health & safety in childcare centres - mayo county ...14800,en.pdf · welfare measures...
TRANSCRIPT
© QTS Limited
Health & Safety in childcare centres
Mayo County Childcare Presentation
Presented by Shane Mac Loughlin
QTS LtdCross St., Galway
© QTS Limited
Presentation Content
Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005
Manual handling
Stress / Bullying
First Aid
Fire Register & Emergency Planning
Risk Assessments specific to Childcare Services
Internal Environment
Play Areas (Internal & External)
Food Safety / Hygiene / Nutrition
Child protection Guidelines (Dept of Health & Children Guidelines)
Q&A
© QTS Limited
2005 Act - IntroductionPrimary focus is on the prevention of
workplace accidents, illnesses and dangerous occurrences and provides for significantly increased fines and penalties
New Act is framework in nature, focusing on broad general duties and the organisational and structural arrangements necessary to achieve better safety and health.
Aims to encourage a responsible attitude on the part of both employers and employees
© QTS Limited
Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005
Employer Duties
© QTS Limited
Employer Duties: Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and
welfare at work of all employees, the duties cover:
Management and conduct of work activities Preventing improper conduct or behaviour (violence, bullying or horseplay at
work) Design, provision and maintenance of (i) safe workplaces (ii) safe means of
access to and egress from the workplace and (iii) safe plant and machinery Providing safe systems of work Providing adequate welfare facilities Provision of adequate instruction, training and supervision and any necessary
information (employer duties continued on next slide…..)
© QTS Limited
Employer Duties:(continued):
Preparing risk assessments and safety statements that take account of the general principles of prevention when implementing necessary safety, health and welfare measures
Provision and maintenance of suitable personal protective equipment where risks cannot be eliminated, or where such equipment is prescribed.
Preparation of plans and procedures to be followed and measures to be taken in the case of an emergency or the presence of serious or imminent danger
Report accidents and dangerous occurrences
© QTS Limited
Employer Duties: Information for Employee
Must be in a form, manner and language that is reasonably likely to be understood
Any proposed measure that is likely to substantially affect safety, health and welfare at the place of work including any measures required by safety and health legislation,
Responsible persons – designated duties Risk Assessments Safety statement and subsequent changes The information required to be given to employees Information on reportable accidents and dangerous occurrences The appointment of competent persons Training
© QTS Limited
Employer Duties: Instruction, Training and Supervision of Employees
Because of the multi-cultural nature of the Irish workforce the Act recognises the need to communicate with all employees in a language that they understand.
Training must be provided on: on recruitment, on transfer of employee or change of task, on introduction of new work equipment, systems or work or changes in existing work equipment or systems of work and on introduction of new technology.
Equally employers are now required to provide information on relevant health and safety issues to non-employees, to temporary staff and those on fixed term contracts.
Employees of another employer working in the place of work must also be informed, andthe their employer must also be made aware of all safety information Risk Assessments PPE requirements First aid fire-fighting and rescue arrangements
© QTS Limited
Employer Duties: General Duties of Employers to Persons Other Than Their Employees
Duties to those who are not their employees but who may be exposed to risks to their health or safety at the place of work while work is being carried on.
multi-occupancy workplaces contractors e.g. maintenance workers workplace may need to be given to the contractor Public access, and in particular children, to dangerous
workplaces e.g. construction sites, vehicle depots etc.
© QTS Limited
Typical childcare centre Safety Management Structure
Company Directors
MANAGER
carers Kitchen Staff Cleaner
Staff electedSafety Rep
Appointed Safety Officer
© QTS Limited
Responsibilities - Manager
Manager assumes role of daily Safety Management of childcare centre on behalf of directors
Communicate to Directors any safety concerns and resources needed to ensure safety of staff, students and members of the public.
Develop and approve budget plans with Directors and projections necessary to support approved Health and Safety goals, targets and action plans.
Work with employees to ensure that all the required tools and personal protective equipment needed to conduct their work is available.
Ensure good communications are developed and maintained.
Ensure that all employees have received appropriate safety training in a timely basis and such that training is documented.
Ensure that safety activities are co-ordinated and specific responsibilities are assigned.
© QTS Limited
Safety Officer Vs Safety Representative Safety Officer appointed by Management to act on their behalf to help
ensure Employer responsibilities are adhered to. Safety Officer is a management function the extent of which depends of level of delegation assigned by Directors.
Safety Representative are elected by peers (general staff) and do not have any legal responsibilities for Safety within the childcare centre but rather roles as outlined in the 2005 Act.
