrical Safety

Gas/oil safety

Fire Safety Management First Aid Risk Assessment and Guidance

Food Safety

Lone Working and Personal Safety

Legionella Management Guidance

Manual Handling Guidance

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance

New and expectant mother guidance

Risk Assessment guidance and templates Statutory inspection Guidance

Working at Height

This list is not exhaustive.

Risk Assessments

During the audit it was identified that there are a number of areas within GCFE that do not

have risk assessments in place. There was however a number of areas that do have riskassessments in place and were reviewed during the audit.

Where risk assessments do exist they are in a variety of formats and standards varygreatly from poor to good.

Risk assessments are one of the key control measures in any health and safetymanagement system it is therefore essential that a standardised risk assessmentmethodology is implemented across GCFE.

The advantage of following a standard methodology is as follows:

It is in line with current recognised best practice


5/25


It allows flexibility in regards to different tasks, activities and job roles that requireassessing across the business whilst still being in a standardised format

The methodology is simple to follow and can be undertaken with a minimal amount oftraining, particularly in low risk areas

It allows for ease of auditing both internally but critically from external bodies as they willbe able to focus on the content rather than spending time on determining if the format isfit for purpose and suits the needs of GCFE

Recommendations

Implement a standardised risk assessment methodology and template, identify staff fromacross GCFE to be responsible for the development of risk assessments for their areas ofwork. Those members of staff nominated to develop risk assessments will require trainingto enable production of high-quality risk assessments. It should be noted that the riskassessment methodology and recommended template at appendix A can be utilised for jobrole assessments, specific activities, curriculum activities or use of equipment.

Health and Safety Induction and Training

The current health and safety induction programme appears sporadic and inconsistent fornew members of staff with an inconsistent approach to the information given.

Information given to students appears, on the whole, to be adequate although as with staffthis is sporadic with no formalised information.

Recommendations

Review current induction for staff and standardise the information that relates to health andsafety. As a minimum induction must cover the following:

Fire safetyFirst aidAccident/incident reportingHousekeeping requirementsDSE

Review current induction for students and standardise the information that relates to healthand safety. As a minimum induction must cover the following:

Fire safetyFirst aidAccident/incident reportingSafe conduct

In addition to general health and safety induction additional information will be required forboth staff and students that is relevant to the subject they are teaching or learning.

It is expected that course leaders will develop induction for students specifically for theirsubject areas.


6/25


Further specific training may be required for staff and should be tailored to the individualneeds in relation to their job roles. For example a technician may require COSHH training.

Learning methods

The delivery of health and safety training can take many forms all of which have positivesand negatives:

Face-to-face training-

The main benefit face-to-face training is that it allows learners to ask questions of thetrainer to ensure full understanding of the subject matter.Face-to-face training does however cost, sometimes, considerably more than the methodsof training. In addition they are usually more time-consuming, however, with some thoughtthe time taken to deliver the training can be reduced to a sensible, workable amount. Theuse of toolbox talks can be useful in delivering short focused information.

E-learning

In many ways e-learning brings the opposite positives and negatives to that of face-to-facelearning.Learners do not have the ability to ask questions of the training deliverer and the content isoften pitched at a very basic level resulting in learners not being given sufficient informationon the subject.From a cost perspective e-learning is often very cost-effective and learners can takecourses at their own pace and in small bite-size chunks.

Blended learning

Blended learning brings the positives of face-to-face learning and e-learning together. Thisgives the opportunity for learners to gain basic information in preparation for more in-depthlearning in the classroom environment. Blended learning is usually only utilised for courseslasting more than 5 days such as the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Health andSafety.

The cost of blended learning is usually in between that of face-to-face learning and e-learning as classroom time and tutor to time is reduced.

Appendix B has example costing of the various methods of learning for a sample number

of health and safety courses. It should be noted that these costs are indicative only

Communication of Health and Safety Matters and Health and Safety Committees

Communication is often operated on a one way basis so that information is being sent froma central point to colleagues and is seen as purely a distribution method.

However communication is much more than this and plays a critical part in effectivemanagement. Good communication involves everyone and is two way, it makes everyoneaware of planned or on-going work which raises awareness of health and safety and brings

a sense of inclusiveness. It can also prevent duplication, avoid crossover of work andworking in isolation.


