premises management policy - somerset · premises management policy / october 2015 page 4 of 41 15....

Premises Management Policy / October 2015 of 41

The Beacon Federation of Cutcombe and Timberscombe

C of E First Schools “Live, Love and Learn Together”

Premises Management Policy

Including: Business Continuity Plan - Appendix A p5 Swimming Pool Operation ( Timberscombe) – Appendix B p13 Swimming Pool Operation ( Cutcombe)- Appendix C p25 Arson Policy – Appendix D p37 Cutcombe Site Plan p38 Cutcombe School Plan p39 Timberscombe Site Plan p40 Timberscombe School Plan p41 Background to this policy: The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 stipulate minimum standards for school Premises. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 outline provisions that must be made in relation to the work environment. Related School Policies and Procedures: Health and Safety Policy Emergency Procedures Fire Precautions (In the Health and Safety Policy) Evacuation Procedures (In the Health and Safety Policy) Risk Assessments (Held online in the EEC safety suite “Flamefast”) Equality Policy Special Educational Needs Policy Lettings Policy Asbestos Register Responsibilities: The Governing Body of Cutcombe and Timberscombe Schools has the responsibility for the upkeep of the schools’ premises. The Premises Committee of the Governing Body meets once each term. The Headteacher has delegated responsibility for the safety of the premises on a daily basis. The premises of Cutcombe and Timberscombe Schools are constantly monitored by the teaching and caretaking staff. All staff have the responsibility of reporting any concerns to the Headteacher. The duties of the governors and staff are outlined in more detail in the Health and safety Policy.


Particular attention is paid to the following areas: 1. Water Supply The Headteacher ensures that the Schools’ water supply meets the requirements of the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 by ensuring that the appropriate legionella checks are carried out to ensure that:

The Schools have a wholesome supply of water for domestic purposes including a supply of drinking water.

WCs and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and wash basins, sinks and showers have an adequate supply of hot and cold water.

The temperature of hot water supplies to showers shall not exceed 43°C. 2. Drainage The Headteacher ensures that there is an adequate drainage system for hygienic purposes and the disposal of waste water and surface water by carrying out regular visual checks and calling in drainage specialists should problems arise. 3. Security arrangements The Headteacher and Caretaking team ensure the Schools have adequate security arrangements for the grounds and buildings: that each building is securely locked and alarmed each night; that each building has a secure entrance and that the Schools’ perimeter fences are secure. During school hours the schools are only accessible via the main entrances which have a buzzer system. Visitors may only enter when admitted by staff. 4. Swimming Pools – See Appendices B and C for Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Operating Procedures for the swimming pools. 5. Lettings – See Lettings Policy 6. Resistance to the weather The Headteacher ensures that the school buildings provide reasonable resistance to penetration by rain, snow, wind and moisture from the ground by carrying out regular visual checks. Building faults should be reported by staff to the Headteacher. 7. Evacuations The Headteacher ensures there is sufficient access so that emergency evacuations can be accomplished safely for all students, including those with special needs, by ensuring that all exits are kept clear and unencumbered by staff and by carrying out regular checks of the same. See Risk Assessments, Fire Precautions, Evacuation Procedures 8. Accessibility


The Headteacher ensures that access to the Schools allows all students, including those with special needs, to enter and leave the Schools in safety and comfort by ensuring that entrances are well maintained and unencumbered. 9. Suitability The governors ensure that, in terms of the design and structure of the accommodation, no areas of the Schools compromise health or safety. An asbestos register has been compiled and is stored in the schools’ offices. A photo survey of the Asbestos has been undertaken and is stored with the asbestos register. This is monitored annually. 10. Facilities The governors have ensured that there are sufficient washrooms for staff and students, including facilities for students with special needs, taking account of the Education Regulations 1999 in that staff washrooms are ‘adequate’ for the number of staff at the schools. Any washrooms for the disabled may be used by both boys and girls and also staff and visitors The governors ensure that classrooms are appropriate in size to allow effective teaching, having regard to the number, age and needs (including any special needs) of pupils by carefully monitoring the number, age and needs of pupils who will be using the classrooms and making any necessary adjustments in provision and arrangements. Particular regard will be given to ensuring that:

a. the teacher is able to reach each pupil in a classroom in order to provide individual help and guidance b. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, floor space is provided in keeping with the requirements of the registered provision.

11. Catering The governors will ensure that where food is served, there are adequate facilities for its hygienic preparation, serving and consumption. 12. Cleaning The Headteacher ensures that classrooms and other parts of the schools are maintained in a tidy, clean and hygienic state by the caretakers. Any problems should be reported immediately to the Headteacher/Caretakers. 13. Furniture In consultation with the Head, staff and any relevant support agencies the governing body ensures that the furniture and fittings are appropriately designed for the age and needs (including any special needs) of all pupils. 14. Mechanical Services The Governing Body and Headteacher ensure that the lighting, heating and ventilation in classrooms and other parts of the Schools are satisfactory in accordance with the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 in that:

Each room or other space in the Schools has lighting appropriate to its normal use.

Each room or other space has a system of heating appropriate to its normal use.


15. General Maintenance The Governing Body ensures that there is a satisfactory standard and adequate maintenance of decoration by implementing a planned programme of redecoration. Most of this work takes place during the school holiday periods but smaller tasks may be completed during term time. The Headteacher ensures that there is appropriate flooring in good condition by carrying out regular visual checks and implementing any necessary repairs/replacements. 16. Outside Space The Governing Body ensures that there are appropriate arrangements for providing outside space for pupils to play safely. The condition of all playground areas and play equipment is monitored by the staff and deficiencies addressed. 17. Village Hall The schools make regular use of the Village Halls. The Halls have their own Health and Safety checks. Any problems are reported immediately to the Halls’ management committees. Visual safety checks will be carried out by the staff upon arrival at the Halls. 18. Health and Safety Audit The Schools’ premises are subject to a yearly Health and Safety check. See Health and Safety Policy Any matters of concern are discussed termly at the Premises Committee meetings. Any immediate concerns are addressed by the Headteacher. The Headteacher is responsible for ensuring risk assessments are completed in both Schools.


Appendix A BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN

Dealing With Disruption to Education:

1. INTRODUCTION Somerset County Council is required by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to develop plans to manage business continuity in the event of a range of disruptions to services. By extension, Local Authority schools have the same obligation. This plan should be read in conjunction with schools’ other evacuation plans and emergency procedures that deal with the immediate response to an emergency situation. This plan deals with no-notice disruptions most likely to occur: loss of premises (through fire, flood etc); loss of utilities (electricity, gas, water, fuel); failure of IT and telephony; failure of supply; staff shortage; issues such as pandemic ‘flu. The impact of any serious disruption may manifest itself in terms of: delivery of education, safety/welfare, financial consequences; reputation damage; environmental consequences. This plan will be reviewed annually. Further information and resources can be obtained from the Developing Community Resilience Through Schools website: http://www.schoolemergencies.info/ 2. AIM OF PLAN The aim of this plan is to provide guidance and support to enable schools to tackle the impact of severe disruptions due to a variety of one-off, but credible, causes. The plan is designed to achieve the following strategic objectives: a. To safeguard the safety and welfare of pupils, staff and visitors; b. To resume provision of education services at the earliest opportunity and, where possible,

secure a continuation of learning; c. To maintain the community and identity of the school; d. To return the school to normality. 3. NOTIFICATION During working hours, a site disruption is likely to become apparent to all staff and pupils very quickly: alarm activation, word-of-mouth etc. Refer to Guidance for Schools Volume 2 Section 4 : Emergency Procedures for School Closures: http://www.six.somerset.gov.uk/sixv3/content_view.asp?did=12869 Outside working hours, a site disruption may be notified by the emergency services to the school caretaker/ Headteacher or the Somerset County Council Duty Officer, who will attempt to contact the school caretaker direct or relay the information to the ‘First Call Officer’ Children and Young People’s Directorate via the Emergency Telephone Directory (Pink Pages).

