School Self Audit Tool PART 1 - Health & Safety Review

School Name
Address
Name & Job Title of Person(s) Completing audit
Name of Head Teacher Signature of Head Teacher
Date of Completion

Introduction

Ensuring good standards of Health and Safety at Work is a legal duty and an important part of the management of all schools in Bradford. Failure to manage health and safety effectively can result in serious or fatal accidents; ill health amongst staff and pupils; criminal prosecution with unlimited fine and up to 2 years in prison; civil liability claims; an unsatisfactory OFSTED inspection.

This Self Audit Tool is designed for a council maintained school. In Academy/ Trust schools etc. where the Council is not the employer, contact the service appointed as the schools ‘Competent Safety Adviser’, as required under legislation, for help and advice. (NB. some schools have an SLA (Service Level Agreement) with the Councils Occupational Safety Team to provide this service).

The Councils Occupational Safety Advisers are there to advise on all aspects of health & safety and do undertake programmed routine visits to schools. However, school visits can only be as often as resources allow. In addition to these visits, this Self Audit Tool can be used as a ‘health and safety check.’ It should be completed by the head teacher, or by a member of the senior management team (SMT). The person completing the Self Audit Tool will need to talk to various members of staff to get all the information required. Where there are negative responses to questions, a clear action plan should be written. This should have unambiguous and defined responsibilities, with timescales, to resolve the problems highlighted.

Further information on health & safety policies, procedures and guidance is available on the Occupational Safety website: http://www.bradford.gov.uk/hands/ . The guidance documents give the standards to achieve and indicate the role/responsibilities of the lead person. If you have any queries about completing this audit or how to implement improvements please contact the Occupational Safety Team on 01274 431007 or email Occupational.Safety@bradford.gov.uk

It is recommended that this self audit should be repeated every two to three years, and the completed form/action plan kept for review by the Occupational Safety Advisers, HSE Inspectors, the school insurers etc.

School Self Audit Tool PART 2 – Risk Assessment Checklist should also be completed and can be found on the Occupational Safety website.

Please send a copy of the completed audit, parts 1 and 2, to Occupational.Safety@bradford.gov.uk

Policy and Organisation
Has the school got a health and safety policy that has been reviewed, signed and dated within the last year?
Has the policy been brought to the attention of all staff?
Does the policy clearly state the arrangements to manage health and safety risks in school and outline the role & responsibilities of the Governing Body, head teacher, Senior Management Team & staff?
Has the school got an Emergency Plan (suitable arrangements and procedures for dealing with health and safety emergencies/events which could lead to school evacuation or invacuation, school closure, emergency events on school trips, contacting parents, loss of utilities, pandemics etc.)?
Training and Induction
Are key members of the management team appropriately trained in health and safety to reflect their level of responsibility? (The Occupational Safety Team and the HSE strongly advocate that appropriate training would be ‘IOSH Managing Safely’ course).
Are there systems in place to identify, monitor and review the health and safety training needs of both non-teaching and teaching staff?
Would school management be able to provide evidence of employee competency/training if required to do so?
Do all new staff (including temporary/agency staff) receive an induction which includes health and safety information?
Communication and Consultation
Is there good communication of health and safety information to staff, governors and pupils using a variety of formats?
Is there a current ‘Health and Safety Law Poster’ displayed in a prominent position in school (or alternatively has a copy of the HSE leaflet called ‘Health and Safety Law’ been given to every employee)?
Do all employees (teaching and non-teaching) receive relevant information from school management regarding health and safety, and is there a process to inform them of changes?
Is there documented evidence of safety meetings, committees, staff briefings and consultation?
Are there arrangements to consult and work with recognised trade union safety representatives and employee representatives?
Are regular/periodic workplace safety inspections undertaken in school by union safety representatives?