7/25


Communication should take into account the following points

Current methods of communicationHealth and safety objectives and communications objectivesIdentifying stakeholdersMessagesKey communications methodsEvaluating success

Suggested methods of communication of H&S matters could include newsletters, tool boxtalks, team meeting briefings, intranet posts and via a health and safety committee.

Health and safety committee

To be effective health and safety committee should be made up by representation fromabroad spectrum of areas within GCFE. A suggested committee structure and frequency ofmeetings can be found at appendix C.

The terms of reference for the committee must be clear and unambiguous as the purposeof the committee should be to drive standards of health and safety forwards by way ofinclusion of staff and students. It is critical that the committee is a decision-making bodyand is given the authority to do so. If the committee is not given this authority that it willsimply become a discussion forum.

Communication of projects and health and safety work should be shared at the health andsafety committee and management meetings

Recommendation

Implement a structured health and safety committee

Develop and implement a communication strategy

Competent Advice

There is currently no provision within GCFE for competent health and safety advice.

A competent health and safety adviser is required to have experience, knowledge andtraining.

To achieve this goal there are several options open to GCFE

1. Employ a full time health and safety adviser with a minimum NEBOSH GeneralCertificate, at least two years served in a health and safety role and preferably, but notessential, experience of further education. Post to cover all sites.

2. Employ a part time health and safety adviser with a minimum NEBOSH GeneralCertificate, at least two years served in a health and safety role and preferably, but not

essential, experience of further education. Post to cover all sites (1 day per week persite)


8/25


3. Employ external consultants to assist in implementation of a full health and safetysystem and thereafter on a retained basis to undertake regular audits, reviews andinspections. Deliver advice on an as and when required basis, deliver health and safetyrelated training, deliver additional health and safety services and source additionaltraining or services beyond their scope of knowledge on behalf of GCFE.

4. Train and internal member of staff to a minimum NEBOSH General Certificate.

Regardless of the approach taken in regards to competent advice a senior member of staff,who has sufficient authority to make decisions regarding health and safety management,must be appointed. The appointed person should, if possible, have knowledge ofcurriculum, operational and management issues. It is suggested that the OperationsDirector (John Norman) undertake this role and be responsible for health and safetymanagement for GCFE.

It should be noted that this approach does not remove the ultimate accountability for healthand safety from the Principal.

Appendix D gives indicative costs for the four options above

Auditing/Inspections

Currently there is no auditing methodology or set standard for site inspections in place.

A clear and structured method of auditing is required to ensure a consistent approachacross the business with a set template which covers the management of health and safetyas well as topic specific areas e.g. fire safety both for curriculum areas and non-curriculum

areas. The template should be adaptable to meet the needs of individual areas of thebusiness and ensure all relevant aspects of health and safety are audited.

Auditing in simple terms is a structured process of collecting information on the efficiency,effectiveness and reliability of the total health and safety management system and drawingup plans for any corrective action.

The aims of the audit should be to establish that: Appropriate management arrangements are in place; Adequate risk controls systems exist, are implemented, and reflect the hazards each

department and the organisation as a whole faces; That appropriate workplace precautions are in place Health and safety responsibilities are being properly identified and discharged correctly. Managementand staff at all levels are accepting and dealing effectively with their

devolved health and safety obligations. Health and safety codes, procedures and policies are being applied consistently and

adhered too. Staff and students are aware of, and complying with, health and safety rules, and are

health and safety conscious. Accidents, assaults, near miss incidents and ill health are reducing and trends are

showing improvements.

Staff are receiving appropriate health and safety training. Students are receiving appropriate health and safety information. Statutory requirements are being met


9/25


Recommendation

Develop an audit procedure

Develop an audit template which covers all aspects of health and safety

Agree and implement an audit programme

Develop an inspection template and determine the frequency of inspections

A programme of audits for the year ahead should be agreed between the Director ofOperations and departmental directors. In addition the program should be shared with thehealth and safety committee once in place to gain buy in and agreement from all parties.

