SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK ACT, 1989

DECLARATION OF INTENT

It is the intention of the management of Moyle Park College that the work of the College will be carried out in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 and that all reasonably practicable measures will be taken to avoid risk to staff, students and visitors or others who may be effected. School management and supervisors have the responsibility for implementing this policy throughout the College.

It is the policy of the management of Moyle Park College to provide in so far as is reasonably practicable a safe and healthy environment for all staff and students and persons who come in contact with the work activities of the College.

All members of staff are expected to co-operate in carrying out this policy and to take reasonable care for their own safety, health and welfare and that of student and others who may be affected by their acts or ommissions while at work.

The allocation of responsibilities for safety, health and welfare are set out in the attached Safety Statement.

Details of safety, health and welfare arrangements applying to specific workplaces are set out in the Safety Statement. The terms of the Safety Statement shall be noted by all members of staff and brought to the attention of other persons at the workplace who may be affected by it. The operation of the Safety Statement shall be monitored by School Management.

SAFETY POLICY

The approach to ensuring safe and healthy work conditions in Moyle Park College may be summarised as follows:

• Identification and reduction of hazards.

• Provision of safety training and instructions.

• Provision of protective equipment.

• Creation of practical and safe working systems.

• Consultation with staff on safety and health matters.

DUTIES OF STAFF WHILE AT WORK

(a) Take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare, and the safety of any other person who may be affected by his/her acts of omissions while at work.

(b) Perform duties in a manner conducive to safety, health and welfare.

(d) Use proper safety clothing, equipment, appliances, and conveniences, provided for securing safety, health and welfare while at work.

(e) Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience, or equipment provided for securing the safety, health and welfare of persons.

(f) Report without unreasonable delay any defect noticed in the place of work or system of work.

(g) Report all accidents and near-accidents.

(h) Make suggestions to improve safety.

GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The work place is to be kept in a safe, clean and orderly condition by the following means:

The Principal is:

(a) responsible for ensuring that walkways, gangways, paths are clearly marked and kept free of obstacles and maintained in a safe condition. All spillages and leakages will be dealt with immediately. The appropriate equipment will be provided for this purpose. Any defects should be reported to the above named. Items should be properly secure or placed on shelves so as to ensure that they cannot injure any person.

(b) Responsible for insuring that corridors, stairways and exits are adequately lit and kept free of obstacles.

(c) responsible for ensuring that areas of restricted access are properly signposted, and that such signs are used where necessary. No unauthorized persons will be allowed into Moyle Park College. A safe means of access and egress to Moyle Park College work places is provided.

STORAGE

The Principal is responsible for ensuring safe storage of all substance, materials and appliances. All electrical equipment/appliances and cleaning equipment for same will be stored in the Strong Room located beside Room 25. All electrical cleaning equipment and cleaning agents used in the College will be stored in the Store Room.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited in all areas.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND WELFARE

The Principal is responsible for ensuring that washrooms and sanitary facilities are properly maintained. The Principal is responsible for the first aid box and will ensure that its contents are replenished as necessary. First Aid boxes will be located at the Sports Hall and Staff Room.

The following personal hygiene and general welfare facilities are provided in Moyle Park College:

Kitchen - (see Staff Handbook)

Toilets - male and female - (See Staff Handbook)

Sports Hall - Shower facilities

Any person who is under medical supervision or on prescribed medication and who has been certified fit for work should notify the Principal of any known side effects or temporary physical disabilities which could hinder their work performance and which may be a danger to either themselves or their fellow workers or pupils. Appropriate tasks will be assigned to them in the interim.

FIRST AID

Listed below are the members of staff who are trained in First Aid Messrs O'Byrne & Tully

MAINTENANCE

The Principal is responsible for maintenance of premises and equipment and shall ensure that all plant and equipment both fixed and mobile are inspected frequently as per the manufacturer's guidelines.

Environmental Measures

All work places will be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that the statutory requirements concerning ventilation/air conditioning, temperature humidity, light and noise are maintained.

Floors and Ceilings

(a) Floors and ceilings will be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in. a safe condition.

(b) Spillages will be immediately mopped up and in the meantime staff or other persons will be warned of the hazard. .

