Safety

Policy Statement

At Cybertots we aim to provide and promote a safe environment in which children may play in and explore their world free from harm. In the event of an accident, trained staff will apply appropriate first aid or CPR. If an emergency or natural disaster occurs at the centre the children and staff will be well practiced in the required procedures to ensure as far as possible the safety and well being of each person present.

Considerations:

• Philosophy - children to develop to their full potential in a healthy, safe and stimulating environment.
• Child's needs - safe environment, appropriate care in the event of an accident, and protection from disasters.
• Parent needs - to feel confident that their child's safety is being assured.
• Staff needs - safe environment, appropriate training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), well planned and practiced emergency/evacuation procedures.
• Management needs - to minimise legal liability of the centre.

How Policy will be implemented (Specific Policies and Procedures):

• Emergency evacuation procedures will be clearly displayed near the main entrance and exit in each playroom, to be followed in the event of fire, natural disaster or other emergency.
• Safety drills will be practiced at least twice a year and at different times of the day.
• Each staff member will be provided with a copy of the emergency procedures.
• The evacuation plan will include:
  • the determination of a safe assembly area, away from the building and access areas for emergency services, and with it's own escape route
  • a second stage assembly area will be identified in the event that the first assembly area becomes unsafe
  • routes for leaving the building which are unobstructed and suitable to the ages and abilities of the children (Special consideration must be given to the evacuation of babies and children with disabilities)
  • the setting up of an emergency pack which is stored away from the building which includes items such as blankets, nappies, first aid kit
  • nominating persons to be responsible for collecting the attendance roll, parents emergency contact numbers and staff roster and once at the assembly area checking the roll and roster to ensure that all children and staff are present
  • maintaining a current list of emergency services contact numbers and nominating who will be responsible for phoning the relevant service
  • determining who will check that the building is empty and, time permitting close all doors and windows to contain the spread of fire
  • determining how the children will be supervised at the assembly area.
• When the emergency services arrive the Director will inform the Officer in Charge of the nature and location of the emergency and of any missing children or staff
• No-one will re-enter the building until advised it is safe to do so by the Officer in Charge.
• Fire extinguishers will be installed and maintained in accordance with Australian Standard 2444. Staff will be instructed in the operation of fire extinguishers. Staff will only attempt to extinguish fires when all of the following is assured:
  • the children have been evacuated from the room
  • the fire is very small
  • there is no danger to the person who will operate the extinguisher
  • the operator is well trained and confident in the use of the extinguisher.

Accidents

Parents/Guardians are required to provide written authority (included in the enrolment form) for staff of the centre to seek medical attention for their child if required .

When a minor accident occurs at the centre, staff qualified in first aid will:

• Assess the injury
• Attend to the injured child and apply first aid
• Check and ensure that anyone who has come into contact with the injured child's blood or body fluids - washes any contaminated areas in warm soapy water
• If bleeding is involved, clean up the spill using disposable gloves
• Contact the parent/guardian (depending on the nature of the injury), if the parent/guardian is not contacted at the time of the accident ensure they are informed about the incidents when they arrive to collect their child
• Write full details about the incident and the treatment given in the accident/illness record.

When a serious accident which requires more than first aid treatment occurs at the centre, the following procedures will apply:

• If an ambulance is called a staff member will accompany the child.
• The child's medical record will be taken with the child.
• The director (or in the absence of the director the trained staff person in the child's room) will contact the child's parents /guardians or emergency contact person to advise them of the incident and where their child has been taken. Every effort will be made not to panic the parent/guardian at this stage.
• Ensure that any contact with the injured child's blood or body fluids has been appropriately dealt with.
• A full report of the accident detailing the incident and the action taken will be recorded on an accident/illness report form and a copy given to the parent/guardian.
• Details will also be entered on to the centre Accident/Illness Record.
• The director will notify the centre's insurers and also provide them with a copy of the accident report.
• If the child is admitted to hospital the centre will notify the Director General. It is expected that any costs incurred in ensuring prompt medical attention for a child will be met by the parents/guardians. The centre will provide parents/guardians with information on available insurance cover to insure against these and other accident related costs.(See enrolment form)
• It is expected that any costs incurred in ensuring prompt medical attention for a child will be met by the parents/guardians. The centre will provide parents/guardians with information on available insurance cover to insure against these and other accident related costs.
• Accidents which result in death or serious injury to employees (including likely to be absent from employment for 10 or more working days) must be reported to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health under section 19(3) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (WA). Within 24 hours of occurring.

First Aid

• At least one staff member with a current first aid and CPR qualification will be on duty at the centre at all times children are on the premises
• A fully equipped and updated first aid kit will be kept at the centre in a locked cupboard which is out of reach of children but easily accessed by staff
• A cold pack will be kept in the freezer for treatment of bruises and sprains
• First aid will only be administered by a qualified First Aider in the event of minor accidents or to stabilise the victim until Medical Aid arrives
• The Committee will ensure that adequate funds are allocated in each annual budget to ensure that staff first aid certificates remain updated and current
• The telephone number of the Poisons Centre will be displayed next to the telephone
• Not allowing children access to streets without supervision
• Ensuring children are adequately supervised (the level of direct supervision will depend upon the activity being undertaken at the time)
• Ensuring staff/child ratios prescribed by State/Territory Regulations are maintained
• Ensuring a minimum of two staff members will be in attendance at all times while centre is operating.

Storage of Potentially Dangerous Products

• All staff will be made aware of which products may pose a danger to children in the centre
• All potentially dangerous products will be clearly labelled and stored out of reach of all children
• Staff will discuss the dangers of certain products with the children
• Information about the safe storage of potentially dangerous products in the home will be displayed in the reception area and drawn to the attention of all parents/guardians on a regular basis
• Safety Data sheets will be stored with the potentially dangerous substances.

Maintenance of Buildings and Equipment

• The childcare premises will comply with the stated regulations
• The childcare premises will be fenced in. These fences will be appropriately maintained to ensure the safety of child, staff and visitors to the service
• All heating systems used in the childcare centre will meet the requirements of regulations
• Power points will be to an approved safety standard, be out of reach of all children, fitted with approved safety shutters and an earth leakage circuit breaker
• Electrical appliances and cords will be kept out of reach of all children
• Any glazed area accessible to children will be safely glazed in accordance with Australian Standard 1288, or will be effectively guarded by rails or barriers to prevent a child striking or falling against the glass
• Staff members who become aware of faulty or broken equipment will remove this equipment from use and advise the director of the need for its replacement or repair
• Sandpits will be covered at night and raked regularly to dispose of any animal faeces, other contaminants or potentially dangerous objects
• Educating children in the appropriate use of equipment, and preventing them from using equipment unsuitable for their stage of development.

Protection of Visitors

• Procedures will ensure the identification of hazards and control of risks at the workplace
• There will be daily checks of the perimeter of the gardens prior to play times
• Monthly Safety Audits will be carried out throughout the centre
• Visitors collecting children will need to present ID and be on the authorisation list on the relevant enrolment form.