Health & Safety

1. GENERAL

1.1 The Trustees of Art History Link-Up (“AHLU”) note the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (s.3(1)), which states that it is the duty of every employer to conduct his or her business in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons who are not in his or her employment but who may be affected by it are not exposed to risks to their health and safety, and accepts that AHLU has a responsibility to take all reasonably practicable steps to secure the health and safety of students, staff and others using associated premises or participating in associated activities. The Trustees believes that the prevention of accidents, injury or loss is essential to AHLU’s efficient operation and is part of the education of its students.

1.2 The aim of the Trustees is to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for pupils, staff, volunteers and visitors. The arrangements outlined in this health and safety policy (the “Policy”) and the various other safety provisions made by the Trustees cannot prevent accidents or ensure safe and healthy working conditions. The Trustees believe that only the adoption of safe methods of work and good practice by every individual can ensure everyone’s personal health and safety. The Trustees will take all reasonable steps to identify and reduce hazards to a minimum but all staff, volunteers and pupils must appreciate that their own safety and that of others also depends on their individual conduct and vigilance while taking part in AHLU-related activities.

2. DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2.1 In the discharge of their duty the Trustees, in consultation with the CEO, will:

a) make themselves familiar with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and any other health and safety legislation and codes of practices which are relevant to the work of AHLU, in particular the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 (SI 1992 No. 2051);

b) ensure that the Policy effectively supports the provision of health and safety;

d) identify and evaluate all risks relating to:

i) accidents,
ii) health, and
iii) AHLU-related activities;

e) identify and evaluate risk control measures in order to select the most appropriate means of minimising risk to students, volunteers, staff and others.

2.2 In particular the Trustees undertake to provide:

a) a safe place for students, volunteers and staff to work including safe means of entry and exit;

b) safe and healthy working conditions which take account of all appropriate;

i) statutory requirements,
ii) codes of practice whether statutory or advisory, and
iii) guidance whether statutory or advisory;

c) supervision, training and instruction so that all students, volunteers and staff can perform their activities in a healthy and safe manner. Wherever training is required by statute or considered necessary for the safety of students, staff and others then the Trustees will ensure that such training is provided. Students will receive such training as is considered appropriate to the activities which they are carrying out. All training will be regularly updated; and

d) adequate welfare facilities.

2.3 So far as is reasonably practicable the Trustees will provide adequate resources to implement this Policy, making arrangements for all categories of staff, including temporary and voluntary staff and helpers, to receive comprehensive information on:

a) this Policy,

b) all other relevant health and safety matters, and

c) the instruction and training required so that they may work in a safe manner without placing themselves or others at risk.

3. TRUSTEES WILL, AS FAR AS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE

a) be aware of the basic requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and any other health and safety legislation and codes of practices relevant to the work of AHLU;

b) ensure, at all times, the health, safety and welfare of students, staff, volunteers and others using premises or facilities or services or attending or taking part in AHLU-related activities;

c) ensure safe working conditions for the health, safety and welfare of students, staff, volunteers and others using premises and facilities;

e) consult with members of staff, including safety representatives, on health and safety issues;

f) arrange systems of risk assessment to allow the prompt identification of all hazards;

g) carry out periodic reviews and safety audits on the findings of the risk assessment;

h) identify the training needs of pupils and staff and ensure, within the financial resources available, that all staff, volunteers and students who have identified training needs receive adequate and appropriate training and instruction in health and safety matters;

i) encourage students, staff and others to promote health and safety;

j) ensure that any defects in the premises, its plant, equipment or facilities which relate to or may affect the health and safety of students, staff and others are made safe without delay;

k) encourage all staff to suggest ways and means of reducing risks;

l) collate accident and incident information and, when necessary, carry out accident and incident investigations;

m) monitor the standard of health and safety, including all AHLU-related activities, encourage students, staff, volunteers and others to achieve the highest possible standards, and take appropriate action with those who consistently fail to consider their own well-being or the health and safety of others; and

n) monitor first aid and welfare provision.

4. DUTIES OF ALL MEMBERS OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

4.1 All staff and volunteers will make themselves familiar with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and any other health and safety legislation and codes of practice which are relevant. They should:

a) take reasonable care of their own health and safety and any other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work; and

b) as regards any duty or requirements imposed on his or her employer or any other persons by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, cooperate with him or her so far as necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.4.2 All staff and volunteers are expected to familiarise themselves with the health and safety aspects of their work and to avoid conduct which would put them or anyone else at risk.

4.3 In particular all staff and volunteers will:

a) be familiar with the safety policy and any and all safety regulations as laid down by the Trustees;

b) ensure health and safety regulations, rules, routines and procedures are being applied effectively by staff, volunteers and students;

c) report any defects in the premises, plant, equipment and facilities which they observe

d) take an active interest in promoting health and safety and suggest ways of reducing risks.

5. RISK ASSESSMENT

5.1 Trustees will ensure that reviews of risk assessments of all AHLU-related activities are conducted as appropriate. These reviews will identify all defects and deficiencies, together with the necessary remedial action or risk control measures.

6. EMERGENCY PLANS

6.1 Trustees will ensure that an emergency plan is prepared to cover all foreseeable major incidents which could put at risk students on AHLU activities. This plan will indicate the actions to be taken in the event of a major incident so that everything possible is done to

a) save life,

b) prevent injury, and

c) minimise loss.This sequence will determine the priorities of the emergency plan.

6.2 The plan will address such foreseeable incidents as fire, explosion, suspicious package, telephone warning and unauthorised intrusion, be agreed by the Trustees in consultation with the host venue. Except in exceptional circumstances, AHLU staff will follow the best practice, advice and direction of the host venue(s).

7. FIRST AID/ACCIDENT RECORDING

7.1 The arrangements for first aid provision will be adequate to cope with all foreseeable major incidents.

7.2 In the case of courses taking place at museums and galleries, at least one qualified first aider will be available at each site when students are present.

7.3 At the discretion of the Trustees, other staff will be given such training in first aid techniques as is required to give them a basic, minimum level of competence.

7.4 Supplies of first aid material will be held at various locations as directed by museum/gallery staff of the venues used by AHLU. They will be prominently marked and all staff will be advised of their position.

7.5 Adequate and appropriate first aid provision will form part of the arrangements for all museum-based activities.

7.6 A record will be made of each occasion any member of staff, student or other person receives first aid treatment, and the record will include details of the advice given to parents of students as appropriate.

The CEO is responsible for reporting serious accidents to insurers and to the Trustees.If you have any specific health and safety concerns relating to this Policy, please contact the Chair of the Board, at chair@arthistorylinkup.org.

8. STATUS OF THE POLICY

8.1 AHLU may update or amend this Policy at any time.

The Trustees will review this Policy annually.