An end of year audit summary should be produced, and presented to senior managementto show areas of concern and highlight good practice. Year on year statistics willdemonstrate if progress is being made against set targets.

Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation

The reporting of accident and incidents is currently sporadic. The knowledge of therequirement to report accidents and incidents varies between staff members and theredoes not appear to be a clear and coherent system in place.

Recommendations

Develop and introduce a simple accident and incident reporting system. Once developedinformation must be shared with all members of staff to ensure they have a clearunderstanding of the requirements to report and by what method those reports should be

recorded.

Accident/incident reporting form may be hard copy or electronic.

Forms should detail information regarding the accident/incident including those involved,the nature of any injury/damage, the date, time and location of the incident, any equipmentinvolved, information regarding post-accident/incident investigation and any remedialactions that are required or have been taken.

Accident and incident records must be collated and held securely in a central area.

Accident/incident records must be reviewed to identify trends and if they are as a result ofpoor management of health and safety.

Specific Risk Areas

There are a number of specific risk areas that GCFE will need to manage and controleffectively in order to meet current UK legislation and best practice.

The following section of this report identifies the areas that require managing and briefinformation as to how this can be achieved.


10/25


Fire safety

Current UK fire safety legislation, principally the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order,requires the responsible person, in this case GCFE, to undertake a fire risk assessment ofthe properties that they own or manage.

As the regulatory reform Fire safety order is not in force on the island the current method offire safety review is by way of inspections from the fire service. Whilst this meets legalrequirements it is not in line with UK practice. To achieve this standard recommendationsare given below.

The current method of building evacuation is as follows:

On activation of the alarm system the first member of staff to reach the high viz fire wardenjackets take control of the area, instruct those in the area to leave, sweep the area toensure it is empty and report to the person in charge of the evacuation.

Whilst this method seems to be reasonable there appears to be some confusion and lack

of knowledge by some staff as to the requirements of them and others.

Recommendation

All properties should be subject to a fire risk assessment by an independent fire safetyspecialist. The assessments must cover physical aspects of buildings, maintenance andservicing of fire equipment, take account of the users of the buildings including those whomay need assistance to evacuate e.g. wheelchair users or those with visual impairmentsand it must also review management of fire safety.

It is essential that all members of staff are given consistent and clear information regarding

their roles and responsibilities in the event of a fire or fire alarm activation. It is thereforerecommended that this it basic procedure is developed, implemented and shared with allstaff.

Asbestos

Asbestos is managed by the estates team appears to be well controlled. An asbestosregister is in place, asbestos awareness training is undertaken by relevant members ofstaff, removal of asbestos materials and subsequent air sampling is undertaken by ACEand six monthly checks on asbestos containing materials is undertaken by Normandyhealth and safety.

In addition specific advice regarding asbestos can be obtained from the educationdepartment.

There are no actions to be taken or recommendations regarding asbestos management.

Legionella

Legionella is managed by the estates team and appears to be well controlled. A Legionellasurvey is in place and training staff has been delivered as required.

Monthly and quarterly checks are undertaken by caretakers, AFM undertake monthlytemperature checks for the catering department.


11/25


The Legionella survey and is advice is from Green Compliance who are UK basedcompany and follow UK legislation.

There are no actions to be taken or recommendations regarding Legionella management.

Electrical Equipment

All portable electrical equipment is tested in-house. Equipment is barcoded to ensureaccurate test information is recorded.

The hardwiring electrical installation is expected on a five yearly basis which is in line withUK legislation.

There are no actions to be taken or recommendations regarding electrical management.

Working at height

Working at height is predominantly undertaken by estates staff all of whom have receivedworking height training including the use of cherry pickers and tallerscopes. There are noworking height risk assessments in place.

Recommendation

It is recommended that risk assessments are completed for working at height activities

Manual handling

As with working at height manual handling is predominantly undertaken by estates staff allof whom have received training, however due to the very nature of some curriculum areassuch as bricklaying manual handling is an inherent part of both staff and students activities.

Recommendation

Manual handling risk assessments must be completed for estates staff and where requiredfor curriculum areas.

Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)

There is limited information and procedures with regards to COSHH. There are someCOSHH assessments in place although they did not follow a recognised format and are notin line with UK best practice.

