HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Owners: Heads of School & President
Health and Safety Committee Representatives from Primary SLT, Secondary SLT, Head of Securities, Head of Innovation Hub, Head of Facilities and HR
Reviewers: School Senior Leadership Team, Head of Facilities
Approved by President: Yes
Date approved: February 2025
Next review due by: February 2026
1.
PURPOSE
Introduction
BSB is committed to ensuring health and safety good practice across all areas of school life. We take our responsibility for the health and safety of staff, pupils, volunteers and any other visitors to the school seriously and use this policy, in line with our risk assessment documents.
2. SCOPE
Aims and Objectives
Health and safety in school is a priority as well as a legal requirement, and all members of the school community have a part to play in making sure that the school environment is safe, which we encourage by promoting a positive health and safety culture within the school. The school commits adequate and appropriate resources to making sure that the best equipment, risk assessments, advice, and training are applied both on school grounds and during off-site activities and visits. All school staff will ensure that they are up-to-date and familiar with the school health and safety policy, as well as health and safety regulations that apply specifically to their own classroom activities. All activities should be planned by staff with consideration for the safety of themselves, their colleagues, students and members of the public.
3. HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
The school has a Health and Safety Committee comprised of representatives from different areas in order to facilitate communication and collaboration between departments to this end. In collaboration with the Heads of School, the objectives of this committee include:
• Holding termly meetings to review health and safety in high-risk areas of the school and monitor the effectiveness of this policy. Meetings are also scheduled on an ‘as needed’ basis, and meeting minutes are kept and shared with the Proprietor and relevant Heads of Department.
• Ensuring that required training for staff is delivered on an annual basis to maintain compliance with local and BSO regulations, including disseminating information on workplace safety, fire prevention and management, evacuation procedures and first aid.
• Ensuring that emergency drills for fire, earthquake and lockdown are conducted on at least a termly basis and that logs are kept of each drill, with feedback and comments noted.
• Ensuring that documentation on health and safety audits and risk assessments is maintained and current and that policies and procedures are updated and disseminated as appropriate or required.
• Communicating any health and safety concerns to the appropriate parties and ensuring prompt follow up on requests.
• Monitoring cleaning contracts, and ensuring cleaners are appropriately trained and have access to personal protective equipment, where necessary (Head of Facility)
Current members include:
• Victoria Smith, Head of Primary and Chair
• Simona Sasu, Head of Facilities
• Marius Socol, Security Manager
• Dana Chirica, Head of Enterprises
• Robert Notley - Director of Co curricular, Development and Community Outreach
• Tudor Atanasiu, Head of Innovation Hub and Board Member
Heads of School and teaching staff also participate in meetings focusing on relevant areas of the curriculum, such has the Head of Science, Head of Creative Arts and Laboratory or DT Technician.
4. POLICY
The importance of good health and safety practice is promoted throughout the school and includes:
• keeping up to date with any changes to arrangements surrounding activities and the implications of these on health and safety
• ensuring that all the relevant checks are done on the equipment and competency of contractors that come into the school and school offices
• ensuring that all staff and students are aware of their health and safety responsibilities, including what to do in case of a fire, emergency, or medical emergency.
We aim:
• To provide a safe and healthy environment for children, teaching and non-teaching staff and all other people who come onto the premises of our school and school offices.
• To ensure that all members of the school community understand their own responsibilities in maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Training occurs annually during August INSET, as well as on a termly basis for fire and workplace safety as per local requirements.
• To ensure that all lessons are reviewed for health and safety concerns and potential hazards are identified, pointed out to the pupils and all care and attention is given to avoid accidents.
• For staff and pupils to use common sense at all times to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.
• To ensure that any previously unidentified hazard should be immediately reported to the Head of School and Head of Facilities & Security.
• That staff should work together to ensure that safe work practices and procedures are applied within the schools and school offices.
• To ensure that regular safety inspections occur for the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment.
• CPOMS, incident reports and consultation with the nurses by the Health and Safety Committee and leaders should be used to help identify possible dangers and any patterns of accidents or injuries that might require action.
• To implement a system to report, record and investigate accidents rigorously.
• Safety training is conducted as needed or at least termly as specified by local authorities
• All staff are aware of procedures for a medical emergency.
