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Description of Location
The indoor accommodation is situated within two blocks, each containing twenty bed places within a large room area and two bed places for group leaders within a smaller attached room. Each block has additional separate areas for toilet facilities and cloakrooms. Each block has a mixture of gas and electric heating, both of which are serviced on an annual contract. Rooms are painted in flame retardant paints. Bag storage is in the space under beds and bags must be stored in such a way as to not impede safe access around and egress from the rooms.
Main access to each block is by a ramp suitable for wheelchair access. Each block has a separate final exit door, which is used only as an evacuation route in an emergency. These final exit doors are able to be opened without a key and have emergency lighting above them in the event of a power failure. Each block has also an interconnected smoke detection system that is tested with each group who has occupancy of a block. A practice emergency evacuation is held on a termly basis and groups must observe the practice as a real event.
In the event of an emergency the Fire Assembly Point is by the Community Observatory, a structure that has non-combustible properties. Each residential block has a number of fire extinguishers within the building and group leaders are expected to be aware of where these are placed. The site owners Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council do not allow smoking within any building and those found smoking within the buildings will be asked to leave the site.
Likely Hazards.
Bags not stored under beds in appropriate way
Smoking in dormitory areas
Possible group members with mobility difficulties.
Exit doors locked by key to maintain nighttime security. Key not in accessible place.
Existing Precautions.
Evacuation procedures are outlined and practiced with groups
Smoke detection systems are tested with each group. Effects and consequences of a false alarm caused by an individual through inappropriate behavior will be discussed at the start of each residential session.
Gas heating systems checked and maintained by annual contract.
Electrical heating systems have annual wiring and efficiency check.
Fire extinguishers placed in each block and serviced by annual contract.
Each block should have a list of occupants provided by the residents group leader and a designated adult in charge of each block who has this list. This person will be the named person for ensuring the Emergency Evacuation Plan is followed.
Each group should have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for each member of the group who has mobility difficulties. For each person with a PEEP there should be a named adult responsible for ensuring that persons safety and evacuation from the building in an emergency. The nature of any mobility disability means that each group must undertake their own full risk assessment for each individual, to determine what appropriate measures should be put in place to assist in the safe and timely evacuation of the individual.
There should be sufficient adults with the group to undertake the PEEP and the safe evacuation of all able bodied persons.
Schools/groups should adhere to the staffing ratios specified by their authority/ruling body for the size of group they bring. If the school/group is from out of authority, Doncaster regulations will be enforced unless that authority/body ratio is lower.
Additional Factors That Could Be Taken Into Account To Reduce Risks Or Risk Factors.
All final exit doors to be able to be opened without the use of a key
Experience in aspects of general safety as a safety aspect whilst on site
Increasing the ratios of school staff and adults participating.
Ensuring the schools/groups policy on helping adults is known and understood before the visit by all those adults participating.
Ensuring the activity provider has a thorough understanding of all your requirements for the activity, the numbers, age, general health (including disabled / handicapped within able bodied groups) of the users, and where necessary staff involved, ability range of pupils/users and those likely to cause problems.
Please also consider when making your assessments, as this generic one does not include, the competence, experience and qualifications of all supervisory staff sent by the schools/groups.
Does anyone on the trip hold First Aid certification?
How long has the teacher/group leader in charge of each class/group been qualified?
Has that person previous experience of organizing / participating in a residential activity?
But above all ......................... do the pupils/users understand what you expect of them from the visit? Have they, and how have they been prepared for this experience?
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