Health and Safety Checklist for Schools

Are paths and playgrounds free from foreseeable trip/slip hazards?

Are manholes secure?

Are grass areas reasonably even and free of glass, needles, etc.?

Do trees/branches appear safe?

Is the perimeter fencing sound?

Is play equipment well-maintained and free from sharp edges or rough surfaces?

Are traffic routes marked or signed?

Where possible, is there segregation of vehicles and pedestrians?

Is there designated parking?

Are there designated loading/unloading bays?

Are traffic warning signs and markings clear?

Are escape routes clear of obstructions?

Are exit doors free from internal/external obstruction?

Are evacuation notices displayed adjacent to alarm call points and key locations?

Are fire drills held termly?

Have extinguishers/alarms been serviced within the last year?

Is the alarm audible?

Are floors and floor coverings in good condition?

Are handrails on stairs sound?

Are door mechanisms in good working order?

Is safety glass used where appropriate?

Are facilities for people with disabilities appropriate?

Do gutters, downpipes, and other fixtures appear sound?

Do roof tiles appear secure?

Are security systems adequate?

Can a reasonable room temperature be maintained?

Are fans/blinds provided to alleviate high temperatures?

Is the natural and artificial ventilation adequate?

Are all lights working?

Are diffusers clean?

Is internal lighting adequate?

Is external lighting adequate?

Is access to the electrical system restricted to authorized persons?

Is there a warning sign displayed?

Is there an electric shock first aid poster displayed?

Are materials in the electrical cupboard stored in a safe manner?

Are portable electrical appliances tested periodically by a competent person?

Are plugs and leads in good condition?

Are socket outlets at least 1m away from running water?

Are names of first aiders displayed or known?

Are certificates valid?

Are first aid boxes adequately stocked?

Are arrangements in place for the safe disposal of body fluids and sharps?

Do staff wear gloves when dealing with body fluids?

Are staff aware of your policy for administering medicines?

Are there suitable toilet facilities?

Are suitable washing facilities available?

Are the facilities adequately inspected, cleaned, ventilated, and lit?

Have drinking water outlets been labeled?

Are there appropriate facilities for people who are unwell?

Are steps or ‘kick-stools’ available and used appropriately?

Are ladders/scaffold towers in good condition and stored securely?

Are ladders/scaffold towers used by authorized persons only?

Is there a safe system for working at height e.g. roofs?

Where staff cleans windows, have safe procedures been agreed?

If a window-cleaning contract is used has a safe system of work been agreed?

Is LEA health and safety information available?

Do staff know of their existence?

Is the health and safety law poster displayed?

Is furniture in good condition?

Are wall-mounted fixtures, shelving, furniture, etc. in good condition and secure?

Is storage of small quantities of flammable/hazardous substances suitable?

Do office staff have enough working space?

Are all parts of the school maintained in a clean and tidy condition?

Are there adequate facilities for the safe storage and disposal of waste?