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St Thomas Becket Catholic College

Risk Assessment Policy

September 2011

IntroductionIt is not only a legal requirement, but also this Colleges firm belief, that risks to health and safety should becontrolled wherever possible through risk assessments; these are, therefore, conducted in this college on aregular basis whenever there is perceived to be an identified risks to our pupils, our staff, our buildings, ourgrounds, in our daily routines and at all college events. The College also acknowledges that when a risk isidentified it may be appropriate to carry out a Risk/Benefit Analysis in order to ensure that any subsequentdecision being made about an activity or event will be in the best interests of our pupils, i.e. when thebenefits outweigh the risks the activity or event may go ahead.

Conduct of Risk Assessments

Assessments are conducted by the Headteacher, or delegated to senior managers, teachers or othercompetent persons. Assessment will not be delegated to staff who are uncomfortable about carrying outthe task, or who do not have the influence to ensure that their recommendations are implemented.

Nature of Risk AssessmentsAssessments identify significant risks, such as defects and deficiencies and prescribe remedial action, i.e.risk control measures.

Thorough risk assessment involves answers to such questions as the following:

With what hazards are we faced?

Who might be affected? How can the risks be reduced to an acceptable level? Can effective measures be implemented now? If not, what contingency plans will serve us best for the time being?

Each assessment is written up on a standard proforma available from John Firth, Assistant Headteacher,for the convenience of all concerned.

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Frequency of Risk AssessmentsRisk Assessments for particular departments, e.g. Technology, Science, are normally reviewed on anannual basis but more frequent checks may be required in some risk areas.

Reporting Procedures for SurveysThe results of our periodic risk assessment surveys are reported initially to the Health & Safety Officer andthe Leadership Team; if necessary, they may be reported to the Finance, Premises, Resources andpersonnel Committee of the Governors and to the full Governing Body in the Health and safety Updatesattached to the Headteachers Report. The main report is made towards the end of the college year, whenany required surveys have been completed. Any required risk assessments will then be published in timefor the following autumn term.

Reporting Procedures for Newly-identifed HazardsAll staff are aware of the need to report major new hazards as soon as they are identified. Staff must reportidentified hazards to the Site Manager John Griffiths so that appropriate action can be taken. Whenever a

major new hazard is identified, it is highlighted on the whiteboard in the staff room or on E portal.

Risk assessments for taking children off siteStaff responsible for taking children off site must carry out a risk assessment using the standard pro forma,available from John Firth, Assistant Headteacher and in the Educational Visits pack (See Sue Brinkley forFile).Before it can take place the activity must be authorised and the form signed by the Chair Of Governors (orin the Chairs absence the Deputy Chair of Governors).

Copies of all completed risk assessments are kept in a file in the Assistant Headteachers Office.

In compiling risk assessments for off-site visits, reference must be made to the Educational Visits pack.