COSHH symbols were replaced several years ago with international standardised symbols.

Recommendations

COSHH procedures must be developed and implemented and must include a methodologyof COSHH assessment which is in line with UK best practice and includes the currentinternational symbols.


12/25


It should be noted that COSHH assessments will only be required for areas wherehazardous substances are used.

Gas and oil

There is a mix of oil, gas and electric fuel sources on sites. These are controlled by theestates team and appeared to be well managed.

All installations are inspected annually, oil tanks are bunded and the catering area has anautomatic shutdown facility installed in the event of an emergency or activation of fire alarmsystem.

There are no actions or recommendations regarding gas and oil control.

First aid

First aid cover is patchy across the three campuses with first aid certificates of severalmembers of staff now expired.

There is no method for determining first aid requirements, and there is a serious lack of firstaid cover in high-risk areas such as the construction and engineering departments.

Recommendations

A first aid needs analysis must be undertaken to establish the required level of cover

across all departments and all campuses. Once the analysis has been completed staffmust be trained to the level as indicated by the analysis, this could be emergency first aidat work or full first aid at work training.

Specific Curriculum/Department Information and Observations

Vehicle workshop

Risk assessments for the motor vehicle workshop and are to a good standard and follow

current HSE methodology.

COSHH assessments are in place and whilst to a reasonable standard do not follow arecognised method.

Lifting equipment is inspected and serviced on a six monthly basis as required. Localexhaust ventilation is inspected and serviced on an annual basis as required.

Personal protective equipment including boots, overalls, eye protection, gloves and barriercream are all provided.

The roller shutter door has not been inspected as required.

Electrical equipment has been tested.


13/25


Vehicle repair and maintenance courses include a health and safety element and a healthand safety induction is also delivered to new students.

There is no first aid provision/trained staff in the area.

Recommendations

Ensure the roller shutter door including lifting chain is inspected on a regular basis.

First aid provision must be reviewed.

COSHH assessments must be improved to bring them in line with a recognised method.

Plumbing workshop

There are some risk assessments in place for student activities but there are none for staff

job roles or activities.

The local exhaust ventilation system is cleaned and serviced on annual basis as required.

Portable electrical equipment is tested annually as required.

Health and safety forms part of the curriculum and includes working at height.

The use of hot work permits does not form part of the curriculum.

COSHH assessments are undertaken although information is not recorded to evidence

this.

A number of items were noted as being stored at height, some of which were heavy and/orbulky.

There are no trained first aiders in the area.

Recommendations

COSHH assessments must be recorded using a standardised format once this has beendeveloped.


Improve storage at height. Note an external storage container is due to be delivered in thenear future which will relieve this problem. Once the container is in place storage at heightshould be regularly reviewed.

Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be developed once a format andmethodology has been implemented across GCFE.

It is a requirement under UK legislation that hot work permits are employed when required,

for example when using blowtorches. It is recommended that hot works and hot workpermits are included to the curriculum.


14/25


Bricklaying workshop

Risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place for the bricklaying workshop andare to a good standard.

Personal protective equipment including boots and gloves are worn.

Equipment including the mortar mill has been serviced and electrical equipment has beentested.

All courses include a health and safety element and a health and safety induction is alsodelivered to new students.

There is no first aid provision/trained staff in the area.

At the time of the audit the raised walkway in the bricklaying area had no guardrail with a

fall height of approximately 4 feet to the area below.

Recommendations

Install guardrail on the raised walkway. If the walkway is to be used to undertakebricklaying activities the area below must not be used due to the risk of falling materials.


Carpentry workshop

The local exhaust ventilation system is checked on a daily basis and is subject to anannual service.

At the time of the audit the fire escape to the rear of the room was blocked.

Risk assessments are in place for some activities and are to a reasonable standard.

Level 1 students are only permitted to use hand tools. Level 2 students are only permittedto use machinery following instruction and always supervised when doing so.

There are no formal risk assessments completed by staff. It was noted that students areresponsible for completing risk assessments for the tasks they undertake.

Personal protective equipment including air defenders, goggles and safety boots aresupplied.

COSHH assessments are not in place.