http://www.schoolemergencies.info/

http://www.six.somerset.gov.uk/sixv3/content_view.asp?did=12869


4. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The responsibility for implementing this plan lies with the Headteacher or, if not available, other designated senior member of staff. 5. INITIAL ACTIONS AND EMERGENCY FILE Evacuation is dealt with in the school evacuation plan. Upon activation of this plan, the Headteacher of the school, or his/her nominated deputy, will form a Business Continuity Management Team (BCMT) with responsibilities as listed in Item 7. The primary objective of the BCMT is to manage the developing situation and minimise harm and danger to:

Pupils Staff Visitors to the school Building, contents and other assets School’s ability to provide education.

An emergency file will be stored in the School Admin office. The file should contain the following items:

A copy of this plan A copy of the school evacuation and contingency plan A plan of the school building Specimen press and information (Somerset Direct) statements Risk assessment for alternative site Any other critical items An up-to-date list of contact details of parents/carers and staff (also available on internet enabled computer).

The file should be taken out of the school building by the nearest person, only if safe to do so! The emergency file will be checked termly for accuracy of information by a member of the school’s administration staff. 6. ASSESSMENT/CONTAINMENT As soon as practicable, the BCMT will meet to consider what resources are available to continue normal business as far as possible. Potential resources are: Staff, vehicles, equipment still at the scene Staff, vehicles, equipment located elsewhere Nearby schools premises for immediate needs Current IT and telephony capability


If the disruption has resulted in the loss of the school site, the BCMT meeting should be held at an alternative location (Cutcombe or Timberscombe School) 7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Functional roles include, but are not limited to the following (dependant on resources available, individuals may be called upon to fulfil more than one role): Incident Officer - Marcus Capel (Headteacher)

· Chair Team meetings · Co-ordination of the response · Liaise with CYPD: Schools and Achievement Service · Allocate resources. · Be prepared to answer questions from the media (after consultation with SCC

Corporate Communications) · Responsible for deciding whether or not staff should be sent home.

Staff Office - Tamsin Blackmore / Paula Gay (Senior Teacher)

· Meet and greet emergency services as they arrive, with a floor plan of the building, if possible.

· Ensure all significant occurrences and decisions are recorded, together with reasons for decisions made.

· Provide clerical and practical assistance to the Incident Officer. Welfare - Marcus Capel

· Ensure all pupils, staff and visitors are safe and accounted for. · Marshalling of pupils, staff and visitors at the evacuation rendezvous point. · Arranging for transfer of everyone to place of safety. · Arrange for warm, dry shelter for everyone in the short term. · Deal with immediate welfare matters: distress, injuries, domestic responsibilities,

etc. · Co-ordinate the sending home of pupils and immediate care of those whose

parents cannot be readily notified. Premises - Emma Howe / Jacqueline Gaunt (Office Staff)

· Building security. · Turn off gas, electricity etc, if this can be done safely. · Salvage of critical documents/equipment if this can be done safely. The nominated

person should be in possession of a list of critical items. · Signs and notices for doors/boundaries. · Liaison with neighbours. · Identification/transfer to alternative premises.


Communications - Marcus Capel

· (Immediate!) Instruct staff not to leave the rendezvous point until told to do so. · Liaison between Emergency Team and staff. · Imparting factual information to staff. · Liaison with SCC Corporate Communications, Somerset Direct. · Agree key information to be given to parents by class teachers.

Continuity and Recovery - Marcus Capel

· Arrange for opening up of alternative premises. · Co-ordinate fitting out with furniture and equipment. · Liaise with SCC Children and Young People’s and Resources Directorates: ICT

installation, repair and recovery of main school premises, SCC Insurance Services NB: It is tempting during the initial phase of an incident, when children and staff are accounted for and Staff are, for instance, milling around outside the premises and it is obvious that no work will be conducted for the rest of the day, to send them home. Before taking this decision, however, it should be borne in mind that they may be available to assist one of the BCMT members, and that, once released, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to make contact with them again until at least the following day. 8. POTENTIAL DISRUPTIONS 8.1 Loss of Premises Cutcombe and Timberscombe Schools do not lie within a flood plain. Alternative Place of Safety/Shelter: Cutcombe School (01643 841462) or Timberscombe School (01643 841259), Alternatively either village hall: The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross (Roger Webber: 01643 841220) , Timberscombe Village Hall (Tony Webb 01643 841803) (Alternative sites are far enough away from the school that it is unlikely to be affected by the same disruption, e.g., flooding) 8.2 Loss of Utilities/ICT:

Utilities/ICT Name of Supplier Telephone Number

Electricity British Gas 0845 071 6336

Gas N/A -

Water/Sewerage Wessex Water 0845 600 3600

Telephone Cutcombe: British Telecom Timberscombe: Swains

0800 777 666 01485 524 000

IT SouthwestOne ICT 01823 355090

Other


8.3 Virtual Teaching: If there is a serious disruption to education work can still be submitted by students and accessed by teachers, using the Fronter Virtual Learning Environment, provided by the Local Authority. This is in the process of being changed and is likely to be superseded by FROG as used by Minehead Middle School. 8.4 Loss of Data List of data, critical to school operations in which format it is kept, location of backup copies and method of accessing these. Data Format Backup Location Access SIMS Electronic On-line storage with SWO through South West One (Attendance, Assessment, Contacts, Personnel etc) FMS (finance) “ “ “ School documents Electronic “ + SLP storage, backed up centrally. / files 8.5 Staff Shortage The most likely scenarios involving a significant loss of staff are: Outbreak of disease (e.g., influenza pandemic) Fuel Shortage Industrial action In all of these events, there is likely to be a period of notice in which arrangements may be made to mitigate the effects: 8.5.1 Epidemic/Pandemic - School Pandemic Manager: Marcus Capel Deputy: Paula Gay / Tamsin Blackmore An influenza pandemic or similar occurrence may jeopardise staffing levels, directly though staff illness, or indirectly through fear of infection or through caring responsibilities for sick relatives. What schools/pandemic manager should do:


It is essential that information is disseminated about how to identify symptoms of flu and what to do in the event of a member of staff becoming ill with suspected flu. Download the latest information for schools to prevent the spread of infection and in what circumstances they might need to close. Additional details are also given about some websites where you can get further up to date information. http://www.six.somerset.gov.uk/sixv3/content_view.asp?did=21569 8.5.2 Fuel In the event of a widespread fuel shortage, options will include: Increased use of public transport Car sharing Walking or cycling 8.5.3 Industrial Action As far as possible, without attempting to influence staff members’ legal right to take industrial action, managers should try to estimate the proportion of staff that may be available to work in order to plan work in accordance with priorities. 9. RECOVERY Long-term recovery may be affected by decisions made during the assessment/ containment phase, so recovery issues should be taken into account by the BCMT from the outset. Dependent on the nature of the incident recovery may take months or even years to achieve (for instance if a full rebuild is required after a fire, or if injuries or deaths occur) and will include ways of keeping the school community together during any period of dispersion, or commemorating the event on anniversaries. 10.Emergency Contact Details Somerset County Council Schools and Achievement Service 01278 411780 Property Services 01823 355528 Insurance Services 01823 355920 Civil Contingencies Unit (day) 01823 358067 (Out of hours) Via Fire Service 01823 364500 Ask for duty officer to be paged Guidance on school closures is available on SiX at: http://www.six.somerset.gov.uk/sixv3/content_view.asp?did=12869 Other See printout of current staff, county and parent details




11. Staff Living Remotely From School List of staff with potential problems in getting to work :

Staff Member Home/Location (not address)

Alternative Means Of Transport

Marcus Capel Wootton Courtenay Long Walk / cycle

Paula Gay Minehead Lift Share

Gemma Jackson Minehead Lift Share

Jenny Mash Minehead Lift Share

Alison Blackmore Dulverton Lift Share

Zoe Bond Bishops Lydeard ?

Emma Howe Winsford Lift Share

Terrie Fowler Wheddon Cross Walk

Angela Edwards Wheddon Cross Long Walk / Lift Share

Jane Stephens Wheddon Cross Long Walk / Lift Share

Wendy Schofield Wheddon Cross Walk / Lift Share

Barbara Stephens Wheddon Cross Long Walk / Lift Share

Marcus Capel Wootton Courtenay Walk / Cycle

Tamsin Blackmore Dulverton Lift Share

Hannah Sparks Minehead Lift Share

Jacqueline Gaunt Washford Lift Share

Liz Aston Minehead Lift Share

Val Scott Minehead Lift Share

Jane Bailey Minehead Lift Share

Angie Barker Minehead Lift Share

Caroline Prole Timberscombe Walk

Angie Gummer Timberscombe Long Walk

Barbara Stephens Wheddon Cross Long Walk / Lift Share


12. Agenda for First BCMT Meeting 1. Background and Situation Report as known (Chair) 2. Updates and actions:

Premises Current state Critical items recovered/still in situ Estimate of return

Welfare (staff, pupils, visitors) Confirm all persons accounted for Current arrangements for retaining staff Arrangements for accompanying casualties to hospital (if applicable) Outstanding welfare issues

Communications Message given out to staff New contact number for public Public message via Communication and Marketing Brief for Somerset Direct Collect contact numbers for team members.

Continuity and Recovery Critical services affected Options to work around disruption Resources shortfall Alternative premises identified (if applicable)

3. Time of next meeting

4. Distribution List: Senior Management Team

Chair of Governors CYPD Schools and Achievement SCC Civil Contingencies Unit


AAppppeennddiixx BB

TTiimmbbeerrssccoommbbee SSwwiimmmmiinngg PPooooll

NNOORRMMAALL OOPPEERRAATTIINNGG PPRROOCCEEDDUURREE

This document is a staff handbook for safe use of the school swimming pool and will also apply to those who hire the pool.

1. Changes from Last Issue Alteration of staff names Alteration of Accident reporting procedure 2. Objective and Scope This procedure identifies the processes designed to control pool

· Supervision · Safety · Teaching · Hiring to external users.

3. Reference Documents

The following reference documents should be readily available to anyone using the pool · Normal Operating Procedure · Emergency Action Plan · County Policy on Swimming · Conditions of Swimming Pool Hire · Staff Training Register for School Staff (life guarding, teaching and plant maintenance).

4. Details of the Pool

Pool Details

Length 6.7m (22ft)

Width 5.2m (17ft)

Maximum depth 1.05m (3ft 6”)

Minimum depth 0.80m (2ft 8”)

Number of lanes -

Total surface area 34.84m2 (375 sq ft)

Maximum capacity (people) 15

The pool is used for weekly curriculum swimming teaching during the summer term, weekly after school swimming sessions, occasional use during the school week and hired to parents


and families during the summer holidays. Plans of the Building and Layout A plan of the school building and pool area showing emergency exits and evacuation routes

can be found at the end of this document. This includes the location of alarms and safety equipment, and entry and exit points to the pool.

5. Potential Areas of Risk

· A separate documented assessment of the significant risks is undertaken annually as part of

the school’s annual review of Health and Safety

· This assessment covers

§ Pool environment § Pool supervision § Pool plant § Sessions users

All leaders of groups using the pool must have had sight of or access to the Risk

Assessments and must be aware of the risks identified at this pool and the actions necessary to control them.

Known Hazards a) Children accessing the pool when it is not in use and not supervised b) Children who cannot swim getting out of their depth c) Diving into insufficient depth of water (leading to concussion or head/neck or spinal

injury d) Recreational swimming e) Prior health problems f) Absence of, or inadequate response, from pool staff in an emergency

Standard Procedures for school lessons

· To ensure unauthorised access the pool must be locked when not in use

· Swimming will not take place until one hour after a meal

· Before a lesson commences all emergency equipment will be in place

· The person in charge of swimming will keep a register of all those participating in swimming lessons.

· A headcount will be taken of those entering the pool and this will be recorded.

· All staff responsible for teaching and pool safety should be aware of any existing health issues e.g. heart trouble, asthma, and epilepsy. Ventilators should be within easy access to swimmers who may need them. Where epilepsy is totally controlled by medication no special precautions are necessary

· All supervisors should carry a whistle


· Swimmers must practice a simple whistle drill at the beginning of a new swimming programme – one blast stop means stay still, continuous blasts mean go to the side of the pool and wait for instructions

Diving is prohibited and swimmers must not be allowed to enter from the pool sides –all entry and exit must be from the pool steps

· If the pool water becomes unclear and swimmers’ feet cannot be seen on the bottom of the pool all swimming activity must stop. This may be caused by the condition of the water or wind or heavy rain creating surface distortion

· Swimmers must not be allowed to go back into the pool area unattended

· If a swimmer has a minor injury and requires one of the staff to deal with it then swimming activity must stop with pupils supervised at the side of the pool until both supervisors are able to resume their normal roles

· At least two supervisors should be at the poolside before swimmers are admitted to the pool area from the changing rooms

· All swimmers should be counted out of the pool at the end of the session, and a supervisor should be the last to leave locking the door behind them

6. Pool Rules

· No running on the pool side · No diving or jumping from the side into the pool · Enter and exit the water by the steps only · No entry until instructed to do so · No shouting · No acrobatics · No pushing or ducking other swimmers

7. Supervision of Swimming Activities

There must be a minimum of two qualified pool supervisors present at all times; one person must be nominated as the lead supervisor. Supervisors must be on the poolside; staff in the water do not count in the pool supervision ratios.

When dealing with minor first aid and other minor incidents that may reduce the poolside

supervision ratios, the class should stop all activity and remain at the poolside until full supervision levels are resumed.

