1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose 

1.1.1 The aim of this document is to promote a ‘healthy, incident-free workplace' and inform staff about the Health and Safety procedures, as required by the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992. Under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 it is the responsibility of all employees to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. It is therefore important that all staff should understand the methods of working to be able to provide the maximum health and safety at all times at Alton Convent School.

1.2 Scope

1.2.1 This Health and Safety Manual is applicable to staff, students and visitors at Alton Convent School. This manual defines the school's commitment, procedures and responsibilities for Health and Safety of all staff, pupils and visitors to the School. These procedures do not take preference over statutory requirements.

1.3 Policy

1.3.1. The aim of the Governing Body is, ‘To provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for staff, pupils and visitors'.

1.3.2. It is Alton Convent School's policy to encourage, where practicable, the co-operation of all staff by discussion and consultation with them (and their representatives) in promoting and developing measures to ensure health and safety at work and to check the effectiveness of those measures.

1.3.3. It is the responsibility of staff to report any aspects that present a risk to Alton Convent School's personnel or fabrication. Alton Convent School is committed to ensure that Health and Safety is considered in all aspects of the school's activities. This ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all persons whether directly employed or otherwise are not exposed to risks to their Health and Safety.

1.4 Reference Documentation

1.4.1 The following Alton Convent School procedures address the requirements of Health and Safety. It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that they understand and adhere to their requirements.

a) School Regulations
b) Alton Convent School Emergency Procedures address the following requirements.
i) Daytime fire evacuation orders
ii) Accident procedures in the school
iii) Accident procedures on the sports field
c) Use of School Transportation. 

2 Organisation and Responsibility

2.1 Health and Safety Organisation

2.1.1. The implementation of this policy will be through an appropriate organisation supported by documentation setting out the arrangements, instructions and procedures.

2.1.1. Board of Governors

2.1.1.1. In the discharge of its duty the Governing Body, will ensure that Health and Safety is applied and all appropriate resources made available as far as is reasonably practicable. The Governing Body will ensure there is an organisation able to implement Health and Safety on a day-to-day basis.

2.1.1.2. Health and Safety is part of the agenda for all Governors' Meetings.

2.1.2. Headmistress

2.1.2.1. The Headmistress is responsible to ensure the school operates in a healthy and safe environment, and has responsibility to monitor the overall effectiveness of the school's Health and Safety policies. She ensures staff are aware of their responsibilities, and that a regular monitoring programme is undertaken.

2.1.3. Teaching staff

2.1.3.1 All teaching staff are responsible to ensure that their teaching spaces are at all times safe and present no hazards to themselves, their colleagues or pupils. They must also ensure that equipment is safe to use and that pupils follow the school's safe practices and procedures. They are responsible to report any aspect which is believed to be a hazard to a safe environment to the appointed Health and Safety Officer, Headmistress or Bursar.

2.1.4 Bursar

2.1.4.1 The Bursar is required to take all necessary and appropriate action to ensure that the requirements of all relevant legislation, codes of practice and guidelines are met in full at all times. The Bursar has the responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance and development of safe working practices and working environment for staff and pupils. The Bursar will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure visitors or other persons engaged in activities for the school are subject to a Healthy and Safe environment.

2.1.4.2 The Bursar will make staff aware of Health and Safety requirements and risks by the use of this manual and staff meetings. Periodic reviews and safety audits throughout the school will be carried out and the findings and corrective action undertaken reported to the Board of Governors.

2.1.4.3 The Health and Safety Officer will independently make regular inspections and monitor activities and bring any deficiencies to the attention of the Headmistress or Bursar. The Health and Safety Officer is responsible to keep staff abreast of changes in legislation and cause risk assessments to be made termly.

2.1.5 The Welfare Officer

The Welfare Officer is responsible for the sick bay area and to keep it in a safe and hygienic condition and to implement the procedures in the case of sickness or accident.

2.1.5 Support Staff

Support Staff are responsible to ensure that their work spaces are at all times safe and present no hazards to themselves, colleagues or pupils. Support Staff shall ensure that they follow the school's safe working practices, and are responsible for reporting any aspect which is believed to be a hazard to a safe environment to the Bursar.