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techCT301 A list of the key legislation relating to health and safety in a social care setting- · Health and Safety at work Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999 · Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulation 1981 include amendment on 2009 · The Electricity at Work regulations 1989 · Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 · Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 · Communicable diseases and infection control · Working Time Regulations 1998 · Care Standard Act 2000 · Control of exposure to Hazardous to Health 1999 · Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2005. · Environmental Protection Act 1990. An explanation of how health and safety policies and procedures protect people using social care settings. All of the above mentioned legislations are crucial part of health and safety. Every piece of legislation describes not only clear guidance of responsibilities but also how should we maintain health and safety to eliminate risks for the people using social care settings. Let alone, Food hygiene regulation 2005, which explains the responsibilities, involves handling food safely in order to avoid contamination and food poisoning. Environmental protection act 1990 which describes the responsibilities involves handling clinical wastes in order to prevent harm to the environment. Control of exposure to hazardous to health act 1999 explains the responsibilities involve handling hazardous substances such as reduce using hazardous substances or using less hazardous substances and reducing exposure level as much as possible. So, it is very important for us to follow health and safety policies and procedures to eradicate risks from workplace and maintain safe working environment. Social Care Worker Take care of their own health and safety as well as others. Co-operate with their employer by following policies and procedures. Must use personal protective equipment as necessary. Must adhere to achieve training and follow instruction. Not to misuse or tamper with anything provided for health and safety or welfare. Employer/Manager · Provide safe and risk free working environment. · Provide equipments. · Deal with hazardous substances safely. · Provide information, instruction, training and supervision as necessary. · Ensuring equipments are safe to use and safe system of work are set and followed. Others (such as visitor, supporters, volunteers and contractors) · Respect and obey the rules and legislation imposed by authority. · Follow the instruction and guidance as provided (Such as not to use lift in the event of fire, not to block the fire exit etc.) · Co-operate with employer and workers if anything has been noticed may cause harm to others or concern to others health and safety. 2.1 A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work. Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss. 2.2 Identify the hazards Decide who might be harmed and how Evaluate the risks and decide on precaution Record your findings and implement them Review your assessment and update if necessary 2.3 Potential health and safety risks must be reported immediately to ones supervisor. It is up to the supervisor to use the chain of command and as needed it will even be reported to government offices. 2.4 explain how to address potential health and safety risks identified continuous assessment of risks and regular checking, reporting identified risks, accident report forms and the importance of written records being clear and accurate, detailing dates, times. - explain how risk assessments can help address dilemmas between an individuals rights and health and safety concerns think about the level of risk, harm, hazards, individuals involved, responsibilities. - explain how to promote health and safety within the social care setting use of policies and procedures, reporting, recording, risk assessment, understanding health and safety. 3.1 Cuts and burns etc in the kitchen, falls, back injuries though poor lifting techniques, strokes, heart attacks, diabetic emergencies, asthma attacks, allergic reactions...........and so on. 3.2 a) that an ambulance is required b) the precise location of the incident c) the number of injured and the extent of their injuries (if known). 4. [ Further duties to be delegated if others are present include a) ensuring the ambulance is met on arrival and that it is directed immediately to the scene of the incident b) rendering assistance to first aiders as necessary c) determining whether any further assistance is required and if so, arranging for the relevant personnel to be directed to the scene. 3.3 Someone not adequately trained in proper first aid procedures can cause more damage with the best of intent if they do not know what they are doing. 4.1 Most people get infections of some sort or another. There are four main routes for infections to enter the body: 1. Down the respiratory tract into the lungs. Coughs, cold, influenza and other common airborne infections are contracted in this fashion. 2. Breaks in the skin. One of the many functions of the skin is to act as a barrier against infection. Anything that penetrates the skin, or for that matter the mucous membrane that lines the mouth or nose, provides a route for infection to enter. Typically, bites, scratches, puncture wounds by needles etc increase the risk of infection. 3. Down the digestive tract. Food, drink or other infected products can be swallowed and infect the stomach or bowels. Most people have experienced an 'upset stomach', which reveals itself in the form of diarrhea and or vomiting. 