Health and Hygiene. ~ Health and Safety Toolkit ~ A free Information Guide. provided exclusively for Childcare.co.uk. gold members

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1 Health and Hygiene ~ Health and Safety Toolkit ~ A free Information Guide provided exclusively for Childcare.co.uk gold members

2 Introduction It is important to ensure your house and garden are safe and clean for the childminded children every day. You are ultimately responsible for health and safety in the workplace for children, staff and visitors. This includes but is not limited to: Taking all reasonable measures to ensure employee safety; Doing regular risk assessments; Ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements; Checking the workplace for anything that might harm yourself, children and / or employees; Noting and fixing problems as quickly as possible; Providing employees with protective clothing such as gloves for washing up; Recording any accidents injuries and first aid administration, including near misses, and ensuring risk assessments are promptly reviewed and updated as a result of any accidents or injuries; Ensuring children and employees are aware of the fire escape procedures. If you have a cleaner, they are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety. This includes but is not limited to, for example: Taking all reasonable measures to keep themselves safe; Following safety instructions given by the employer; Wearing appropriate clothing; Reading instructions on labels before use; Complying with any requirements from Ofsted; Informing the employer about any concerns relating to health and safety in the setting; Using equipment (provided or their own) safely; Not lifting, carrying heavy equipment, moving boxes etc; Asking if unsure; Reporting any accidents or injuries, including near misses, immediately and signing paperwork as requested by the employer. Note - information including risk assessments, COSHH data sheets and statutory requirements regarding cleaners working on childminding premises should be shared by the childminder with the cleaner and any comments made by the cleaner should be noted and acted upon as appropriate. Health and Hygiene - Page 2

3 if you use a cleaner, there are 3 types: Independent cleaners who work for themselves, usually advertising in the local shop or recommended to you by friends, relatives etc. If you choose to employ an independent cleaner you will need to - Interview the cleaner; - Check references; - Ensure your insurance covers the cleaner or check to see their own insurance; - Provide safe, reliable equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, cloths etc; - Ensure the cleaner s safety by providing eg protective gloves, clean aprons etc; - Agree a price and hours; - Pay the cleaner after each visit; - Be aware of relevant legislation regarding employing people such as the Equality Act 2010; - Deal with problems such as non arrival, sloppy work etc. Tax / national insurance / benefits As a self employed person, the cleaner is responsible for paying their own tax and national insurance and for informing any benefits agencies that they are receiving an income from their employment. The childminder can put a cleaner s payments through their tax books as an expense for rooms used for childminding not for cleaning the whole house. Cleaning teams usually advertising in the local shop or on Facebook, teams operate in groups with 2 or more cleaners arriving at your house at a given time to clean it quickly. Cleaning teams - Bring their own equipment and cleaning products (which may or may not be environmentally and child friendly); - Are paid through a central company, usually via the bank; - May not have valid references different cleaners might come each week so you have no way of checking; - Work under a manager to whom you make any complaints; - May not be suitable to be on childminding premises alongside children. Health and Hygiene - Page 3

4 Agency cleaners an agency provides cleaners who have already been reference checked and the same cleaner usually arrives each week. If you employ an agency cleaner you: - Pay the same fee to the agency each week the agency takes a percentage; - Get a relief cleaner if yours if off sick or on holiday; - Are reassured that the cleaner has insurance; - Deal with a company which should evaluate the cleaner s work and deal direct with you; - Bring their own equipment and cleaning products (which may or may not be environmentally and child friendly). There are other considerations, but I think the most important things to think about are whether the cleaner does a good, affordable job, arrives on time, behaves appropriately around the children, is trustworthy to be in your home, has good references and you have assurances that they are suitable to be with children you must never leave them unsupervised. If you employ a cleaner via a company, make sure the company complies with the rules set out by the British Institute of Cleaning Science. Questions to ask a potential cleaner - Can you give me up-to-date references? - How much do you charge? Do you want to be paid in cash or bank transfer? - Do you smoke? - Are you insured? - Are you happy if I go through fire practice procedures with you? - What training do you have? - What do your charges cover? - Are you happy to provide the service I want every week (or do you work to a routine prescribed by your company)? - Will you do ironing / change bedding / wash windows or doors? Etc. Health and Hygiene - Page 4