Electricity

(a) All Staff are required to treat electricity with respect, to check constantly that cables are not damaged or worn, to keep trailing cables off ground and away from water, and not to overload or use makeshift plugs or fuses.

(b) No electric leads will be left in any passageway or other areas frequented by staff and students which would be likely to trip or result in injury.

Burns and Scalds

All work places will be provided with the recommended medical applications for burns and scalds. These will be located in the First Aid box. Staff will be provided with First Aid training concerning treatment for burns and scalds.

Lifting Weights

All staff are obliged to follow the recommended lifting procedures as follows:

(a) Get a good grip and keep load close to the body;

(b) Keep the back straight;

(d) Excessive weights will not be lifted - if it is too heavy get help.

Disposal of Waste

Rubbish is to be placed in the garbage receptacles provided.

Heights and Depths

All staff will familiarise themselves with the following recommended procedures before using ladders or other climbing equipment:

(a) Make sure that it is right for the job;

(b) Make sure it is secure and in good working order;

(d) Always keep a firm grip and keep good balance;

(e) Overstretching should be avoided.

Chemicals, Solvents, Detergents, Copier, Toner, Etc.

Safety data sheets are supplied by the manufacturers with all such materials. Members of staff using these materials should familiarise themselves with the hazards associated with the materials and with the precautions to be taken in the event of spillage, splashes, etc.

All staff are required to check if any procedures, rules or guidelines are in force before using any unfamiliar equipment or performing any unfamiliar routine. Such procedures, rules or guidelines must be adhered to at all times. Copies of relevant procedures, rules or guidelines will be available from the School Principal/Manager or posted in a prominent position.

Hazards

The following hazards (in as much as can be identified) are considered, by the school to be a Source of potential danger and are brought to the attention of all concerned:

1. Main Fuse-Board: Room 32

2. Power Distribution Board

3. School Boiler Room

4. Science Laboratories: Room 24, 26,43,58,64

5. Engineering Room: Room 27

6. Arts and Crafts Room: Room 23

7. Building Construction: Room 22

8. Woodwork: Room 25

9. Computer Room Room 63

10. Computer Room Room 6 X

11. Sports Hall and attached Boiler House

12. School Yard and Grounds

13. Photocopier

14. Paper Guillotine

15. Shredder

16. Computer Visual Display Units (VDUs)

17. School Trips off the premises.

18. School Canteen and Kitchen area.

19. Water Heater in Staff Room: Room 8.

20. Sports Hall Store area

The risks associated with these hazards will be assessed in detail on an on going basis. To minimise these dangers, the following safety/protective measures must be adhered to:

a) Access to and operation of plant/equipment is strictly restricted to qualified members of staff whose function is that of running, maintaining, cleaning or monitoring particular items of plant in the course of their normal duties.

(b) In addition, all such plant and machinery is to be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.

(d) All machinery and electrical equipment are fitted with adequate safe guards.

(e) Precautionary notices, in respect of safety matters are displayed at relevant points.

ACCIDENTS and EMERGENCIES IN THE WORK PLACE,

(a) All accidents and near accidents must be reported to the Principal.

(b) A floor plan and evacuation plan will be prepared and located beside the Deputy-Principal's office.

Events which warrant evacuation are:

(1) Fire . (2) Bomb Alerts

A system to account for staff/students/visitors in case of evacuation will be devised. Evacuations will he held frequently.

FIRE SAFETY

The Principal is responsible for the co-ordination of fire prevention activities. Staff will be instructed in the use of Fire fighting equipment and Fire drill procedures. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with the Fire drill procedures and fire escape routes. Fire fighting equipment will be provided and located in prominent positions. The equipment will be maintained in accordance with statutory regulations.

FIRE OFFICERS DUTIES

Instructions on procedure on discovery of a fire are posted on each floor together with evacuation procedures.

The assembly point for Moyle Park College staff and students is on the football pitch in front of the college (see map). The procedure to be followed in case of fire is as follows:

(a). Leave office/rooms quietly, closing the door after you;

(b) Report to place of assembly;

If a fire cannot be put out easily by the use of a fire extinguisher or water hose etc every person should leave the place of work immediately. A system to account for staff / students / visitors in case of fire will be devised.

