CYNOSURE HEALTH CARE
Updated 1 April 2016

HealthSafetyPolicyandProcedure

Purpose

  • Tocomplywithstatute,regulationandqualitystandard.
  • ThepurposeofthispolicyistoensurethatCynosure Health Care,itsemployeesandothersexperienceasafe environment andthatstatutoryobligationsaremet.

Scope

  • Thispolicyappliestoallemployees,allServiceUsersandallvisitorstothepremisesofCynosure Health Care .

Policy

  • Cynosure Health Care recognisesthattheyhavearesponsibilitytoensurethatreasonableprecautionsaretakentoprovideandmaintainworkingconditionswhicharesafe,healthyandcomplywithallstatutoryrequirementsandcodesofpracticerelatingtoCynosure’sparticularactivities.
  • Cynosure Health Carewill,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,payparticularattentionto:
  • Theprovisionandmaintenanceofplantandsystemsofworkthataresafeandhealthy.
  • Arrangementsforensuringsafetyandabsenceofriskstohealthinconnectionwiththeuse,handling,storageandtransportofarticlesandsubstances.
  • Theprovisionofsuchinformation,instruction,trainingandsupervisiontoensurethehealthandsafetyatworkofemployeesandothers.
  • Thecontroloftheplaceofworkmaintainingitinasafecondition.
  • Theprovisionofasafemeansofaccesstoandegressfromtheplaceofwork.
  • Thispolicywillbereviewedatleastannually.

ProcedureOrganisationandResponsibilities:

Executive

  • TheRegisteredProviderisresponsibleforsafetyinCynosure Health Care andwillmonitorthesafetypolicyonaregularbasis.
  • TheRegisteredProviderwillbesufficientlyapprisedofhealthandsafetymatterstoensurethatsufficientresourcesareavailabletoprovideanyhealthandsafetyequipment,clothing,informationandtrainingforemployeesinorder(asfarasisreasonablypracticable)toachieveandmaintainahighstandardofsafetyproficiency.

SafetyOfficer

  • TheSafetyOfficeristheRegisteredManager,unlessindicatedotherwisebyanoticeonthemainstaffnoticeboardoftheestablishment.
  • TheresponsibilitiesoftheSafetyOfficerareto:
  • Maintainsafetyrecords,
  • Investigateaccidents,
  • Provideaccidentstatistics,
  • Keepawatchingbriefonchangingsafetylegislation.

(S)hereportsdirectlytotheRegisteredProvider.

  • FullinvestigationofaccidentswillbecarriedoutbytheSafetyOfficerunderthedirectionofamanagerwithaviewtothepreventionoffutureoccurrences.
  • TheSafetyOfficerisresponsibleforensuringthatCynosure Health Careobligationsinrespectofassessment,controlandmonitoringofhazardoussubstancesaremet.
  • TheSafetyOfficerisresponsibleforrecordingofaccidentsinaccordancewithRIDDOR(ReportingofInjuries,DiseasesandDangerousOccurrencesRegulations1985),by:
  • EnsuringthattheAccidentReportingPolicyandProcedureisfollowed,allaccidentsarerecorded,usingtheformattachedtothatpolicy.
  • Ensuringthatallaccidentswhichresultinabsencefromworkformorethanthreedaysarereportedinwritingwithin7daystotheHealthandSafetyExecutive.
  • Ensurethat:
  • Fatalinjuries.
  • Majorinjuries(e.g.,brokenbones).
  • Specifieddangerousoccurrences

ArenotifiedtotheHSEbytelephone(HealthandSafetyExecutive,
1HagleyRoad,
Birmingham,
B168HS.
Fax: 01216076349)withoutdelay,followedbywrittennotificationonform.

DepartmentManager(wherethesedifferfromtheRegisteredManager)

  • Wherethere arenodesignatedDepartmentManagers,theRegisteredManagerfulfilsthisrole.
  • DepartmentManagershavetheresponsibilitytoprovideleadershipandtopromoteresponsibleattitudestowardshealthandsafety.
  • Eachmanagerwill:
  • Ensurethateachnewemployeeisgiveninductiontraining,includingtheprecautionsproceduresappropriatetotheirspecificjobs.Allnewmembersofstaffwillbeshownthelocationoffirstaidboxes,fireexitsandfirefightingequipment.
  • Ensureallsubordinatesareawareofthehealthandsafetypolicy(acopyisonCynosure Health Carenoticeboards).
  • Keepuptodate with healthandsafetymattersapplicabletotheoperationsoftheorganisation.
  • InvestigateallaccidentswiththeassistanceoftheSafetyOfficer,withaviewtopreventionofafurtheroccurrence.
  • Ensuregoodhousekeepingstandardsareapplied.
  • Reviewperiodicallyallnewandexistingequipmentwithreferencetomechanicalandoperationalsafetyand,in particular,thelocations of all equipment bearing in mindallhealthandsafetyfactors.
  • Carryoutregularsafetychecksandaudits.

