Somerset Councils Systems and Performance team have created a Schools Dashboard for Civica, with the aim of making property compliance management easier. This Dashboard allows schools to see overdue inspections and questionnaires, outstanding fire actions, inspections due in the next…

Does your school have a stage? Whether it be a temporary stage or a permanent stage, as we approach Nativity Play season, here are some helpful checks you can do to make sure your stages are safe: Are there appropriate…

It is a requirement of Somerset Council’s Legionella Policy to request a Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA) review and update following the completion of any works which add, remove or modify any part of a buildings water system. The F19a Legionella…

As an employer, Somerset Council is responsible, as far as is reasonably practicable to ensure that Manual Handling is carried out safely and in a manner that reduces the risk of injury. A key element to protecting employees and volunteers…

The Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) Report sits in the main Questionnaire area of Civica, then click the “Fire” tab. A list of your Questionnaires is displayed. Next, click Edit:  Under Actions on the left-hand side menu, choose Print Questionnaire: Then,…

This update from the fire safety team explains the way we carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and what to expect on the day. Prior to the assessment You will receive an email offering you a date and time for…

We are seeing more and more laptop charging units within our schools and they are a fantastic tool to help teach and learn. However, have you given consideration as to where they are stored and charged?  If you intend to…

As part of the Council’s policy review programme, the Health and Safety Service has published updated policies on the Health and Safety Internet site. The following policies were reviewed: Manual Handling (supporting Guidance available) Volunteer Fire Safety in the Workplace…

The Health and Safety service has written new guidance for operating Forest Schools at their sites. It covers the principles of forest schools, risks, fire pit and fire safety, tool use and a health and safety checklist. Forest Schools should…

Helicopter landings at schools are a non-standard risk and as a general rule Somerset Council prefer that schools discourage them. However, an exception is made in the case of armed forces helicopters, and some commercial helicopter companies, where there is…

The school’s allocation of DFCG can be used to purchase additional fire safety equipment and improvements. The school may also have Energy Efficiency grant available to spend. If this grant has not been committed for spend on Energy Efficiency it…

Maintained schools within Somerset Council (SC) use European Educational Consultants (EEC) as their Health and Safety Management System. This system enables schools to compile risk assessments, record accidents and near misses, submit off-site visit applications for endorsement and provides the…

Normally the Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA) has a table of the contents to help keep your Legionella folder in order. Sites should be adding the results of their monitoring/testing under the records section, which may be completed by someone at…

Garden ponds are great! They’re nice to look at, good for wildlife… Unfortunately they’re not so good for young children. In fact, garden ponds are involved in more than half of all toddler drownings. Water holds a particular attraction for…

The FA (Football Association) updated heading guidance in May 2024 for age groups under 6 and under 18. Although there was no evidence in the field study to suggest that heading the ball was the cause to the link with…

A local authority has been sentenced after a technician lost his finger while operating a machine. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found West Sussex County Council, the local authority in charge of the school, failed to ensure the…

Gas Safety Week 2024 takes place 9th – 15th September and is an annual safety week to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of gas appliances. It is coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, the…

The new Somerset Council Outdoor Education Advice website includes guidance for schools and other education establishments on the planning, organisation and supervision of outdoor education and external visits. You can also find checklists, consent forms and links to book the…

As part of the Council’s policy review programme, the Health and Safety Service has published updated policies on the Health and Safety Internet site. The following policies were reviewed: Working Alone Safely (supporting Guidance available) Radon (supporting Guidance available) Hand Arm Vibration…

Our education providers recognise that they have a responsibility to ensure that pupils with medical conditions are supported, can continue to enjoy learning, develop friendships and play. Through working in collaboration with parents they can ensure that, as much as…