• Arrangements are in place for a speedy and safe evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency and firefighting equipment is available and maintained. Records of all drills are maintained, and procedures accordingly reviewed.
• All teaching staff carry whistles & torches.
• Medical emergency instruction posters are displayed in key areas around the sites.
Preparation for public health incidents
The School must comply with health and safety law and put in place proportionate control measures. The School must regularly review and update their risk assessments, treating them as ‘living documents’, as the circumstances in School and the public health advice changes. This includes having active arrangements in place to monitor whether the controls are effective and working as planned.
The School therefore makes sure that a risk assessment has been undertaken to identify the measures needed to reduce the risks from public health incidents so far as is reasonably practicable.
Where the legal provisions in force require the implementation of certain measures and conditions at school level, the school will comply with the provisions imposed by the authorities, establishing new internal provisions that will be generally binding.
Approach to risk estimation and management of health incidents
The School works through the following steps to address their risks, considering for each risk whether there are measures in each step they can adopt before moving onto the next step.
• Elimination: stop an activity that is not considered essential if there are risks attached.
• Substitution: replace the activity with another that reduces the risk. Care is required to avoid introducing new hazards due to the substitution.
• Engineering controls: design measures that help control or mitigate risk.
• Administrative controls: identify and implement the procedures to improve safety (for example, markings on the floor, signage).
Having gone through this process, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used in line with legal previsions.
Pupils
While school staff carry the main responsibility for health and safety provision, and the correct implementation of school policy and procedure, it is vital that students understand their role and responsibilities when it comes to whole-school and personal health and safety for staff to be able to carry out their roles effectively. As members of the school community, students take the responsibility for:
• listening to and following instructions from staff
• ensuring that their actions are safe for themselves and will not harm others in any way
• being sensible around the school site and when using any equipment
• reporting health and safety concerns or incidents to a member of staff immediately.
Animals
The school does not allow for any animals to be brought on site. The only exception to this are guide dogs or if prior permission is obtained from the Head of School. Any fish tanks in school are to be maintained by a specialist company. During farm visits and similar activities, staff ensure all children wash their hands thoroughly multiple times and any allergies are considered.
Accidents
In the event of an accident taking place either at school, or off-site on a school organised activity, the member of staff on-site will immediately report to the nurses or most senior member of staff. A first-aider should make an assessment of the injury as soon as possible. On the school site, this will be the school nurses, in almost all instances. If an ambulance is required, it will be ordered by the school office or nurses in almost all instances. Parents (or emergency contacts where the parent is not available) will be contacted as soon as possible in the event of serious injury or ill health of a student.
The school has an accident book with all accidents recorded in CPOMS. The member of staff supervising at the time of the incident should make a report. What happened, actions taken, injuries, and first aid administered should be recorded. The nature, cause and plans for future avoidance of accidents will be investigated and determined by Heads of School and the Health and Safety Committee within 24 hours of the incident, where possible. Some investigations may require more time, and will proceed immediately in the days following the incident until complete.
First aid is covered in the Medical Policy.
All ongoing medical treatment for a student at school is covered by school insurance.
Building and site maintenance
The Head of Facility & Security Manager are responsible for ensuring that the school premises are properly maintained, comply with health and safety laws, and are easily accessible and safe for the whole school community.
They will co-ordinate any safety precautions that are necessary during ongoing site maintenance or building work e.g. wet floor signs. Any necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. Due to the nature of our buildings, windows above ground level are locked or limited by catches for restricted opening, and access to balconies restricted without appropriate adult supervision.
The school has a separate extreme weather procedure and and a business continuity plan in the event of a major incident.
Identifying Health and Safety Concerns
All school buildings undergo a thorough health and safety audit on at least an annual basis, with some aspects being inspected every 6 months (eg. Structural elements), quarterly (eg. plumbing and smoke/heat detectors), termly (eg. plug sockets and light switches), monthly (eg. hardware such as taps, flooring and toilets), or weekly (eg. Ladders, exhaust fans). A member of staff conducts these audits in the hours before students arrive at school, and documentation of the findings is kept (See Sample Audit Form). Any health and safety concerns, or items that require repair, are immediately communicated to the Head of Facility, who organises for issues to be addressed. (See Sample Report of Defective Equipment.)
