DIT HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICE. HSA Guidelines on First-aid at Places of Work. Incident Reporting procedure and Forms. AED Policy/Procedure.

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1 DIT HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICE POLICY TITLE: First-Aid Policy REVISION NO.: 4 NUMBER OF PAGES: 8 REFERENCE: HSA Guidelines on First-aid at Places of Work. Incident Reporting procedure and Forms. AED Policy/Procedure. DATE OF ISSUE: May 2009 PROCEDURE Introduction The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 Part 7, Chapter 2 requires employers to designate (to select someone for a duty/appoint) at each place of work under his or her control such a number of occupational first-aiders as is necessary to render first-aid at the place of work concerned. It also requires employers to ensure that the number of occupational first-aiders, their training and the equipment available to them is adequate, taking into account the size and hazards or both of each place of work. This policy sets out the resources in place to ensure compliance with this regulation. Reference Definition of First Aid First-aid is the immediate treatment in life threatening situations (e.g. heart stoppage or severe bleeding) pending medical help or Immediate treatment for minor injury (cuts, bruises etc.) First-aid does not cover the administration of drugs or medications. First-aid does not include aftercare treatment for injuries and illnesses. 1

2 Occupational First-aider An occupational first-aider means a person who has successfully completed a training course in occupational first-aid, presented over at least three days (or 24 hours training to include two hours examination) and based, at least, on the Training Syllabus approved by the Health and Safety Authority. This is assessed by an independent assessor (registered with the occupational first-aid assessment agent (OFAAA). Where an undertaking presents specific or unusual hazards, the occupational first-aider will receive additional or specialised training particular to the first-aid requirements for special hazards such as: a) Risk of poisoning by toxic substances e.g. certain cyanides b) Risk of burns from corrosive or oxidising substances. c) Risk of accidental exposure to hazardous substances e.g. toxic or asphyxiant gases. d) Other specific risks identified in the health and safety statement. A certificate is valid for two years. Further training presented over at least one day and assessment is necessary for re-certification. Records of training are maintained by the Staff Training and Development Office. Designation of First-aiders in DIT Each College/Function Health and Safety Statement should identify first-aid in their statement and make arrangements to ensure that sufficient members of staff are designated as occupational first-aiders. First-aid requirements are determined by risk assessment, which takes into account the number and distribution of employees, the size and location of the establishment, the nature of the work, the hazard/risk rating of the activities, the recorded number of incidents, whether there is shift working, any special needs of the staff/students, the availability of an Occupational Health Service, the distance from external medical, facilities, emergency services etc.. As work activities present a variety of risks, separate first aid needs assessments need to be undertaken in each work area and re-assessed periodically to ensure that if there is any change in the work practice, the cover remains adequate. When planning to introduce any new process, the College/Function should consult with the Occupational Health Office to determine whether additional or specific hazard training for occupational first-aiders will be necessary. The distribution of designated first-aiders and first aid boxes will be for the College/Function to decide, in consultation, where relevant with the Campus Safety Team, the Occupational Health Officers, the Health and Safety Officer and the Staff Training and Development Office. 2

3 In assessing the first aid needs, each School/Function should ensure that provisions are made for evening cover, weekends, various class timetables, seminars, annual leave etc. Even if the assessment indicates that there may be no necessity to have any occupational first-aiders provided at a particular establishment, it is prudent to encourage employees and to assist them in obtaining suitable training in basic life saving skills and the emergency treatment of injuries due to any special hazards arising. This should occur in addition to the provision of occupational first-aiders where significant numbers of nonemployees (students) are likely to be present, i.e. laboratories, classes, workshops, kitchens etc. It is mandatory that all staff working in laboratories, kitchens and workshops and also those working lone/out of hours, participate in the 1 day emergency first-aid course. Where an occupational first-aider is absent in temporary/exceptional circumstances, it is sufficient for an employer to designate a person to take charge of the injured/ill person until medical assistance is obtained. Foreseeable absences and leave are not considered temporary or exceptional circumstances. Occupational Health Office A component of the Occupational Health Service is first-aid. The Occupational Health Officers are responsible for the following: Liaising with Colleges/Functions in the selection and appointment of the Departmental first-aiders. Ensuring that in-house training and certification for Departmental first-aiders is provided in conjunction with the Staff, Training and Development Office. Ensuring that specialist training for Departmental first-aiders, where specific hazards are involved, is provided. Providing an emergency on call facility from 9am-5pm for backup information to Departmental first-aiders. Providing online reference section on First-aid. Providing ongoing guidance and advice to Departmental first-aiders. Providing emergency first-aid treatment when required. Co-ordinating all facilities and equipment for the purpose of rendering first-aid. Maintaining first-aid stock and liaising with designated personnel to issue replacement stocks. Occupational Health Officers are contactable by mobile phone Mon Fri (9am 5pm) and are based in the three high-risk sites based on risk assessment: Bolton Street/LinenHall ( ) Cathal Brugha Street ( ) Kevin Street ( ) Regular visits are scheduled to the neighbouring locations. 3

