Health and Safety Handbook
Introduction
Last Updated: 15/08/2023Dear Member Welcome to the revised Health and Safety Handbook, which has been comprehensively updated this year. This was undertaken by members of the Health and Safety Panel, with the help and advice of Iain Glennie, Assistant General Secretary. It is available online on the website (www.ssta.org.uk) in the secure section (i.e. you will need...
Safety Committees and Policies
Last Updated: 15/08/2023SAFETY COMMITTEESUnder Section 2(7) of the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), an employer is duty bound to establish a Health & Safety committee when at least two Health & Safety Representatives request in writing that such a committee should be formed. On receiving a written request an employer must: - PURPOSE OF A...
Stress
Last Updated: 15/08/2023No one on their ‘death bed’ ever regrettednot having spent more time at work! Definition of stress The HSE’s formal definition of work related stress is: “The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.” Stress is not an illness – it is a state. However,...
Heating Regulations and Ventilation
Last Updated: 15/08/2023HEATING Regulation 23 of the School Premises Regulations Act 1967 and 1973 specifies the following minimum temperatures: MINIMUM TEMPERATURES When temperatures are below these minima, members should act as follows: EXCESSIVELY HIGH TEMPERATURES There is no legislation setting out maximum temperatures in a similar way to minimum temperatures since the effect of these depends very...
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
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Water
Last Updated: 15/08/2023Water should be POTABLE i.e. safe to drink after boiling. There are regulations governing permitted levels of bacteria and metal ions in water supplied for drinking. Water should be tested regularly, and the results should be available to both the school and District Health and Safety Committee. Water supplied directly from the mains or via...
Display Screen Equipment
Last Updated: 15/08/2023Teachers who use computers in their workplace have a right to have a workstation which complies with legislation. Teachers also have the right to decline to use a computer which does not comply! Any computer used by teachers (or other employees) must comply with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, i.e. all...
First Aid in Schools
Last Updated: 15/08/2023■ Do not administer First Aid unless you are qualified■ Do not provide any pupil or member of staff with any form of medicine A notable exception! You may administer an epipen or equivalent to a pupil who is having an anaphylactic reaction but only if you understand the procedure or have had the appropriate...
Electrical Safety
Last Updated: 15/08/2023The legal requirements relating specifically to the use and maintenance of electrical equipment are contained in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These Regulations apply to all work activities involving electrical equipment. They place duties on employers and employees (subsequently referred to as ‘dutyholders’). These duties are intended to control risks arising from the use...
Educational Excursions
Last Updated: 15/08/2023The Association’s recommendation is that any trip which takes pupils outwith the School Grounds or Campus is regarded as an Educational Excursion. IF IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE QUALITY OF ARRANGEMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION FOR ADVICE. IN THE EVENT OF ANY OCCURRENCE WHICH COULD LEAD TO LITIGATION OR DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION IMMEDIATELY....
Additional Resources
Last Updated: 15/08/2023Health and Safety Executive A good place to start for any subject. Includes education specific information, advice on school trips and incident reporting in schools (accidents, diseases, and dangerous occurrences). Also includes guides on risk-assessment, slips & trips, and stress. http://www.hse.gov.uk/ Trade Union Stewards Stress Survival Guidehttps://www.workstress.net/sites/default/files/stewards_stress_handout.pdf Useful stress related linkshttp://www.workstress.net/help-and-info/links NHS Help related sitehttps://www.healthyworkinglives.scot/...
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Checklist
Last Updated: 15/08/2023Name of DSE User: Date: Department: Location: 1.1 Are characters on the screen easy to read? YES/NO 1.2 Are screen images stable and free from flicker and drift? YES/NO 1.3 Can you easily adjust the screen brightness and contrast? YES/NO 1.4 Is the screen at a comfortable height and position for you? YES/NO 2.1 Is...
