Appendix A - BHeebhee.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/school-ponds … · Web viewThe Occupiers Liability Act specifically focuses on persons concerned with premises and their duties

BRIGHTON & HOVE CITYBRIGHTON & HOVE CITY COUNCILCOUNCIL

School Pond Health & SafetySchool Pond Health & Safety GuidanceGuidance

((Insert School NameInsert School Name))SCHOOL WILDLIFE PONDSCHOOL WILDLIFE POND

((Insert DateInsert Date))

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................

2. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS………………………………………………………………………..3

3. HEALTH & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS………………….……………………………….3

4. SCHOOL POND INFORMATION……………………..……………………………………...4

5. RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE NOTES………………………………………………….5

6. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RISK REDUCTION……….……………………………...…17

APPENDICEES

A GENERIC RISK ASSESSMENT

B POND MAINTENANCE YEAR

C POND FACT SHEET

D FURTHER READING & USEFUL CONTACTS

This document has been prepared for Brighton & Hove City Council using a suite of policy documents, which require local interpretation and adaptation to individual schools circumstances.

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School Ponds

Health & Safety Guidance

1. Introduction

School grounds in Brighton & Hove occupy 15% of the total green space resource of the city. Pupils spend almost 25% of their time in school outdoor spaces. It is for some, the only outdoor space they are able to access. Brighton & Hove City Council has created a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to promote the wider benefits offered by school grounds.

The DfES Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners states “Every school should be an environmentally sustainable school with a school garden or other opportunities for children to explore the natural world.”

In the first year of the (BAP) it has become evident that the single most important element for increasing biodiversity, providing habitat and food for a range of wildlife and increasing the learning potential in school grounds, it the provision of a well constructed and managed wildlife pond.

Ponds in school grounds are the feature that has generated the most questions and concerns in relation to their construction, planting and subsequent management concerning various issues relating to health and safety.

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance, advice and also references to where further information can be obtained.

2. Legal Implications

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places duties on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees and others who could be affected by its undertakings. In a schools setting this includes pupils and curriculum activities.

The Occupiers Liability Act specifically focuses on persons concerned with premises and their duties towards visitors. This duty extends to ensuring trespassers are not exposed to foreseeable risks.

3. Health and Safety Considerations

Creating outdoor learning environments for pupils creates enrichment experiences for young people. They also provide opportunities for educational activities centred around risk awareness.

Health and safety must be considered at all stages during the planning, construction, use and maintenance of school ponds. This is best achieved through risk assessment.

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4. School Pond Information

Information should be recorded on this section relating to the individual school pond and any health and safety considerations or issues highlighted through the risk assessment process.

This section should also contain information about maintenance and inspection of the pond, including details of where those records are retained

Location and Dimensions:

This section should be used to provide information about the pond including size, design features and location of the pond within the school grounds.

(Insert location and dimensions of pond)

(Insert photograph of pond)

(Insert details of pond type, liner and depth)

Guidelines for safe use of the pond:

This section should be used to provide information about rules of use for the pond. This should include arrangements for supervision, instructions for any activities expected to be undertaken. (ie) pond dipping, planting etc.

This should also include rules and instructions to be passed on to pupils before they have access to the pond.

(insert information here)

Emergency Action Plan:

This section should be used to identify emergency procedures. This will include, provision of first aid arrangements, roles and responsibilities in emergencies.

Persons appointed with specific safety functions will already be identified in the school’s health and safety policy.

Provision must be made in supervision ratios to ensure children are not unaccompanied at any time near the pond.

(Insert details of Emergency Action Plan.)

Risk Assessments:

This section should be used to refer to the site specific pond risk assessment. It should clearly state where the assessment is stored and how it has been communicated to staff and pupils.

The date of last revision should be included here:

A summary of significant risks can be listed here together with details of how those risks are managed.

(Insert details of Risk Assessment)

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5. RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE NOTES

Risk assessment is a systematic examination of:

What could cause injury or harm;

• What preventative or protective measures are in place

• Whether these are satisfactory in principle and practice

The key elements of a risk assessment are:

• Identify hazards• Decide who might be harmed• Evaluate risk • Record findings• Review and revise

Brighton & Hove City Council have a corporate risk assessment form which incorporates all of these features to enable you to record your findings. This is attached at appendix …….

Detailed guidance is contained how to assist you in undertaking a risk assessment for your school pond. Risk assessment training can be arranged by contacting the schools workforce team on 294550.