Pool supervisors must carry a whistle with them at all times. Pool supervisors must be in position on the poolside before swimmers are permitted to enter the water. In addition, supervisors must remain on the poolside at the end of a session until all swimmers have left the area and the pool is secured. Supervisors should be positioned so that the pool can be scanned in 10 seconds and a casualty can be reached within approximately 20 seconds.


Supervisors must work together to ensure that they monitor all areas of the pool and all pool users. They should be located on poolside so that they can achieve this and know who is looking out for which area or group of children.

8. Club Use/Private Hire The members of staff responsible for swimming shall ensure that private organisations

are aware of the requirements and rules when confirming the booking. A formal application and agreement must be issued to confirm the arrangements to be in place. The organisation shall be issued with a copy of this procedure and given a copy of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

The members of staff responsible for swimming shall ensure that all qualified Lifeguards and supervisors provided by private organisations are inducted in the necessary operating procedures and emergency action. This training and their qualifications must be signed off on the hire agreement form.

The members of staff responsible for swimming shall monitor club/private hire use to ensure the requirements and rules are being adhered to.

All clubs shall also provide evidence of CRB checks for their personnel. 9. Equipment

Safety equipment must be checked daily prior to pool opening and records of these checks

must be kept.

Problems/shortfalls must be reported to the member of staff responsible for school swimming.

Records of checks and problems raised are reported to and kept by the person in charge of swimming.

Floats and woggles are stored in the pump house or in a dedicated storage trolley beside the pool. These are checked before every session.

10. Cleaning

The pool is checked daily, the surrounding area is cleaned by the school caretaker. Vacuuming of the pool is undertaken as necessary.

All chemicals used for cleaning pool surrounds and changing rooms shall be listed and a risk assessment completed against the Material Safety Data Sheets and kept with the chemicals to advise users of safe methods and dilutions rates, dealing with accidents, storage etc.

Staff using cleaning material should be trained in their safe use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – gloves are worn for the safe handling of pool chemicals.

11. Pool water treatment


Detail the work systems to be used to operate the pool:

· Chemical treatment - disinfection, pH correction, flocculation systems in use: Solid tablets are used as necessary, 2 tablets placed in the skimmer will bring the chlorine level to the recommended 3ppm. Acid and alkali chemicals are stored in the pump house.

· Pool water testing, dosing with chemicals, day tanks, ordering, delivery and storage: the pool is tested daily during school time, the record sheet is kept in the Headteacher’s office. Recorded are the date, time, temperature, Chlorine level ppm, Alkalinity ppm, pH, treatment added and initialled.

· Backwashing is undertaken weekly for 1 minute

· Strainer cleaning: the skimmer basket is checked weekly, the pump strainer is checked weekly.

· Other equipment: Heat pump is set to 29 degrees Celsius. The heat exchanger and the pool pump are on a time switch to run from 9.00am to 6pm.

· Personnel: Teacher in charge of Swimming: Marcus Capel (ASA) Caretaker Angie Gummer Teaching Staff Tamsin Blackmore

Hannah Sparks 12. Reporting of accidents and incidents

· All incidents are to be reported to the teacher in charge of swimming or the school office. Serious Accidents are reported to county HSU using the EEC system.


TTiimmbbeerrssccoommbbee SSwwiimmmmiinngg PPooooll

EEMMEERRGGEENNCCYY OOPPEERRAATTIINNGG PPRROOCCEEDDUURREE 1. Objective and Scope

The Emergency Action Plan details the specific actions to be taken in the event of any reasonably foreseeable emergency occurring.

Staff and those responsible for groups using the pool under a hire agreement must all be aware of the procedures to be used and must be trained to work in accordance with the provisions included in this plan. The Pool Operator has a duty to check compliance with the requirement and to regularly review the provisions made.

The plan covers the following reasonably possible emergencies: Overcrowding Disorderly behaviour Lack of water clarity Outbreak of fire or building evacuation Bomb threat Lighting failure Adverse weather, thunder and lightning in an outdoor pool Structural failure Emission of toxic gases Serious injury to a swimmer Discovery of a casualty in the water.

The plan takes into account the individual characteristics of the pool and the building, any specific hazards, the number of available staff and their training, the extent and location of first aid facilities and the type and location of other emergency equipment.

An emergency is a dangerous situation that occurs with little or no warning and requires an immediate response to avert the present danger or lessen the likely effect; it demands a swift and immediate response.

If handled properly a minor emergency is readily contained and does not become life threatening. If not dealt with promptly and efficiently a minor emergency can escalate and become a major emergency with a risk of serious injury or death.

Training and practice in these plans and procedures should take place regularly and with sufficient frequency to ensure an immediate and automatic reaction to an emergency.


INTERNAL EXTERNAL

Pool Hirers Normal Operating Procedure HSG 179 - Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools


Plans of the Building Lifeguard Training Schedule Conditions of Swimming Pool Hire

PAS65- Management of Swimming Pools - General Management - Code of Practice

Staffing Daily Rota AFPE – Safe Practice in Physical Education and School Sport

Staff Signing-in Book NPLQ Lifeguard Training Manual

Pool Training Log/Attendance Register

Individual Lifeguard Training Record

4. Responsibility

4.1 The Teacher, or other person, in Charge of Swimming, should ensure that:

a) All staff are adequately trained in the procedures detailed hereafter

b) Notices are displayed to advise the general public of the arrangements

c) Exit door, signs, alarms, fire-fighting equipment and break glass call points are regularly checked and kept free from obstruction

d) All exit doors operate without the aid of a key whenever the premises are occupied

4.2 The Head Teacher (or in his absence the Senior Teacher) will be responsible to take charge in the event of an emergency.

4.3 The Head Teacher/ Senior Teacher will summon the emergency services in the event of an emergency.

In a school pool the Teacher in Charge of Swimming must ensure that when the pool is let to an external user the method of summoning the emergency services is at least as adequate as the school system, e.g. when the school office is locked and not manned.

5. Overcrowding

5.1 Overcrowding should not occur if there is a system in place for controlling access and the number of swimmers admitted does not exceed the maximum pool capacity. However some areas of the pool may at times become over crowded.

5.2 If this happens the lifeguards on duty or person in control of the group using the pool should disperse the grouping within the pool or ask some swimmers to leave the pool temporarily.

6. Disorderly behaviour

6.1 Any behaviour, which is likely to cause a nuisance or is dangerous to others should be stopped immediately.

7. Lack of water clarity

7.1 If the water becomes cloudy alert the person responsible for pool maintenance.

7.2 The person responsible for pool maintenance will undertake a water test and apply remedial action to correct the water quality.


7.3 If the water clarity has become so poor that a brick can no longer be seen on the bottom of the pool then the pool will need to be closed and usage suspended until such time as the remedial action takes to reduce the cloudiness. (See also 10.6 Adverse Weather).

8. Outbreak of fire or building evacuation

8.1 In the event of a fire, the school alarm will sound. The swimming pool is outdoors, well set back from the school building. However all swimmers will need to evacuate the pool and assemble in the playground at the appointed evacuation point, if safe to do so. The arrangements in place to raise the alarm are as follows:

8.2 In the event of an evacuation the emergency services should be called. The person making the call should ask for the Fire / Ambulance Service (as required) and tell them the name of the pool, its location and the location of the fire giving as much information as possible.