Staff commented that space within the workshop is becoming increasingly limited due tothe size of projects completed by students.

There is no first aid provision in the area.


15/25


Recommendations



Fire escapes must be kept clear at all times

Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be developed once a format andmethodology has been implemented across GCFE.

Engineering workshop

All students are given an induction pack and health and safety is incorporated into courses.

Some specific risk assessments are in place for example for Oxy-Acetylene welding

although they are not to the required standard.

Kill switches are currently ceiling hung cords. At the time of audit the cords had been spunaround ceiling bars so that they could not be reached in an emergency.

The workshop lecturer commented that he had not received fire safety training. This isparticularly concerning considering the environment.

The workshop lecturer also commented that there has been a number of incidents withspecial needs students some of which could have resulted in serious and life changinginjuries. This includes students pointing gas welding torches at other student faces.

There is no first aid provision in the area.

Recommendations



Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be transferred to the agreedformat once this has been implemented across GCFE.

Kill switches must be changed to push button type and located at an accessible height.

Fire training must be delivered.

An urgent review of pupil behaviour is required and it is recommended that close liaisonwith schools is required to identify potential issues. A review of supervision levels is alsorecommended. Any incidents must be reported and recorded and where they involveschool pupils incidents must be discussed with the schools to address the issues.


16/25


Information Technology

Health and safety information is given on day one as part of student induction.

Information regarding the correct setup workstations is given as part of the course.

A number of chairs within IT rooms are in poor condition particularly in room 103.

A number of IT rooms were overcrowded particularly 108. The ICT staff room is alsoovercrowded with 5 staff located in the room.

Recommendations

Chairs provided for both students and staff must be in good condition and suitable for theworking environment particularly taking into account that students and staff sit for longperiods of time

A review of working space should be undertaken and allow for the tasks studentsundertake. Although there is a notional workspace guideline of 11 cubic metres per personthis does not account for storage or use of equipment. Regardless of guideline figuresstudents and staff should be provided with sufficient space to undertake studies or workcomfortably.


Catering

Health and safety is well-managed in the catering department, risk assessments are inplace for the kitchen area, bar and restaurant and are to a good standard. Students receivehealth and safety induction which includes fire safety, use of machines and general healthand safety information.

The local exhaust ventilation system is serviced and deep cleaned on an annual basis,kitchens are cleaned daily and there is also a termly deep clean.

There are no recommendations or actions required for the catering area.

Art and design

The art and design areas are well-managed in terms of health and safety. Students aregiven full health and safety induction including the use of any equipment.

A sharps bin is available for disposal of blades.

A flammable's cabinet is in place for safe storage of chemicals.

Access students receive additional support if required.

The technician is a qualified first aider.

There is one member of staff trained to use the evacuation chair located in the area.


17/25


Generally the art and design areas are kept in good condition.

CLEAPSS (Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services)information is utilised effectively with standardised haz-cards and risk assessmentsreceived which cover all activities that take place.

Staff raised the concern that asbestos in the art design area has not been fully removed

and has the potential to contaminate the areas should an incident such as a leak shouldoccur.

Recommendations

Review asbestos containing materials in the area and take appropriate action. This willrequire specialist advice from asbestos contractors.

Health and Beauty

COSHH assessments are not in place for health and beauty area.

There has been no assessment for a member of staff who was pregnant.

Staff commented that there has been no fire drill in at least two years. However this may bedue to staff members not being on site when drills were undertaken. Staff also noted thatthey have not received fire safety training.

Risk assessments are not in place for staff job roles or student activities.

Staff commented that room 101 has particularly poor ventilation resulting in a comfortableworking environment.

A member of staff is first aid trained.

A number of therapy beds are in poor condition. It should be noted that members of thepublic use the facilities. In addition it was noted that beds are heavy and difficult to move asthey are either on rubber feet or where they are on casters they are in poor condition sohindering ease of movement.

A shelf in the equipment store was found to be near collapse.

It is understood that there has been a case of Legionella in the health and beauty area.Staff commented that they have not been informed as to what remedial works have beenundertaken although they were aware that thermostatic mixer valves may have beenremoved. Considering the equipment in place i.e. showerheads, which are the mostcommon method of contracting the disease, it is essential that staff are fully aware of theimplications of both the Legionella bacteria being found and remedial works that havetaken place. In addition the pregnant worker is potentially at increased risk of contractinglegionnaires disease.