Risk Evaluation / Scoring

(i) Severity Rating (SR)

The SR is a simple grading system for hazards, i.e. if the hazard were to result in injury, what would be the expected severity of that injury.

Degree of Injury SRNegligible injury 1Minor injuries 2Reportable Condition 3Major Injuries 4Death 5

The SR scores are given in each element. However this can be adjusted up or down in the light of specific circumstances on site.

(ii) Likelihood Rating (LR)

The likelihood that a hazard will result in injury is determined by assessing the approach, deployment and results of the organisation’s safety arrangements. The more inadequate the arrangements or the deployment of those arrangements, the greater the likelihood of injury occurring.

Likelihood of Occurrence Explanatory GuidanceLR

Very Unlikely Arrangements appear acceptable 1Unlikely Minor areas for improvement identified 2Likely Significant areas for improvement identified 3Very likely Major inadequacies in arrangements 4Certain Grossly inadequate controls 5

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(ii) Risk Rating = (SR x LR)

From examination of the various hazards and the adequacy of the arrangements, the assessor will have a number of findings. Using the LR table each finding will have a score as to the probability of occurrence. When this score is then multiplied by the individual SR, a third number is arrived at; this is called the Risk Rating. As we are multiplying severity by probability, the higher the score the greater the priority and urgency for action.

The Risk Rating will give an indication of the urgency of any further action.

Likelihood X Severity

Very Unlikely 1 Minor injury, No time offUnlikely 2 Injury and up to three days offLikely 3 Reportable ConditionVery Likely 4 Major injury / Long term absenceCertain 5 Death

Risk Rating

High = 16 – 25 Medium = 9 – 15 Low = 1 - 8

A High Risk Rating will indicate that urgent action is required in order to implement control measures to reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring.

A Medium Risk Rating will generally indicate that some control measures are necessary in order to reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring.

A Low Risk Rating means that generally the likelihood of an incident occurring is slim.

It should be noted that it will not always be possible to reduce the Risk Rating to the Low category, this does not mean that the task or activity should not be performed, in these cases control measures must be implemented proportionate to risk level identified.

It is possible at this stage to add two further variables, i.e. the number of people affected and the frequency (particularly for repetitive type injuries). The manager can consider numbers affected and frequency when prioritising findings for action. It should be noted that serious findings/risk to health and safety should be actioned/isolated immediately without waiting for production of the risk reduction report.

Pond Risk Assessment Guidance

Below is a generic list of hazards associated with ponds together with guidance on the implementation of control measures. This should be used as part of your evidence gathering to inform your risk assessment.

There is also a useful contacts section contained at appendix …… to assist you in obtaining further specialist advice.

Every pond and every school will be different, therefore specific guidance cannot be provided in this document. Individual site based risk assessments are required to identify appropriate controls for each site.

However the following guidance can be used to inform those risk assessments:

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Hazard Guidance Notes Findings

The Pond

The water Are barriers in place?Is access adequately restricted?

How the water interacts with steep banks, silt and overhanging branches

Assess factors such as; function, depth, edge gradients, supervision, user groups, information provision, effects of weather i.e ice, sun

Prevention of slips, trips and falls should be considered

Do features/equipment obstruct access?Is there congestion?Risk of falling, tripping etc. Remove tripping hazards and potholes

No guidelines for use of pond in place?

Create guidelines for safe use which detail how the pond is operated and the measures that have or have not been implemented and the reasoning behind any decision

No Emergency plans in place?

Create an emergency action plan. This should be distributed to all staff to let them know what to do in the event of an accident

No Regular Monitoring taking place?

The safety policies should be regularly monitored and operating procedures altered accordingly

Safe Lesson Supervision

The same principles should be applied to the assessment of Pond Dipping activities organised by the school, reach poles, details of the risk assessments and emergency action plan should be available to teachers supervising the activity

Teaching of Water safety

The inclusion of a pond within school grounds gives the opportunity of teaching safety around water perhaps as part of citizenship

Pond design & maintenance

Location

If possible the pond should be located so that it is visible from nearby school buildings.This means that someone that has an accident is more likely to be seen or heard

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Hazard Guidance Notes Findings

School Boundaries

A pond at the edge of the schools boundary, especially adjacent to public access, is open to vandalism and children falling in

Nearby Paths and Pitches

The location should be, where possible, away from regularly used paths and sports pitches

Trespassers and after hours use

Consideration must be given to the likelihood of authorised or unauthorised users /trespassers during the evenings or school holidays or if the school grounds are used as a shortcut to another place

Design

Ponds should be designed so that the edges of the pond are shallow, this is an aid to wildlife as well as H&S, with the deeper zone positioned away from the edges, preferably in the centre or towards one end of the pond where access is not possible.