8.3 Once at the assembly point the person responsible for the pool will check all staff are present against the signing-in book or class register and people in charge of groups using the pool will check that all their group members are present and correct.

9. Bomb Threat

9.1 Should a telephone message be received that a bomb is in the building the person taking the call should glean as much information as possible from the caller and find as much information as possible. Where possible this should include:

Location of the bomb Time set to go off Why it has been left Any background noises on the telephone line Accent of the caller

9.2 As soon as the call is over notify the Headteacher

9.3 The Head Teacher / Senior Teacher will inform all staff to turn off radios and avoid pressing the pool alarm transmitters - as both of these can inadvertently detonate a bomb. The public address system may be used but not a radio microphone - whistles and hand signals should be used instead.

9.4 The Head Teacher/ Senior Teacher will telephone the police and ask for their assistance.

9.5 A search of the building should be made looking for any suspicious objects or parcels. In liaison with the police the Head Teacher/ Senior Teacher will decide whether to evacuate the building.

9.6 If the decision is made to evacuate this will be in accordance with the fire procedure detailed in section 8.

9.7 Once the building is evacuated a thorough search will be made by the Headteacher/ Senior Teacher and police.

9.8 No person will be allowed to enter the building until given the all clear to do so.

9.9 As soon as possible after the incident the Headteacher will be required to make a written statement. No statements will be made to the media or members of the public.


10. Adverse weather, thunder and lightning in an outdoor pool

10.6 If bad weather occurs and there is poor natural lighting, such that the bottom of the pool cannot be seen, the pool should be evacuated immediately and all swimming ceased.

10.7 If the weather turns thundery and lightning threatens, evacuate the pool immediately and suspend swimming sessions.

11. Structural failure

11.1 Should a structural failure occur, or if danger is suspected from the building structure, the pool will need to be evacuated immediately.

11.2 An evacuation is to be initiated.

11.3 Evacuate from the building using whichever exit doors are unobstructed by the result of the structural failure.

11.4 If the changing area lies within the structural failure area children should be taken to a place that is secure and warm.

12. Emission of toxic gas

12.1 An emission of toxic gas would most likely come from the mixing of bleach such as sodium hypochlorite and another chemical containing an acid during a cleaning operation or as a result of an incorrect process used in the pool water disinfection system.

12.2 If evacuation of the building is deemed necessary exits must be used which lead customers / pupils away from the danger area.

12.3 If there is an emission from chemical mixing, the immediate area should be evacuated with haste, closing doors if possible to prevent the gases escaping other occupied areas. The person in charge of swimming should immediately be informed of the situation.

12.4 Should it be necessary to evacuate the building the fire alarm should be activated according to the procedure detailed previously.

12.5 Any person who has been gassed with chlorine should be taken to hospital as serious symptoms may develop at a later stage. Appropriate first aid should be given.

12.6 The accident may be reportable to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR. It will be the responsibility of the Headteacher initiate reporting.

13. Serious injury to a bather

13.1 Call for the assistance of another lifeguard or school staff.

13.2 Carry out appropriate first aid. In cases of serious injury, broken bones or unconsciousness the patient should not be moved until first aid has been given.

13.3 Bleeding should be stopped by applying a wound dressing or, if necessary, by the direct application of pressure on an artery.

13.4 All cases of head injury should be treated as serious. An ambulance will be called by the person in charge and the patient sat up to reduce the flow of blood to the injury. Under no circumstances should the casualty be permitted to return to the pool at any stage even if


they appear to be well, as delayed concussion is a real possibility and may lead to the loss of consciousness in the pool.

3.5 The person in charge will telephone for an ambulance and assist with first aid if necessary. 13.6 It is important that staff support casualties by speaking to them confidently and

reassuringly. 13.7 All accidents to staff, pupils and hirers must be reported fully on the appropriate accident

form kept in the staff room. 13.8 Accidents and dangerous occurrences reportable to the Health and Safety Executive will be

reported. 14. Discovery of a casualty in the water

14.1 Before entering the water to recover a casualty attract the attention of another member of staff or parent.

14.3 As soon as the alarm is activated, support staff will implement a back up action;

14.4 Enter the water in a safe manner and land the casualty at the most suitable landing point. Where the pool is an above ground construction the casualty will need to be handed from in the pool to someone standing on dry land; this procedure needs practice and should be conducted with due care to the casualty. If a spinal cord injury is suspected the casualty should be supported in the water and no attempt made to lift him/her out until the paramedics arrive.

14.5 If breathing has ceased, commence expired air resuscitation immediately whilst in the water and whilst towing to the side. Land the casualty and continue with EAR. The person in charge will arrange for an ambulance to be called.

14.6 If the heart has stopped beating commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Continue CPR and EAR until the casualty restarts breathing and a pulse is found, or until ambulance staff take over. Patients who have been resuscitated should be treated for shock until the ambulance arrives.

14.7 Other pool staff must not let the level of pool supervision drop below a safe level by watching the incident and may be required to cover for absent colleagues. If necessary to ensure safety the pool should be cleared.

14.8 Staff should ensure that a crowd does not gather around the casualty.

14.9 One member of staff will be designated to meet the ambulance from the main road to take them to the scene of the incident as speedily as possible using the emergency exit doors adjacent to the location of the incident.

14.10 As soon as possible after the incident all staff involved will be required to make a written statement.

14.11 No statements shall be made to the press or other members of the public.

15. Removal of a casualty with a suspected spinal injury


15.1 Spinal injuries may be caused by diving into water of an insufficient depth - particularly when features such as active wave machines are operating - collisions, misuse of diving equipment or other equipment provided for swimmers’ use, or where swimmers land on top of each other. The Normal Operating Procedures detail safe use of equipment and specify a diving policy for the pool.

15.2 Priorities

1. If the casualty is in a facedown position, they must be turned into a face-up position urgently.

2. If the casualty is not breathing, commence Expired Air Resuscitation even if the action risks further damage to the spinal cord.

3. Stabilise the casualty’s head. 4. Maintain the casualty in a horizontal position.

16. Dealing with blood, vomit, faeces etc

The following circumstances in which pool staff should take immediate action:

16.1 Diarrhoea

16.1.1 If a substantial amount of loose, runny stool (diarrhoea) is introduced into the water, especially if illness is admitted or strongly suspected, then the pool should be immediately closed to bathers.

16.1.2 The person in charge of swimming will immediately arrange for the pool water treatment plant to be checked and the level of disinfectant to be raised.

16.1.3 A flocculent will be added to the pool water treatment system prior to the filters if a medium rate filter is in use.

16.1.4 The pool will remain closed for the duration of six turnover cycles, normally a minimum of 24 hours, then the filters are backwashed and, having established that free chlorine levels are within the appropriate range, the pool will be reopened. For a small pool with minimum water content it may be quicker to drain and refill the pool.

16.2 Solid stools 16.2.1 If the presence of these is spotted by pool or teaching staff or are reported by customers /

pupils they should be immediately retrieved from the pool using the net provided for this purpose. They should be disposed of in the nearest toilet.

16.2.2 After their retrieval the person in charge of pool maintenance should be informed and will immediately carry out a water test to establish that free chlorine level and other plant operation aspects are within the recommended ranges.

