If you are working with children, the following questions may help you identify some of the significant hazards.
Gas
- Is the boiler serviced annually by a CORGI registered plumber?
Electric
- Is the system in good repair?
- Are there socket guards/protected plug pins?
- Is there a trip device on the main system?
- Are there sufficient sockets (one plug per socket)?
- Are the plugs in good condition/insulated pins?
- Are the flexes in good condition and in a good position, not causing a trip hazard or pinched in a door?
- Are the fuse ratings correct (an appliance rated less than 720 watts needs only a 3 amp fuse) - look at specification plate on appliance or in manufacturer's instructions
- Is a circuit breaker (RCD) used?
Kitchen
- Children should not be allowed in the kitchen.
Bathroom
- Is the hot water thermostat set to deliver water at 43oC max? Temperature checked regularly?
- Is there a non-slip mat to bath, shower or non-slip surfaces?
Baby
- Are cot bars spaced at a maximum of 60mm?
- Are cots positioned away from heat sources, curtains, blind cords, etc.?
- Have you checked cot toys for choking/strangling hazards?
- Is the mattress used flat and a snug fit with no pillow or loose covers (e.g. duvet) for babies < 12 months old?
- Is the baby changed on the floor?
- Is there a safety harness to the pram pushchair?
- Is there a safety harness to the high chair?
Stairs
- Are the stairs in good repair?
- Is there a handrail / adequate balustrade?
- Are stair gates provided?
- Are carpets secure, in good repair, etc.?
- Is there sufficient lighting with a two-way switch?
- Free from obstruction?
- Are portable steps in a safe condition?
Floor
Are the floors slippery?
Are there any tripping hazards?
Are abrupt changes in level clearly marked?
Door
Are low glass hazards (< 80cm) protected by safety film/safety glass?
Do they open to a safe area (or is it direct to the street?), descending stairs, etc.?
Are door slam protectors present?
Window
- Is there protection by a lock or bars where there is a risk of falling out?
- Are low glass hazards (< 80cm) protected by safety film/safety glass?
General
Are sharp corners protected?
Are all hot surfaces guarded?
Are indoor play items safe and age-suitable?
Are safety mats available for slides/climbing frames?
Are there any animal/pet hazards?
Outside
- Will the garden safely contain the children (gate, fence, etc.)?
- Are terraces, walls, rockeries, paths, steps, etc., safe, including protection from falls?
- Is the pond/water butt covered / adequately fenced?
- Is the swimming/paddling pool safe and constantly supervised/securely fenced off?
- Are pesticides, flammables and other chemicals stored safely?
- Are tools stored safely?
- Is all glass (e.g. cold frames, greenhouses, conservatories) protected?
- Is the sandpit covered (re: animal faeces)?
- Is play equipment safe including safety mats?
- Are poisonous plants excluded from the garden?
- Is the area free of rusty and other sharp objects, and trap hazards (including old fridges and cars)?
- Is there a risk of dog faeces outside?
Is there a risk of dog faeces outside?
Businesses of this nature may be required to notify / register with the Public Safety Team, Ofsted, and the Bournemouth Early Years Service.
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