K2H23 when to use safety equipment

K2H23 – When and how to use safety equipment such as safety gates, socket covers, window and drawer catches, cooker guards, safety harness. Safety in respect of animals, plants, sand pits and outdoor spaces.

Within my settings Nursery and Reception classes we use appropriate safety equipment within the children’s age range i.e.

• Electric Plug covers. (To prevent children putting their fingers or objects into sockets).
• Cupboard door locks. (To prevent children from opening cupboards which may contain hazardous items).
• Wall mounted boiling hot water dispenser. (Adult reach only prevent children from burns).
• Foam and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. (Located in different areas within the setting – Adult use only).
• Fire blanket. (To prevent child from further burns to be used in emergencies only).

All equipment and toys will be safety checked with the relevant kite mark:

• Product will not catch light easily from cigarettes and matches.
• Product is not fire proof.
• Manufacturer’s self declaration that product meets basic EU legal requirements.
• This is not a safety symbol.
• The Kite mark confirms that British Standards Institution has tested the product and that it meets a particular standard.
• Unsuitable for Children under the age of three, may contain small parts.
• The lion mark shows that a toy meets British safety standards.
• British Standard Institute safety mark which ensure product meets a particular standard.

All inappropriate equipment such as medication, first aid equipment, cleaning products, paints, glues and cutlery are stored in adult reach only cupboards or child locked cupboards. (Please reference K2H21 and K2S15).

Within the Nursery setting they have one animal, XXX the guinea pig in which the children have contact.  This contact is closely supervised at all times and is limited to small group of children at a time so not to distress XXX.  All children are supervised washing their hands thoroughly after handling or feeding XXX.  The hutch is stored in the Nursery’s outside area and is regularly cleaned by a member of staff.  Children and parents are encouraged to take turns in looking after XXX outside term times and a rota is available if any nursery children would like a turn.  The Early years Co-ordinator has the overall responsibility of the care of the guinea pig including any vaccinations, worming and health problems.  (Please reference K2H21).

The Nursery also has a large outside sand pit which is covered at the end of the day to ensure it remains free of contamination from animal faeces. (Please reference K2H21).

The nursery’s outside area has a high fence and is securely gated at all times.  The play area has a designated space for boisterous play which has a soft adsorb impact material and a separate shelter for protection from different weather conditions.  All climbing frame’s, play houses and larger equipment is regularly safety checked by the Caretaker.  All bikes etc also undergo similar checks on a regular basis. (Please reference K2H21).

All categories of Health and Safety are set down within the School Health and Safety policy in line with relevant laws and legislations.  This document and procedures are the responsibility of the School’s Governing body and Head teacher.  (Please reference K2S15).

This post is part of the 202 Keep Children Safe • NVQ Level 2 section, which forms the Childcare Learning And Development website.