Floors
Pre-schoolers can spot anything on the floor, and anything they find they would probably try to put it in their mouth. Therefore floors and floor covering should be clean and free of debris or tripping hazards. Use carpet tape or rubber backing to prevent rugs from curling or slipping and carefully check for pins, staples, or other items which can hide in the carpet pile. Check floor tiles and baseboards for loose material, nails, or splinters. Inspect carefully in corners and under furniture for paperclips, toy parts and other small items.
Walls
All electrical coverings should be securely covered when not in use. While small “push-in” covers may meet licensing standards, they can become a choking hazard if a curious child removes them. Outlets that will not be used can be covered with solid close electrical plates, available at hardware stores. If an outlet is used regularly, you can install a hinged or screw-in outlet guard that also covers the electrical cord end.
Pictures and wall decorations should be lightweight and securely fastened to the walls. Posters and artwork should be laminated or framed in lightweight plastic frames, rather than heavier wood and glass frames. Be sure that posters and other flammable covering are well away from heat sources or electrical outlets.
Bulletin boards should be securely fastened to walls with screws or other hardware installed into the wall stud. Staples, thump stacks and putty are not appropriate for child care because these items often end up in a child’s mouth. To decorate bulletin boards, you can cover them with coloured paper and staple around the edges, and then completely cover the line of staples so that they won’t get taken out.
Check around each room for hot pipes, heating units, or radiators that can burn a child. Work with your local fire service to determine the best way to prevent access to hot items. For example, pipes can be wrapped with approved insulating tape. Fireplace screens may prevent access to radiators or heating units. Never place furniture or flammable objects near hot items.
Ceilings
Ceilings are the least expected hazards in the classroom. If your room has a removable ceiling tiles, check to be sure all are securely in place. Roof leaks can damage tiles and they can crumble and fall when you least expect it. Light fixtures should be properly wired, securely fasted to the ceiling, and inspected regularly. Smoke detectors are often placed on the ceiling, and these should be tested monthly.
Artworks, mobiles, and other decorations hung from the ceiling must be very lightweight and avoid strings or cords that can strangle a child.
Furniture
Check all furniture for loose or screws, nails, hinges, latches, or broken hardware. Furniture should have rounded edges and corners. Sand surfaces that are rough or splintered, repair cracks, and be sure surfaces are covered with non-lead based paints or varnish.
Shelves, chests with drawers, and storage cabinets should be securely bolted to walls so they will not fall, even if a child tries to climb it. Self-standing furniture, such as a bookshelves used for room dividers should be short and have wide bases to help prevent from falling over.
Also looks for objects which could fall and injure a child, as children jump and play, heavy objects can be move on the shelves, ready to fall when you least expect it. Radios, televisions, and electrical appliances should be anchored to the shelf or table, with the cord well out of children’s reach.
Toys and supplies
Check blocks and other toys for rough or sharp edges, splinters, chipping paint, or other signs of wear. Repair broken toys if possible, or throw them away. Check toys for small or loose parts or parts that can be broken off. Young children can easily choke on small parts.
Poison Prevention
There are many items that can lead to childhood poisoning. Check with your local Poison Control Centre before bringing plants into the classroom, some children can also be allergic to some kind of plants so make sure to review the student medical report. Make sure all art supplies say "non-toxic." Chemical and cleaning agents should be stored out of reach and in a locked cabinet, preferably in a room away from the children and away from food supplies. Medications also must be out of reach and in a locked area.
Storage Closets
Storage closets, garages, workshops, and outer buildings can contain a multitude of hazards. Be sure these areas are inaccessible to children at all times. Don't rely on supervision - install a lock.
Bathrooms
If possible, bathrooms should have child-sized fixtures. If not, then sturdy stools with wide, non-slip bases may be needed. Children's skin burns easily so hot water temperature should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean up water spills immediately, and check under sinks for toxic or dangerous items. Toilet bowl cleaner can be deadly.
Kitchens
Children should not have access to kitchens, and certainly not when hot foods are being prepared. However, in some facilities, such as home child care, the kitchen is accessible so you must make it as safe as possible. Knives and other sharp objects should be stored well out of children's reach; electrical cords should be out of reach on counters; stoves, refrigerators, and appliances should be securely positions on the floor to prevent tipping over; and again, check under the sink for dangerous substances or items. Never rely on child safety latches for cabinet doors; children can often open these faster than adults can!
Personal hygiene
The spread of infection will be minimised if a high standard of personal hygiene is maintained in the environment. In some cases, staffs have to wear uniforms to themselves and students from infections and hazardous substances. Also most food staff prepares food so the following can be hazards created by bacteria spreading by staffs:
- Moving between areas (toilet and kitchen)
- Not covering food properly
- Not washing hand thoroughly
- Not clean thoroughly
- Wrong preparation and handling
Human factors
How people act and behave in their environment can affect slips, trips, harm and abuse. For example:
- What footwear is worn, wearing high heels at work will make you vulnerable to a slip.
- Things that prevent you from seeing or thinking about where you are going, can increase the risk of an accident e.g. rushing about, carrying large objects, becoming distracted whilst walking e.g. using a mobile phone
Health and Social Care level 3
Unit 3 – Health and Safety and Security in Health and Social Care