Recommendations



18/25


Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be developed once the agreedformat has been implemented across GCFE.

Fire training must be delivered and confirm with staff if fire drills have taken place.

Therapy beds must be kept in good condition and subject to regular servicing andmaintenance.

The shelf in the store room must be repaired to prevent it from collapsing.

It is essential that staff are kept informed of the situation with regard to the case oflegionnaires disease including implications of the bacteria in the water system and of anyremedial works undertaken.

A risk assessment is required for the pregnant member of staff and in addition their workingenvironment in relation to the recent case of legionnaires disease must be taken intoaccount.

Ventilation should be reviewed in room 101 as the restricted opening of windows is causingan uncomfortable working environment

Business, Finance and Management

Generally the business finance and management area health and safety is to a reasonablestandard.

Member of staff had spoken to advised that there had been no fire drills that she was

aware of so supporting the view of health and beauty staff.

Students receive health and safety information as part of their courses and are shown howto set up their workstations correctly.

The staff member noted that student with learning disabilities has at times been difficult tomanage and on occasions they have been aggressive. The staff member was concernedthat they could not always predict the reaction of the students particularly in the event of afire alarm activation leading to evacuation of the building. The individual student usually isaccompanied by an assistant but this is not always the case.

The staff member occasionally lone works and was concerned that was no protocol inplace to ensure her safety when lone working.

Recommendations

A lone working protocol and procedure is required

An assessment of the student with learning disabilities is required to ensure the safety ofstaff, students and the individual themselves.

It should be confirmed if fire drills have taken place at a time when the staff member wasnot present.


19/25


Health and Social Care and Early Years

Health and safety is generally well-managed in the health and social care and early yearssettings.

Risk assessments are completed for placements and offsite trips.

At present there is a hearing-impaired student that has not been assessed in relation totheir needs, for example in the event of fire alarm activation.

The two members of staff interviewed from this area were not aware of evacuationprocedures, fire warden duties or first aid provision.

Recommendations

An assessment is required for the hearing impaired student to ensure their safety

particularly in relation to fire alarm activation. If in the future other students have particularneeds identified an assessment should be undertaken.

Staff should be made fully aware of fire evacuation procedures and duties of fire wardens.

Staff should be made aware of first aid provision and those who are first aid trained.

Access/SEN

The are a number of issues regarding Access/SEN most of which relate to building access,

movement around the buildings and fire safety.

There are no power doors to the Delancey site which hinders access to those inwheelchairs, in addition wheelchair users also have difficulty moving around the site andrequire assistance the majority of the time in order to navigate corridors and move throughdoors.

The lifts installed are limited in size and in some cases only one person can fit into the liftsif they are in a large wheelchair. Due to the control mechanisms installed it is difficult forsome disabled people to operate the lift independently.

An area by the lift in the Russell building is noted as a refuge point. A refuge point is anarea where those less able can be placed temporarily whilst assistance is sought toevacuate them fully from the building. A refuge point must be fire protected, this area is not,and must have two-way communications installed.

The escape route in the Russell building by room 21 was blocked at the time of inspection.All escape route routes must be kept clear at all times.

The serving hatch in the refractory in the Russell building is set at a height wherebywheelchair users find it difficult to use.

It was noted at the time of inspection that you wet room was being installed in the Delanceybuilding with the addition of an overhead hoist being fitted. As the shower will be used by


20/25


people who may have physical disabilities and limited communication ability it is essentialthat a thermostatic mixer valve is installed. It is unknown if the shower unit has athermostatic limiter already installed. Clarification must be sought as to what is installed atpresent before the shower is used. If no temperature control is installed either athermostatic mixer valve must be fitted or shower changed to one that has a built-inthermostatic control.

The head of Access noted that due to a range of student sizes the chairs available werenot always suitable. This also applies to tables which are to set height and not alwayssuitable for those in wheelchairs.

