A SNAPSHOT OF CLIENT QUERIES

We’ve picked a few of the most interesting questions we’ve dealt with since our last issue, which may be useful if you ever find yourself in a similar situation at your school.

Query: We have heard that some types of cleansing wipes are not safe to use - how do we recognise them?

Handsam will always advise clients about DfE guidance which states which products not safe to use in the schools. The current guidance highlights only four products:

• ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes;

• Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free;

• Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes; and

• Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes (the contamination was deemed to be with a Burkholderia strain not related to the outbreak cases)

Please check the label of any packets of wipes, and only use wipes marked as ‘sterile’ on broken skin.

Handsam would advise that should you feel you need to check your product is safe, that you should contact The UK Health Security Agency. Their contact details are at the bottom of this webpage: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency

The Health and Safety at Work Act requires that all products supplied for use at work, whether new or second-hand—are provided in a safe condition. This also includes supplying the equipment with the appropriate operator handbooks or user manuals.

However, it is strongly recommended that you carry out PAT before using the equipment for the first time. Check the plug, cable, and casing for any signs of damage, and ensure the plug displays a BSI Kitemark or CE mark.

If you are not completely confident that the equipment is safe to use, do not use it. If the equipment was purchased from a retailer, you are entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement under the Consumer Rights Act.

When purchasing second-hand equipment, it is advisable to ask whether a PAT test has been carried out recently. This provides reassurance that the product has been tested and is safe for use.

Query: Could someone please advise us on the use of second-hand electrical items – we have just had a large tv screen donated to the school so were wondering if a visual check is sufficient until we have our annual PAT done in the summer or do we need to get it tested before we use it?

Query: We are after some advice from you with regards to our regular electrician. They have quoted for replacing our LED lights in our hall. Could you please let us have your thoughts and give us some advice.

The school must not allow anyone to do anything they are not trained or qualified for and must not provide them with safety equipment which may not be suitable for the job. It is the employer's responsibility to engage a competent contractor, and while the training suggested is a good start, the school should not be paying for it. It appears as if the contractor is a legacy contractor which could have its own challenges.

The HSE is very strict on working at height activities, so such activities must be properly planned, supervised and executed by competent staff member or contractors. If there is an incident, the school or Trust will need to demonstrate or prove they had commissioned a competent contractor.