We ensure our teachers and learners can work in safety

(Physical) health & safety policy / first aid

Introduction

The purpose of all health & safety guidelines and procedures is to ...

  • Safeguard users (workers, staff, students etc)
  • Safeguard other personnel in the building or vicinity (colleagues, clients etc)
  • Safeguard equipment and buildings from damage

This policy is for ..

  • Pixel Gang staff
  • learners
  • parents

Health & safety officer

Our trained Paediatric first aid / health and safety officer is Matt Ottewill ..

Templates

First aid kit

First aid kits are kept in the possession of session teachers and staff at all times.

Computer/network administrator

Our computer network officer is Matt Ottewill. Any operational problems or instances of dangerous equipment should be reported to him ASAP.

Building maintenance (at Barham Close)

Matt Ottewill

In the event of an accident

  • Ensure someone stays with the injured person
  • Notify a member of staff
  • Use a first aid kit (kept with session teacher)

Procedures in the event of a fire

As a teacher, learner or long term visitor to a workplace you should be aware of the following ...

  • Know the locations of alarms and safety representatives
  • Know the location of fire alarms
  • Know the appropriate procedure to activate a fire alarm
  • Know the location of the fire exits.
  • Know where the first aid kit is

Correct procedure in the event of a fire ...

  • Raise the alarm
  • Contact emergency services
  • Carry out appropriate evacuation procedures
  • Operate appropriate fire extinguishers

Members of staff and learners are under no obligation to attempt to extinguish a fire if it puts them in danger.

Fire exits

Staff and learners should be aware of the location of fire exits for all session delivery locations.

Assembly point

Outside front of building. Do not leave the scene until you have seen the safety officer.

Fire alarms ...

Staff and learners should be aware of the location of fire alarms for all session delivery locations.

Fire extinguishers ...

Staff and learners should be aware of the location of fire extinguishers for all session delivery locations.

There are 3 primary types ...

  1. Water for non-electrical fires. Attacks fire and prevents spreading by damping down. Water should never be used to put out a fire in computer or other electrical equipment because it can conduct electricity and thus pose a risk of electrical shock.
  2. C02 Gas for small electrical fires, will not damage the equipment itself. A gas extinguisher is preferable to foam / powder which will seriously damage electrical equipment.
  3. Powder/Foam for bigger electrical fires, will almost certainly cause damage.

Smoking ...

Smoking is not permitted at any session delivery location.

Hardware equipment safety

All equipment sold in the EU must comply with vigorous safety requirements. Guidelines for safe usage are supplied in the form of printed manuals. Ensure you have read these guidelines before you attempt to use the equipment.

Computing equipment fault reporting

Fault reporting is an essential part of maintaining a computer system or network. Any unusual behaviour or obvious hardware faults should be referred immediately to a the network administrator to minimise the chance of further damage to users and equipment and to reduce "down time".

Whenever non functioning equipment is encountered it should be reported to Matt Ottewill.

Correct procedure for safe lifting of equipment

Remember to follow a safe procedure when moving equipment ...

  • Ensure the equipment is powered down and all leads have been unplugged and removed
  • Do not attempt to move heavy gear on your own
  • When lifting bend your knees and not your back
  • Ensure that the way is clear and there is somewhere to put the equipment when you arrive.

Electrocution

If you encounter someone injured or unconscious victim in the vicinity of computer, studio of training equipment ...

  • Do NOT touch them or any equipment in the area, they may have been electrocuted.
  • Check visually for any wires or cables in contact with the victim.
  • Turn off the power source at the wall socket.
  • Remove the victim from the danger area and place in the recovery position.
  • Before you seek help, secure the area to prevent repeat electrocutions.
  • Once you have called help return to and stay with the victim until help arrives.
mains power plug

Mains plug wiring

All damaged electrical sockets or plugs should be reported immediately to building maintenance or a tutor. Do not attempt to power up any equipment with a damaged plug or lead. Ensure a fuse of the correct rating is fitted. Ensure the cable/flex retaining grip is secure.

Plugs wiring as follows:

  • Brown = Live/positive /fuse (L)
  • Green/yellow = Earth (E)
  • Blue = negative (N)

Leads and cables

Be aware of the dangers of trailing leads and their potential to trip, pull gear off stands and work surfaces, and suffer damage under stress. Observe the following precautions ...

  • When not in use double the leads up once or twice and tie in a loose knot before hanging them up.
  • When connecting gear ensure you have selected a lead long enough and run it behind the gear.

Hearing damage

Be aware of the potential for hearing damaged resulting from prolonged exposure to high SPL’s. When activating monitor systems, either loudspeaker or headphones ...

  • Ensure amplifier and monitor levels are set to zero.
  • Connect or turn on the amplifier or monitoring system.
  • Begin playback of a source sound.
  • Turn the level up slowly.

Computer safety

Use equipment within the limits of authority

Much computer equipment is complex and costly. The trial and error approach to installation and usage can result in damage. Always follow safe procedures.

  • Incorrect use of computer hardware may damage it
  • Incorrect use of computer equipment may result in installed software becoming corrupted
  • Incorrect use of computer equipment may result injury to user.

Clean equipment appropriately before use

Computing equipment should be regularly cleaned.

Mice and keyboards are subject to personal hand to hand contact and can spread germs and viruses.

A trackball mouse can quickly become dirty hindering its response and usability. Flip it over and twist open the cover. Remove the trackball and gently scratch any accumulated dirt from the 3 rollers. Blow hard into it to clear the dirt away (remember to close your eyes!), replace the cover and it should operate perfectly

Screens and monitors can build up layers of dust, obscuring the on screen images and putting strain on a users eyes.

Use a soft cloth dampened (but not wet) with water. Detergents may damage equipment.

correct posture

Site and setup a computer system correctly to ensure the safe posture of a user

Correct posture and regular breaks (5 minutes per hour minimum) is important to avoid the following problems ...

  • Repetitive strain injury - manifesting itself with pain in the wrists and fingers as a result of using computer mice and trackballs. Learning keyboard short-cuts, touch typing, and using a track pad can all help but not completely mitigate problems. Take longer breaks and consult a doctor if you regularly suffer pain.
  • Eye strain - ensure your monitor is not in front of a brightly lit window and eye level is in line with the top of the monitor.
  • Neck and back ache - ensure your eye level is in line with the top of the monitor and you back and arms are supported with both feet flat on the floor.