16.3 Blood and vomit 16.3.1 If substantial amounts of blood and vomit enter into the pool, it should be temporarily

cleared of people to allow the pollution to disperse and any infective particles within it to


be neutralised by the disinfectant in the water. 16.3.2 Spillages of blood or vomit on the poolside should be contained and wiped up with

appropriate cleaning cloths. A solution containing a disinfectant equating to 10ppm Hypochlorite should be washed over the area.

16.3.3 The cloths used for this purpose should immediately be safely disposed of.


APPENDIX C

CUTCOMBE SWIMMING POOL

NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURE

This document is a staff handbook for safe use of the school swimming pool and will also apply to those who hire the pool.

1. Changes from Last Issue Alteration of staff names

2. Objective and Scope

This procedure identifies the processes designed to control pool · Supervision · Safety · Teaching · Hiring to external users.


The following reference documents should be readily available to anyone using the pool

· Normal Operating Procedure · Emergency Action Plan · County Policy on Swimming · Conditions of Swimming Pool Hire · Staff Training Register for School Staff (life guarding, teaching and plant maintenance).

4. Details of the Pool

Pool Details

Length 6.7m (22ft)

Width 5.2m (17ft)

Maximum depth 1.05m (3ft 6”)

Minimum depth 0.80m (2ft 8”)

Number of lanes -

Total surface area 34.84m2 (375 sq ft)

Maximum capacity (people) 15

The pool is used for weekly curriculum swimming teaching during the summer term, weekly after school swimming sessions, occasional use during the school week and hired to parents and families during the summer holidays.

Plans of the Building and Layout


A plan of the school building and pool area showing emergency exits and evacuation routes can be found at the end of this document. This includes the location of alarms and safety equipment, and entry and exit points to the pool.

5. Potential Areas of Risk

Risk Assessment

· A separate documented assessment of the significant risks is undertaken annually as part of the school’s annual review of Health and Safety

· This assessment covers

§ Pool environment § Pool supervision § Pool plant § Sessions users

· All leaders of groups using the pool must have had sight of or access to the Risk Assessments and must be aware of the risks identified at this pool and the actions necessary to control them.

Known Hazards

a) Children accessing the pool when it is not in use and not supervised

b) Children who cannot swim getting out of their depth

c) Diving into insufficient depth of water (leading to concussion or head/neck or spinal injury

d) Recreational swimming

e) Prior health problems

f) Absence of, or inadequate response, from pool staff in an emergency

Standard Procedures for school lessons

· To ensure unauthorised access the pool must be locked when not in use

· Swimming will not take place until one hour after a meal

· Before a lesson commences all emergency equipment will be in place

· The person in charge of swimming will keep a register of all those participating in swimming lessons.

· A headcount will be taken of those entering the pool and this will be recorded.

· All staff responsible for teaching and pool safety should be aware of any existing health issues e.g. heart trouble, asthma, and epilepsy. Ventilators should be within easy access to swimmers who may need them. Where epilepsy is totally controlled by medication no special precautions are necessary

· All supervisors should carry a whistle


· Swimmers must practice a simple whistle drill at the beginning of a new swimming programme – one blast stop means stay still, continuous blasts mean go to the side of the pool and wait for instructions

· Diving is prohibited and swimmers must not be allowed to enter from the pool sides –all entry and exit must be from the pool steps

· If the pool water becomes unclear and swimmers’ feet cannot be seen on the bottom of the pool all swimming activity must stop. This may be caused by the condition of the water or wind or heavy rain creating surface distortion

· Swimmers must not be allowed to go back into the pool area unattended

· If a swimmer has a minor injury and requires one of the staff to deal with it then swimming activity must stop with pupils supervised at the side of the pool until both supervisors are able to resume their normal roles

· At least two supervisors should be at the poolside before swimmers are admitted to the pool area from the changing rooms

· All swimmers should be counted out of the pool at the end of the session, and a supervisor should be the last to leave locking the door behind them

6. Pool Rules

· No running on the pool side · No diving or jumping from the side into the pool · Enter and exit the water by the steps only · No entry until instructed to do so · No shouting · No acrobatics · No pushing or ducking other swimmers

7. Supervision of Swimming Activities

There must be a minimum of two qualified pool supervisors present at all times; one person must be nominated as the lead supervisor. Supervisors must be on the poolside; staff in the water do not count in the pool supervision ratios.

When dealing with minor first aid and other minor incidents that may reduce the poolside supervision ratios, the class should stop all activity and remain at the poolside until full supervision levels are resumed.

Pool supervisors must carry a whistle with them at all times. Pool supervisors must be in position on the poolside before swimmers are permitted to enter the water. In addition, supervisors must remain on the poolside at the end of a session until all swimmers have left the area and the pool is secured.

Supervisors should be positioned so that the pool can be scanned in 10 seconds and a casualty can be reached within approximately 20 seconds.


Supervisors must work together to ensure that they monitor all areas of the pool and all pool users. They should be located on poolside so that they can achieve this and know who is looking out for which area or group of children.

8. Club Use/Private Hire

The members of staff responsible for swimming shall ensure that private organisations are aware of the requirements and rules when confirming the booking. A formal application and agreement must be issued to confirm the arrangements to be in place. The organisation shall be issued with a copy of this procedure and given a copy of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The members of staff responsible for swimming shall ensure that all qualified Lifeguards and supervisors provided by private organisations are inducted in the necessary operating procedures and emergency action. This training and their qualifications must be signed off on the hire agreement form. The members of staff responsible for swimming shall monitor club/private hire use to ensure the requirements and rules are being adhered to. All clubs shall also provide evidence of CRB checks for their personnel.

9. Equipment

Safety equipment must be checked daily prior to pool opening and records of these checks must be kept.

Problems/shortfalls must be reported to the member of staff responsible for school swimming.

Records of checks and problems raised are reported to and kept by the person in charge of swimming.

Floats and woggles are stored in the pump house or in a dedicated storage trolley beside the pool. These are checked before every session.

10. Cleaning

The pool is checked daily, the surrounding area is cleaned by the school caretaker.

Vacuuming of the pool is undertaken as necessary.

All chemicals used for cleaning pool surrounds and changing rooms shall be listed and a risk assessment completed against the Material Safety Data Sheets and kept with the chemicals to advise users of safe methods and dilutions rates, dealing with accidents, storage etc.

Staff using cleaning material should be trained in their safe use.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – gloves are worn for the safe handling of pool chemicals.

11. Pool water treatment

Detail the work systems to be used to operate the pool:

· Chemical treatment - disinfection, pH correction, flocculation systems in use: Solid tablets are used as necessary, 2 tablets placed in the skimmer will bring the chlorine


level to the recommended 3ppm. Acid and alkali chemicals are stored in the pump house.

· Pool water testing, dosing with chemicals, day tanks, ordering, delivery and storage: the pool is tested daily during school time, the record sheet is kept in the Headteacher’s office. Recorded are the date, time, temperature, Chlorine level ppm, Alkalinity ppm, pH, treatment added and initialed.

· Backwashing is undertaken weekly for 1 minute

· Strainer cleaning: the skimmer basket is checked weekly, the pump strainer is checked weekly.