The Principal is responsible for ensuring that fire escape routes remain clear and that fire points are not blocked or covered up in any way and that they are ready for use if the need arises. Fire drills will be held regularly.

LOCATION OF FIRE ALARMS:

See accompanying Staff Handbook. Map of Fire Alarm locations will be displayed at all times in Staff Room

A FLOOR PLAN and EVACUATION PLAN will be prepared and located in Staff Room

LOCATION OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT: See accompanying Staff Handbook.

LOCATION OF FIRE NOTICES:

On each floor throughout the building the names of contractors responsible for the maintenance of the fire extinguishing appliances shall be displayed adjacent to the fire extinguishers.

TRAINING/INSTRUCTION

The Principal is responsible for arranging training.

CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION

The School Principal shall consult with staff with a view to promoting safety, health and welfare in the workplace. Account will be taken as far as is reasonably practicable of staff representations. Mr. John Byrne shall be responsible for overseeing the Safety provisions on behalf of the College for the current year 2004/2005.

Staff must select a safety representative to represent them in consultations. The safety representative shall have the right to such information as is necessary to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of staff, students and visitors. This information can be obtained from the School Principal.

SYSTEMS OF COMMUNICATION

All staff will be informed of any alterations in the system of work that may effect the safety, health and welfare of staff, students and visitors. Meetings are to take place between management and staff (or their safety representatives) to discuss developments in safety, health and welfare, as it effects the work place.

INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS

The Principal is responsible for ensuring that:

(a) Inspections and investigations are carried out at Moyle Park College.

(b) Routine inspection of all work practices and operations are carried out frequently.

The School Principal shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to inform a safety representative when a Departmental Inspector enters a place of work for the purpose of inspection (other than a tour of work for the purpose of inspection for the purpose of investigating an accident). Subject to prior notice and agreement, safety representatives may carry out inspections, or accompany an authorised departmental inspector on any tour of inspection, other than on inspection concerning an accident. Investigations 'will be held concerning all accidents. Safety representatives may investigate accidents and dangerous occurrences provided that this does not contravene any statutory obligation required to be performed by any person under any of the relevant statutory provisions e.g. those of a Departmental Inspector.

DUTIES TO PERSONS OTHER THAN STAFF AND STUDENTS BUT WHO ARE EITHER EMPLOYEES OF ANOTHER PERSON OR ARE SELF-EMPLOYED

The Principal is responsible to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the place of work and all persons using the place of work, and any article or substance in the place of work, or, provided for use therein, is or are safe and without risk to health of persons using the work place. The terms of the safety statement shall be brought to the notice of ALL staff in the work place.

DUTIES TO PERSONS OTHER THAN STAFF

The Principal is responsible for ensuring that, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not employed in Moyle Park College are not exposed to risks to their safety and health and to give to persons who may be affected by the way in which Moyle Park College conducts its undertaking, information as might affect their safety or health. The terms of the safety statement shall be brought to the notice of persons in the work place.

MONITORING OF TERMS OF SAFETY STATEMENT

The Principal has overall responsibility for monitoring the Safety Statement. The Safety Statement shall be monitored on a constant basis to ensure that its terms are being effectively pursued and to ascertain the extent to which it is having the desired effect.

REVIEWS AND RECORDS

A review of the Safety Statement will take place on an annual basis. The review will be fully comprehensive and will cover all topics which are of relevance to safety, health and welfare in the work place. All staff are invited to contribute to the review through their Safety Representatives. A review of relevant safety procedures will take place following all accidents and near accidents. All statutory requirements concerning the keeping of record are to be adhered to.

Records will be kept concerning:

(a) accidents

(b) near-accidents

(d) regular supervision

(e) training programmes

(f) inspections

(g) checks on fire fighting equipment

The Principal is responsible for records concerning safety, health and welfare.

This Safety Statement has been prepared based on conditions existing in the premises of the College at the time of writing. It may be altered, revised or updated at a future date so as to comply with any change in the conditions.