A Safety Representative is not responsible for the childcare centres safety management
Role of Safety Represenative;
bring staff concerns to childcare centre Management Act as staff liase where there are Staff Safety issues Investigate Accidents and assist HSA when requested
© QTS Limited
Safety Officer
The role of Safety Officer, who is normally a centre manager, is to manage (on behalf of the Directors) the day to day functions of the Safety Management Programme. Such as:Safety Management, Consultation, Training and Recording.
© QTS Limited
Safety Representative
Make representations to the employer on any aspect of safety, health and welfare.
Investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences provided that it does not interfere with the performance of statutory obligations.
Make oral or written representations to the Health and Safety Authority on matters of safety, health and welfare.
Receive advice and information from the HSA. Inspect the work place subject to agreement with employer as to frequency
of inspections. Investigate potential hazards and complaints made by staff that he/she
represents. Be informed of impending Health and Safety Authority inspections. Consult with the HSA Inspector and accompany them on visits (but not on
investigations of accidents). Have time off as may be reasonable in order to acquire information on
matters of safety, health and welfare
© QTS Limited
Employee Duties:
Each employee is reminded that they have specific statutory responsibilities, which are outlined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. This places a number of duties on staff whilst they are at work.
Specific responsibilities include:
To take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of other personnel who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions.
To co-operate with his/her employer or any other person to enable his/her employer to comply with statutory obligations.
To use any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or other means provided for securing safety, health and welfare.
© QTS Limited
To report to management without delay any defects of which he/she becomes aware of in equipment, place of work, or system of work, which might endanger safety, health and welfare.
Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with any safety measure provided
for securing the safety, health or welfare of persons.
© QTS Limited
Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005
Enforcement Actions, Prosecutions and Penalties
© QTS Limited
Improvement Direction
Improvement Notice
Prohibition Notice
Closure of a Place of Work
© QTS Limited
Prosecutions and Penalties Offences including breaches of regulations can be tried in either:
1. The District Court where the max. penalty is € 3000 and or up to 6 months in prison
2. Or
2. On indictment in the Circuit Court where the max. penalty is €3,000,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two
years
In the case of a conviction, the Court, unless it is satisfied that there are special and substantial reasons for not doing so, must
order the person convicted to pay the Authority’s costs and expenses.
© QTS Limited
Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005
Liability of Directors and Officers of Undertakings
© QTS Limited
80.—(1) Where an offence under any of the relevant statutory provisions has been committed by an undertaking and the doing of the acts that constituted the offence has been authorised, or consented to by, or is attributable to connivance or neglect on the part of, a person, being a director, manager or other similar officer of the undertaking, or a person who purports to act in any such capacity, that person as well as the undertaking shall be guiltyof an offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished as if he or she were guilty of the first-mentioned offence.
© QTS Limited
Onus of proof
81.—In any proceedings for an offence under any of the relevant statutory provisions consisting of a failure to comply with a duty or requirement to do something so far as is practicable or so far as is reasonably practicable, or to use the best practicable means to do something, it shall be for the accused to prove (as the case may be)that
it was not practicable or not reasonably practicable to do more than was in fact done to satisfy the duty or requirement, or that there was no better practicable means than was in fact used to satisfy the duty or requirement.
© QTS Limited
Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005
Safety Statement
© QTS Limited
Safety Statement
Every employer must have a written safety statement based on the hazards identified and the risk assessment setting out how the safety, health and welfare of employees will be secured and managed
The employer must bring the safety statement to the attention of the employees.
This should be done at least annually, or when it is amended.
The safety statement must also be brought to the attention of others who may be exposed to specific risk at the place.
The safety statement must be reviewed, (a) if there has been a significant change in matters to which it refers(b) there is another reason to believe that it is no longer valid(c) if so directed by a HSA Inspector within 30 days
© QTS Limited
Safety statement must include or make reference to;
o Policy on Stresso Policy on Bullyingo Accident / Incident Recordingo General Application Regulations 2007
o Part 2 Chp 4 – Manual handlingo Part 7 Chp 2 – First Aid
© QTS Limited
DEFINITION OF MANUAL HANDLING OF LOADS
Transporting or supporting of a load by one or more employees, including lifting,putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving which, by reason of its characteristics or of unfavourable ergonomic conditions, involves risk,particularly of back injury, to employees.
© QTS Limited
BACK PAIN STATISTICS 80% Population in
Western World Affected
70,000 Back Injuries in UK / IRL each Year
30% - 40% of Accidents due to Incorrect Lifting / Handling
Main Cause of Lost
ON THE INCREASE Lack of Mobility Incorrect Posture Poor Working Habits Lack of Knowledge /
Skill Attitude
© QTS Limited
For child care services this relates to lifting and carrying children, bending down to children, leaning over changing tables etc.