4. Up the urinary and reproductive systems. The infectious agent may remain localized or may enter the blood stream. Sexually transmitted diseases most commonly infect the genitals. HIV, the AIDS virus, is carried in bodily fluids and can be transmitted in saliva, seminal fluid, or blood. 4.2 Poor Personal Hygiene Failure to keep up a standard of hygiene can have many implications. [ Not only is there an increased risk of getting an infection or illness, but there are many social and psychological aspects that can be affected. 4.3 How to wash your hands: Wet hands with water Apply enough soap and handwash to cover all hand surfaces Rub hands palm to palm Right palm over the other hand with interlaced fingers and vice versa Palm to palm with fingers interlaced Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa Rince hands with water Dry thoroughly with towel. Duration of procedure: At least 15 seconds 4.4 When selecting and using PPE: Choose products which are CE marked in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 – suppliers can advise you Choose equipment that suits the user – consider the size, fit and weight of the PPE. If the users help choose it, they will be more likely to use it Make sure that if more than one item of PPE is being worn they can be used together, eg wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks Instruct and train people how to use it, eg train people to remove gloves without contaminating their skin. Tell them why it is needed, when to use it and what its limitations are Other advice on PPE Never allow exemptions from wearing PPE for those jobs that ‘only take a few minutes' Check with your supplier on what PPE is appropriate – explain the job to them If in doubt, seek further advice from a specialist adviser Maintenance PPE must be properly looked after and stored when not in use, eg in a dry, clean cupboard. If it is reusable it must be cleaned and kept in good condition. Think about: using the right replacement parts which match the original, eg respirator filters keeping replacement PPE available who is responsible for maintenance and how it is to be done having a supply of appropriate disposable suits which are useful for dirty jobs where laundry costs are high, eg for visitors who need protective clothing Employees must make proper use of PPE and report its loss or destruction or any fault in it. Monitor and review Check regularly that PPE is used. If it isn’t, find out why not Safety signs can be a useful reminder that PPE should be worn Take note of any changes in equipment, materials and methods – you may need to update what you provide Types of PPE you can use Hazards Chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation Options Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, faceshields, visors Note Make sure the eye protection chosen has the right combination of impact/dust/splash/molten metal eye protection for the task and fits the user properly Head and neck Hazards Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair getting tangled in machinery, chemical drips or splash, climate or temperature Options Industrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets and firefighters' helmets Note Some safety helmets incorporate or can be fitted with specially-designed eye or hearing protection Don't forget neck protection, eg scarves for use during welding Replace head protection if it is damaged Ears Hazards Noise – a combination of sound level and duration of exposure, very high-level sounds are a hazard even with short duration Options Earplugs, earmuffs, semi-insert/canal caps Note Provide the right hearing protectors for the type of work, and make sure workers know how to fit them Choose protectors that reduce noise to an acceptable level, while allowing for safety and communication Hands and arms Hazards Abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, radiation, vibration, biological agents and prolonged immersion in water Options Gloves, gloves with a cuff, gauntlets and sleeving that covers part or all of the arm Note Avoid gloves when operating machines such as bench drills where the gloves might get caught Some materials are quickly penetrated by chemicals – take care in selection, see HSE’s skin at work website Barrier creams are unreliable and are no substitute for proper PPE Wearing gloves for long periods can make the skin hot and sweaty, leading to skin problems. Using separate cotton inner gloves can help prevent this. hazards Wet, hot and cold conditions, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, heavy loads, metal and chemical splash, vehicles Options Safety boots and shoes with protective toecaps and penetration-resistant, mid-sole wellington boots and specific footwear, eg foundry boots and chainsaw boots Footwear can have a variety of sole patterns and materials to help prevent slips in different conditions, including oil- or chemical-resistant soles. It can also be anti-static, electrically conductive or thermally insulating Appropriate footwear should be selected for the risks identified Lungs Hazards Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, dusts, gases and vapours Options – respiratory protective equipment (RPE) Some respirators rely on filtering contaminants from workplace air. These include simple filtering facepieces and respirators and power-assisted respirators Make sure it fits properly, eg for tight-fitting respirators (filtering facepieces, half and full masks) There are also types of breathing apparatus which give an independent supply of