Hi, this is a great exercise to check that you know the policies and procedures in your setting and by describing the different processes for identifying risks and hazards you're able to demonstrate your knowledge of them.
If you have copies of your school's Health and Safety policy the information it contains will help you write about what's expected.
The learning environment involves aspects of physical, security, fire, personal safety, emotional and food safety.
Page 21- 24 of the STL level 3 handbook explores off-site activity:
When you go on trips and visits outside the setting the person who is responsible for the trip will need to complete a risk assessment, which will outline any potential hazards and help cpomply with health and safety law. They will usually need to organise a pre-visit to the centre and carry out a 'dry run' of what pupils will be doign so that evrything has been covered. THe site will need too have been checked for suitable toilet facilities as well as somewhere safe for pupils to eat and drink. Where relecvant to the age of the pupils, adult to pupil ratios will need to be observed in line with statutory requirements. All adults who are going on the trip will then need to read and sign this document so that they know and understand what to do if any of the risks and hazards should occur, and be aware of their own responsibilities.
Tips for best practice:- Always be vigilant in all areas of the setting.
- report any concerns straight away and make the area as safe if possible.
- Keep up to date with any health and safety training
- Challenge any unidentified people in the setting
- Make sure pupils are using any protective equipment provided.
- Mke sure you are fully prepared before going on trips and visits
- Always follow the policies and procedures when dealing with incidents and accidents
- Use PPE where necessary
Physical
These type of risks and hazards will the ones you might come across in the general environment. eg. coats being left on the floor causing a trip hazard or broken glass around a litter bin.
They will also include issues such as materials and equipment not beong used appropriately . Where possible you should act on them yourself to avoid others being put at risk. Where you're unable to act on them eg. broken furniture, faulty equipment, you should make sure that you are aware of and follow school or college policy so that others are not put in danger. This means you may neeed to move or label the item as faulty and reporting it in a maintenance book or through email.
Security risks are hazards such as unidentified people gaining access to the site or young people being able to leave it. Are you expected to keep a look out for gaps in fences, hedges or gates being left open?
Do staff have entry codes?
Are there security cameras on your school site to monitor access points?
Are visitors expected to wear a badge of lanyard identifying them?
All staff abnd volunteers will have to complete a DBS check to ensure they are suitsble to work with children and young people.
Fire -
smoking is unlikely ot be permitted anywhere on-site and can cause a fire hazard if it takes place anywhere close by. Use of candles or other exposed flames should be avoided. In the case of cooking safety equipmeny such as fire blankets should be to hand if needed. Fire extinguishers will need to be checked regularly to ensure they are not faulty and dates of these checks should be displayed on the equipment. All staff should be aware of the different types of fire extinguisher and the types of fire they should be used for.
Food safety, you will need to be well prepared when you are carrying out coolking of food technology activities.
Would you talk to children about potential risks so that you help to develop their own awareness?
Do you think about how you are a good role model by observing correct hygiene procedures and safe use of the equipment?
Personal safety Staff should make pupils aware of the need for personal safety and take care when they are carrying out activities that have a higher level of risk.
Working at height, using a ladder.
Lifting heavy item safely
Using PPE Personal protective equipment eg, high visibility clothing, safety goggles, earplugs.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/
Hope this helps a little.
Describe processes to identify potential risks and hazards in a learning environment?
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