Systems such as the electrics, heating, water, etc. which are regulated by local authorities are inspected according to Romanian law and documentation of certifications obtained. (See Sample Certifications)
Managing Health and Safety Concerns
All staff are responsible for reporting any and all concerns pertaining to health and safety immediately. Damaged toys or learning resources should be removed from playgrounds and classrooms immediately by the member of staff who has identified these and the relevant Director of Key Stage must be notified as soon as possible. Damaged resources are then passed to the maintenance team for repair or added to the damaged resources list kept by the Resource Coordinator.
Non-urgent, low risk issues must be reported to the relevant Head of School or Department, who will then register requests with the Head of Facility or Security, on the same day by email. Staff should cite the room number or affected area and include photos of the obstacle, if possible.
Urgent or high risk concerns should be immediately reported to Heads of School by telephone or in person, who will then coordinate a response with the Head of Facility and/or Security Manager.
Staff observing, for example, a large spill, biohazardous spill, flood or leak, broken or damaged climbing equipment must remain at the site to keep others away until the area has been cordoned off or the hazard removed. If a piece of playground equipment needs to be closed for major repairs, teaching staff will be notified by their Head of School and the area must be avoided. This will also be signaled by caution tape or signs.
Any concern requiring the emergency evacuation or lockdown of the school campus should be handled as outlined in the Fire, Emergency Evacuation and Lockdown Policies.
Car Park
• The school provides parking for teachers, staff, parents and visitors.
• The car park is situated 500 metres from the school.
• The road crossing by school has pedestrian-initiated traffic lights. The crossing is also monitored by local police most days. This assistance followed requests from the school.
• Facility staff are responsible for maintaining the car park, including snow and ice clearance during winter months.
• The car park should be locked by 9pm on weekdays, and all weekend.
Control of substances hazardous to health (CoSHH)
There are areas in school where hazardous substances will be stored. The school has systems in place to ensure that hazardous substances are used correctly, and records are kept in order to prevent the misuse or accidental misuse of such substances. The precautions the school takes include:
• Safe storage in locked cabinets, with a clear system explaining how and where chemicals are stored. No student has access to the science prep rooms, where the doors have a locking system or keypad and the door is appropriately labelled. Hazard data sheets and information on procedures for assessing substances hazardous to health are kept in the chemistry room and in the nurse’s office.
• Ensuring that hazard data sheets describe the hazards the chemical presents, and give information on handling, storage and emergency measures in case of accident.
• Clear labelling of all chemical bottles.
• Clear record of chemicals ordered, who they are ordered from.
• Safe disposing of chemicals.
• Appropriate PPE for use when handling hazardous substances.
• Strict ‘off-limits’ policy for students. Students will only be allowed to handle hazardous substances under the supervision of a member of staff (in science lessons, for example).
For more information on the control of these substances please see the supporting Science Department health and safety document (CLEAPSS).
Earthquake
The school has a separate Earthquake policy.
Emergency communication
There are a number of mechanisms in place to ensure that parents, staff, and students can be made aware of an emergency situation and remain informed. The school will text message parents plus post information on the website to keep them informed of any situation and also to ask for early collection if necessary as detailed in the School Emergency Closure Policy. It is important that parents inform the school immediately of any changes in phone number or address, as it is vital that these are accurate in the school records in case of an emergency.
Fire
The school has a separate Fire policy.
Food Hygiene
The school catering department has regular checks from DSP and a deep cleaning schedule. The kitchen is inspected and complies with all local regulations.
Teaching staff using DT kitchen follow food hygiene and kitchen safety guidelines. Those using this facility on a regular basis complete a certified course on food hygiene.
Lockdown
The school has a separate Lockdown Policy.
If the school receives a bomb threat, we will evacuate as per the fire drill procedure and account for everyone. The relevant local authorities will be contacted by the security manager, who was previously informed by the relevant office/person who suspects a threat.
Lone working
Lone working may include:
• Late working
• Home or site visits
• Weekend working
• Site manager duties
• Site cleaning duties
• Working in a single occupancy office
• Remote working, self-isolation and/or remote learning
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 will be informed about where the member of staff is and when they are likely to return.
The lone worker will ensure they are medically fit to work alone.
Special protective equipment will be used in all situations and the specific procedures required by law for each activity will be applied.