Depth

The depth should be kept as shallow as possible, with a depth of one metre at it’s deepest point, a depth of at 75cm will be required so as to prevent at least a part of the pond remaining ice free during winter

Ground Levels

Ideally the surrounding area of the pond should be flat, however where this is not possible, the sides must slope gently to the edge

Trip hazardsPotholes or other tripping hazards must be eliminated from the surrounding area

Pond BanksThe banks of the pond must be adequately protected against erosion

Pond Edges

The edges of the pond must be clearly visible, this could be achieved by laying paving slabs so long as they do not overhang the pond edge

Group Working

Suitable provision should be made at the waters edge so that groups can work safely. This is best provided by hard flat standing such as paving or decking at all parts of the pond that are accessible

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Hazard Guidance Notes Findings

Soft Edges

Where a pond is provided with a soft edge, in part for the development of wildlife, this edge must be inaccessible to the public

Access A suitable and safe means of access must be provided

Electrical equipment

Electrical equipment near ponds is not encouraged. In rare circumstances where electrical equipment is required this must be specified and installed by competent electricians

Pumps Where used these should be solar powered

Fences

Ponds in primary schools must be fenced to prevent inadvertent approach. For all other schools with ponds the need for fencing should be determined as part of the risk assessment process

Inadvertent access

Where accidental approach is foreseeable then fencing should be provided as one of the control measures required to reduce the risk

Fence siting

The fence may be directly around the pond itself or around an area such as a wildlife garden containing the pond.

Fence constructionSlats

If fencing has slats, those slats must be vertical not horizontal. (to prevent climbing) with no gaps large enough to pass through or get head stuck. Building regulations for barrier gaps is a gap of 100mm or less on the vertical slats

Fence constructionWeld mesh

Alternatively weld mesh over a wooden frame makes a good fence, the steel mesh apertures should be 25mm x 25mm

Fence HeightThe fence must be a minimum of 1.1metre in height but can be higher depending on risks

Gates

A lockable gate must be provided to deter unsupervised entry. This gate should be of the same construction as the fencing

Pond Management

The pond must be regularly maintained to ensure that the perimeter does not become obscured and that the area around the pond does not deteriorate

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Hazard Guidance Notes Findings

Pond Deterioration

Maintenance tasksThese will include regular checking of water level and state of liner, fencing and gates, as well as the removal of excessive plant growth, deposits of silt or mud. The arisings from which should be left at the pond side for a day or two to give any wildlife the chance to return to the pond.

Lighting

Where the school is used in the evenings, the provision of illumination around the pond area should be considered as an additional control measure, however it may have bearing on the wildlife.

Warning signs

Appropriate warning signs should be posted, warning of the presence of a pond detailing safety rules for use. These could be child friendly e.g. similar to playground rules, school corridor rules etc.

Signs used as a control measure?

Signs must be used in addition to- not instead of -other control measures

Where are signs positioned?

Clear signage should be used at the access points to the pond. For example ‘ No unaccompanied children’ or if ice forms during the winter ‘ Danger Thin Ice’

Access to pond Access should be controlled and the pond effectively closed while not in use.

Control of access

This can be with fencing or vegetative barriers. Trees and shrubs close to the line of sight must not be allowed to obscure the view.

Rigid mesh pond covers

There may be occasions where it would be appropriate to cover the pond with a rigid steel mesh either just above or just below water level. These should be strong enough to hold a child’s weight. However they do seriously compromise the wildlife value and therefore the teaching value of the pond.

Fence maintenance

Fencing should be maintained at 1.1m or higher with 100mm spaced vertical bars or steel mesh with an aperture of 25mmx25mm.

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Hazard Guidance Notes FindingsAre the pond edges appropriate?

Access to pond edge required

Edges that are open for access for pond dipping should be flat and well defined. And ideally hard standing of paving or decking.

Access not required to pond edge

Where access is not required or the edge is steep, a protective barrier either in the form of marginal aquatic vegetation or fencing may be required.

Class/ groupSupervision

Classes or groups using the pond must be supervised at all times. The ratio of staff to pupils must allow full control. Consider how pupils are likely to behave outside or around the pond. This will help to determine the level of supervision needed.