4 Procedure in the event of an incident 1. The Departmental first-aider should be notified immediately. A list of Departmental first-aiders is posted at each local first-aid station and in the local safety statement. 2. The first-aider must decide on assessing the situation whether to: i. Treat the person ii. Call the local Occupational Health Officer iii. Refer to the Institute s Health centre if it is a student iv. Call Emergency Services 3. The Occupational Health Officer will advise the first-aider and talk them through the treatment required. 4. At this stage the first-aider may decide to i. Refer the student to the Institute s Health Centre ii. Refer persons other than students to their own GP iii. Refer the person to the local A&E Department iv. Send the person home v. Return the person to work/college 5. An emergency first-aid kit is located at the Porters desk in each building and this can be collected by the Occupational Health Officer/Student Health Nurse upon arrival before they proceed to the scene in the case of serious critical incidents. 6. If there is any doubt about the severity of an illness or injury, an ambulance should be called. 7. Once any immediate first aid has been given, if it is judged that an ambulance is not necessary but that a visit seems advisable to either the A&E Department or a GP, then the patient should be sent in a taxi and accompanied by a friend/responsible person. 8. The accompanying person should stay with the injured person until they are under the care of/are attended to by a nurse or doctor, or until next of kin/a family member/partner/friend arrives to be with them. If the injured person is not returning back to work, then the accompanying person must report back to the supervisor. 9. The first-aider should delegate a competent person to inform next of kin of injury (only necessary when casualty is being hospitalised). This must only take place with the injured person s consent. 10. The first-aider should inform the persons supervisor and the Occupational Health Office of the action taken. 11. If the injured person does not return to work the next day, the Occupational Health Officer should be informed and will contact the individual to get an update on the situation. 12. All first-aid treatments should be recorded using the Incident Report Book or the first-aid record card. 13. The first-aider is encouraged to communicate any difficulties experienced whilst administering first-aid and submit suggestions which will enhance their role to the Health and Safety Office. 4

5 14. If Emergency Services are required, the first-aider should designate a person to contact the Emergency Services. The following sequence should take place: i. The designated person should clearly state the exact location and suspected condition of the casualty, how many people need assistance, inform of any potential hazards, i.e. flammables etc. They should not hang up from the operator until the operator is happy with all the information. ii. They should return to the first-aider and inform them that the task is complete. iii. They should report all information to the Porter and ensure that a clear passageway is available for Emergency Services. iv. They should meet and direct Emergency Services to the appropriate area. Treatment of illness Any student presenting with an illness should be referred to the local student Health centre. Any other person presenting with an illness should be referred to the Occupational Health Officer, who on assessing the situation may then refer them to their own General Practitioner or local A & E. Incident reporting procedure If there is an incident in DIT, it must be reported immediately to management. A report on the incident must be completed by those involved, using the DIT Incident Report Form, a copy of which will be forwarded to the DIT Health and Safety Officer. The purpose of reporting and investigating all incidents is to comply with statutory obligations and also prevent recurrence. In serious cases, the Health and Safety Authority will also be informed by the local Occupational Health Officer. A copy of the Incident Report form is available at the following locations: Porters desk/reception areas Building Maintenance Managers offices Occupational Health Offices College Administrators Offices Hygiene/Infection control All first-aiders should take precautions to avoid infection and must follow basic hygiene procedures. First-aiders will have access to single-use disposable gloves and handwashing facilities, and should take care when dealing with blood and other body fluids and disposing of dressings or equipment. A supply of single-use disposable gloves is available at the Porters desk in each building. A personal pouch with essential wipes, gloves and barrier device etc. is issued on completion of the 3 day first-aid course. Where reasonably possible, first-aiders must wash their hands before and after attending to a casualty and ensure that cuts are covered. All blood stained dressings and gloves must be disposed of in a yellow bag and treated as clinical waste. Contact the local OHO for assistance. 5