Supervisors

  • Supervisorshavetheresponsibilitytoprovideleadershipandtopromoteresponsibleattitudestowardshealthandsafety.Supervisorsmustensurethatalltaskscarriedoutintheirsectionsareperformedwiththeutmostregardforthehealthandsafetyofallthoseinvolved.
  • AccidentsmustbereportedimmediatelytotheDepartmentManagerorRegisteredManager.
  • Particularregardwillbepaidto:
  • Equipmentanditsusagetoensuretheyaresafeanddonotendangerhealth.
  • Provisionofsafetyarrangementsforthehandling,storageandmovementofmaterials,equipmentandsubstances.
  • Supplyingsufficientinformation,instructions,trainingandsupervisiontoenableemployeestoavoidhazardsandcontributepositivelytotheirownhealthandsafetyatwork.
  • Inspectingequipmentsuchaslighting,passageways,firealarms,fireescapes,fireextinguishers,firstaidfacilitiesandworkpractices,onaregularbasistoensuretheirefficiencyandmaintenance.

Employees

  • Allemployeeshavearesponsibilitytodoeverythingtheycantopreventinjurytothemselves,theirfellowemployeesandothersaffectedbytheiractionsoromissionsatwork.
  • Theyareexpectedtofollowcompanyproceduresin particular,toreportanyincidentswhichhaveormayhaveledtoinjuryordamage.ToneglectthisresponsibilitycanleadtoprosecutionbytheHealthandSafetyExecutive.
  • AnyemployeewhoisfacedwithaconflictbetweenthedemandsofsafetyandhisjobshouldraisethematterimmediatelywiththeSupervisor.

AdministrativeArrangements

Thefollowingstatementsareanoverview,andmostareasforhealthandsafetymanagementareamplifiedbyfurtherpoliciesandprocedureselsewhereinthismanagementsystem.

RiskAssessment

  • TheSafetyOfficerwillregularlyreviewallareasinusebyCynosure Health Care,orinwhichitsworkerswork,to:
  • Identifyrisks.
  • Assesstherisk.
  • Evaluatetherisk
  • Eliminatetheriskwhereappropriate.
  • Introducecontrolmeasurestoreducerisk,toareasonablelevel,whereappropriate.
  • Developorlocate,andarrangedeliveryofappropriatetrainingtoreducerisk,toareasonablelevel,whereappropriate.
  • TheSafetyOfficerwillcarryoutagenericriskassessmentwheneverworkers:
  • Beginworkinanewarea.
  • Beginworkinanewbuilding,orbuildingtype,inanexistingarea.
  • Haveorraiseanissueinanareaorbuildingwhichtheyarealreadyworkingin.
  • TheSafetyOfficerwillcarryoutariskassessmentonnewequipmentbroughtintotheestablishment.

Reducing Risks

Postural Problems may be overcome by simple adjustments to the workstation such as repositioning equipment or adjusting the chair. Footrests and document holders may be required in some cases. Postural problems can also indicate a need to provide reinforced training of the ‘User’ (for example on correct hand position, posture, how to adjust equipment). NB: Footrests or document holders must be provided for those staff who request them.

Visual Problems may also be tackled by straightforward means such as repositioning the screen or using blinds to avoid glare, placing the screen at a more comfortable viewing distance from the ‘User’, or by ensuring the screen is kept clean. In some cases, new equipment such as window blinds or more appropriate lighting.

Fatigue and Stress may be alleviated by correcting obvious defects in the workstation as indicated above. Wherever possible the task should provide ‘Users’ with a degree of personal control over the pace and nature of their tasks.

Daily Work Routines

Whenever possible, jobs at display screens should be designed to consist of a mixture of screen based and non-screen based work to prevent fatigue and to vary visual and mental demands. It is not appropriate to lay down requirements for breaks but they should enable staff to vary their postural positions as well as provide time away from the screen. Some general guidance can be given as follows:

Breaks should be taken before the onset of fatigue, not in order to recuperate from it.

Short, frequent breaks are more satisfactory than occasional, longer breaks e.g. a five to ten minute break after fifty to sixty minutes continuous screen/keyboard work is likely to be better than a fifteen minute break every two hours.

Informal breaks away from the screen (e.g. on other tasks) appear from study evidence to be more effective in relieving visual fatigue than formal rest breaks.

Whenever practicable, staff should be allowed some discretion as to how they carry out tasks, individual control over the nature and pace of work allows optimal distribution of effort over the working

Minimum Requirements for Workstations : (Schedule to the Regulations)

It should be noted that these minimum requirements relate to all workstations and not solely to those workstations used by staff classified/defined as a ‘User’ (Health & Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 refers). 6

It should also be noted that some of the minimum requirements for workstations (full sized DSE) identified in the Schedule to the Regulations highlighted below cannot be complied with in all respects in relation to the use of portable DSE. Consult the Regulations and Guidance for further information/advice.