· Other equipment: Heat pump is set to 29 degrees Celsius. The heat exchanger and the pool pump are on a time switch to run from 9.00am to 6pm.

· Personnel: Teacher in charge of Swimming: Marcus Capel (ASA) Teaching Staff: Paula Gay

Alison Blackmore Gemma Jackson

Jenny Mash Zoe Bond Caretaker - Terrie Fowler Swimming Pool Caretaker (Voluntary) Jon Roberts

12. Reporting of accidents and incidents

· Accident forms are kept in the school office (IR1). All incidents are to be reported to the teacher in charge of swimming or the school office.


Cutcombe Swimming Pool

EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE

1. Changes from Last Issue None:

2. Objective and Scope

The Emergency Action Plan details the specific actions to be taken in the event of any reasonably foreseeable emergency occurring.

Staff and those responsible for groups using the pool under a hire agreement must all be aware of the procedures to be used and must be trained to work in accordance with the provisions included in this plan. The Pool Operator has a duty to check compliance with the requirement and to regularly review the provisions made.

The plan covers the following reasonably possible emergencies:

Overcrowding Disorderly behaviour Lack of water clarity Outbreak of fire or building evacuation Bomb threat Lighting failure Adverse weather, thunder and lightning in an outdoor pool Structural failure Emission of toxic gases Serious injury to a swimmer Discovery of a casualty in the water.

The plan takes into account the individual characteristics of the pool and the building, any specific hazards, the number of available staff and their training, the extent and location of first aid facilities and the type and location of other emergency equipment.

An emergency is a dangerous situation that occurs with little or no warning and requires an immediate response to avert the present danger or lessen the likely effect; it demands a swift and immediate response.

If handled properly a minor emergency is readily contained and does not become life threatening. If not dealt with promptly and efficiently a minor emergency can escalate and become a major emergency with a risk of serious injury or death.

Training and practice in these plans and procedures should take place regularly and with sufficient frequency to ensure an immediate and automatic reaction to an emergency.


INTERNAL EXTERNAL


Pool Hirers Normal Operating Procedure

HSG 179 - Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools

Plans of the Building Lifeguard Training Schedule Conditions of Swimming Pool Hire

PAS65- Management of Swimming Pools - General Management - Code of Practice

Staffing Daily Rota AFPE – Safe Practice in Physical Education and School Sport

Staff Signing-in Book NPLQ Lifeguard Training Manual

Pool Training Log/Attendance Register

Individual Lifeguard Training Record

4. Responsibility

4.1 The Teacher, or other person, in Charge of Swimming, should ensure that:

a) All staff are adequately trained in the procedures detailed hereafter

b) Notices are displayed to advise the general public of the arrangements

c) Exit door, signs, alarms, fire-fighting equipment and break glass call points are regularly checked and kept free from obstruction

d) All exit doors operate without the aid of a key whenever the premises are occupied

4.2 The Head teacher (or in his absence the Senior Teacher) will be responsible to take charge in the event of an emergency.

4.3 The Headteacher/ Senior Teacher will be responsible to summon the emergency services in the event of an emergency.

In a school pool the Teacher in Charge of Swimming must ensure that when the pool is let to an external user the method of summoning the emergency services is at least as adequate as the school system, e.g. when the school office is locked and not manned.

5. Overcrowding

5.1 Overcrowding should not occur if there is a system in place for controlling access and the number of swimmers admitted does not exceed the maximum pool capacity. However some areas of the pool may at times become over crowded.

5.2 If this happens the lifeguards on duty or person in control of the group using the pool should disperse the grouping within the pool or ask some swimmers to leave the pool temporarily.

6. Disorderly behaviour

6.1 Any behaviour, which is likely to cause a nuisance or is dangerous to others should be stopped immediately.


7. Lack of water clarity

7.1 If the water becomes cloudy alert the person responsible for pool maintenance.

7.2 The person responsible for pool maintenance will undertake a water test and apply remedial action to correct the water quality.

7.3 If the water clarity has become so poor that a brick can no longer be seen on the bottom of the pool then the pool will need to be closed and usage suspended until such time as the remedial action takes to reduce the cloudiness. (See also 10.6 Adverse Weather).

8. Outbreak of fire or building evacuation

8.1 In the event of a fire, the school alarm will sound. The swimming pool is outdoors, well set back from the school building. However all swimmers will need to evacuate the pool and assemble in the playground at the appointed evacuation point, if safe to do so. The arrangements in place to raise the alarm are as follows:

8.2 In the event of an evacuation the emergency services should be called. The person making the call should ask for the Fire / Ambulance Service (as required) and tell them the name of the pool, its location and the location of the fire giving as much information as possible.

8.3 Once at the assembly point the person responsible for the pool will check all staff are present against the signing-in book or class register and people in charge of groups using the pool will check that all their group members are present and correct.

9. Bomb Threat

9.1 Should a telephone message be received that a bomb is in the building the person taking the call should glean as much information as possible from the caller and find as much information as possible. Where possible this should include:

Location of the bomb Time set to go off Why it has been left Any background noises on the telephone line Accent of the caller

9.2 As soon as the call is over notify the Headteacher

9.3 The Headteacher/ Senior Teacher will inform all staff to turn off radios and avoid pressing the pool alarm transmitters - as both of these can inadvertently detonate a bomb. The public address system may normally be used but not a radio microphone - whistles and hand signals should be used instead.

9.4 The Headteacher/ Senior Teacher will telephone the police and ask for their assistance.

9.5 A search of the building should be made looking for any suspicious objects or parcels. In liaison with the police the Headteacher/ Senior Teacher will decide whether to evacuate the building.

9.6 If the decision is made to evacuate this will be in accordance with the fire procedure detailed in section 8.


9.7 Once the building is evacuated a thorough search will be made by the Headteacher/ Senior Teacher and police.

9.8 No person will be allowed to enter the building until given the all clear to do so.

9.9 As soon as possible after the incident the Headteacher will be required to make a written statement. No statements will be made to the media or members of the public.

10. Adverse weather, thunder and lightning in an outdoor pool

10.6 If bad weather occurs and there is poor natural lighting, such that the bottom of the pool cannot be seen, the pool should be evacuated immediately and all swimming ceased.

10.7 If the weather turns thundery and lightning threatens, evacuate the pool immediately and suspend swimming sessions. 11. Structural failure

11.1 Should a structural failure occur, or if danger is suspected from the building structure, the pool will need to be evacuated immediately.

11.2 An evacuation is to be initiated.

11.3 Evacuate from the building using whichever exit doors are unobstructed by the result of the structural failure.

11.4 If the changing area lies within the structural failure area children should be taken to a place that is secure and warm.

12. Emission of toxic gas

12.1 An emission of toxic gas would most likely come from the mixing of bleach such as sodium hypochlorite and another chemical containing an acid during a cleaning operation or as a result of an incorrect process used in the pool water disinfection system.

12.2 If evacuation of the building is deemed necessary exits must be used which lead customers / pupils away from the danger area.

12.3 If there is an emission from chemical mixing, the immediate area should be evacuated with haste, closing doors if possible to prevent the gases escaping other occupied areas. The person in charge of swimming should immediately be informed of the situation.

12.4 Should it be necessary to evacuate the building the fire alarm should be activated according to the procedure detailed previously.