© QTS Limited
First Aid
Best practice is for all staff to be trained in first aid At minimum one fully trained staff on premises
at all times Need to ensure provison of first aid not
compromised by holidays/ annual leave / sickness etc.Training must be FETAC approved and takes 3
working days ( typical providers – Order of Malta, Irish Red Cross)
© QTS Limited
Administering prescribed medicines
Protocol must be in placeWritten permission and/or written directions
from GP must be receivedAlways ensure medicine has;Childs first & last nameIs prescribed by GPIs in original containerIs within expiryHas specific instructions for use and storageIs in child proof container
© QTS Limited
Administering Over the counter Medicine
Protocol must be in placeWritten permission from parent/gaurdianAlways ensure medicine has;Childs first & last nameIs in original containerIs within expiryHas specific instructions for use and storageIs in child proof containerName of health care provider who recommended the
medication
© QTS Limited
Additional childcare centre H&S PoliciesAppendices to safety Statement
Assessment of conditions for Pregnant Women.Classification of Hazardous SubstancesWorkplace StressHarassment and BullyingOverview of Department of Education Child Protection Guidelines
Safe Operating Policies & Procedures
Food safety policy Staff recruitment Infection control Sickness during service hours Child protection Behaviour management Fire Safety Pollicy Security Hygiene Accidents
© QTS Limited
FIRE SAFETY
What is Fire?
The rapid oxidation of a fuel evolving heat, particulates, gases and non-ionizing radiation
Sources of Ignition
SmokingElectrical equipmentHeatersContractors tools and equipmentArson
Fuels
Paper & Boxes etc.Expanded polystyrene
beadsPlasticsSolventsCarpetsFurnitureWaste materials
© QTS Limited
Classes of Fire - BS EN 2
A - Free burning materials, paper, wood, plastics etc.
B - Flammable liquids, petrol, meths, solvents etc.
C - Flammable gases, methane, hydrogen etc. D - Metals, potassium, sodium, magnesium etc. F - Cooking fats Electricity can be involved in any class of fire
© QTS Limited
Fire Prevention Be mindful of Fire
Safety Don’t block fire exits,
call points or extinguishers
No smoking policy Take care when cookingObserve good security Don’t wedge Fire Doors
open
© QTS Limited
Fire Procedure - Fire Alarm Account for all in your care and direct
them to leave the building immediately Note: Babies and Smaller children may
have to be carried. Use the nearest exitWalk quickly but don’t run closing doors
behind you Do not delay your exit to collect your
belongings Attend the Fire Assembly Point and
account for all children. Do not return until told to do so
© QTS Limited
Fire Procedure - Finding a FireSound the fire alarmFight the fire if you are
competent and you consider it safe to do soEvacuate as per
normal fire procedure Inform the Fire safety
officer or manager
© QTS Limited
Fighting a Fire -Do not fight the fire if : -
It is bigger than a waste paper binOne extinguisher is not enoughSmoke is affecting your breathingYou cannot see the way outGas cylinders or chemicals are involvedYour efforts are not reducing the size of the
fire
© QTS Limited
Extinguishers - European Changes
© QTS Limited
Fire Extinguishers - Water
Red body Suitable for use on Class A
Fires, wood and paper etc. Not suitable for combustible
liquids, cooking fats etc. Not safe to use on fires
involving electricity Extinguishes by cooling
© QTS Limited
Fire Extinguishers - Foam
Cream body (Old type) or Red Body with Cream label
Suitable for Class A and B Fires. Not suitable for use on fires
involving electricity Extinguishes by cooling and
sealing the surface of a burning liquid
© QTS Limited
Fire Extinguishers - Powder
Blue body (Old type) or Red body with blue label.
Best on Class B fires but safe to use on any type of fire.
Works by chemically interfering with the combustion reaction
© QTS Limited
Fire Extinguishers -Carbon Dioxide
Black body (Old type) or red body with black label (New type)
Best on Class B and C fires but safe to use on any type of fire
Safe to use on fires involving electricity
Extinguishes by reducing oxygen levels and cooling
© QTS Limited
Fire Extinguishers - Blanket
Any colour body or label but they are usually red or white
For use on any type of fire but best on small contained class B fires and people on fire.
Extinguishes by asphyxiating
© QTS Limited
Fire Register The Register should be kept in a safe place on the premises at all times
together with the relevant Code of Practice or Guide to Fire Precautions and should be available for inspection by any Authorised Officer of the Fire Authority.
The Register generally has sufficient pages to allow for records over a period of 5 years.
Owners or Managers should take careful note of the intervals at which various inspections, tests or inventory/location checks are to be carried out. These are summarised in the table below.