It was advised that staff from the Access Department are due to attend team teach training.Team teach is training for staff that helps assist in dealing with challenging behaviourincluding violence and aggression and self-harm.

A concern was raised regarding the evacuation assembly point as this is directly locatedadjacent to a road.

Due to the disabilities of some students written fire safety information is not alwayssuitable.

Students with disabilities, either physical, mental or a combination of require personalemergency evacuation plans. The plans are designed to understand the assistance thatindividuals may need to be alerted to a fire and evacuate the building.

Risk assessments are in place for students but not staff.

The member of staff who delivers catering training in the Access area last received foodhygiene training six years ago. The kitchen area used by the Access Department has

mould in some areas. There is also a lack of basic resources such as gloves.

Recommendations

Personal emergency evacuation plans are required for all students who have a physical ormental disability or impairment to ensure their safety particularly in relation to fire alarmactivation.

Staff should be made aware of the first aid provision available

The situation regarding thermostatic temperature control in the wet room must be

confirmed. If not already in place thermostatic temperature control must be installed.

As part of the recommended fire safety assessment items such as blocked escape routesand incorrectly marked refuge point should be identified, a more suitable assembly point beallocated for wheelchair users and information be made available in pictorial format. In theinterim all escape routes must be kept clear at all times and the refuge signage removed.

Whilst appreciating that the cost would be significant it is recommended that powerassisted doors are installed to allow ease of access, particularly for wheelchair users.

Again whilst appreciating the cost may be significant it is recommended that over a period

of time more suitable chairs and tables are purchased for the Access Department.


21/25


Risk assessments must be developed for staff job roles activities once a process is in placea format agreed across all GCFE sites.

Staff delivering catering training to access students should receive updated food hygienetraining. In addition a review of resources should be undertaken with a view to purchasingat least basic equipment such as gloves.

The kitchen area should be regularly cleaned but in particular the mould should beremoved and monitored in the future.

General Building Observations

As a general overview the three campus buildings are in reasonable condition in relation togeneral housekeeping. There were however some observations made in relation to healthand safety which are noted below.

The fire panel by room 26 in the Delancey building was showing a fault.

The fixed ladders in the construction area, Coutanchez site, leads to space which is directlyabove the false ceiling. There is no fixed guarding at the top of the ladders potentiallyresulting in a fall from height and a person in the area could easily step onto the falseceiling again causing a fall from height.

The escape route in the Russell building by room 21 was blocked at the time of inspection.All escape route routes must be kept clear at all times.

Summary of Key Recommendations

Below is a summary of the key recommendations that relate to the GCFE as a whole asopposed to specific areas. By addressing these key recommendations the majority, but notall, of risk specific or curriculum area issues raised will be rectified and managed bydefault.

1. Develop a full and robust management system health by way of a health and safetypolicy and suite of operational procedures.

2. Develop and implement a standardised risk assessment methodology and templatesand train staff in risk assessing.

3. Review current induction for staff and standardise the information that relates to healthand safety

4. Review current induction for students and standardise the information that relates tohealth and safety.

5. Develop and introduce a simple accident and incident reporting system.

6. All properties should be subject to a fire risk assessment by an independent fire safetyspecialist.

7. A first aid needs analysis must be undertaken to establish the required level of coveracross all departments and all campuses.


22/25


Appendix ARisk Assessment Template

TASK/JOB /AREAASSESSED

ASSESSMENT CARRIEDBY:

DATE CARRIEDOUT

ASSESSMENTREVIEWED BY:

REVIEW DUEDATE:

WHAT ARE THEHAZARDS?

WHO MIGHT BEAFFECTED/

HARMED AND HOW?

