Guernsey College

Health and Safety Audit Report

Author: David Coleman (CMIOSH) (MIFSM) on behalf of AoC Create

Date: 8th January 2016

GCFE Health & Safety Report

Content
Item

Page

Introduction

Health and safety management

Risk Assessments

Health and Safety Induction and Training

Communication of Health and Safety Matters

and Health and Safety Committees

Competent Advice

Auditing

Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation

Specific Risk Areas

9 - 12

Specific Curriculum/Department Information

and Observations

12 - 21

General Building Observations

21

Summary of Key Recommendations

21

Appendix A Risk Assessment Template

22

Appendix B Training Costs

23

Appendix C H&S Committee

24

Appendix D Competent Advice Costs

25

GCFE Health & Safety Report

Introduction
The purpose of this report is to assess and establish the current health and safety position
within Guernsey College of Further Education (GCFE) in relation to the overall health and
safety management process currently in place as well as the current provision regarding
specific risk areas. This report will give recommendations for improvement including
resources required to achieve goals.
GCFE require standards to be in-line with UK Health and Safety legislation and best
practice. This report will therefore give information as to how this can be achieved

Health and Safety Management

Having reviewed the available information and spoken with various members of staff it is
clear that there is an unstructured approach to health and safety resulting in no formal
management processes. Day to day operational issues are managed to a reasonable
standard but there is little in the way of formal process and procedures to follow.
This has led to inconsistent approaches to a variety of health and safety issues and in
particular risk assessments.
A health and safety management process should follow the current HSG65 model or a
model which allows similar control. It is the norm to follow HSG65 as this is a tried and
tested approach to management. Recent changes to HSG65 have brought it in line with
other management standards which follow the plan, do, check, act cycle. This has not only
simplified the process but allows integration with other management systems should GCFE
wish to do so in the future.
In addition to the change of methodology in HSG65 it has also seen the introduction of risk
profiling as a key part of the process. This has been introduced to enable organisations to
identify and focus resources on the key health and safety risk areas within the business.
The majority of information held at present is generic and stems from the Guernsey
Education Department. Policies and procedures have not been tailored specifically for the
college resulting in them not being fit for purpose.
Recommendations

To ensure a full and robust management system is implemented the following is

recommended.
1. Develop a health and safety policy to include:

Planning Objectives and targets

Roles and responsibilities
Resourcing
Risk profiling
Competency information
Training
Reporting of H&S Information including KPIs

GCFE Health & Safety Report

Budgeting for H&S

Document/version control method
Monitoring
Reviewing
Signpost to operational procedures

2. Develop operational procedures as below to ensure robust control of all health and
safety areas, clarify working methods and work towards compliance with current UK
legislation and best practice.

Accident, Assault, Near Miss, Incident Reporting Procedures

Asbestos Management Procedure
Auditing
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Driving at work
DSE Guidance
Electrical Safety
Gas/oil safety
Fire Safety Management
First Aid Risk Assessment and Guidance
Food Safety
Lone Working and Personal Safety
Legionella Management Guidance
Manual Handling Guidance
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance
New and expectant mother guidance
Risk Assessment guidance and templates
Statutory inspection Guidance
Working at Height

This list is not exhaustive.

Risk Assessments
During the audit it was identified that there are a number of areas within GCFE that do not
have risk assessments in place. There was however a number of areas that do have risk
assessments in place and were reviewed during the audit.
Where risk assessments do exist they are in a variety of formats and standards vary
greatly from poor to good.
Risk assessments are one of the key control measures in any health and safety
management system it is therefore essential that a standardised risk assessment
methodology is implemented across GCFE.
The advantage of following a standard methodology is as follows:
It is in line with current recognised best practice
GCFE Health & Safety Report

 It allows flexibility in regards to different tasks, activities and job roles that require
assessing across the business whilst still being in a standardised format
The methodology is simple to follow and can be undertaken with a minimal amount of
training, particularly in low risk areas
It allows for ease of auditing both internally but critically from external bodies as they will
be able to focus on the content rather than spending time on determining if the format is
fit for purpose and suits the needs of GCFE

Recommendations
Implement a standardised risk assessment methodology and template, identify staff from
across GCFE to be responsible for the development of risk assessments for their areas of
work. Those members of staff nominated to develop risk assessments will require training
to enable production of high-quality risk assessments. It should be noted that the risk
assessment methodology and recommended template at appendix A can be utilised for job
role assessments, specific activities, curriculum activities or use of equipment.