Emergency Lighting Fire Alarm
Extinguishers & Hose Reels
Fire Exit Doors/Means of Escape
Fire Drill
Daily X X
Weekly X X X
Monthly X X
3 Monthly X X X
6 Monthly X X
Yearly X X X X
© QTS Limited
Fire Safety at Home
Fit and maintain a smoke detector
Bin the chip pan Fit MCBs in fusebox Check round at night Close doors at night Don’t smoke in bed Prepare an escape
plan
© QTS Limited
RISK ASSESSMENT
© QTS Limited
RISK ASSESSMENT and RECOMMENDATIONS
What is a Risk Assessment? A Risk Assessment is a process for managing health and safety in
the work place.
What is a Hazard? A hazard is anything that can potentially cause harm.
How to ensure Effectiveness of Risk Assessment. Risk Assessments will be carried out regularly with risks identified
with recommended controls needed As part of the continuous assessment process it is critical that the
Directors ensure recommendations are implemented and effectiveness verified.
Risk Assessment Rating and How to perform Risk Assessment Typically Risk Assessment and Recommendations will be
documented and updated as needed in Matrix Format as per net example.
© QTS Limited
Avoiding Risk - Hierarchy of Control Controlling the health and safety risks in a workplace is necessary to
prevent injury and illness. First, identify and assess the risks, then decide on the best way to control (i.e. remove or reduce) them, by applying the Hierarchy of Controls.
The Hierarchy of Controls = preferred order of control measures for OHS risks.
Elimination - controlling the hazard at source. Substitution - eg. replacing one substance or
activity with a less hazardous one. Engineering - eg. installing guards on
machinery Administration - policies and procedures for
safe work practices Personal Protective Equipment - eg
respirators, ear plugs.
© QTS Limited
What are the hazards
Who might be harmed and how?
RiskRating
What are you already doing?
What further action is necessary?
Action by who?
Action by when?
Fire Register –not up to date.
All users - In event of emergency the means of escape may be blocked.
Medium. Means of escapes are being checked but no recorded.
Means of escape schedule to be recorded and kept up to date within fire register.
Management Continuous
Room ABC –poor air quality
Staff working have air quality resulting health concerns. AC if water cooled can culture legionnaires disease.
Medium Air conditioning provided. Air conditioning system needs to be maintained and system cleaned.
If issues continue an air quality assessment of the offices must be complete and further investigation.
Management 3 months
Cracked Glass on door
Glass may shatter causing splinters to fly, particular concern re toys, children seating etc.
high On going maintenance of building
Immediately replace glass on door Management Immediately
First Aid kit not available
First aid sign on wall but no first kit present
Low No actions First aid kit to be put in place or sign to be removed from area.
Safety Officer 3 months
Hot food held at approx. 55 deg c
Food poisoning to children / staff who eat food
high Re-heating food in microwave if gets cold
Bain marie to maintain food above 63 deg c or food consumed immedtaly after cooking
Chef immediate
Evidence under sink of Rodents / Mice / rats
All staff and in particular children handling equipment
High Cleaning up daily and practicing good housekeeping
Disinfect or replace all hand held equipment not in covered containers.
Engage pest control services
Management immediately
© QTS Limited
Specific Risk assessment headings for Childcare services Internal Environment
Doors / Windows / exits / flooring / storage
Play areas Toys & equipment Outdoor Surfaces
Food safety HACCP Bottles Allergies
Hygiene General Infections Hand washing Vomit / Soiling / Blood
© QTS Limited
Internal facility
All sockets should be child proofedAll Glass should be BS6206 Certified (
denoted by kitemark on glass)Any gas installations should be certified to
IS 813:196 or equivalentRadon survey & Asbestos surveys done
on building (in particular if older building)Fire Alarm and detection systems
maintainedHeat maintained at 18-20 deg in general
areas, 16-18 in sleep areasLower hand rails on stairs for children – 60
© QTS Limited
Play material which should be avoided, and which products to use in their place:
All equipment must be CE marked
Avoid - powder clay which is easily inhaled and may contain toxic substances like silica or asbestos. Do not sand this product around children. Use - talc-free, premixed clay, making sure to wet mop surfaces after use.
Avoid - instant paper mache, which may again contain toxic substances which are easily inhaled. Use - paper mache made from black and white newspaper and library or white paste.
Avoid - powdered tempera paints which may contain toxic pigments dangerous when inhaled. Use - liquid tempera paints or paints that are premixed by an adult.
Avoid - Permanent felt tipped markers which may contain toxic solvents. Use - water-based markers only.