Accident/Incident Recording and Reporting
Are managers and all staff aware of the school procedure for reporting and recording accidents/incidents?
Is there a nominated person who manages accident/incident reporting within school - reporting accident/incidents to the Council Occupational Safety Team via the Sphera online system? monitoring accident trends?
Are accidents/incidents investigated to identify the cause and to prevent a recurrence?
Are the relevant risk assessments reviewed following accidents/incidents, to ensure existing controls are adequate or implement further controls where required?
Fitness to Work
Where staff have been absent from work through ill-health/injury, do line managers carry out a return to work interview to ensure they are fit to resume their normal duties? If they are not fully fit, are reasonable adjustments to their duties agreed and implemented on their return to work?
Risk Assessment Don’t forget to complete Part 2 of this self audit, the ‘Risk Assessment Checklist’.
Is there a formal process for the management of risk assessments in school to ensure that risk assessments are undertaken, reviewed annually and reviewed following significant changes?
Are risk assessments in written format?
Do risk assessments cover non-routine operations and emergencies?
Do written risk assessments lead on to the production of written safe working procedures?
Are staff made aware of the completed risk assessments and the safe working procedures arising from these?
Have all risk assessments been reviewed in the last 12 months?
Is there a system for staff to report hazards for inclusion in risk assessments?
Is there a system for sharing relevant risk assessments with other services/users on site, e.g. catering service, cleaning staff?
First Aid
Has a ‘First Aid Needs Assessment’ been completed for the school?
Is there adequate first aid provision and appropriate numbers of first aiders in school (and for school trips) as determined by the First Aid Needs Assessment?
In addition to regular first aiders, are there adequate numbers of staff trained in Paediatric First Aid for Early Years Foundation Stage pupils?
Are there arrangements to ensure First Aid / Paediatric First Aid / Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are renewed every 3 years to ensure continuity of first aid provision?
Are the names and work locations of First Aiders and the location of First Aid boxes displayed throughout school?
Stress at Work
Are appropriate management action plans in place to deal with the issues identified in stress risk assessments?
Are there proactive and reactive arrangements to identify and control stress caused by work (including arrangements to support individuals suffering from excessive levels of stress caused by work or personal issues)?
Medication
Does the school have a Medication Policy with clear procedures for the administration of medications?
Is appropriate training given to authorized staff who administer/assist pupils with medication, to ensure their competency to undertake this role?
Are written records kept regarding administration of medication in school, for example parental requests, dosage information etc?
Is all medication brought into school stored securely, for example in a locked cabinet, with the exception of medicines such as inhalers where it is important for pupils to have them close by at all times?
Curriculum
Is the CLEAPSS Science, Design & Technology, and Art information received in school and distributed to all relevant staff?
Is the CLEAPSS guidance used in lesson planning and curriculum risk assessments?
In secondary schools, does a member of staff undertake the role of Science Radiation Protection Supervisor (CLEAPSS)?
Have teaching staff received appropriate additional training/validation where required for specialised areas e.g. school indoor climbing walls?
Is a ‘H&S Checklist for Classrooms’ completed every term for non-specialist classrooms?
Premises/Estate Management
Is there a system/procedure in school for staff to report and record defects to premises, plant, equipment or processes to enable remedial work to be arranged?
Are daily premises inspections undertaken to ensure that the site is free of hazards (e.g. broken glass, syringes, large stones, leaks) and fit for use? Are these ‘Ready for Use’ premises inspections recorded?
Are periodic ‘Thorough Premises Inspections’ undertaken to identify premises defects and maintenance requirements? Are the results and any actions required/taken recorded?
Are the surfaces of floors and pedestrian traffic routes suitable for their use?
Are arrangements in place for gritting and snow clearance within the premises? Are these communicated to staff, pupils and parents?
Where school premises or facilities are hired to others, do formal letting agreements cover health and safety issues and requirements?
Asbestos - Are staff aware of the existence/location of any asbestos in school? (Council controlled schools built prior to 1992 will have a ‘Premises Asbestos Register’) Are all contractors made aware of the existence and location of any asbestos prior to any works?
Electrical – Does the school have an up to date ‘certificate of compliance’ with the current NICEIC regulations (periodic electrical hardwiring inspection)?
Are arrangements in place to ensure all portable electrical equipment is regularly checked for safety and PAT tested?
Has examination and testing of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) extraction equipment been undertaken within the last 14 months?
Are the statutory gas safety checks undertaken?
Are the statutory inspections of lifts, hoists and lifting equipment undertaken (as per the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)? (Equipment for lifting people to be examined at least every six months; other lifting equipment examined at least every 12 months.)
Are arrangements in place for a formal inspection of gymnasium equipment by a ‘competent person’ annually?
Are arrangements in place for a formal inspection of outdoor play equipment by a ‘competent person’ annually?
Are ‘Warning - Fragile Roof’ notices displayed on buildings with easily accessible roof surfaces containing roof lights, asbestos and other fragile materials?
Are arrangements in place for formal annual inspections of DT equipment / machinery by a competent person?
Are formal (usually termly) inspections of ladders, step-ladders and any other access equipment undertaken?
Are records of all the above inspections/tests/examinations kept in school?
Has a Legionella risk assessment been completed? Are there arrangements in place for Legionella water sampling and monitoring?
Are traffic routes on site suitable for the people and vehicles using them? Are vehicle movements managed in a safe way?
Are arrangements in place to dispose and/or recycle waste effectively?
Are specific arrangements in place to dispose of hazardous waste effectively (e.g. chemicals, healthcare waste, electrical equipment (WEEE Regulations), batteries, lighting tubes)?
Is information about waste disposal arrangements shared with staff and pupils in an appropriate format?