Manual Handling
Manual handling’ describes activities which involve lifting, carrying, moving, holding, pushing, lowering, pulling or restraining an object or person. The school will provide information, instruction, and training on safe manual handling for day-to-day tasks, and will, as is reasonably practicable, avoid the need for employees to undertake any manual handling operations at work which involve a risk of injury.
The school expects employees:
• To safeguard their own health and safety whilst at work, and also that of any person who may be affected by their actions.
• To co-operate with their employer on health and safety matters
• To follow safe systems of work as determined by the result of the risk assessments.
• To do their work in accordance with training and instructions;
• To use mechanical aids which have been provided for their use and which they have been trained to use. Faults with any equipment should be reported to line management immediately.
• To ensure that they use equipment as per manufacturer’s instructions.
• To attend training sessions as required and apply the knowledge/skills to daily tasks.
• To report all accidents and incidents which have either caused or could have caused harm or injury.
• To report any difficulties, including ‘near misses’ they have experienced in order that the risk assessment can be reviewed to prevent injury occurring.
• To ensure that they do not try to perform a manual handling operation which they believe is beyond their physical capability.
• To mechanise tasks where they cannot be avoided by the use of trolleys, barrows, lifts or hoists.
Occupational Health Services
In order to meet Romanian legal requirements, staff undergo a medical examination to determine if they are fit for work on an annual, biannual basis, and whenever required by law depending on their role in school.
Staff have access to the school counsellor in cases of emergency or mental health crisis, as well as school nurses for any immediate medical care needs. Staff also have access to an external psychologist if more ongoing care is required. All employees are provided with medical insurance.
In cases where a member of staff has a chronic health issue (eg. back injury), this should be reported to the appropriate Head of School or Department so that arrangements can be made for acquiring appropriate accommodation (ie furniture, access to lifts) through the Head of Facility. Where possible, members of staff with mobility issues will be housed on the ground floor of buildings.
Playground Equipment
Each holiday the maintenance department under the supervision of the Head of Facilities check screws, chains and ropes on the equipment to ensure safety. Each summer a further check is also made on the wood quality with sections painted, repaired or replaced as necessary.
Policy and procedures for off-site visits
The school has a separate policy for off-site visits and trips covered in All Trips and Standard Operating Procedure.
Security
School security is a vital component of good health and safety, and we want pupils and staff to feel safe in school. We regularly consult with key embassy security staff to review our arrangements. The school has her own security guards as well as a private security firm. Access to the site is via a swipe card (covered in Pedestrian Access Procedures). There are cameras at various points within school and the grounds.
Slips, Trips and Falls
The school recognises the risk of accidental slips, trips and falls and conducts weekly audits of potential hazards. Any member of staff identifying a potential risk is expected to report this to their line manager immediately. The following measures are taken to minimise risk:
• The mopping and thorough drying of floors is limited to low traffic times of the day/areas of the school and any wet floors are demarcated with appropriate signs.
• Spills are addressed immediately by cleaning staff. All staff must report any spills that require assistance from the cleaning crew immediately.
• Areas or flooring types considered to be higher risk are secured with non-slip matting, or friction and caution tape, such as in staircases. Children and staff are expected to move around school cautiously and thoughtfully (ie, no running in buildings or on stairs).
• Entrance mats have been placed near all doorways.
• All climbing equipment is closed to children in wet or icy conditions, and this is regularly inspected for state of repair.
• Outdoor pathways are regularly cleared and salted during icy or snowy conditions, and any fallen foliage is removed. The Heads of School of a member of the SLT may issue guidance to staff during winter months.
• Appropriate footwear is required for both students and adults for PE and other physical activity. This also includes appropriate footwear for wet/messy play and trips into the community.
• Electrical equipment is sited carefully to avoid trailing leads.
• Corridors and walkways are kept clear of obstructions.
• Any member of staff working at height is expected to do so using appropriate step ladders and only while other members of staff are present on site. Training of members working at height will always be provided.
Smoking
There is a smoking ban throughout the site and relevant no smoking signs around the site. There is though a small, concealed, designated area by the West gate (not on school property) away from student access where staff may smoke. This prevents smokers affecting other parts of our community outside of the gate.