Health and Safety Induction and Training

The current health and safety induction programme appears sporadic and inconsistent for
new members of staff with an inconsistent approach to the information given.
Information given to students appears, on the whole, to be adequate although as with staff
this is sporadic with no formalised information.

Recommendations
Review current induction for staff and standardise the information that relates to health and
safety. As a minimum induction must cover the following:
Fire safety
First aid
Accident/incident reporting
Housekeeping requirements
DSE
Review current induction for students and standardise the information that relates to health
and safety. As a minimum induction must cover the following:
Fire safety
First aid
Accident/incident reporting
Safe conduct
In addition to general health and safety induction additional information will be required for
both staff and students that is relevant to the subject they are teaching or learning.
It is expected that course leaders will develop induction for students specifically for their
subject areas.
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Further specific training may be required for staff and should be tailored to the individual
needs in relation to their job roles. For example a technician may require COSHH training.
Learning methods
The delivery of health and safety training can take many forms all of which have positives
and negatives:
Face-to-face trainingThe main benefit face-to-face training is that it allows learners to ask questions of the
trainer to ensure full understanding of the subject matter.
Face-to-face training does however cost, sometimes, considerably more than the methods
of training. In addition they are usually more time-consuming, however, with some thought
the time taken to deliver the training can be reduced to a sensible, workable amount. The
use of toolbox talks can be useful in delivering short focused information.
E-learning
In many ways e-learning brings the opposite positives and negatives to that of face-to-face
learning.
Learners do not have the ability to ask questions of the training deliverer and the content is
often pitched at a very basic level resulting in learners not being given sufficient information
on the subject.
From a cost perspective e-learning is often very cost-effective and learners can take
courses at their own pace and in small bite-size chunks.

Blended learning
Blended learning brings the positives of face-to-face learning and e-learning together. This
gives the opportunity for learners to gain basic information in preparation for more in-depth
learning in the classroom environment. Blended learning is usually only utilised for courses
lasting more than 5 days such as the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Health and
Safety.
The cost of blended learning is usually in between that of face-to-face learning and elearning as classroom time and tutor to time is reduced.
Appendix B has example costing of the various methods of learning for a sample number
of health and safety courses. It should be noted that these costs are indicative only

Communication of Health and Safety Matters and Health and Safety Committees
Communication is often operated on a one way basis so that information is being sent from
a central point to colleagues and is seen as purely a distribution method.
However communication is much more than this and plays a critical part in effective
management. Good communication involves everyone and is two way, it makes everyone
aware of planned or on-going work which raises awareness of health and safety and brings
a sense of inclusiveness. It can also prevent duplication, avoid crossover of work and
working in isolation.
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Communication should take into account the following points

Current methods of communication
Health and safety objectives and communications objectives
Identifying stakeholders
Messages
Key communications methods
Evaluating success
Suggested methods of communication of H&S matters could include newsletters, tool box
talks, team meeting briefings, intranet posts and via a health and safety committee.

Health and safety committee

To be effective health and safety committee should be made up by representation from
abroad spectrum of areas within GCFE. A suggested committee structure and frequency of
meetings can be found at appendix C.
The terms of reference for the committee must be clear and unambiguous as the purpose
of the committee should be to drive standards of health and safety forwards by way of
inclusion of staff and students. It is critical that the committee is a decision-making body
and is given the authority to do so. If the committee is not given this authority that it will
simply become a discussion forum.
Communication of projects and health and safety work should be shared at the health and
safety committee and management meetings

Recommendation
Implement a structured health and safety committee
Develop and implement a communication strategy

Competent Advice
There is currently no provision within GCFE for competent health and safety advice.
A competent health and safety adviser is required to have experience, knowledge and
training.
To achieve this goal there are several options open to GCFE
1. Employ a full time health and safety adviser with a minimum NEBOSH General
Certificate, at least two years served in a health and safety role and preferably, but not
essential, experience of further education. Post to cover all sites.
2. Employ a part time health and safety adviser with a minimum NEBOSH General
Certificate, at least two years served in a health and safety role and preferably, but not
essential, experience of further education. Post to cover all sites (1 day per week per
site)
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3. Employ external consultants to assist in implementation of a full health and safety

system and thereafter on a retained basis to undertake regular audits, reviews and
inspections. Deliver advice on an as and when required basis, deliver health and safety
related training, deliver additional health and safety services and source additional
training or services beyond their scope of knowledge on behalf of GCFE.
4. Train and internal member of staff to a minimum NEBOSH General Certificate.
Regardless of the approach taken in regards to competent advice a senior member of staff,
who has sufficient authority to make decisions regarding health and safety management,
must be appointed. The appointed person should, if possible, have knowledge of
curriculum, operational and management issues. It is suggested that the Operations
Director (John Norman) undertake this role and be responsible for health and safety
management for GCFE.
It should be noted that this approach does not remove the ultimate accountability for health
and safety from the Principal.
Appendix D gives indicative costs for the four options above