breathable air, eg fresh-air hose, compressed airline and self-contained breathing apparatus Note The right type of respirator filter must be used as each is effective for only a limited range of substances Filters have only a limited life. Where there is a shortage of oxygen or any danger of losing consciousness due to exposure to high levels of harmful fumes, only use breathing apparatus – never use a filtering cartridge You will need to use breathing apparatus in a confined space or if there is a chance of an oxygen deficiency in the work area Hazards Heat, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated dust, impact or penetration, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing 5.1 Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR), 1992 MHOR (Health and Safety Executive, 1992) came into force on 1st January 1993 to implement European Directive 90/269/EEC. The regulations add to the duties placed on employers by the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). MHOR requires a risk assessment approach that takes into account whether it is reasonably practicable to automate or mechanise the process. The employer must provide equipment to avoid the hazardous manual handling of loads. The regulations apply wherever things or people are moved by hand or bodily force. The responsibility for implementing safety requirements tends to fall on personnel directly responsible for the co-ordination and supervision of work. However, where the risk reduction measures identified entail the purchase and supply of equipment, the employer may be involved in decisions about financing capital items of equipment. In such circumstances, senior managers must be involved in the risk reduction strategy. Source: McGuire T, Moody J, Hanson M (1997): Managers' attitudes towards mechanical aids. Nursing Standard. 11, 31, 33-38. The Health and Safety Executive states: 1. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, which implement the Manual Handling of Loads Directive, came into effect on 1 January 1993 and apply to all manual handling activity with a risk of injury. 2. The Regulations impose duties on employers self employed people and employees. Employers must avoid all hazardous manual handling activity where it is reasonably practicable to do so. If it is not, they must assess the risks in relation to the nature of the task, the load, the working environment and the capabilities of the handler and tale appropriate action to reduce the risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Employees must follow appropriate work systems introduced by their employer to promote safety during the handling of loads. Copies of Manual Handling: Guidance on Regulations, L23, ISBN 0 7176 2415 3, price £8.00, are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 6FS, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995, or from booksellers. The employer's duties: Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling as far as is reasonably practicable. Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling that can't be avoided. Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, as far as reasonably practicable The Employee's duties: Follow appropriate systems of work laid down for their safety. Make proper use of equipment provided to minimise the risk of injury. Co-operate with the employer on health and safety matters. If a care assistant fails to use a hoist that has been provided, they are putting themselves at risk of injury. The employer is unlikely to be liable. Apply the duties of employers, as appropriate, to their own manual handling activities. Taking care to ensure that their activities do not put others at risk. Health and Safety Executive guidelines (1998, see references) give a general guide to the weight limits at which risk assessment should be triggered but these are not hard and fast rules and there is no simple answer. You have to consider many different factors (different abilities of the people doing the handling, differences in environments, bed height, carpets if hoists are to be used, changes in level, room to manoeuvre, the specific behaviours of the client, the height of the object being lifted as well as its size and the distribution of mass within it, the specific movements needed, etc.). Arbitrary weight limits are no substitute for a proper risk assessment. The general guidelines are presented here (pop-up window) but are general guidelines only. "The weights assume that the load is readily grasped with both hands. "The operation takes place in reasonable working conditions with the lifter in a stable body position. "Any operation involving more than twice the guideline weights should be rigorously assessed - even for very fit, well-trained individuals working under favourable conditions. "There is no such thing as a completely 'safe' manual handling operation. But working within the guidelines will cut the risk and reduce the need for a more detailed assessment." The guidelines are general and deal with simple inanimate objects, but they show just how low the threshold for risk assessment is when you consider moving and handling humans. It is difficult to imagine many examples of moving and handling clients that would not require risk assessment. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 LOLER came into force 5 December 1998 and aims to reduce risks to health and safety from lifting equipment provided for use at work. LOLER requires that equipment be: strong and stable enough for the intended load marked to indicate safe working load used safely: the equipment's use should be organised, planned and executed by competent people subject to ongoing examination and inspection by competent people Hoists, slings and bath hoists are covered by the regulations. The regulations state that lifting equipment should be thoroughly examined by competent people at least every six months in the case of equipment used to lift people, and at least annually in the case of other equipment 5.2 Basic principles of manual handling There are some basic principles that everyone should observe prior to carrying out a manual handling operation: ensure that the object is light enough to lift, is stable and unlikely to shift or move heavy or awkward loads should be moved using a handling aid make sure the route is clear of obstructions make sure there is somewhere to put the load down wherever it is to be moved to stand as close to the load as possible, and spread your feet to shoulder width bend your knees and try and keep the back's natural, upright posture grasp the load firmly as close to the body as you can use the legs to lift the load in a smooth motion as this offers more leverage reducing the strain on your back carry the load close to the body with the elbows tucked into the body avoid twisting the body as much as possible by turning your feet to position yourself with the load. 5.3 Lifting and handling in teams Team lifting needs to be co-ordinated properly. Try and make sure that those lifting are around the same height and build, make sure one person is responsible for giving instructions, etc.. Make sure that everyone lifts, moves off, stops and places the load down at the same time. Lifting in teams does not mean that the weight of the load can be doubled for each extra person in the team. For example, for a lifting team of two people the load should only be increased by two thirds the sums of their individual capabilities. This means that if the risk assessment decided that it was okay for one person to lift a load of 20kg, using two people would mean that the load should not exceed around 26.6kg - not that it’s okay to lift a load of 40kg. 6. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations These Regulations state that employers should adopt a hierarchy of control measures: to avoid hazardous Manual Handling Operations so far as is reasonably practicable to assess any hazardous Manual Handling Operation that cannot be avoided to reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable. 6.2theonsequences of not following an individuals care plan or fully engaging with them assisting in moving are possible injury brought by negligence that may result to loss of a job 7.1Examples of some potentially hazardous substances include: paints, drugs, cosmetics, cleaning chemicals, degreasers, detergents, gas cylinders, refrigerant gases, pesticides, herbicides, diesel fuel, petrol, iquefied petroleum gas, welding fume. 7.2 Worker Responsibilities:Workers have a responsibility to maintain safe work practices to the extent that they are capable. This is specifically addressed in work health and safety legislation and is dependent on adequate induction, training and supervision by the disability service organisation. Workers should therefore use the control measures in the way that they are intended to be used, and in particular should carry out the following: Cooperate with their manager in performing the risk assessments of hazardous substances in the workplace.(b) Participate in suitable induction and training programs.(c) Use the control measures provided for hazardous substances, plant and processes.(d) Wear, in a proper manner, the personal protective equipment provided.(e) Store personal protective equipment in the accommodation provided when it is not in use.(f) Remove from their person any protective equipment that could cause contamination, and wash before eating, drinking or smoking.g) Practice a high standard of personal hygiene, and make proper use of the facilities provided for washing, showering or bathing and for eating and drinking.(h) Report promptly to their supervisor, any defects discovered in any control measure, device, facility, label or item of personal protective equipment that may affect compliance with the provisions of the WHS Regulation.(i) Cooperate with managment in the conduct of appropriate monitoring or health surveillance programs that arise from risk assessments. 8.1 flood- Below are a few pointers that you may find useful to print out and keep somewhere handy as you may not be able to access your computer if your property starts flooding.Listen to local radio.Keep an eye on national and local television news and weather.Keep a list of useful telephone numbers handy i.e. District Council, Floodline, your insurance company etc.Discuss what might happen with your family. ully charge your mobile phone.Ensure you have bottled water and food that does not need not to be cooked.Become familiar with the Environment Agency flood warning code system and how to access it (Floodline 0845 988 1188 Think about putting your car on higher ground, it needs only two feet of water to float away.Have sandbags or flood boards ready (either make your own sandbags or see if your District Council can supply them and see Kite Marked products on http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ for flood boards and other products). You will probably need to discuss this with neighbours, for example if you live in a terraced property, the entire row will need to plan defences. Please remember that sandbags will degrade over time, so need to be checked regularly.Consider how you might live upstairs.Consider your pets and livestock and what could happen to them in a flood.Do you really need to travel away from home today' fire-Carry out a fire safety risk assessment,eep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart.void accidental fires, eg make sure heaters cannot be knocked over. Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn. Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells. Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly.Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times. sure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills. Review and update your risk assessment regularly. 8.2 PURPOSE How you react in the event of fire depends on how well you have prepared for a fire emergency. Therefore, departments should ensure that all employees are familiar with the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency as outlined in the University's Emergency Plan. PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW Departments that need a special fire emergency procedure to meet your operations should contact the Fire Safety Section for assistance. Most departments can follow the basic building evacuation procedure outlined below. The building evacuation procedure for your department should be posted on the office bulletin board. BASIC PROCEDURE In the event of an alarm "RACE": R: Remove anyone from immediate danger A: Activate the building fire alarm system and call 911 C: Confine the fire by closing all windows and doors E: Evacuate, leave the building Extinguish the fire, if it can be done safelyHow to Survive a Building FireCrawl If There's SmokeFeel Doors Before OpeningGo To The Nearest Exit. Always Use An Exit Stair, Not An Elevator, close doors, Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small and you know how to use it safely, f you are on fire - Stop, Drop and RollIf You Get TrappedClose the doorSeal cracksOpen the windows if safeSignal for help and phone 999, Don't jump; the fire department will reach youIf You are Physically ImpairedIf you are disabled (even temporarily), you should do the following:Learn about fire safetyPlan ahead for fire emergenciesBe aware of your own capabilities and limitationsLook for "areas of refuge" like stair enclosures or other side of corridor fire doors. Elevators are not safe during fires. Sometimes it may be safer to stay in your room. Follow the advice for being trapped. 9.1 Memory problems Inability to concentrate Poor judgment Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying Moodiness Irritability or short temper gitation, inability to relaxFeeling overwhelmedSense of loneliness and isolationDepression or general unhappinessAches and painsDiarrhea orconstipationNausea, dizzinessChest pain, rapid heartbeatoss of sex driveFrequent coldsEating more or lessSleeping too much or too littleIsolating yourself from othersProcrastinating or neglecting responsibilitiesUsing alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relaxNervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing) 9.2 Your support network – A strong network of supportive friends and family members is an enormous buffer against life’s stressors. On the flip side, the more lonely and isolated you are, the greater your vulnerability to stress. Your sense of control – If you have confidence in yourself and your ability to influence events and persevere through challenges, it’s easier to take stress in stride. People who are vulnerable to stress tend to feel like things are out of their control. Your attitude and outlook – Stress-hardy people have an optimistic attitude. They tend to embrace challenges, have a strong sense of humor, accept that change is a part of life, and believe in a higher power or purpose. Your ability to deal with your emotions – You’re extremely vulnerable to stress if you don’t know how to calm and soothe yourself when you’re feeling sad, angry, or afraid. The ability to bring your emotions into balance helps you bounce back from adversity. Your knowledge and preparation – The more you know about a stressful situation, including how long it will last and what to expect, the easier it is to cope. For example, if you go into surgery with a realistic picture of what to expect post-op, a painful recovery will be less traumatic than if you were expecting to bounce back immediately. 9.3 Learn how to relax You can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can control how much it affects you. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the stress response. When practiced regularly, these activities lead to a reduction in your everyday stress levels and a boost in your feelings of joy and serenity. They also increase your ability to stay calm and collected under pressure. 11.1 +11.2+11.3 Everyone who works with food has a special responsibility for safeguarding the health of consumers. Key points of food safety include Hygiene (personal and environmental), food preparation, cooking, storage, contamination, etc Identifying these standards is very often common sense. For example, a refrigerator should be set at a temperature of between 0 and 5 degrees C. Food should be stored in sealed containers. Cooked foods should be placed on the upper shelves, raw food such as meat or fish at the bottom of the fridge. Fruit and vegetables should be in the salad drawer. Dairy products should be at the top of the fridge, or in the upper door compartment. Opened cans should never be put in the fridge even if covered. To find out more you could try contacting the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. (U.K.)