Health and Safety Policy
Section 1 Responsibilities
The initial booking form will include information about the space and facility
requirement needed for each workshop.
It is the responsibility of the commissioning organization to ensure that
The premises are in a good state of repair and are compliant with current
Health and Safety legislation.
That appropriate Fire and Health and Safety procedures are in place and if
necessary to ensure that the competent person is on site as and when appropriate.
That staff are informed of any changes in the environment that may affect
their ability to carry out the activity in a safe manner.
If appropriate that a current 1st aid appointed person is on site or made
available. Jaxs Arts staff do hold emergency at work 1st aid certificates however
when booked by a client it is not their responsibility to deal with 1st aid
situations unless this has been agreed in advance.
That the artist is made aware of the appropriate venue related fire and emergency
procedures.
Risk Assessments will be undertaken at time of booking and prior to the start
of each project.
Section 2 - General safety measures of workshop participants
Working with children and vulnerable adults (as and when appropriate)
Appropriate adult ratios will be agreed prior to carrying out each workshop;
in all cases at least one other responsible adult must be available during the
workshop. (I am able to provide additional staff if required)
An activity appropriate booking form will be completed in advance of the activity
and will include a responsible adults contact details, allergy information etc.
All materials will be non toxic, and equipment will be supervised and age
/ ability appropriate.
Instructions will be given at the start of the workshop about safe and appropriate
use of equipment and tools.
If a child is acting in an inappropriate manner which is detrimental to the
whole groups ability to participate. They will be discretely asked to modify
their behaviour and staff will endeavour to resolve the situation. If this does
not improve the situation we will contact the child's responsible adult to ask
them to collect the child.
If the activity at any stage is carried out in an outdoor environment children
will be placed in groups and linked to a member of staff.
Working
with adults
Each workshop will look at risk management and offer general ideas and guidance
as to seeking further advice.
Instructions will be given at the start of the workshop about safe and appropriate
use of equipment and tools.
Adults are expected to use their own judgment (where safe to do so) and are
responsible for their own safety when using equipment. Support will be given
as and when necessary,
Many of the workshops can be adapted to offer training for adults who work
with children.
Working with parents/carers and their children...
Children are the sole responsibility of their parents/carers, if a child/
adult is acting in an inappropriate manner which is detrimental to the whole
groups ability to participate, they will be discretely asked to modify their
behaviour or be asked to leave.
Open
access activities (general)
Open access activities that are open to the public are often a concern for
health and safety, Activities that are provided in such an environment will
be structured so as to minimize the risks to both the participants and the assistants
and that the following steps may be necessary.
a) Activity numbers may be restricted b) A greater number of assistants will be required c) A combination of a+ b will be needed.
If children are to take part in the activity then a suitable parent or carer
must be in the vicinity or have a given permission for their child to take part
in the workshop without them . In this case a decision will need to be made
as to what age is appropriate for a child to be left on their own. ( it is the
responsibility of the organization who has booked the activity to ensure that
suitable safety issues have been considered and appropriate safeguards are in
place)
Open
access workshops for large community events and festivals.
The artist will comply with all health and safety requirements as set out
by the event organizers. In addition the artist will carry out their own health
and safety checks relating to the activity.
Consideration should be given to potential lost children procedures which
should be discussed with the event coordinator.
If the event is taking place in a outside environment e.g. a tent in a park/field.
Laminated health and safety signs will be displayed warning of any potential
dangers.
In all circumstances any children or vulnerable adults are the sole responsibility
of their parents/carers.
Section
3-General Health and Safety
The artist is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is regularly maintained.
Any equipment that does not function in the way it is intended should be reported
to the artist as soon as it is discovered, the artist will then ensure that
it is made safe.
All electronic equipment will be replaced yearly or earlier if necessary.
Section
4- Safe Handling and Use of Substances
When working with children or vulnerable adults paints, glues etc will be
purchased from suppliers who provide child friendly products or who supply to
education establishments.
When working with adults it may be appropriate to use stronger glues etc all
materials will be sourced from art suppliers. If the material states that there
is a minor health risk for example if a varnish needs to be used in vented environment
this will be taken into consideration at the planning stage and adults will
be advised of any potential dangers and safety advice and then be given the
choice as to whether they wish to use the material or not.
Please note
if the organisation booking the workshop wishes to supply the materials and
equipment it is their responsibility to ensure that it is fit for purpose and
if this is the case then section 3 and 4 comes under their responsibility.
Section 5- Recording
and reporting of accidents and dangerous occurrences
An accident / incident forms will be available at each workshop, however it
is the responsibility of the booking organization to ensure that a first aider
is available or that alternative arrangements have been be made with JaxsArts.
That the artist is made aware of all safety procedure's relating to first
aid.
The Artists will report all accidents and dangerous occurrences to the appropriate
persons.
Reviewed and revised April 2010