Auditing/Inspections

Currently there is no auditing methodology or set standard for site inspections in place.
A clear and structured method of auditing is required to ensure a consistent approach
across the business with a set template which covers the management of health and safety
as well as topic specific areas e.g. fire safety both for curriculum areas and non-curriculum
areas. The template should be adaptable to meet the needs of individual areas of the
business and ensure all relevant aspects of health and safety are audited.

Auditing in simple terms is a structured process of collecting information on the efficiency,

effectiveness and reliability of the total health and safety management system and drawing
up plans for any corrective action.
The aims of the audit should be to establish that:
Appropriate management arrangements are in place;
Adequate risk controls systems exist, are implemented, and reflect the hazards each
department and the organisation as a whole faces;
That appropriate workplace precautions are in place
Health and safety responsibilities are being properly identified and discharged correctly.
Management and staff at all levels are accepting and dealing effectively with their
devolved health and safety obligations.
Health and safety codes, procedures and policies are being applied consistently and
adhered too.
Staff and students are aware of, and complying with, health and safety rules, and are
health and safety conscious.
Accidents, assaults, near miss incidents and ill health are reducing and trends are
showing improvements.
Staff are receiving appropriate health and safety training.
Students are receiving appropriate health and safety information.
Statutory requirements are being met
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Recommendation

Develop an audit procedure

Develop an audit template which covers all aspects of health and safety
Agree and implement an audit programme
Develop an inspection template and determine the frequency of inspections

A programme of audits for the year ahead should be agreed between the Director of
Operations and departmental directors. In addition the program should be shared with the
health and safety committee once in place to gain buy in and agreement from all parties.
An end of year audit summary should be produced, and presented to senior management
to show areas of concern and highlight good practice. Year on year statistics will
demonstrate if progress is being made against set targets.

Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation

The reporting of accident and incidents is currently sporadic. The knowledge of the
requirement to report accidents and incidents varies between staff members and there
does not appear to be a clear and coherent system in place.

Recommendations
Develop and introduce a simple accident and incident reporting system. Once developed
information must be shared with all members of staff to ensure they have a clear
understanding of the requirements to report and by what method those reports should be
recorded.

Accident/incident reporting form may be hard copy or electronic.

Forms should detail information regarding the accident/incident including those involved,
the nature of any injury/damage, the date, time and location of the incident, any equipment
involved, information regarding post-accident/incident investigation and any remedial
actions that are required or have been taken.
Accident and incident records must be collated and held securely in a central area.
Accident/incident records must be reviewed to identify trends and if they are as a result of
poor management of health and safety.
Specific Risk Areas
There are a number of specific risk areas that GCFE will need to manage and control
effectively in order to meet current UK legislation and best practice.
The following section of this report identifies the areas that require managing and brief
information as to how this can be achieved.

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Fire safety
Current UK fire safety legislation, principally the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order,
requires the responsible person, in this case GCFE, to undertake a fire risk assessment of
the properties that they own or manage.
As the regulatory reform Fire safety order is not in force on the island the current method of
fire safety review is by way of inspections from the fire service. Whilst this meets legal
requirements it is not in line with UK practice. To achieve this standard recommendations
are given below.
The current method of building evacuation is as follows:
On activation of the alarm system the first member of staff to reach the high viz fire warden
jackets take control of the area, instruct those in the area to leave, sweep the area to
ensure it is empty and report to the person in charge of the evacuation.
Whilst this method seems to be reasonable there appears to be some confusion and lack
of knowledge by some staff as to the requirements of them and others.
Recommendation
All properties should be subject to a fire risk assessment by an independent fire safety
specialist. The assessments must cover physical aspects of buildings, maintenance and
servicing of fire equipment, take account of the users of the buildings including those who
may need assistance to evacuate e.g. wheelchair users or those with visual impairments
and it must also review management of fire safety.
It is essential that all members of staff are given consistent and clear information regarding
their roles and responsibilities in the event of a fire or fire alarm activation. It is therefore
recommended that this it basic procedure is developed, implemented and shared with all
staff.
Asbestos
Asbestos is managed by the estates team appears to be well controlled. An asbestos
register is in place, asbestos awareness training is undertaken by relevant members of
staff, removal of asbestos materials and subsequent air sampling is undertaken by ACE
and six monthly checks on asbestos containing materials is undertaken by Normandy
health and safety.
In addition specific advice regarding asbestos can be obtained from the education
department.
There are no actions to be taken or recommendations regarding asbestos management.
Legionella
Legionella is managed by the estates team and appears to be well controlled. A Legionella
survey is in place and training staff has been delivered as required.
Monthly and quarterly checks are undertaken by caretakers, AFM undertake monthly
temperature checks for the catering department.
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The Legionella survey and is advice is from Green Compliance who are UK based
company and follow UK legislation.
There are no actions to be taken or recommendations regarding Legionella management.