Signed: John Shortt, School Principal

FIRE INSTRUCTIONS

1. ON DISCOVERY OF A FIRE AND UNLESS IT IS OBVIOUS YOU CAN EXTINGUISH THE FIRE EASILY AND IMMEDIATELY, THE FOLLOWING ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN.

(a) INFORM THE SECRETARY WITHOUT DELAY.

(b) THE SECRETARY WILL CONTACT THE FIRE BRIGADE, THEN THE MANAGER AND HIS ASSISTANT.

2. EVACUATION OF THE PREMISES.

(a) THE MANAGER AND HIS/HER STAFF AT THE SCENE OF THE FIRE, WILL DECIDE IF EVACUATION IE REQUIRED.

(b) MAINTENANCE. TO ASSIST AND ADVISE THE MANAGEMENT THROUGHOUT THE FIRE.

TO TURN OFF ALL GAS AND POWER SUPPLIES.

3. ON EVACUATION: ACT QUIETLY.

USE NEAREST AVAILABLE EXIT.

(a) THE PERSON IN CHARGE WILL ENSURE THAT ALL PERSONS FOR WHOM HE/SHE IS RESPONSIBLE, HAVE BEEN EVACUATED FROM THE PREMISES AND ARE ACCOUNTED FOR.

4. ASSEMBLY POINT:

(a) ALL PERSONS WILL ASSEMBLE IN THEIR DESIGNATED PLACE FOR ROLL CALL.

(b) NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO RE-ENTER THE PREMISES

UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO BY THE FIRE OFFICER THAT IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

ASSEMBLY POINTS

FOOTBALL PITCH IN FRONT OF SCHOOL

In the event of an emergency the following evacuation procedures are to be followed under the supervision of the Class teacher.

ROOMS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. EXIT at “B”

to assembly area “1”

ROOMS 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, EXIT at “A”

42, 43, 44. to assembly area “1”

ROOMS 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, EXIT at “C”

18, 19, 20, 21. to assembly area “2”

ROOMS 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, EXIT at “D”

27, 28, 29, 30, 33. to assembly area “3”

ROOMS 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, EXIT at “G”

40, 41. to assembly area “4”

ROOMS 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, EXIT at “H”

49. to assembly area “4”

ROOMS 34 Sports Hall, EXIT at “E”

Canteen. to assembly area “6”

ROOMS 17A PRE-FAB. EXIT at “17A”

to assembly area “1”

ROOMS 44, 50, 51, 52, EXIT at “B”

58, 59. to assembly area “5”

ROOMS 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 EXIT at “C”

to assembly area “5”

ROOMS 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 EXIT at “C”

to assembly area “6”

Health and Safety Guidelines

for Materials Technology. Construction Studies and Engineering

Follow the instruction of the teacher at all times.

When working in a workshop environment it is vitally important to respect the teacher and your fellow students and that everyone is given the chance to work in a safe and constructive manner, hence the following rules will be strictly enforced

Machines

1. Never throw any object in the classroom.

2. Never touch any machine without first asking your teachers permission.

3. In case of an accident with one of the machines turn the power trip switch.

4. Treat all hand tools with respect.

5. Use tools only as directed by your teacher.

6. Never interfere with another student when he is working with a machine tool.

Hand Held Power Tools

7. Unplug tool before changing bits or blades.

8. Make sure the tool is switched off before plugging it in,

9. Always wear the correct protective gear i.e. Ear muffs goggles, etc.

10. Keep moving parts directed away from you.

11. Do not distract others while they are using power tools, only one person to use a tool at any time.

12. Do not put down a tool until it has stopped.

13. Keep electric flexes away from moving blades.

14. Never interfere with another student when working with any power tools

Chemicals

15. Wear protective gear when working with harmful substances.

16. Wear a facemask or respirator to prevent inhalation of harmful fumes.

Any failure to follow the above instruction will result in the exclusion of the student from the classroom.

Persistent refusal or a serious infraction of the rules will result in permanent exclusion from the class

Practical Room Contract.

I _________________________________________________ will:

Follow all the rules that have been stated above and I am aware of the penalties if I break any of these rules.

Signed:

Student's Name: _______________________________________________

Parents / Guardians Name: _______________________________________

Teacher's Name:________________________________________________

Date: _____/_______/ 20____