Rank: Forum user 
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in terms of health and safety at educational premises such as schools and colleges, are there any specific health and safety regulations/guidance that needs to be adhered to other than the norm such as PUWER, COSHH, Management regs, welfare regs etc
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user
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You may find the following of use, whilst it is not all H&S it may have a bearing on how things are managed or approached; https://www.gov.uk/gover...atutory-guidance-schoolsAlso you should take a look at the Education (School Premises) Regs and their Independent School equivalent. There is also the DoE publication 'Advice on Standards for School Premises' which is based on the above. Hope this helps.
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Rank: Forum user
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Well said Chas, don't forget BAALLPE Guidance and Dfes stuff, all apply.
Pete,
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Rank: Forum user
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Should have said BAALPE, too many L's - Doh
Pete
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Rank: Forum user
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This topic has been discussed on here recently however, as RayRapp states, treat the education establishment the same as you would any other workplace, specific points to cover in education: Educational Trips and visits procedures and processes Perimeter fencing and School gate assessments Sporting equipment inspections including sports goals etc. and swimming pools / COSHH Glass and glazing assessments Control of contractors/Grounds works / maintenance Fume Cupboards/LEV Science/CLEAPS Zoonosis / animals Disaster recovery Tree assessments PREVENT Strategy including assessing risks of terrorist activity and control of Substances/Potential misuse Legionella and Water Temperature Controls Asbestos management Mini bus drivers and Staff using own vehicles for work purposes These guides may help: https://www.gov.uk/gover...ards-for-school-premiseshttps://www.gov.uk/gover...fety_Advice_06_02_14.pdf
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Rank: Super forum user
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As said, nothing specific for schools, subject to all H&S where topic or hazard exists, but they may do things a little differently.
Tend to lump 'safeguarding', CRB checks, security and general welfare of pupils in with H&S.
They may forget to include fire safety.
Their belief system can be a challenge (just saying).
There is also (as mentioned) specific guidance on 'learning outside the classroom' (or 'educational visits') and some schools will have access to EVAs who are the bridge between 'H&S' and 'school trips or activities, can advise on RA and procedures, what to look for in adventure organisations etc.
The other element is that H&S standards are intended for an industrial setting, with 8 hour day exposure etc. so a degree of interpretation and adaptation may be necessary when advising.
Asbestos, and contractor management (usually together) tend to be weak areas.
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Rank: Forum user
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And the biggest challenge: teachers (especially heads) who know better!
Sorry to those married to teachers, but that has been my experience. So you will need all your persuasive skills and back everything up with the law, which I normally avoid, but in this area it can be useful.
Ian
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Rank: Super forum user
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Guidance [and supposedly enforcement] etc. from the Quality Care Commission, Ofsted and Environmental Health areas are in the mix along with education departments in LA's and various religions. Another big problem is people on school boards etc. who also have businesses who supply to schools and amateur's within schools with fancy titles but no competence
I would not hold my breath with regards to the HSE as of my last 7 accident investigations [before moving on] involving serious incidents to children whilst in the care of the schools the HSE did not show its face once hence the impression received by the schools concerned was that the HSE are not bothered so the schools did not have to worry about that quarter
and the fire service along with the Environmental Agency are 2 other agencies to consider
best of luck and cover your back
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Rank: Super forum user
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Violence and Abuse is probably the major area in school safety management that has not been covered above.
Violence against teachers, particularly those working with pupils with special needs (ASD / ADHD etc). Where this is a potential issue, training in safe restraint, e.g. Team Teach is a must.
From experience, many schools try to avoid going down the restraint training route, preferring to rely on conflict avoidance / de-escalation. When these "talking" solutions fail, breakaway and restraint can be the difference between a career ending injury and carrying on with the next lesson.
Abuse of pupils in the schools care can be linked to the Health, Safety and Welfare of the pupils. Duties include -
selection, vetting and hiring of suitable staff,
provision of safeguarding training
implementation of a safeguarding policy with regular review.
Robust reporting systems in place and liaison with regulatory bodies, e.g. the LADO.
Suitable, secure record keeping arrangements.
There is also a duty to protect the accused. As an ex school insurer specialising in safeguarding aspects, we had many cases where the school suspended the teacher concerned and refused to interact with them in any way. Two years down the line, when the abuse allegation is proven to be malicious, the teachers career will already be in tatters.
Insurers fully expect to see civil claims for damages from falsely accused persons where the school has failed to support them.
It is a horrendously complex area and the school H&S officer will need to work very closely with the nominated safeguarding officer and seek external competent advice.
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Rank: Forum user
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Lots of good advice and links above; also consider who has overall senior responsibility as this varies dependent on the type of school. Maintained schools are typically the responsibility of the local authority / city / county council; and the headteacher and other staff are responsible as employees. Governors have an assurance role but limited liability. In academies things can be very different and staff and governors can have significantly increased liability. The links below are quite helpful: https://schoolgovernors....rs-for-health-and-safetyhttps://www.gov.uk/gover...fety_Advice_06_02_14.pdf
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Rank: Super forum user
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County councils often publish their own standards they expert schools to follow - along with guidance.
Go through to a local office and see if the Health and Safety bod will talk to you and share.
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Rank: New forum user
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Don't forget the lone worker, often the site supervisor or cleaners who may be in early, stay late or work weekends, teachers may also be in during holiday times to set up their rooms - they may need restrictions on what they can do during this time i.e. no working at height or use of dangerous machinery.
In my experience as a Governor for a local Junior School, the Head Teacher was very grateful for advice as they had been left to manage H&S by the local authority with very little or no support.
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