6 All first-aiders must ensure that waste is disposed of in the correct manner. Where blood spills occur, the cleaning contractors must be notified immediately. Biohazard kits are available from the OHO Office to assist with spillage of body fluids. Immunisation against Hepatitis B should be considered where regular exposure to blood is a possibility. Selection/training and assessment for designated Occupational First-aiders at DIT The following criteria should be taken into account when selecting persons as potential first-aiders: Ideally the individual should be a volunteer The individual should be in good health Previous first aid experience is desirable though not essential. The individual should be responsible, practical and able to cope under pressure. Employees conditions of employment do not include giving first-aid, although any member of staff may volunteer to undertake these tasks and co-operate with the employer in relation to health, safety and welfare matters. In general the consequences of taking no action are likely to be more serious than of those trying to assist in an emergency. Duties of designated first-aiders The duties of the designated first-aiders include: The maintenance to approved standards of first-aid stations (kits and boxes) in their area. In conjunction with the Head of School and designated person, the ordering of supplies of first-aid material and testing at regular intervals of first-aid equipment. Advising Heads of School on matters relating to first-aid requirements in their area. Notifying Heads of School/Occupational Health Office/Designated Person when first-aid kits require replenishment. Providing first-aid to injured persons in their area and ensuring that such injuries are recorded and an Incident Report form completed. Attendance at first-aid refresher courses facilitated by the Staff Training and Development Office. Note: A designated first-aider who renders assistance to an injured person with the Institute is recognised by the Institute as acting in an authorised capacity. Designated first-aiders are advised when in doubt about the extent of injuries to an individual, or where an individual refuses aid, to seek assistance from Emergency Services. 6

7 First-aid materials, equipment and first-aid facilities. The risk assessment for each department should include the number of first-aid boxes required for that area. The first-aid box will be under the control of each Department. It will be the responsibility of each Department to ensure that adequate supplies are provided in compliance with the Health and Safety Authority Guidelines. Replacement stocks may be obtained from the local Occupational Health Office by the designated firstaider using the standard form. The first-aid box contents are listed on a card, which is kept inside the box. These contents are based on the recommended guidelines by the Health and Safety Authority. Drugs or medications should never be stored in first-aid boxes. Where an area presents specific risks identified in the safety statement, at least one first-aid box should be provided, together with any equipment or special antidotes, and located as close as possible to the site where the hazardous process exists All first-aid boxes must be marked with a white cross on a green background. The first-aid box should be kept as near as possible to hand-washing facilities. The local health and safety statement should note the names of the designated first-aiders in each area. A designated person in the local safety statement will have the responsibility to inspect the contents of the boxes on a regular basis and conduct formal stock checks for each first-aid box in their area. The expiry dates should be checked and out of date items disposed of. Replacement items for departmental kits should be ordered by the Designated Person from the local Occupational Health Office and an emergency kit is stored at all times at the Porters desk in each building. It is the responsibility of all employees to report missing stock items to the area supervisor in between formal stock checks. First-aid boxes should be free from dust and damp and kept clean and tidy at all times. Access to them must not be obstructed. The risk assessment for each area should determine if persons travelling long distances or who are continuously mobile should carry a personal first-aid travel kit. This is not necessary unless special hazards or isolation factors apply. Special arrangements should be documented in the individual health and safety statements for people who work in remote areas so that they will be able to summon help if they work alone. 7

8 AED An AED is located in almost every premises or within 3 minutes of each premises. The Staff Training and Development Office facilitate regular training for Staff and a list of those who have received the training is available on the website. Refer to the AED Policy /Procedure for a list of locations and further information. First Aid Room The provision of a first-aid room, will meet the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations Where an Occupational Health Service exists on a premises, the surgery or office housing that service, may be considered to be a first aid room. The Occupational Health Officer in conjunction with the Occupational first-aiders will be responsible for the upkeep of the room so as to ensure that it is kept stocked to the required standard and that it is at all times clean and ready for immediate use. This room should be clearly identified. The room should be readily available at all times when employees are at work and should not be used for any other purpose other than rendering first-aid or Occupational Health. Notification of First-Aid Arrangements To ensure that first-aid arrangements operate effectively, it is important that they are known, understood and accepted by everyone in the workplace. Information regarding first-aid facilities and arrangements in place is provided to all DIT first-aiders and Safety Representatives as part of their statutory training. Strategically placed notices stating the names of departmental first-aiders will be positioned at each Departmental first-aid station and documented in local health and safety statements. Information regarding first-aid arrangements is circulated via flyers, safety booklets, wallet cards, safety inductions and the staff intranet. All new members of staff as part of their induction will receive information on the local arrangements for first aid provision. Campus Safety Teams will continuously review the provisions for first aid. 8