Display Screen

The characters on the screen shall be well defined and clearly formed, of adequate size and with adequate spacing between characters and lines.

The image on the screen shall be stable, with no flickering or other forms of instability.

The brightness and contrast between characters and the background should be easily adjustable by the operator and be easily adjustable to ambient conditions.

The screen must swivel and tilt easily and freely to suit the needs of the operator.

It shall be possible to use a separate base for the screen or an adjustable table. It can either be built into the screen, form part of the workstation furniture or be provided by separate screen support devices.

The screen shall be free of reflective glare and reflections liable to cause discomfort to the ‘User’.

Keyboard

The keyboard shall be tiltable and separate from the screen so as to allow the ‘User’ to find a comfortable working position avoiding fatigue in the arms or hands.

The space in front of the keyboard shall be sufficient to provide support for the hand and arms of the ‘User’.

The keyboard shall have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare.

The symbols on the keys shall be adequately contrasted and legible from the design working position.

Work Desk or Work Surface

The work desk or work surface shall have a sufficiently large, low reflectance surface and allow flexible arrangements of the screen, keyboard, documents and related equipment.

The document holder shall be stable and adjustable and shall be positioned so as to minimise the need for uncomfortable head and eye movements.

There shall be adequate space for ‘Users’ to find a comfortable position.

Work Chair

The work chair shall be stable and allow the ‘User’ easy freedom of movement and a comfortable position.

The seat shall be adjustable in height.

The seat back shall be adjustable in both height and tilt.

A footrest shall be made available to any ‘User’ who may wish to use it.

ReportingAccidents

  • Intheeventofanaccidentcausinginjuryyoumustensurethattheinjuredpersonisbeingcaredforandsendimmediatelyforasupervisor/first-aider.
  • DONOTMOVETHEINJUREDPERSON
  • ReportthefulldetailstotheDepartmentManagerwhowillrecordtheincidentintheaccidentbook.
  • TherecordwillberegularlyinspectedbytheSafetyOfficer.Theaccidentwillbereportedtotheinspectingauthorityasandwhennecessary.
  • Any“nearmiss”incidentwhichoccursshouldalsobereportedtoyourimmediatesupervisorwhowillberesponsibleformakingareporttotheDepartmentManager.
  • AllaccidentswillbeinvestigatedbytheDepartmentManagerandtheSafetyOfficer.
  • AreportwillbemadetotheRegisteredProvider,viatheManagementMeeting,whowillensurethatnecessaryactionistakentopreventrecurrence.

FirstAid

  • Duringtheinductionprogrammeemployeeswillbeshownthelocationofthenearestfirstaidboxtotheirworkarea.
  • Cynosure Health Carewillensurethatsufficientemployeesaretrainedasfirstaidspecialiststoprovidecoverageonallshifts.
  • Theidentityofdesignatedfirstaidspecialistswillbenotedbyclearnoticescomplyingwiththerecommendedformatdisplayedatallworkstationsandstaffareas throughout theestablishment.

Fire

  • Fireexitsmustbekeptclearfromobstruction.
  • Allemployeesmustknowtheirevacuationrouteandassemblypointincaseoffire.

IFYOUDISCOVERFIRE:

  • Immediatelyoperatethenearestfirealarmcallpoint.
  • WITHOUTPERSONALRISK,trytoputoutthefire,ifpossible,withthenearestappropriatefireapplianceprovided,bydirectingthehoseorextinguishertothebaseoftheflame.

IFYOUHEARTHEFIREALARM:

  • The seniorpersonondutywillberesponsibleforcallingtheFireServices.
  • Reportimmediatelytothestaffassemblypoint,whichisbythefirealarmpanelinyourbuilding.
  • DONOTUSETHELIFT
  • DONOTDELAYFORPERSONALBELONGINGS
  • Followtheinstructionsofthepersonincharge,whoisfullyinchargeofallstaffandpersonsonthepremisesuntiltheFireBrigadearrive.
  • Iftoldtoleavethebuilding,donot re- enterthebuildinguntilinstructedbyyourseniorsupervisorortheFireBrigade.

OrganisationCodeofSafePractice

GoodHousekeeping–General

  • Unduehurryingandforgetfulnesscausemanyaccidents.Donotrundownsteps.Usehandrailsgoingupordownstairs.
  • Watchoutforsomeonecomingroundablindcorneroropeningdoorsquickly.
  • Neverreadwhilewalking.
  • Ensurethatfloorareasarewelllitandkeptclearofobstruction.
  • Wherefloorsarewetthroughspillageorcleaning,theareamustbeprotectedusingarecognisablewetfloorsignuntiltheareahasdried.Thesignmustberemovedtostorageassoonaspossibleaftertheareahasdried.