Electrical Equipment
All portable electrical equipment is tested in-house. Equipment is barcoded to ensure
accurate test information is recorded.
The hardwiring electrical installation is expected on a five yearly basis which is in line with
UK legislation.
There are no actions to be taken or recommendations regarding electrical management.

Working at height
Working at height is predominantly undertaken by estates staff all of whom have received
working height training including the use of cherry pickers and tallerscopes. There are no
working height risk assessments in place.

Recommendation
It is recommended that risk assessments are completed for working at height activities

Manual handling
As with working at height manual handling is predominantly undertaken by estates staff all
of whom have received training, however due to the very nature of some curriculum areas
such as bricklaying manual handling is an inherent part of both staff and students activities.
Recommendation
Manual handling risk assessments must be completed for estates staff and where required
for curriculum areas.

Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)

There is limited information and procedures with regards to COSHH. There are some
COSHH assessments in place although they did not follow a recognised format and are not
in line with UK best practice.
COSHH symbols were replaced several years ago with international standardised symbols.
Recommendations
COSHH procedures must be developed and implemented and must include a methodology
of COSHH assessment which is in line with UK best practice and includes the current
international symbols.
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It should be noted that COSHH assessments will only be required for areas where
hazardous substances are used.

Gas and oil

There is a mix of oil, gas and electric fuel sources on sites. These are controlled by the
estates team and appeared to be well managed.
All installations are inspected annually, oil tanks are bunded and the catering area has an
automatic shutdown facility installed in the event of an emergency or activation of fire alarm
system.
There are no actions or recommendations regarding gas and oil control.

First aid
First aid cover is patchy across the three campuses with first aid certificates of several
members of staff now expired.
There is no method for determining first aid requirements, and there is a serious lack of first
aid cover in high-risk areas such as the construction and engineering departments.

Recommendations
A first aid needs analysis must be undertaken to establish the required level of cover
across all departments and all campuses. Once the analysis has been completed staff
must be trained to the level as indicated by the analysis, this could be emergency first aid
at work or full first aid at work training.

Specific Curriculum/Department Information and Observations

Vehicle workshop
Risk assessments for the motor vehicle workshop and are to a good standard and follow
current HSE methodology.
COSHH assessments are in place and whilst to a reasonable standard do not follow a
recognised method.
Lifting equipment is inspected and serviced on a six monthly basis as required. Local
exhaust ventilation is inspected and serviced on an annual basis as required.
Personal protective equipment including boots, overalls, eye protection, gloves and barrier
cream are all provided.
The roller shutter door has not been inspected as required.
Electrical equipment has been tested.
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Vehicle repair and maintenance courses include a health and safety element and a health
and safety induction is also delivered to new students.
There is no first aid provision/trained staff in the area.
Recommendations
Ensure the roller shutter door including lifting chain is inspected on a regular basis.
First aid provision must be reviewed.
COSHH assessments must be improved to bring them in line with a recognised method.

Plumbing workshop
There are some risk assessments in place for student activities but there are none for staff
job roles or activities.
The local exhaust ventilation system is cleaned and serviced on annual basis as required.
Portable electrical equipment is tested annually as required.
Health and safety forms part of the curriculum and includes working at height.
The use of hot work permits does not form part of the curriculum.
COSHH assessments are undertaken although information is not recorded to evidence
this.
A number of items were noted as being stored at height, some of which were heavy and/or
bulky.
There are no trained first aiders in the area.
Recommendations
COSHH assessments must be recorded using a standardised format once this has been
developed.
First aid provision must be reviewed.
Improve storage at height. Note an external storage container is due to be delivered in the
near future which will relieve this problem. Once the container is in place storage at height
should be regularly reviewed.
Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be developed once a format and
methodology has been implemented across GCFE.
It is a requirement under UK legislation that hot work permits are employed when required,
for example when using blowtorches. It is recommended that hot works and hot work
permits are included to the curriculum.
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Bricklaying workshop
Risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place for the bricklaying workshop and
are to a good standard.
Personal protective equipment including boots and gloves are worn.
Equipment including the mortar mill has been serviced and electrical equipment has been
tested.