Avoid - instant glue model glue or other solvent based adhesives like epoxy. Use -water-based white glue or library paste.
Know the number for the poison information centre in Beaumount - 01-8379964/66
© QTS Limited
OUTSIDE PLAY AREAS
Best practice to get them audited to RoSPA
In addition follow the guidelines that follow will enable you to spot potential hazards.
Before you allow your child to play, quickly scan the area for broken objects, stray animals, equipment that looks severely worn or has protruding parts.
Check the ground cover surrounding all equipment. It is recommended that a soft surface of sand, wood chips, shredded tires or sponge mats be in place and should equal a depth of 10-12 inches. Asphalt, cement, stone or grass surfaces are too dangerous as they do not protect a falling child.
Ensure that all equipment is securely anchored to the ground.
Flexible rubber swing seats are better than traditional wood or plastic seating and will cause less harm when they strike a child.
© QTS Limited
Make certain all equipment is free of loose or broken parts and that bolts and screws are receding or are covered with plastic caps. The S-shaped rings attached to swing chains should be closed on both ends.
Equipment containing bars should measure less than 3-1/2" in width or more than 9" in width to eliminate the possibility of a child's head becoming entrapped. Exercise rings should be less than 5" wide.
Young children should not be allowed on slides over 6 feet in height. Slides should have good handrails and gentle slopes.
Equipment should be at least 6 feet away from fences or buildings to allow free movement of the children and the equipment parts.
All equipment situated on the property should be inspected weekly to ensure the children's safety.
Most important, children must be properly supervised while they are on the playground.
Sandboxes should have covers and be free of animal faeces.
Water play must be closely supervised and the children should never be left unattended for any reason
© QTS Limited
General Hygiene
Kept a cleaning register - allocate Staff cleaned & sanitised daily Countertops & table tops, floors, door and cbinet
handlesFood prep surfacesPhonesMops & cleaning clothsHandwashing sinks, taps and surroundToilet seats, handles, floorsChanging tables after each useAny contaminated surface immediately
© QTS Limited
Blankets etc. cleaned monthly or before use by different childCots & Mattresses weekly or before use
by different childToys weekly
Note: everything should always be immediately cleaned where visbily soiled
© QTS Limited
Hand Washing
Upon arrivalBefore and after eatingAfter using or attending child in toiletAfter handling rubbishAfter nappy changingAfter handling sand boxesAfter wiping nose, sneezing or coughing
© QTS Limited
Vomit / Blood / Soiling
Always wear gloves If accidental contact immediately wash hands
with warm soapy water If risk of contacting broken skin Do Not Panic
risk of infection is remote Cleaning up Blood spillsWear glovesCover spill with paper towelsPour disenfectant on towels e.g Milton or Diluted bleachClean up and bag for rubbish.
© QTS Limited
FOOD AREAS
Minimum facilities Adequate storage – off the groundAdequate Fridge (below 5deg) and freezer (below 18
deg) spaceAdequate food appropriate preparation surfaceCooking facilities with adequate ventilationHot holding facility (always above 63deg and checked
every ½ hr)Dish washing & separate hand washing facilitiesOnly reheat food ONCE – never heat bottles in
MicrowaveALWAYS keep records
© QTS Limited
Food Allergies
© QTS Limited
What are the Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction to Food?
The symptoms range from very mild to very server. They occur alone or together with other symptoms. Some allergic reactions to food can occur within minutes of eating that food. Other reactions may take an hour or longer to appear. The most common symptoms involve these body symptoms:
Digestive System: Nausea, vomiting, pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Skin: Itching, rashes, hives, and eczema. Respiratory System: Congestion, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose and asthma.
Other less common symptoms include headaches, tiredness, sleep disturbances and behavior changes. The most severe type of reactions fall into 2 categories:
Anaphylactic Reaction: This reaction involves two more of the above systems, and the cardiovascular (heat and blood
circulation) system. Swelling of the mouth, throat or tongue, and shortness of breath, are particularly dangerous symptoms.
Anaphylactic Shock: In the most server cases, anaphylactic reaction is followed by anaphylactic shock. This shock is
life-threatening. If not treated, it can lead to collapse and death. It is important to obtain information form your family doctor on how to treat a reaction, particularly, an anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactic shock.
© QTS Limited
Additional areas of Concerns for childcare centre Personnel
Infectious Disease ChemicalsWeils disease Asbestos Radon Infectious Waste
Electric Shock Back Injury/Manual
Handling Fire / Explosion Fall from heights Stress / Bullying
© QTS Limited
Child protection guidelines
Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (1999)
Our Duty to Care: The principals of Good Practice for the Protection of Children and Young People (2002)