Section 1
Statement of General Policy
This is the Health and Safety Policy Statement of Bank Dental
Our statement of general policy is:
To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy working environment for all our employees and self-employed members of the dental team as well as for patients and members of the public who work within or visit our premises. We will control the health and safety risks arising from all activities at the practice and consult with the dental team on all matters affecting their health and safety. Any concerns raised will be investigated and appropriate actions taken.
Training, information, supervision, and instruction will be provided to all team members for the understanding of health and safety issues and to ensure that they are competent to carry out their tasks. We will provide and maintain safe equipment and ensure the safe use and handling of hazardous substances. Suitable and sufficient precautions will be taken to prevent accidents and cases of work-related illness.
All staff will be made aware of this health and safety policy document.
Breaches of health and safety rules may lead to action under the practice disciplinary procedure.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually and in any event of a significant change of working practises.
Practice owner’s signature Matthew Kilcoyne
Date 11.9.2024 Review date Sept 25
Section 2
Responsibilities
Clinical Governance Leader – Matthew Kilcoyne
Registered Manager – Matthew Kilcoyne
Infection Control Supervisor/Decontamination Lead – Matthew Kilcoyne
Practice Radiation Protection Supervisor who is responsible for the practice compliance with the regulations related to radiation protection – Matthew Kilcoyne
Section 3
Arrangements
The Local Health and Safety Executive:
Address: HSE, Redgrave Court, Merton Rd, Bootle L20 7HS
Accidents and Emergencies
Matthew Kilcoyne is appointed as the person who looks after the first aid box and accident book. Any clinical team member should be sought in case of emergency. Reception should call emergency services by dialling 999 should their assistance be required.
All accidents, work-related ill health and incidents are reported immediately to the Health and Safety Manager who will enter it in the accident report book and take the necessary actions. The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences (RIDDOR) where necessary, to the enforcing authority. Accident reports are kept in a confidential file to comply with Data Protection requirements.
Asbestos
There has been an asbestos survey which shows it present in the shed roof. This is a separate building and so long as it left alone it should not be changed.
Consultation
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for consultation with members of staff on all health and safety related issues. It is carried out during regular practice meetings when staff members will have an additional opportunity to comment on the health and safety arrangements.
Contractors
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for monitoring the safe working practices of contractors on the premises. All contractors are expected to read and follow the practice Health and Safety Policy. The staff should draw the Health and Safety Manager’s attention to any breach by an external contractor.
Display Screen Equipment
Users of display screen equipment are appropriately trained on the health and safety aspects of this type of work. The Health and Safety Manager carries out regular assessments of all work stations and working practises. If you are classed as a continual user of DSE, eyesight tests will be arranged if requested and any necessary corrective eyewear is provided for use with DSE.
Equipment
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for equipment. All practice equipment is maintained in good working order and repaired and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Where required the equipment is clearly labelled with health and safety warnings and staff are provided with adequate protection. Any problems with equipment should be reported to the Health and Safety Manager. Equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
The owners will check that all new equipment meets health and safety standards before it is purchased.
Electrical Safety
The Health and Safety Manager performs regular visual inspections of all electrical equipment including portable appliances. Inspection and testing of portable appliances is performed periodically. Records of all inspections and testing are kept and maintained. Staff are not allowed to bring appliances into work. PAT testing is carried out periodically, any new items will fall into the next testing regime.
Fire Safety
The owners are responsible for fire safety and any concerns should be raised with them. Staff take part in regular fire drills and the records are kept in the Health and Safety file.
In cases of fire staff should follow the actions described in Fire Action Notice which is displayed.
First Aid
Matthew Kilcoyne is the person appointed for first aid arrangements. The first aid box and the emergency eye wash is situated on the first floor in the emergency cupboard. All accidents and injuries should be reported to the health and safety manager who will record it in the accident book. The accident book is located in reception.
Hazardous Substances
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
Staff are trained in the proper storage, use, handling, disposal, transporting (internally and externally) protective measures and emergency procedures for hazardous substances.
Any concerns regarding the effect of hazardous substances on the employee’s health should be addressed to the Health and Safety Manager.
Infection Control
Staff follow the Infection Control Policy at all times. Staff also follow the guidelines for Infection Control and take into account new developments in this area by keeping abreast of the current scientific literature and implementing new concepts or techniques as soon as they become available. If you have any questions about infection control contact the Infection Control Lead.
Information, instruction and supervision
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for arranging information, instruction and supervision. The Health and Safety Law poster is displayed at the practice. Health and safety advice is available from HSE. Supervision of young workers and trainees will be arranged/undertaken/monitored by the Health and Safety Manager.
Manual Handling
Staff are trained in correct manual handling techniques. If there is risk of injury the handling is avoided, if the handling cannot be avoided the risks are assessed before a suitable handling procedure is introduced to minimise the risk. The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for all manual handling and should be contracted if you have any questions.
Mercury
Is not used at the practice.
Monitoring
The Health and Safety Manager will check that safe working practices are being followed. They will investigate accidents, work related causes of sickness absences and is responsible for acting on investigation findings to prevent a recurrence.
Pressure Vessels
Pressure vessels including autoclaves and compressors are serviced, tested and inspected in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations. All team members are trained in the safe use of the equipment. Pressure vessels insurance is in place. Any questions should be addressed to the Health and Safety Manager who is responsible for equipment.
Risk Assessment
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for risk assessment and ensuring that any actions identified are implemented. The assessments will be reviewed on an annual basis or whenever there is a significant change in working practices. Control measures will be monitored to assess the effectiveness.
The safe use of x-rays
The Radiation Protection Advisor is IRS.
The Radiation Protection Supervisor at the practice is Matthew Kilcoyne.
A safety test is performed on all X-ray equipment every three years by Radiation QA Services Ltd.
An annual electrical safety check is carried out on all equipment.
Safety Equipment/Clothing
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for safety equipment. This includes the provision, use and storage of masks, goggles, gloves, patient bibs and other PPE and safety equipment.
Any problem with equipment should be reported immediately to the Health and Safety Manager.
Waste
The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for the storage and disposal of waste. This includes training, supervision and monitoring. Practice waste is divided into clinical, hazardous and office waste.
Workplace Safety
The Health and Safety Manager regularly inspects the workplace and maintains inspection records. Any health and safety risks are identified and removed or reduced as far as reasonably practicable.
Competency for tasks and training
The owners will provide induction and job specific training. Training records are kept confidentially with the staff members file. H & S training needs will be identified and training will be arranged by the owners.