All courses include a health and safety element and a health and safety induction is also
delivered to new students.
There is no first aid provision/trained staff in the area.
At the time of the audit the raised walkway in the bricklaying area had no guardrail with a
fall height of approximately 4 feet to the area below.
Recommendations
Install guardrail on the raised walkway. If the walkway is to be used to undertake
bricklaying activities the area below must not be used due to the risk of falling materials.
First aid provision must be reviewed.

Carpentry workshop
The local exhaust ventilation system is checked on a daily basis and is subject to an
annual service.
At the time of the audit the fire escape to the rear of the room was blocked.
Risk assessments are in place for some activities and are to a reasonable standard.
Level 1 students are only permitted to use hand tools. Level 2 students are only permitted
to use machinery following instruction and always supervised when doing so.
There are no formal risk assessments completed by staff. It was noted that students are
responsible for completing risk assessments for the tasks they undertake.
Personal protective equipment including air defenders, goggles and safety boots are
supplied.
COSHH assessments are not in place.
Staff commented that space within the workshop is becoming increasingly limited due to
the size of projects completed by students.
There is no first aid provision in the area.

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Recommendations
COSHH assessments must be recorded using a standardised format once this has been
developed.
First aid provision must be reviewed.
Fire escapes must be kept clear at all times
Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be developed once a format and
methodology has been implemented across GCFE.

Engineering workshop
All students are given an induction pack and health and safety is incorporated into courses.
Some specific risk assessments are in place for example for Oxy-Acetylene welding
although they are not to the required standard.
Kill switches are currently ceiling hung cords. At the time of audit the cords had been spun
around ceiling bars so that they could not be reached in an emergency.
The workshop lecturer commented that he had not received fire safety training. This is
particularly concerning considering the environment.
The workshop lecturer also commented that there has been a number of incidents with
special needs students some of which could have resulted in serious and life changing
injuries. This includes students pointing gas welding torches at other student faces.
There is no first aid provision in the area.

Recommendations
COSHH assessments must be recorded using a standardised format once this has been
developed.
First aid provision must be reviewed.
Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be transferred to the agreed
format once this has been implemented across GCFE.
Kill switches must be changed to push button type and located at an accessible height.
Fire training must be delivered.
An urgent review of pupil behaviour is required and it is recommended that close liaison
with schools is required to identify potential issues. A review of supervision levels is also
recommended. Any incidents must be reported and recorded and where they involve
school pupils incidents must be discussed with the schools to address the issues.

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Information Technology
Health and safety information is given on day one as part of student induction.
Information regarding the correct setup workstations is given as part of the course.
A number of chairs within IT rooms are in poor condition particularly in room 103.
A number of IT rooms were overcrowded particularly 108. The ICT staff room is also
overcrowded with 5 staff located in the room.

Recommendations
Chairs provided for both students and staff must be in good condition and suitable for the
working environment particularly taking into account that students and staff sit for long
periods of time
A review of working space should be undertaken and allow for the tasks students
undertake. Although there is a notional workspace guideline of 11 cubic metres per person
this does not account for storage or use of equipment. Regardless of guideline figures
students and staff should be provided with sufficient space to undertake studies or work
comfortably.
First aid provision must be reviewed.
Catering
Health and safety is well-managed in the catering department, risk assessments are in
place for the kitchen area, bar and restaurant and are to a good standard. Students receive
health and safety induction which includes fire safety, use of machines and general health
and safety information.
The local exhaust ventilation system is serviced and deep cleaned on an annual basis,
kitchens are cleaned daily and there is also a termly deep clean.
There are no recommendations or actions required for the catering area.
Art and design
The art and design areas are well-managed in terms of health and safety. Students are
given full health and safety induction including the use of any equipment.
A sharps bin is available for disposal of blades.
A flammable's cabinet is in place for safe storage of chemicals.
Access students receive additional support if required.
The technician is a qualified first aider.
There is one member of staff trained to use the evacuation chair located in the area.
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Generally the art and design areas are kept in good condition.
CLEAPSS (Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services)
information is utilised effectively with standardised haz-cards and risk assessments
received which cover all activities that take place.
Staff raised the concern that asbestos in the art design area has not been fully removed
and has the potential to contaminate the areas should an incident such as a leak should
occur.