Pond users’ dress code

Children and adults should wear appropriate footwear to reduce the risk of trips, slips and falls

Safety equipment

For ponds that are too deep for an adult to perform a wading rescue i) not be case if pond designed correctly, ii) should not go into water to rescue as first attempt, suitable rescue equipment such as a reach pole or a throw line should be provided.

Reading of operating policy and emergency action plan?

Any adult should have read the operating policy and emergency rescue plan. Training should include the opportunity to use rescue equipment.

Emergency Action Plan

The school must develop an emergency action plan for incidents associated with the pond.

Content of Emergency Action Plan

At the very least: How to rescue a person that

has fallen in Resuscitation and first aid How to call for assistance What to do with other pupils

during an emergency situation

Recording of incidents

All incidents involving falling in to ponds must be reported under the normal procedures.

Instruction to children

Adequate instruction must be issued to pupils as to the risks and how they should behave, this should include instruction not to drink the water.

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Hazard Guidance Notes Findings

Transmission of Diseases & Health Effects

The risk of contamination is low but good practice would denote adequate hygiene arrangements as there are a few risks and particular contaminants just to be aware of.

General Hygiene arrangements

Hand washingNeeded whenever animals, plants, soil, compost, water and chemicals have been handled.Although risks are low, there are a number of diseases that might be transmitted viacontaminated and unwashed hands.

Hand drying

Hygiene arrangements need to be adequate.

Ensure that hands are washed properly after pond dipping activities.Do not allow children to touch any part of their face before their hands are washed.Younger pupils should be seen to wash their hands

Provide paper towels rather than communal hand towels

Food consumptionChildren should be discouraged from eating sweets and snacks during practical activities.

Cuts and abrasions

Consideration must be given to contamination to cuts and abrasions to the skin by water or soil and adequate protection provided e.g. waterproof dressings or gloves.

If the skin is cut during pond dipping activities wash the wound immediately in clean water and seek medical advice, explaining the circumstances of the injury.

Specific health hazards

Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis) from water or pond-side plants contaminated with the urine of infected rodents

There is a possibility of water (and surrounding vegetation) being contaminated with Leptospira bacterium causing Weil’s Disease where there is a resident population of rats Pond dipping activities may expose pupils to this other bacteria.

This can be managed by providing handwashing, facilities.

All cuts and abrasions must be covered by waterproof dressings

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Hazard Guidance Notes Findingsprior to pond dipping.

Parents should be informed of pond dipping as a school activity, and to mention to this to doctor if flu like symptoms develop

Parasites

Toxoplasmosis and Toxocariasis from plants contaminated by cat or dog faeces

Steps should be taken to prevent access to the pond area by cats and dogs and a check should be made of the area to remove (hygienically) any faeces before children enter the area.

Poisoning Blue green algae. There is a remote possibility of development of toxic cyanobacteria (blue green algae) in late summer.

If a scum has formed on the surface this may be present causing some pond or marginal plants to be poisonous also. Any algal scum should be removed, avoiding skin contact. Pupils should be supervised carefully so that they have no opportunity to eat any parts of the plants growing in or around the pond.

Animal bitesThere is a remote possibility of bites from a few pond animals such as the larvae of dragonflies, water boatman.

Children should be warned of the hazards and discouraged from any direct investigation of such animals with fingers. Handle animals carefully with suitable instruments.

Tetanus Possibility of infection through cuts and abrasions from soil or water

Keep cuts and abrasions covered and deal with in accordance with the schools policy

Allergies to pond plantsThere is a possibility that exposure to some plants may cause an allergic reaction.

Be alert for the development of allergies, which should be dealt with in accordance with school policy on allergies.

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Hazard Guidance Notes Findings

HayfeverGeneral exposure to pollen may trigger allergic reactions in asthmatics and pupils suffering from hayfever.

Be alert for the development of allergies, which should be dealt with in accordance with school policy on allergies.

Cuts

From equipment, misuse of pond nets (e.g. handles poked accidentally into pupils’ eyes).

There is a possibility of cuts from broken glass jars used to collect animals. Alternative safe containers should be used e.g. plastic containers/trays. Children should not be too close together to avoid handles of nets causing injury and should be advised of the risks and to behave sensibly. Adequate supervision is important

Adverse weather conditions

School policy on sun and wet weather protection should be followed and appropriate precautions taken. This can include a dress code for activities around the pond.

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6. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RISK REDUCTION

Action By When? By Whom? Completed

Signed ______________________ Date___________________

Position ______________________

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