GoodHousekeeping–Offices

  • Leavingalowerfilingdraweropencausesmanytripsandfalls.Pleasemakesuretheyareclosed.
  • Electrical,computerandtelephonecordsmustnotbeallowedtolieuncoveredonthefloorandshouldbetapeddown,sincetheyaremajortrippinghazards.
  • Spilledcoffeeorsoftdrinks,tracked-inrain,leavesorsnow,shouldbecleanedupimmediately.
  • Pointedobjectssuchaspencils,pens,letteropeners,filesandthelikemustbeusedcarefullytoavoidpuncturewounds.
  • Horseplay,includingthrowingpaperclips,shootingrubberbands,tossingobjectsoutof windows,isunacceptablebehaviour,andmaybethesubjectofdisciplinaryprocedure.

ElectricalEquipment

  • Electricalequipmentisnormallysafe,provideditisproperlyinstalledandregularlyinspected.
  • Alwaysrememberthatwaterandliquidsareconductorsofelectricityandtheirassociationwithfaultscausedby,forexample,damagedcables,flexes,plugsandsockets,theoverloadingofcircuitsandfuses,etc.wouldmaketheshockmoresevere.
  • Thereforeyoushould:
  • NEVERtouchelectricalequipmentwithwethands,moveanyportableelectricalequipmentwithoutdisconnectingitfromthemains,makeelectricalrepairsordootherelectricalworkunlessyouareanauthorisedperson.
  • KEEPelectricalsupplycablesandflexesawayfromwetareas,orfromwheretheywillbedamagedbybeingwalkedoverorknockedwhenmovingequipmentabout.
  • ALWAYSswitchoffallequipmentwhennotrequired,unlesscontinuousoperationisnecessary.
  • Disconnectelectricalequipmentatnightbyremovingtheplugfromthesocket,againunlesscontinuousoperationisnecessaryand/orinstructedotherwise;
  • ReportdefectiveequipmenttotheRegisteredManager.

MovingandHandling

  • Staffmustnotcarryoutmovingandhandlingoperationsunlesstheoperationhasbeenassessedforrisk,anopinionhasbeenformedandrecordedbyanappropriateperson,arecommendedhandlingtechniqueidentified,andthetechniquecommunicatedtoallstaff.
  • Movingandhandlingformpartoftheinductiontrainingwheregeneralguidelinesaregivenonpreventionofbackinjuryandtheimportanceofriskassessmentofbothindividuallifting/handlingoperationsandenvironmentalconsideration.
  • StaffwhofindthemselvesalonewithaServiceUsershouldneverattempttolift/moveaServiceUserwhohasbeenassessedasrequiringtwopeopletoperformsuchanoperation.AdviceshouldbesoughtimmediatelyandtheServiceUsershouldbemadecomfortable/safeuntilassistancearrives.

BasicFoodHygiene

  • Allemployeeswhohavecontactwithfoodintheestablishment,orenterfoodpreparationareas,willbesuitablytrainedinbasicfoodhygiene.
  • Basicfoodhygienetrainingisincorporatedintheinductiontrainingforallemployees.
  • EmployeesnormallyworkinginfoodpreparationwillcompletearecognisedBasicFoodHygienequalificationassoonaspracticableafterinitialemployment,orproduceproofofarecentqualification.
  • CateringsupervisorsandcookswillcompletetheIntermediateFoodHygieneCertificateassoonaspracticableafterinitialemployment,orproduceproofofarecentqualification.

TransmittableDiseases

  • Transmittablediseasesformpartoftheinductiontraining.
  • Whenperforminghands-onpersonalcarewithServiceUsers,fullprotectivemeasures(gloves,apronsetc)shouldbetakeninordertoeliminateanyriskofcross-infection.

HotWaterBottles

  • HotwaterbottlesshouldnotbeusedexceptinexceptionalcircumstancesandonlyiftheServiceUserinsists.HotwaterbottlesmustneverbeusedonServiceUserswithdementia.
  • Ifabottlemostbeused,followtheprocedurebelow:
  • HotwaterbottlesmaybeusedforServiceUsercomfort,butwillbecoveredbyaprotectivecoverandfilledinamannerwhichissafeforstaff,andeliminatestheriskofscaldingintheeventoffailureofthebottle.
  • Checkthatthehotwaterbottlehasaprotectivecoveroverthebarerubberinner.
  • Mixwatertothehighesttemperaturewhichitispossibletobearonbareskininajug.Pourthatwaterintothebottleandseal.
  • Pressthebottleandcheckthestopperforleakage.
  • WhenplacingthebottleagainsttheServiceUser,waitlongenoughfortheServiceUsertoreportthatthetemperatureandpositioniscomfortablebeforeleaving.

InfectionControl

  • Infectioncontroltrainingisincorporatedininductiontraining.

Preventionofcross-infection

  • Topreventcross-infection,ensurethat:
  • AnyinfectionaServiceUserhasdoesnotspreadtoothers.
  • TheServiceUserdoesnotsufferfrompotentialsourcesofinfectioninhis/hersurroundings.
  • Othersdonotbringinfectiontotheagency.

Notifiablediseases

  • TheHealthServicesandPublicHealthAct1968,thePublicHealth(infectiousDiseases)Regulations1988andsubsequentamendmentsrequirecertaininfectiousdiseasestobenotifiedtothe‘properofficer’oftheLocalAuthority.
  • Theresponsibilityforthenotificationofthelisteddisease(s)restswiththeDoctorattendingtheServiceUser.
  • TheLocalAuthorityhasthepowertostopworkinordertopreventthespreadofinfection,includingfoodborneinfections(FoodHygiene(General)Regulations1970)
  • DiseasesnotifiableunderthePublicHealth(ControlofDisease)Act1984:Cholera,Plague,Smallpox,RelapsingFever,Typhus,andFoodPoisoning.
  • DiseasesnotifiableunderthePublicHealth(InfectiousDiseases)Regulations1988:Acuteencephalitis,acutepoliomyelitis,anthrax,diphtheria,dysentery,leprosy,leptospirosis,malaria,measles,meningitis,meningococcal,septicaemia,mumps,ophthalmia,neonatorum,paratyphoidfever,rabies,rubella,scarletfever,tetanus,tuberculosis,typhoidfever,viralhaemorrhagicfever,viralhepatitis,whoopingcoughandyellowfever.
  • Mostoutbreakswillpresentnon-specificsymptoms;serioussepsisorepidemicwoundinfections.
  • AnymemberofstaffsuspectinganoutbreakofthenotifiablediseaseshouldmaketheirsuspicionsknowtotheRegisteredManagerwhowillinformtheappropriateDoctor.

Rulestopreventthespreadofinfection

  • Allstaffshouldadheretothefollowing:
  • Avoidinfectionbycarefulcontrolofcoughingandsneezing,i.e.usetissues/handkerchief.
  • Appropriatehandwashing.
  • Useofdisinfectinghandrubs.
  • Avoidwearingjewellery,exceptforweddingrings.
  • Keephairshortortiedback.
  • Wearcleanuniformclothing,anddonottraveltoandfromworkinthatclothing.
  • Reportanysignsofinfectiontotheappropriateperson.
  • Keeptoiletsandcommodesscrupulouslycleanusingcorrectdisinfectantagents.
  • Correcthandlingoffoodtopreventfoodborneillness.
  • Takecarewhendealingwithpets.Alwayshandwashorusethehandrubaftercontact.

Staffskinawareness

  • Allcutsandabrasionsshouldbecoveredwithawaterproofplaster(bluecolouredifworkinginfoodareas).Earlydetectionandpromptreportingofinfectionisparticularlyimportant.
  • Anystaffmemberwithaskininfectionmusttakeadvicefromadoctorbeforecontinuingtowork.AllskininfectionsmustbereportedtotheRegisteredManager.

Staffsickness

  • Staffwithdiarrhoeaandvomitingshouldnotattendworkbutringtoreportsick.ShouldtheconditionpersistitmaybenecessarytoprovideaspecimenoffaecesandnotreturntoworkuntilmedicalclearancebyaGPisgiven.Itcannotbeemphasisedtoostronglythatyoungchildrenandtheelderlyareparticularlyvulnerabletoinfection,andeveryattemptshouldbemadetominimiseanyriskofinfection.

SkinInfections

  • ReporttoyourmanageranyServiceUserswhohavearashorunaccountablemarksonhis/herbody.
  • Wherescabiesorshinglesaresuspected:
  • ThemanagermustrequestavisitfromtheGP.
  • Staffshouldwearaplasticapronandwearglovesforanydirectcontact.
  • Alllinenmustbeplacedintheappropriatebagandtheappropriatelaundryprocedurefollowedforcontaminatedlaundry.

Bloodborneviruses

  • AnyServiceUsermaybeacarrierofabloodbornevirus.Thereareblood-bornevirusesotherthanhepatitisB,otherhepatitisandHIV/AIDS. AppropriateprecautionsmustthereforebetakenwithallServiceUsersandparticularlywithbodyfluids.
  • Alwaysassumethatbloodandotherbodyfluidsareinfected.Allaccidents,facial,particularlyeye,orwoundcontactwithinfectedbodyfluidsmustberecordedasanincident.
  • Accidentavoidancemeasuresshouldincludecommonsenseprecautionstoavoidaccidentsandinjuries,particularlywhenusingsharps,whethertheServiceUserisknowtobeinfectedornot.Allaccidentsmustbereported.
  • Bodyfluidhandlingandspillageprocedureshouldbeasfollows:
  • Use no-touchtechniqueswhendealingwithbloodorbodyfluid.Wearglovesandplasticapronsasappropriate.Masksandgogglesarenotnormallyneeded.
  • Carestaffwearingdisposableglovesandplasticapronsshouldwipeupbodyfluidspillagesimmediately.
  • Useappropriate disinfectantagentsoncarpets.
  • Useno-touchtechniquesorgloveswhendisposingofanythingcontaminatedwithblood,e.g. dressings.
  • Avoidcontaminationwithsaliva. Ifsalivacontaminationtoeyes,acutoranopenwoundoccurs,washliberallywithwaterandinformthemanagerimmediately.

Outbreakcontrolmeasures

  • Anoutbreakofgastro-enteritisisindicatedbytheoccurrenceofUNEXPLAINEDdiarrhoeaand/orvomitingintwoormoreServiceUsers.(Rememberthattherearealsonon-infectivecausesofdiarrhoeaandvomiting).Therecommendedactioninsuchcasesisasfollows:
  • Staffshouldinformthemanagerwhoshouldthencontactthe appropriate GPs.
  • Aspecimenoffaecesshouldbemadeavailablefortesting,ifrequired.
  • Wearplasticapronandprotectivegloveswhenincontactwithexcreta.
  • Disposeoffaecescarefullyanddisinfectbedpans/commodesusingdisinfectant.
  • PlacetheServiceUserinasingleroom,wherepossible,andwiththeirowntoiletfacilitiessuchasacommode.
  • AnyServiceUserwith,orsuspectedofhaving,gastro-enteritisshouldhavetheirownsink/bowlforwashing.
  • Allcrockeryandcutleryshouldbesoakedinabowlofdisinfectantfor30minutesbeforebeingremovedfromtheroomoftheServiceUsertothekitchen.
  • Placeallcontaminatedlinedintoacolouredbagandkeepseparatefromanyotherlinen.
  • Wearaprotectiveapronandgloveswhensluicingcontaminatedlinen.Tosluiceanycontaminatedlinen,leavethelinentosoakindisinfectantfor30minutesbeforeremovingtolaundry.
  • WashhandsthoroughlyafterattendingtheServiceUserandbeforegoingtoanyothertask.
  • Themanagershouldnotifythelocalhealthauthoritieswhentheoccurrencesareunexplained.

EmergencySituations

  • In caseofbeingfacedwithemergencysituationssuchasgas,electricity,water,fireormedical,staycalm,assessthesituation,andraisealarmbycontacting999,dependingontheemergency.Emergencysituationswillformpartofyourinductionprogramme.

Majorinjuries

  • Fractureoftheskull,pelvisandanyboneinthearmorleg,butnotbonesinthehandorfoot.
  • Amputationofahandorfootoroffingers,thumbsortoeswheretheboneorajointiscompletelysevered.
  • Lossofsightinaneyeorapenetratinginjuryorachemicalorhotmetalburntoaneye.
  • Injuryrequiringmedicaltreatmentorlossofconsciousnessduetoelectricshock.
  • Lossofconsciousnessduetolackofoxygen.
  • Decompressionsickness.
  • Acuteillnessbelievedtobetheresultofexposuretoapathogenorinfectedmaterials.
  • Anyotherinjurythatresultsinthepersonbeingadmittedtohospitalformorethan24hours.
  • Anyincidentinwhichadangeroussubstancebeingconveyedbyroadandinvolvedinafireorwherethereisanuncontrolledreleaseorescapeofdangeroussubstances.
  • Anyincidentwherebreathingapparatusmalfunctionsinsuchawayastodeprivethewearerofoxygen.
  • Anyincidentinwhichplantorequipmentcomesintocontactwithoverheadpowerlinesexceeding200volts.
  • Prescribeddiseasesandcertainpoisoning.
  • Someskindiseasesincluding:occupationalasthma,farmerslung,pneumoconiosis,asbestosisandmesothelioma.
  • Thefollowinginfections: leptospirosis,hepatitis,tuberculosis,andanthrax,anyillnesscausedbyapathogen.

COSHH

  • COSHHformspartofyourinductiontrainingandareincorporatedintotheindividualServiceUseraccommodationriskassessment,thisformspartoftheServiceUserscareplan.
  • ForthepurposeofCOSHH,asubstanceisconsideredashazardousifoneormoreofthefollowingcriteriaaremet:
  • Substanceslistedasverytoxic,harmful,corrosiveorirritant.
  • Substancesforwhichmaximumexposurelimit(MEL)isspecifiedintheCOSHHschedule.
  • Amicro-organismhazardoustohealth.
  • Substancesairborneconcentrationsofdust.
  • Anyothersubstances,whichcreatecomparablehazards.

SafetyRulesfortheuseofhouseholdcleaningagents

  • Handleallhouseholdcleaningagentswithcare.Remembertheycontainpowerfulchemicals.
  • Alwayswearprotectiveclothing(overalls,rubbergloves).
  • Alwaysreadtheinstructionsonthelabeloftheproducttobeused.
  • Ifunsureoftheproductoritisthoughtthatthechemicalisinthewrongcontainer,DONOTUSE.
  • NEVERMIXchemicals,especiallybleachandtoiletcleaner.
  • Makesurethattheventilationisadequate.DONOTusechemicalsinaconfinedspace.
  • NEVERSMOKEwhilstusingchemicals.SmokingisnotpermittedinthehomesofServiceUsers.
  • Storeallchemicalsinacooldryplaceafteruse.
  • Storeallchemicalsoutofreachofchildrenbutnotonhighshelves.Keepawayfromheat.
  • NEVERplacechemicalsinothercontainers.Ifacontainerisbroken,discarditwithitscontents.
  • AEROSOLSmustbe:
  • Keptawayfromheat.
  • Neverpunctured.
  • Neverusednearanakedflameorheat.
  • Avoidbreathingthevapour.
  • Usedinawellventilatedroom.
  • Becarefulwhenthrowingawaychemicals.Besuretheyareinasafeconditionandthatnooneelsewillbeharmedbythem.Neverthrowawaymetalscouringpadswithdiscardedbatteries–theycansmoulderandcauseafire.

IFAFTERUSINGHOUSEHOLDCHEMICALSWITHINTHEWORKPLACEAFEELINGOFDROWSINESSOROFBEINGGENERALLYUNWELLDEVELOPS,CONTACTYOURDOCTORIMMEDIATELYANDTHENINFORMTHEMANAGER/CARECO-ORDINATOR

Safesystemsofwork

  • Tohelpgiveabetterpictureregardingthehealthandsafetyofemployeesintheworkplace,alistofthecommonareaswhereriskandhazardsoccurisshownbelow.Itshowstheareas/appliancesthatmaypresentahazardorrisk,thetypesofaccident/injurytheymaycauseandtheappropriateactionthatshouldbetakenbycarestaff.

Health and Safety Policy, Review and Approval Form

Health and Safety Policy reviewed and approved:
(signature – Registered Provider):
(date)
Health and Safety Policy received and noted:
(signature – Maintenance)
(date)
(signature – Supervisor)
(date)

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure – COSHH Checklist – Part 1

This form to be used to review the whole organisation/establishment, and identify those materials which require assessment.
Assessor Name: / Assessment Date:
Part 1 General Information
Define the processes carried out in the premises. / Personal care
Catering
Cleaning
Maintenance
Administration
Other (specify)
Other (specify)
Specify the range of locations for these operations / 1.
2.
3.
List below those substances which are present at these locations (use a continuation sheet if necessary), remembering to include all cleaning materials
Substance / Gaseous(quantity) / Dust(quantity) / Liquid(quantity) / Solid(quantity)
Do all of the substances listed above have the supplier’s health & safety information sheets, as required by section 6 of the Health & Safety Act 1974 as amended? / Yes/No
Are all of the products labelled in accordance with the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging and Supply) Regulations 1994? / Yes/No
Are employees trained in the use of control measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with their work, and in all emergency situations? / Yes/No
Are employees trained in respect of the necessary procedures concerning spillage and first aid? / Yes/No
Is adequate information and instruction available to employees regarding the risks, and precautions? / Yes/No
Is all the information, instruction and training reviewed and amended as appropriate, on a regular basis, and are refresher courses carried out? / Yes/No
Are there any changes in conditions or work processes likely which may alter the results of the assessment and require a new assessment? / Yes/No

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure – COSHH Checklist – Part 2 (page 1)

This form to be used for each material identified as requiring assessment while carrying out the whole organisation survey which precedes this page (Part 1).
Part 2 Specific Information
Assessment
Substance under assessment, including state and quantity.
In what locations is this substance present?
Is this substance, in the state and quantity specified, considered hazardous? / Yes/No?
Will exposure to this substance occur? / Yes/No?
Will exposure occur through: / Inhalation? / Yes/No?
Ingestion? / Yes/No?
Skin absorption? / Yes/No?
Can the exposure be prevented? / Yes/No?
Will workplaces/location other than the ones specified be affected by exposure? / Yes/No?
What groups of employees will be affected by exposure? (Use job titles)
Will exposure to this substance affect anyone else? (e.g. visitors). / Yes/No?
How often does exposure occur?
Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Other (Specify)
How long does exposure last?
Less then 10 minutes / 1 Hour / 2 Hours / 4 Hours / 8 Hours / Constant
Will Maximum Exposure Limits (MEL’s) or Occupational Exposure Standards (OES’s), as provided by COSHH regulation 7(4) be exceeded? (See HSE Guidance Note EH40). / Yes/No?
Control/Monitoring
If exposure cannot be prevented, are adequate control measures other than PPE available? (e.g. ventilation, substance substitution etc.). / Yes/No?
Are all control measures, including PPE tested as required by the COSHH regulations? / Yes/No?
Do control methods meet the approved/recommended standards? / Yes/No?
If necessary, is the PPE required approved by the HSE or does it conform to an approved standard? / Yes/No?
Are all the employees trained in the use of the required control measures? / Yes/No?
Are monitoring systems available to ensure measures are working properly? / Yes/No?
Is monitoring carried out on a regular basis? / Yes/No?
Are records of monitoring control checks and necessary repairs, etc maintained? (to be kept for at least 5 years). / Yes/No?

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure – COSHH Checklist – Part 2 (page 2)

Health Surveillance
Is the substance, as used in the processes determined in this assessment, listed in Schedule 5 of the COSHH Regulations? / Yes/No?
Are any of the following conditions, which may necessitate health surveillance and remedial action, apparent? / Yes/No?
Evidence of dust on surfaces and/or in the air. / Yes/No?
Broken, defective or badly maintained control measures/equipment. / Yes/No?
Complaints of discomfort. / Yes/No?
Reports of previous exposure-related ill health. / Yes/No?
Departures from recognised good practice/standards. / Yes/No?
Where necessary, is medical surveillance carried out at least every 12 months? / Yes/No?
Are health/medical surveillance records maintained as required (personal exposure of identifiable employee – 30 years; other records – 5 years)? / Yes/No?

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure Moving and Handling Operations Risk Assessment

To be used in any situation where moving and handling of significant weight takes place
Assessor Name: / Assessment Date:
Reason for assessment
Task: / Location:
Description of task
Frequency of task / Equipment used
Personal protection / Twisting or stooping
Load / Environment
Weight / Space
Size / Levels
Shape / Temperature
Handling points / Humidity
External features / Height
Internal features / Stability
Individual Capability
Name
Strength/height
Knowledge/training
Medical history
Clothing/equipment
Conclusions and recommendations

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure Equipment Risk Assessment – Part 1

To be used to carry out an assessment on all of the equipment in an organisation/establishment
Assessor Name: / Assessment Date:
Part 1 General Information
Identify the equipment used in the establishment:
Personal care
Catering
Cleaning
Maintenance
Administration
Other (specify)
Other (specify)
Do any of the items of equipment identified require guards? / Yes/No
Do any of the items of equipment identified require specialised maintenance contracts? / Yes/No
Are employees trained in the use of the equipment, including emergency measures? / Yes/No
Are employees trained in respect of the necessary procedures concerning first aid? / Yes/No
Is adequate information and instruction available to employees regarding the risks, and precautions? / Yes/No
Is all the information, instruction and training reviewed and amended as appropriate, on a regular basis, and are refresher courses carried out? / Yes/No
Are there any changes in conditions or work processes likely which may alter the results of the assessment and require a new assessment? / Yes/No

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure Equipment Risk Assessment – Part 2

To be used for each item of equipment identified in Part 1
Part 2 Specific Information
Assessment
Equipment under assessment, including location and quantity
Is this equipment, in the location specified, considered hazardous? / Yes/No
Will exposure occur through: / Operating the equipment? / Yes/No
Using the equipment? / Yes/No
Proximity to the equipment? / Yes/No
What groups of employees will be affected by use? (Use job titles)
Will use of this equipment affect anyone else? (e.g. visitors) / Yes/No
How often does use occur?
Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Other (Specify)
Control/Monitoring
If use cannot be prevented, are adequate control measures available? (e.g. guards etc.) / Yes/No
Are all control measures tested as required by the Health and Safety regulations? / Yes/No
Do control methods meet the approved/recommended standards? / Yes/No
If necessary, is the control measure required approved by the HSE or does it conform to an approved standard? / Yes/No
Are all the employees trained in the use of the required control measures? / Yes/No
Are monitoring systems available to ensure measures are working properly? / Yes/No
Is monitoring carried out on a regular basis? / Yes/No
Are records of monitoring control checks and necessary repairs, etc maintained? (to be kept for at least 5 years) / Yes/No

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure Generic Risk Assessment

Use this form to assess risk for areas or operations not covered by a specific risk assessment
Location:
Process which presents a hazard:
Frequency and duration of process:
Last assessed:
1. Identification of hazard.
2. Who might be harmed – list groups of people who are especially at risk from the significant hazards which you have identified.
3. Is the risk adequately controlled? List existing controls here or note where the information may be found.
4. What further action is necessary to control the risk? List the risks which are not adequately controlled and the action you will take where it is reasonably practicable to do more. You are entitled to take cost into account unless the risk is high.
Assessment performed by:
Date:
Next review date:

Health & Safety Policy and Procedure First Aid Box Contents Checklist

Use this form to regularly check the contents of First Aid boxes
First Aid Box Location
Expiry Date / Dates checked
Guidance Card. / N/A / N/A
20 individually wrapped sterile dressings (assorted sizes).
Two sterile eye pads, with attachments.
Six individually wrapped triangular bandages.
Six safety pins. / N/A / N/A
Six medium sized individually wrapped sterile un-medicated wound dressings (10cmx8cm).
Two large sterile individually wrapped un-medicated wound dressings (13cmx9cm).
Three extra large individually wrapped un-medicated wound dressings (28cmx17.5cm).
Other required equipment (specify).
Checked by (initial).

Health and Safety Policy and Procedure Fire Risk Assessment – page 1