12.5 Any person who has been gassed with chlorine should be taken to hospital as serious symptoms may develop at a later stage. Appropriate first aid should be given.

12.6 The accident may be reportable to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR. It will be the responsibility of the Headteacher initiate reporting.

13. Serious injury to a bather


13.1 Call for the assistance of another lifeguard or school staff.

13.2 Carry out appropriate first aid. In cases of serious injury, broken bones or unconsciousness the patient should not be moved until first aid has been given.

13.3 Bleeding should be stopped by applying a wound dressing or, if necessary, by the direct application of pressure on an artery.

13.4 All cases of head injury should be treated as serious. An ambulance will be called by the person in charge and the patient sat up to reduce the flow of blood to the injury. Under no circumstances should the casualty be permitted to return to the pool at any stage even if they appear to be well, as delayed concussion is a real possibility and may lead to the loss of consciousness in the pool.

13.5 The person in charge will telephone for an ambulance and assist with first aid if necessary.

13.6 It is important that staff support casualties by speaking to them confidently and reassuringly.

13.7 All accidents to staff, pupils and hirers must be reported fully on the appropriate accident form kept in the staff room.

13.8 Accidents and dangerous occurrences reportable to the Health and Safety Executive will be reported.

14. Discovery of a casualty in the water

14.1 Before entering the water to recover a casualty attract the attention of another member of staff or parent.

14.3 As soon as the alarm is activated, support staff implement a back up action;

14.4 Enter the water in a safe manner and land the casualty at the most suitable landing point. Where the pool is an above ground construction the casualty will need to be handed from in the pool to someone standing on dry land; this procedure needs practice and should be conducted with due care to the casualty. If a spinal cord injury is suspected the casualty should be supported in the water and no attempt made to lift him/her out until the paramedics arrive.

14.5 If breathing has ceased, commence expired air resuscitation immediately whilst in the water and whilst towing to the side. Land the casualty and continue with EAR. The person in charge will arrange for an ambulance to be called.

14.6 If the heart has stopped beating commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Continue CPR and EAR until the casualty restarts breathing and a pulse is found, or until ambulance staff take over. Patients who have been resuscitated should be treated for shock until the ambulance arrives.

14.7 Other pool staff must not let the level of pool supervision drop below a safe level by watching the incident and may be required to cover for absent colleagues. If necessary to ensure safety the pool should be cleared.

14.8 Staff should ensure that a crowd does not gather around the casualty.


14.9 One member of staff will be designated to meet the ambulance from the main road to take them to the scene of the incident as speedily as possible using the emergency exit doors adjacent to the location of the incident.

14.10 As soon as possible after the incident all staff involved will be required to make a written statement.

14.11 No statements shall be made to the press or other members of the public. 15. Removal of a casualty with a suspected spinal injury

15.1 Spinal injuries may be caused by diving into water of an insufficient depth - particularly when features such as active wave machines are operating - collisions, misuse of diving equipment or other equipment provided for swimmers’ use, or where swimmers land on top of each other. The Normal Operating Procedures detail safe use of equipment and specify a diving policy for the pool.

15.2 Priorities 1. If the casualty is in a facedown position, they must be turned into a face-up position

urgently. 2. If the casualty is not breathing, commence Expired Air Resuscitation even if the action

risks further damage to the spinal cord. 3. Stabilise the casualty’s head. 4. Maintain the casualty in a horizontal position.

16. Dealing with blood, vomit, faeces etc

The following circumstances in which pool staff should take immediate action: 16.1 Diarrhoea

16.1.1 If a substantial amount of loose, runny stool (diarrhoea) is introduced into the water, especially if illness is admitted or strongly suspected, then the pool should be immediately closed to bathers.

16.1.2 The person in charge of swimming will immediately arrange for the pool water treatment plant to be checked and the level of disinfectant to be raised.

16.1.3 A flocculent will be added to the pool water treatment system prior to the filters if a medium rate filter is in use.

16.1.4 The pool will remain closed for the duration of six turnover cycles, normally a minimum of 24 hours, then the filters are backwashed and, having established that free chlorine levels are within the appropriate range, the pool will be reopened. For a small pool with minimum water content it may be quicker to drain and refill the pool.

16.2 Solid stools

16.2.1 If the presence of these is spotted by pool or teaching staff or are reported by customers / pupils they should be immediately retrieved from the pool using the net provided for this purpose. They should be disposed of in the nearest toilet.


16.2.2 After their retrieval the person in charge of pool maintenance should be informed and will immediately carry out a water test to establish that free chlorine level and other plant operation aspects are within the recommended ranges.

16.3 Blood and vomit

16.3.1 If substantial amounts of blood and vomit enter into the pool, it should be temporarily cleared of people to allow the pollution to disperse and any infective particles within it to be neutralised by the disinfectant in the water.

16.3.2 Spillages of blood or vomit on the poolside should be contained and wiped up with appropriate cleaning cloths. A solution containing a disinfectant equating to 10ppm Hypochlorite should be washed over the area.

16.3.3 The cloths used for this purpose should immediately be safely disposed of.


Appendix D – Arson Policy Appendix A

In addition to the actions listed in the Premises Management Policy the Arson Policy details steps that the schools will take to limit the likelihood of arson or vandalism.

1. Deterring unauthorised entry onto the site: The schools will discourage unauthorised entry onto the sites by the use of signs and, where

practicable, a robust fence and/or shrubs.

Perimeter fencing is regularly checked and maintained in good order.

The schools will ensure the premises are adequately lit during the hours of darkness.

We will foster good relationships with neighbours, who are able to observe unlawful activity at the premises when it is closed. Neighbours are asked to contact the Police if they witness such activity.

The weakest points of entry into the premises are the windows and doors. Their vulnerability will be regularly reviewed and they will be replaced as necessary.

All external doors are fitted with approved locks and secured immediately the building is vacated.

Door frame constructions are sound and of good quality.

We regularly check all external glazing for damage both on security and safety grounds

We make regular checks of areas where there are flat roofs to ensure there are no breaches of security.

Intruder alarm systems have been installed and are checked regularly

2. Reduce the scope for potential damage:

Staff will politely challenge strangers and report anyone of whom they have suspicions.

Staff will ensure that a high level of security is maintained to prevent unauthorised access and that legitimate visitors can be identified.

Staff are to investigate any outbreak of fire and if there is any suspicion that arson could be the cause, any material evidence should be safeguarded for the attention of the Police/Fire Service.

Fire risk assessments of premises will take into account the risk from arson and the measures to minimise the risk.

Fire safety training will include arson awareness and prevention.

Nominated persons will ensure that all external doors and windows have been locked once the premises have been vacated at the end of the day.

Contractors working on site will have limited access to the whole building wherever possible.

Staff will remove any graffiti that appears on the premises without delay.

Staff will take every opportunity to eliminate combustible material on the outside of the buildings. The caretakers will ensure regular collections of such materials

Sheds and other external buildings will be kept locked when not in use.

Waste bins are not fixed to walls or under roofs constructed of combustible materials, but secured to the ground away from the premises buildings.

Shrubs and undergrowth are not allowed to encroach against buildings, as they are, when dry, a source of ignition

A Business Continuity Plan is in place for both schools