Recommendations
Review asbestos containing materials in the area and take appropriate action. This will
require specialist advice from asbestos contractors.

Health and Beauty

COSHH assessments are not in place for health and beauty area.
There has been no assessment for a member of staff who was pregnant.
Staff commented that there has been no fire drill in at least two years. However this may be
due to staff members not being on site when drills were undertaken. Staff also noted that
they have not received fire safety training.
Risk assessments are not in place for staff job roles or student activities.
Staff commented that room 101 has particularly poor ventilation resulting in a comfortable
working environment.
A member of staff is first aid trained.
A number of therapy beds are in poor condition. It should be noted that members of the
public use the facilities. In addition it was noted that beds are heavy and difficult to move as
they are either on rubber feet or where they are on casters they are in poor condition so
hindering ease of movement.
A shelf in the equipment store was found to be near collapse.
It is understood that there has been a case of Legionella in the health and beauty area.
Staff commented that they have not been informed as to what remedial works have been
undertaken although they were aware that thermostatic mixer valves may have been
removed. Considering the equipment in place i.e. showerheads, which are the most
common method of contracting the disease, it is essential that staff are fully aware of the
implications of both the Legionella bacteria being found and remedial works that have
taken place. In addition the pregnant worker is potentially at increased risk of contracting
legionnaires disease.
Recommendations
COSHH assessments must be recorded using a standardised format once this has been
developed.
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Risk assessments for all student and staff activities must be developed once the agreed
format has been implemented across GCFE.
Fire training must be delivered and confirm with staff if fire drills have taken place.
Therapy beds must be kept in good condition and subject to regular servicing and
maintenance.
The shelf in the store room must be repaired to prevent it from collapsing.
It is essential that staff are kept informed of the situation with regard to the case of
legionnaires disease including implications of the bacteria in the water system and of any
remedial works undertaken.
A risk assessment is required for the pregnant member of staff and in addition their working
environment in relation to the recent case of legionnaires disease must be taken into
account.
Ventilation should be reviewed in room 101 as the restricted opening of windows is causing
an uncomfortable working environment

Business, Finance and Management

Generally the business finance and management area health and safety is to a reasonable
standard.
Member of staff had spoken to advised that there had been no fire drills that she was
aware of so supporting the view of health and beauty staff.
Students receive health and safety information as part of their courses and are shown how
to set up their workstations correctly.
The staff member noted that student with learning disabilities has at times been difficult to
manage and on occasions they have been aggressive. The staff member was concerned
that they could not always predict the reaction of the students particularly in the event of a
fire alarm activation leading to evacuation of the building. The individual student usually is
accompanied by an assistant but this is not always the case.
The staff member occasionally lone works and was concerned that was no protocol in
place to ensure her safety when lone working.

Recommendations
A lone working protocol and procedure is required
An assessment of the student with learning disabilities is required to ensure the safety of
staff, students and the individual themselves.
It should be confirmed if fire drills have taken place at a time when the staff member was
not present.
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Health and Social Care and Early Years

Health and safety is generally well-managed in the health and social care and early years
settings.
Risk assessments are completed for placements and offsite trips.
At present there is a hearing-impaired student that has not been assessed in relation to
their needs, for example in the event of fire alarm activation.
The two members of staff interviewed from this area were not aware of evacuation
procedures, fire warden duties or first aid provision.

Recommendations
An assessment is required for the hearing impaired student to ensure their safety
particularly in relation to fire alarm activation. If in the future other students have particular
needs identified an assessment should be undertaken.
Staff should be made fully aware of fire evacuation procedures and duties of fire wardens.
Staff should be made aware of first aid provision and those who are first aid trained.