Contractors / Construction / Maintenance
Is there a robust communication system between the school SMT and the school facility management staff/company?
Are risk assessments shared & discussed between the school & FM staff/company?
Are all parties aware of and comply with their duties under The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015?
If the school appoints its own contractors, is there a suitable procedure to assess and confirm the Contractors competency before appointing them? What checks are carried out to ensure the contractors have adequate health and safety systems in place?
Where work undertaken by contractors may affect the running of the school, is the SMT involved in planning with contractors prior to such work commencing? Are Health and Safety issues and risks identified, discussed and recorded at ‘Pre Works’ meetings with the contractor?
Is suitable, written information about site specific risks provided to contractors (e.g. fragile roofs, location of asbestos, fire assembly point, traffic routes)?
Is there an effective communication system to inform staff of construction/maintenance work?
Is a member of the SMT nominated to monitor and supervise the work to ensure risks are effectively managed?
COSHH Control of substances hazardous to health
Have Safety Data Sheets been obtained for hazardous substances (including hazardous substances used by cleaners, the caretaker, in the curriculum etc.)?
Using the safety data sheets, have COSHH assessments been completed to assess the risks to health from hazardous substances?
Are there appropriate control measures in place (such as written procedures, provision of PPE) as a result of the COSHH assessment(s)?
Fire, Evacuation, Invacuation and Other Emergency Procedures
Are the premises covered by a written, up-to-date fire risk assessment?
Has the SMT access to competent fire safety advice (e.g. does the school subscribe to the Councils Building & Technical Services Fire Safety Team)?
Has a fire evacuation action plan been produced and fully implemented?
Are Fire Action Notices displayed in the school?
Are periodic fire drills/evacuations carried out, involving both staff and pupils? Are details recorded in the Fire Register?
Have school employees received fire safety information and training?
Is the fire alarm tested weekly, using a different call point each time, and recorded in the Fire Register?
Are the following regularly checked by a competent contractor- Fire extinguishers? Emergency lighting? Fire alarm system?
Are arrangements in place to evacuate people with disabilities/health issues (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans or PEEPS)?
Are arrangements/procedures in place for invacuation?
Are arrangements/procedures in place for bomb threats and suspicious packages?
Do evacuation and invacuation procedures link into wider emergency planning procedures for the school?
Manual Handling
Are the staff undertaking manual handling tasks in school made aware of the risk assessments and the subsequent control measures required to prevent injury?
Has Manual Handling Training been delivered to relevant staff (for either or both object and people moving and handling as applicable)?
Are mechanical lifting/handling aids used in school? If yes: - Are mechanical aids maintained and inspected in line with manufacturers and statutory requirements? Are records of maintenance and inspections kept readily available in school? Are employees trained in their use?
Work at Height
Do school staff (teaching and/or non-teaching) use access equipment (e.g. ladders or stepladders) in their work?
Following on from risk assessment, are safe systems of work in place for work at height?
Is training and information given to staff regarding working at height and the safe use of access equipment?
Is a pre use visual inspection made of all access equipment to check their safety prior to use?
Are formal (usually termly) inspections of ladders, step-ladders and any other access equipment undertaken and recorded?
Work Equipment (Work equipment includes any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool, or installation for use at work.)
Is there an inspection, maintenance and examination schedule for the work equipment in school (including equipment used by pupils)?
Is a pre use visual inspection made of electrical appliances?
Is there a system for reporting and recording defects in work equipment in school?
Is information, instruction and training given to users of machinery/equipment?
Swimming Pool
Is an up to date copy of “Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools” (HSG 179) readily available on site?
Are Pool Operating Procedures suitable and sufficient as prescribed in HSG 179?
Is there a Normal Operating Plan (NOP) and an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the pool?
Are water treatment procedures effectively managed by trained, competent staff?
If the pool is hired by other groups, are they made aware of the Pool Safe Operating Procedure and arrangements for dealing with emergencies (these may be different to the normal school pool operating procedures if the pool is used outside school hours)?
Transport
Do staff drive whilst ‘at work’? If ‘yes’ are appropriate checks undertaken to ensure staff are suitably trained, qualified, insured and fit to drive; and vehicles are suitable and safe;(including staff to drive the school minibus)?

Display Screen Equipment
Do display screen equipment and computer workstations for staff meet the minimum standards? (see the DSE Guidance on the Occupational Safety website).
Are staff given information and training on the risks, undertaking risk assessments, and DSE eye tests?
Have staff who use laptops (working at school or at home) been warned of the potential health hazards and given appropriate guidance?
Are workstation assessments undertaken and action taken to address any issues identified?
Volunteers
Are volunteers given an Induction at the start of the first session? Does this cover health & safety responsibilities, emergency arrangements and the hazards & risks of the role?
Are volunteers given a clear description of the tasks and activities they will perform? Is training given where necessary?
Safeguarding – are arrangements in place to carryout DBS checks on volunteers?
Monitor and Review
Does the headteacher, or a nominated member of the SMT, monitor & review health and safety standards/practices and the effectiveness of the School Health & Safety Policy?
Is there an annual health and safety report to the School Governors providing information on school performance?
Are action plans set, with targets, to provide the school with a formal framework to improve its health and safety performance?

Further Action:

Where there are any negative responses, or gaps in documentation/working procedures etc. produce an Action Plan to resolve any issues highlighted in this health & safety review. Include who is responsible for completing each action, with timescales. The Action Plan should be monitored at the Senior Management Team meetings.

Please send a copy of the completed audit, parts 1 and 2, to Occupational.Safety@bradford.gov.uk

Additional Notes: