Health and Safety Policy

Updated August 2020

Our statement of General Policy is:

• To provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our work activities
• To consult with our employees on matters of health and safety 
• To provide and maintain safe equipment
• To ensure safe handling and use of substances
• To provide information, instruction and supervision for employees
• To ensure all employees are competent to do their tasks, and give them adequate training
• To prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health
• To maintain a safe and healthy working environment and to apply this teaching to our students and clients at all times 
• To be compliant with government guidance on working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic
• To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals 

Tanya Schipelbaum  – Principal Basingstoke Academy of Dancing 

AISTD CDE RTS RAD BA (Dance Ed)  – Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance

Responsibilities

Overall and final responsibility for health and safety is that of the Academy’s Principal 

Day to day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is delegated to the studio manager when one is appointed, currently there is not one so responsibility lies with the Principal.  However the wording below is for when we may have one in place, but otherwise the Principal will perform all these duties in the absence of a Studio Manager. 

During the additional procedures in place to ensure compliance with guidance on working safely during the COVID-19 pandemic a daily Pastoral Supervisor will be appointed, but again this is just to help the Principal manage their responsibilities day to day.

All Freelancers, Hirers and Contractors have to:

• Co-operate with the principal on matters of health and safety 
• Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard theirs or student’s/client’s health and safety
• Take reasonable care of their own and student’s/client’s health and safety 
• Report all health and safety concerns to the Principal, Studio Manager or COVID-19 Officer

Actions and Implementation 

Any actions to remove/control risks will be approved by the Principal. 

The Studio Manager will be responsible for ensuring the action required is implemented.

The Principal will check that the implemented actions have removed/reduced the risks.

Assessments

Assessments will be reviewed annually or when there is work activity change (including those reviews necessary for working during the COVID-19 pandemic), whichever is soonest. 

Employees will be consulted directly by the Studio Manager

Equipment Maintenance 

The Studio Manager will be responsible for ensuring all equipment needing maintenance has an implemented maintenance plan and report any problems to the Principal 

Supervision

Supervision of trainees will be monitored by the Principal

The Studio Manager will ensure all Freelancers and Hirers are given relevant health and safety information

The Studio Manager will provide induction training and monitor and keep records 

Monitoring of working conditions will be undertaken by the Studio Manager and applied to student/client safety

Qualified First Aider  

Tanya Schipelbaum and other Freelancers are qualified First Aiders (see certificates in the file ) 

These are updated every 3 years 

First Aid Box Location 

The First Aid Box is kept in the Kitchen/Staff Room 

A cold compress is kept in the Freezer

All accidents should be reported in the accident book kept on the reception desk 

Completed forms should be handed to the Studio Manager for secure filing 

The Studio Manager will be responsible for investigating accidents, work related sickness and act on the findings to prevent a reoccurrence

RIDDOR

There is a legal requirement to report all serious accidents or diseases occurring at work.  If someone is off work for more than 3 days as a result of an accident this should also be reported using the relevant form

Fire and Evacuation 

The Studio Manager is responsible for ensuring the fire risk assessment is undertaken an implemented.

Escape routes will be checked by the Principal every day 

Fire Extinguishers are maintained every 6 months by JSK 

Fire alarms, maintained every 6 months by Securiflame Ltd

Fire doors are maintained every year by Securiflame Ltd

Fire alarms are tested every week by the Studio Manager 

Fire Drill is to be implemented every term by the Studio Manager 

A fire risk assessment is periodically carried out. This also ensures that all members of staff have adequate means of escape and fire-fighting equipment.  Details of the assessment are kept in the health and safety file.

Instructions for operating the fire extinguishers are clearly marked on the side of each unit.  Fire-fighting equipment can be located in the main reception, in the corridor outside Studio 3 and at the back of Studio 1.  The kitchen also has a fire blanket mounted on the wall by the fridge .

In case of discovering a fire, notify others by shouting a warning and ensure evacuation. If safely possible tackle the fire using the equipment provided.  Ensure the emergency services are called if the fire cannot be put out immediately.

Evacuation Exits and Assembly Points

When evacuating the building everyone should try to use the closest Evacuation Exits marked, unless blocked by fire.

Everyone should assemble at the fire assembly point which is towards the back of the building by the steps towards the bus stop.

The closest exits are:

• Studio 1 and 3 must leave via the fire door at the back of the building 
• Studio 2 and waiting area immediately outside should exit via the waiting room doors
• Kitchen, Main Reception and area outside Studio 1 should exit via the main entrance

Health and Safety Poster 

Displayed in the Kitchen/staff room 

COSHH

Hazardous goods involved with cleaning are stored in the locked cupboard in the waiting area.  They should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.

Electrical Maintenance 

An inspection (PAT Test) is carried out every year by a qualified electrician. All faults to be reported and rectified. This inspection covers all appliances and checks include faulty wiring, corroded or damaged terminals and fuse ratings.  Any electrical faults should be advised to the Studio Manager and a log maintained in the Health and Safety File.

General  

The studios generally  – including all walkways, step areas and exits should be kept in a safe and clean condition by regular cleaning, maintenance and repair.  Any faults should be notified to the studio manager.  Toilets and Washing Facilities are provided. Please notify the Studio Manager if there are concerns regarding the space, lighting, ventilation or temperature.

COVID-19 Pandemic 

Additional measures regarding the Covid-19 pandemic are detailed in the COVID-19 Protocols document. This document will be routinely updated in line with Government and Public Health England guidelines. 

If you have any questions on Health and Safety  – ASK !