Suncare
During the summer months, we encourage that hats are worn and suncream is applied. Pupils in Primary have a water bottle and are encouraged to drink plenty of water. There are water machines across the site for all pupils, staff and visitors.
Swimming Pool and Pond
The swimming pool and pond have separate policies.
Vehicles on site
Buses contracted for the school enter the site on a morning and afternoon but do not leave their engine running. They must wait outside of the Crawford building and travel slowly in a convoy with careful consideration for any pedestrians. Any other vehicles are not permitted to enter the site unless security have permission from the Heads of School or the Head of Facility.
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) directed to themselves to their line manager/ headteacher immediately. This applies to violence from pupils, visitors or other staff. Any instances will be dealt with in accordance with relevant policies or national law.
Refer to the relevant associated policies, such as the Staff Code of Ethical Practice or the Whistleblowing Policy or low-level concern reporting procedure.
Visitors
The School has a separate policy for visitors (Visitors and Volunteers Policy).
Workplace safety
The school will ensure that the school environment and workplace is safe for students, staff and visitors. This means keeping classrooms and corridors tidy, organised, and free of safety hazards such as loose wires. Appropriate clothing and good conduct will also be expected in school and both contribute to good health and safety practice.
Certain departments such as science labs and design technology workshops will have more health and safety risks due to equipment and substances being used in these lessons. Only teachers and pupils trained to use specialised equipment will be allowed to do so, with appropriate risk assessments being carried out prior to commencement of activities.
Classrooms
• Classrooms are checked for potential hazards and teachers and TAs are fully aware of their responsibilities for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
• The Maintenance team collaborate with teachers in identifying and fixing potential hazards.
• Fire and earthquake drills are carried out regularly (see Fire and Earthquake policies).
• Students are led by their teacher on a safety walk at the start of each school year and potential hazards are identified and how to avoid them is discussed.
• Where lessons require the use of specialist and potentially dangerous equipment, we ensure that: we follow best health and safety practice, such as guidelines from our membership of DATA for the use of DT tools and equipment, that risk assessments are in place and are reviewed and that machinery is inspected and maintained in accordance with recommended schedules.
Working at height
We will ensure that work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people with the skills, knowledge and experience to do the work.
In addition:
• The Head of Facilities and Maintenance Department retain ladders for working at height.
• Pupils are prohibited from using ladders and where possible, assistance should be sought from the Maintenance Department to complete jobs that require more than a step ladder. When required, Pupils may use low-level step ladders under supervision of an adult led activity in EYFS.
• Staff will wear appropriate footwear and clothing when using ladders.
• Contractors are expected to provide their own ladders for working at height.
• Before using a ladder, staff are expected to conduct a visual inspection to ensure its safety.
• Access to high levels, such as roofs, is only permitted by trained persons.
When Moving Around the School
• Behaviour is monitored by all teaching staff to ensure safe practices are adhered to in the use of stairs, entrances and exits.
• Students are supervised as per the Care and Supervision policy.
• Students are instructed on how to move safely around the school.
Break times
• Play equipment is monitored for upkeep in conjunction with support from staff.
• Students are monitored by staff and taught to play safely.
• A breaktime duty rota is in place and as a result there are always enough adults designated for supervision.
Housekeeping
The housekeeping staff seek to:
• Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety provision and procedures affecting cleaning contractors or ground maintenance contractors are adhered to.
• Ensure that cleaning materials and equipment liable to be a danger to pupils or staff, are correctly used and properly stored when not in use.
• Ensure that all waste materials from the school are disposed of in line with safety guidance.
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping.
• Report any problem or imminent danger as soon as is reasonably practicable.
Liaise with Health and Safety representatives to carry out regular inspections of school premises.
5. RELATED POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Medical Policy
Care and Supervision policy
School Emergency Closure policy
Standard Operating Procedure
Earthquake policy
Fire and Emergency Evacuation policy
Lockdown policy
Trips policy
Visitor and Volunteer policy
Pedestrian Access procedures
Swimming policy
Risk Assessment policy
6. REVISION HISTORY
REVISION Sharepoint Revision no NOTES
Date Approved
Ver. 1 n/a Initial Revision n/a
Ver. 2 February 2022
Ver. 3 October 2023
Ver. 4 June 2024
Ver. 5 February 2025