Access/SEN
The are a number of issues regarding Access/SEN most of which relate to building access,
movement around the buildings and fire safety.
There are no power doors to the Delancey site which hinders access to those in
wheelchairs, in addition wheelchair users also have difficulty moving around the site and
require assistance the majority of the time in order to navigate corridors and move through
doors.
The lifts installed are limited in size and in some cases only one person can fit into the lifts
if they are in a large wheelchair. Due to the control mechanisms installed it is difficult for
some disabled people to operate the lift independently.
An area by the lift in the Russell building is noted as a refuge point. A refuge point is an
area where those less able can be placed temporarily whilst assistance is sought to
evacuate them fully from the building. A refuge point must be fire protected, this area is not,
and must have two-way communications installed.
The escape route in the Russell building by room 21 was blocked at the time of inspection.
All escape route routes must be kept clear at all times.
The serving hatch in the refractory in the Russell building is set at a height whereby
wheelchair users find it difficult to use.
It was noted at the time of inspection that you wet room was being installed in the Delancey
building with the addition of an overhead hoist being fitted. As the shower will be used by
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people who may have physical disabilities and limited communication ability it is essential
that a thermostatic mixer valve is installed. It is unknown if the shower unit has a
thermostatic limiter already installed. Clarification must be sought as to what is installed at
present before the shower is used. If no temperature control is installed either a
thermostatic mixer valve must be fitted or shower changed to one that has a built-in
thermostatic control.
The head of Access noted that due to a range of student sizes the chairs available were
not always suitable. This also applies to tables which are to set height and not always
suitable for those in wheelchairs.
It was advised that staff from the Access Department are due to attend team teach training.
Team teach is training for staff that helps assist in dealing with challenging behaviour
including violence and aggression and self-harm.
A concern was raised regarding the evacuation assembly point as this is directly located
adjacent to a road.
Due to the disabilities of some students written fire safety information is not always
suitable.
Students with disabilities, either physical, mental or a combination of require personal
emergency evacuation plans. The plans are designed to understand the assistance that
individuals may need to be alerted to a fire and evacuate the building.
Risk assessments are in place for students but not staff.
The member of staff who delivers catering training in the Access area last received food
hygiene training six years ago. The kitchen area used by the Access Department has
mould in some areas. There is also a lack of basic resources such as gloves.
Recommendations
Personal emergency evacuation plans are required for all students who have a physical or
mental disability or impairment to ensure their safety particularly in relation to fire alarm
activation.
Staff should be made aware of the first aid provision available
The situation regarding thermostatic temperature control in the wet room must be
confirmed. If not already in place thermostatic temperature control must be installed.
As part of the recommended fire safety assessment items such as blocked escape routes
and incorrectly marked refuge point should be identified, a more suitable assembly point be
allocated for wheelchair users and information be made available in pictorial format. In the
interim all escape routes must be kept clear at all times and the refuge signage removed.
Whilst appreciating that the cost would be significant it is recommended that power
assisted doors are installed to allow ease of access, particularly for wheelchair users.
Again whilst appreciating the cost may be significant it is recommended that over a period
of time more suitable chairs and tables are purchased for the Access Department.

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Risk assessments must be developed for staff job roles activities once a process is in place
a format agreed across all GCFE sites.
Staff delivering catering training to access students should receive updated food hygiene
training. In addition a review of resources should be undertaken with a view to purchasing
at least basic equipment such as gloves.
The kitchen area should be regularly cleaned but in particular the mould should be
removed and monitored in the future.
General Building Observations
As a general overview the three campus buildings are in reasonable condition in relation to
general housekeeping. There were however some observations made in relation to health
and safety which are noted below.
The fire panel by room 26 in the Delancey building was showing a fault.
The fixed ladders in the construction area, Coutanchez site, leads to space which is directly
above the false ceiling. There is no fixed guarding at the top of the ladders potentially
resulting in a fall from height and a person in the area could easily step onto the false
ceiling again causing a fall from height.
The escape route in the Russell building by room 21 was blocked at the time of inspection.
All escape route routes must be kept clear at all times.

Summary of Key Recommendations

Below is a summary of the key recommendations that relate to the GCFE as a whole as
opposed to specific areas. By addressing these key recommendations the majority, but not
all, of risk specific or curriculum area issues raised will be rectified and managed by
default.
1. Develop a full and robust management system health by way of a health and safety
policy and suite of operational procedures.
2. Develop and implement a standardised risk assessment methodology and templates
and train staff in risk assessing.
3. Review current induction for staff and standardise the information that relates to health
and safety
4. Review current induction for students and standardise the information that relates to
health and safety.
5. Develop and introduce a simple accident and incident reporting system.
6. All properties should be subject to a fire risk assessment by an independent fire safety
specialist.
7. A first aid needs analysis must be undertaken to establish the required level of cover
across all departments and all campuses.
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Appendix A Risk Assessment Template

TASK/JOB /AREA
ASSESSED

WHAT ARE THE

HAZARDS?

ASSESSMENT CARRIED
BY:

WHO MIGHT BE
AFFECTED/
HARMED AND HOW?

GCFE Health & Safety Report

DATE CARRIED
OUT

CONTROL MEASURES
WHAT CONTROL
FURTHER ACTION
MEASURES ARE ALREADY
REQUIRED
IN PLACE
(to reduce risk)

ASSESSMENT
REVIEWED BY:

WHO BY?

WHEN BY?

NAME

DATE

REVIEW DUE
DATE:

COMPLETION
DATE/
SIGNED OFF

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Appendix B Training Costs

Below is a sample cost for face-to-face and e-learning for fire safety, COSHH and manual
handling. The costs are indicative only and may vary from provider to provider. It should be
noted that blended learning is usually only utilised for courses lasting more than five days
therefore costs are not given
Fire Safety
Face-to-face - 350 per session based on 10 delegates
E-Learning - 10 per person based on a minimum purchase of 50 credits

COSHH
Face-to-face - 200 per session based on 10 delegates
E-Learning - 10 per person based on a minimum purchase of 50 credits

Manual Handling
Face-to-face - 300 per session based on 10 delegates
E-Learning - 10 per person based on a minimum purchase of 50 credits

There are several providers of health and safety e-learning packages, a selection of which is
below. Please note a specific provider cannot be recommended and the detail below is
for information only:

Safety Media - http://www.safetymedia.co.uk/e-learning/express-e-learning/

Phoenix Health and Safety http://www.phoenixhsc.co.uk/e-learning-courses
RoSPA - http://www.rospa.com/safety-training/work/e-learning/
Praxis 42 - http://www.praxis42.com/elearning/

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Appendix C - Health and safety committee

The purpose of health and safety committee is set out below. It is essential that any health
and safety committee has the authority to be a decision-making body.
Purpose
To advise, comment on and instigate College wide Health & Safety policies, procedures and
codes of practice and to facilitate their implementation with recommendations for action
To promote and encourage the co-operation between all staff and students in matters of
Health & Safety
To examine, appraise and advise on the implications of all safety legislation on the College
To receive and consider any reports from external or internal Health & Safety experts, the
Health & Safety Executive and other appropriate bodies and take such action as is necessary
To consider and make recommendations for Health & Safety training for all staff and monitor
its effectiveness
To review accident and incident reports and statistics and monitor trends in order to
recommend courses of corrective action
To review and monitor Health & Safety standards and targets
To review the level of resources allocated and deployed to carry out Health & Safety duties.
Below is a suggested structure for a health and safety committee. Members should be
selected from a range of areas and levels of seniority to ensure engagement across the
college. Numbers should be limited to 12 per meeting. It is perfectly acceptable to have
rotating attendees although there must be a core structure made up of the Operations
Director, Estates and Union representation.

Director of operations
Estates and facilities management
Faculty Directors
Union representatives
Lecturers
Technicians
Administrative staff

It is suggested that the committee meet each month for the first three months after inception
to ensure the committee is structurally correct, terms of reference and standing agenda items
are set. After the initial period it is suggested that meetings then be held on a quarterly basis
with the option to call meetings in between times should an urgent issue arise or following a
serious accident/incident.

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Appendix D - Competent Advice Options and Costs

The costs below are indicative only and may vary.

1. Employ a full time health and safety adviser with a minimum NEBOSH General
Certificate.
Annual Salary 35,000 to 40,000 plus on-costs
2. Employ a part time health and safety adviser, based on 3 days per week (1 day per
site per week) with a minimum NEBOSH General Certificate
Annual Salary 21,000 to 24,000 (pro rata based on FTE) plus on-costs

3. Employ external consultants to assist in implementation of a full health and safety

system and thereafter on a retained basis (suggest 2 to 3 days per month)
Initial cost based on 15 to 20 days for development and implementation at 350 per day.
Total cost 5250 to 7000.
On-going annual retention costs 8400 (2 days per month) to 12600 (3 days per
month).
Additional costs may be incurred if suitable provision is not available on island.
4. Train and internal member of staff to a minimum NEBOSH General Certificate.
Initial training cost approx. 1200.
On-going cost for continual development approx. 500 per year

If option 4 is taken, the internal member of staff would require time aside from their main
job role to undertake health and safety duties. The cost of this would be determined by
the need to back fill their substantive post and the number of days allocated to health and
safety duties.

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