Health and Safety Walkabout

School

1.1 Are stairways/gangways clear of obstructions? <br>Bags/ equipment stored safely when room is in use to leave sufficient room to move around/ exit

1.2 Are floor coverings in good condition? <br>Changes in level/ type of flooring clearly marked, carpet not lifting/ wrinkled etc.

1.3 Is matting provided in wet/ slippery areas and is it working sufficiently?<br>Matting can become less absorbent with time, there may not be a large enough mat for the footfall etc.

1.4 Are handrails on stairs/steps sound?

1.5 Are windows in good condition with safety glass as required and restricted opening if required? <br>To prevent fall from rooms above ground level, or opening too far into areas accessible by pedestrians/ vehicles

1.6 Are door closure mechanisms/ finger guards fitted and in good working order? <br>Not too fast/ slow, fitted to doors with high risk of finger entrapment etc.

1.7 Are security systems adequate to avoid entry by the public, safeguarding concerns, suitable for lockdown?<br>Blinds fitted, doors or buildings able to be locked, key entry if site open, CCTV in place etc.

2.1 Is furniture in good condition with no exposed foam, broken sharp edges etc.

2.2 Are wall mounted fixtures, shelving, furniture etc. in good condition and secure?

2.3 Are the furniture and fittings suitable for the space available?

2.4 If applicable, are stage curtains/ drapes made out of fire retardant material?

3.1 Is build up of rubbish/ combustible material prevented and are waste-bins available and emptied regularly?<br>This includes keeping excessive material in cupboards/ storage areas that is no longer required/ justified

3.2 Are flammable/ hazardous materials stored appropriately and securely?<br>Consider items stored in the cupboards also

3.3 If flammable/ hazardous substances are present, is an inventory available and suitable COSHH information for users?

4.1 Are steps or kick stools available and used appropriately?

4.2 Is access equipment in good condition and stored securely and only used by authorised personnel?

5.1 Is the natural and/or artificial ventilation adequate?

5.2 Can a reasonable room temperature be maintained?<br>Consider summer and winter, are fans used if too hot, or heaters used if too cold and does this help?

5.3 Are blinds provided to keep out glare from the sun, and if so, are they in good working order?

6.1 Are fire extinguishers/ blankets easily identifiable, regularly serviced and not tampered with?<br>Fitted to the wall at an appropriate height or in trays on the floor etc.

6.2 Are fire extinguishers and call points easily accessible and kept clear of obstructions?<br>Bags stored appropriately, items not blocking access to call points/ extinguishers, even partially etc.

6.3 Are escape routes/ corridors kept free of obstruction, equipment that may cause fire (photocopiers/ laptop trolleys etc.) and displays appropriate and kept to a minimum?

6.4 Is fire safety signage suitable, consistent and in good order?<br>All extinguishers have signage rather than just a few, direction signage clear when evacuating rooms etc.

6.5 Are fire doors kept closed/ fitted with automatic door release mechanisms?<br>Avoiding the use of door stops

6.6 Are fire doors labelled and in good condition?<br>Intumescent seals in place, close fully if on closing device etc.

6.7 Are exit doors free from internal/external obstructions? <br>Consider also exit doors to play areas, avoid tables/ chairs being positioned next to the doors

6.8 Is the fire alarm audible in all areas? Details provided by the person assisting with the audit

7.1 Are cupboards containing electrical consumer units free from stored combustible items? <br>At least 50cm area free around the electrical consumer unit, items not stored above electrical consumer units, detector fitted in cupboard etc.

7.2 Are portable electrical appliances tested periodically by a competent person? <br>Items made available when PAT is being carried out, no items bought in without testing etc.

7.3 Are sufficient electrical sockets available to prevent the need for the use of extension leads and to prevent cables trailing across walkways?<br>Daisy chaining of extension cables avoided, sockets not overloaded, trip hazards avoided etc.

7.4 Are lithium-ion battery devices (laptops/ iPad/ mobile phones etc.) charged in a safe manner?<br>Laptop trolleys controlled with timer device, charging lugs switched off/ unplugged when not in use etc.

8.1 Are adequate numbers of trained first aiders available, and are names and contact details of first aiders displayed?<br>If no first aiders in the department, are staff aware where the nearest first aider is or how to contact someone in an emergency

8.2 Are first aid kits adequately stocked, easily identifiable and accessible?<br>Containing only approved items and location known of nearest kit if not in the department

8.3 Do all staff Know how to report an accident or near miss?<br>There will be a school system, for all staff to report items. If reported in the department (book or online system) this should also be shared on the school system

9.1 Is Equipment/ machinery inspected/ serviced/ maintained and if so is evidence available?<br>Stickers visible including date of next inspection, inspection checklist available and completed etc.

9.2 Are instructions available for safe use of the machinery, and is access prevented to occupants that have not been trained in safe use, e.g., equipment/ machinery locked and keys secure, access to the area restricted etc.

9.3 Are emergency cut off devices available, clearly labelled and accessible?

9.4 Is sufficient space available for safe use of the equipment/ machinery?<br>Contact avoided with other occupants of the room, items kept clear that may obstruct safe use of the equipment/ machinery etc.