CONTROL MEASURES WHO BY? WHEN BY? COMPLETIONDATE/

SIGNED OFFWHAT CONTROL

MEASURES ARE ALREADY

IN PLACE

FURTHER ACTIONREQUIRED

(to reduce risk)

NAME DATE


23/25


Appendix B Training Costs

Below is a sample cost for face-to-face and e-learning for fire safety, COSHH and manualhandling. The costs are indicative only and may vary from provider to provider. It should benoted that blended learning is usually only utilised for courses lasting more than five daystherefore costs are not given

Fire Safety

Face-to-face - 350 per session based on 10 delegates

E-Learning - 10 per person based on a minimum purchase of 50 credits

COSHH



Manual Handling



There are several providers of health and safety e-learning packages, a selection of which isbelow. Please note a specific provider cannot be recommended and the detail below isfor information only:

Safety Media -http://www.safetymedia.co.uk/e-learning/express-e-learning/

Phoenix Health and Safetyhttp://www.phoenixhsc.co.uk/e-learning-courses

RoSPA -http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/work/e-learning/

Praxis 42 -http://www.praxis42.com/elearning/
http://www.safetymedia.co.uk/e-learning/express-e-learning/http://www.safetymedia.co.uk/e-learning/express-e-learning/http://www.safetymedia.co.uk/e-learning/express-e-learning/http://www.phoenixhsc.co.uk/e-learning-courseshttp://www.phoenixhsc.co.uk/e-learning-courseshttp://www.phoenixhsc.co.uk/e-learning-courseshttp://www.rospa.com/safety-training/work/e-learning/http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/work/e-learning/http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/work/e-learning/http://www.praxis42.com/elearning/http://www.praxis42.com/elearning/http://www.praxis42.com/elearning/http://www.praxis42.com/elearning/http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/work/e-learning/http://www.phoenixhsc.co.uk/e-learning-courseshttp://www.safetymedia.co.uk/e-learning/express-e-learning/


24/25


Appendix C -Health and safety committee

The purpose of health and safety committee is set out below. It is essential that any healthand safety committee has the authority to be a decision-making body.

Purpose

To advise, comment on and instigate College wide Health & Safety policies, procedures and

codes of practice and to facilitate their implementation with recommendations for action

To promote and encourage the co-operation between all staff and students in matters of

Health & Safety

To examine, appraise and advise on the implications of all safety legislation on the College

To receive and consider any reports from external or internal Health & Safety experts, the

Health & Safety Executive and other appropriate bodies and take such action as is necessary

To consider and make recommendations for Health & Safety training for all staff and monitor

its effectiveness

To review accident and incident reports and statistics and monitor trends in order to

recommend courses of corrective action

To review and monitor Health & Safety standards and targets

To review the level of resources allocated and deployed to carry out Health & Safety duties.

Below is a suggested structure for a health and safety committee. Members should beselected from a range of areas and levels of seniority to ensure engagement across the

college. Numbers should be limited to 12 per meeting. It is perfectly acceptable to have

rotating attendees although there must be a core structure made up of the Operations

Director, Estates and Union representation.

Director of operations

Estates and facilities management

Faculty Directors

Union representatives

Lecturers Technicians

Administrative staff

It is suggested that the committee meet each month for the first three months after inceptionto ensure the committee is structurally correct, terms of reference and standing agenda itemsare set. After the initial period it is suggested that meetings then be held on a quarterly basiswith the option to call meetings in between times should an urgent issue arise or following aserious accident/incident.


25/25

Appendix D - Competent Advice Options and Costs

The costs below are indicative only and may vary.

1. Employ a full time health and safety adviser with a minimum NEBOSH GeneralCertificate.

Annual Salary 35,000 to 40,000 plus on-costs

2. Employ a part time health and safety adviser, based on 3 days per week (1 day persite per week) with a minimum NEBOSH General Certificate

Annual Salary 21,000 to 24,000 (pro rata based on FTE) plus on-costs

3. Employ external consultants to assist in implementation of a full health and safetysystem and thereafter on a retained basis (suggest 2 to 3 days per month)

Initial cost based on 15 to 20 days for development and implementation at 350 per day.Total cost 5250 to 7000.

On-going annual retention costs 8400 (2 days per month) to 12600 (3 days permonth).

Additional costs may be incurred if suitable provision is not available on island.

4. Train and internal member of staff to a minimum NEBOSH General Certificate.

Initial training cost approx. 1200.

On-going cost for continual development approx. 500 per year

If option 4 is taken, the internal member of staff would require time aside from their mainjob role to undertake health and safety duties. The cost of this would be determined bythe need to back fill their substantive post and the number of days allocated to health andsafety duties.

guernsey college hs report - final 110116

Documents