5 Deciding who does what jobs Most childminders have cleaning checklists usually in their heads jobs they know need to be done every day and every week and every month. These mental lists can be used when deciding what jobs the childminder does and what jobs the cleaner will be responsible for for example: CLEANING CHECKLIST - daily Kitchen daily Childminder Cleaner Work surfaces clean & sterile Towels & cloths changed daily Towels & cloths hot washed Fridge clean & food date checked Sink & bowl - sterilise Toaster - de-crumb Bin empty & clean Microwave sterilise Kettle clean Hand contact points - sterilise Floor sweep, mop & dry Health and Hygiene - Page 5

6 Main rooms - daily Childminder Cleaner Floors vacuum / mop Table & chairs clean Floors safe & dry Bins empty Resources appropriate & safe Hand contact points sterilise Toys clean & wash Furniture clean Baby chairs / tables sterile Laundry - daily Childminder Cleaner Floor clean & dry Products out of sight & reach Washer / dryer doors locked Tumble dryer remove fluff Health and Hygiene - Page 6

7 CLEANING CHECKLIST daily continued Toilet / change area - daily Childminder Cleaner Floor clean & dry Seat & bowl clean & sterile Basin clean & sterile Bin empty & clean Hand contact points sterile Garden daily Childminder Cleaner Toys clean / wash Bin empty & sterilise Water container wash Resources appropriate for children Storage area secure Garage / outbuildings - secure Health and Hygiene - Page 7

8 CLEANING CHECKLIST - weekly Kitchen - weekly Childminder Cleaner Dishwasher sanitise Food store check dates & clean Fridge check dates & clean Cutlery drawer clean Mop head sterilise Computers clean Other parts of the house - weekly Childminder Cleaner Floors vacuum / mop Furniture polish Bedding - change Ironing CLEANING CHECKLIST - monthly Kitchen - monthly Childminder Cleaner Fridge empty, defrost, clean Freezer empty, defrost, clean Oven / hob deep clean Extractor filter replace CO2 detector check date Food probe- calibrate Skirting boards - clean Interior doors clean Exterior doors clean Interior windows clean Health and Hygiene - Page 8

9 Risk assessment cleaner Written by Date Hazard / risk / control the children Children come into unsupervised contact with someone who does not have a CRB check / children are not kept safe / supervise children and contact between children and cleaner at all times; Allegations of abuse or misconduct are made against the cleaner by the children / children are not kept safe / supervise children and contact between children and cleaner at all times so allegations are not possible; Cleaner leaves cleaning products out / doors open etc / escapes, poisoning / fully brief the cleaner on how to keep children safe; explain how doors must be locked; show the cleaner how to use stair gates, door locks etc; speak to the children about keeping themselves safe; Cleaner is not signed into the premises / parents do not know who has been in contact with their child / the cleaner is to sign in and out on every visit where minded children are present; Children trip over cleaning materials, mops, vacuum cleaner etc / trips, falls, bumps / ensure cleaner does not leave things lying around; remind children of the dangers of running in the house; supervise children fully when cleaner is on the premises; Cleaner leaves mop bucket or other standing water where children are playing / drowning / monitor what the cleaner is doing and where; supervise children at all times; remind the cleaner that childminders cannot allow standing water to be left near children; Children access rubbish bags left waiting to be put in the bin / cross contamination, access to inappropriate materials, suffocation on bags / ensure rubbish is put straight into the bin or recycled as appropriate; Cleaner leaves floors wet and children slip / slips, falls, broken ankles, bumps / remind children to walk inside the house; ask cleaner to dry floors with blue roll after cleaning; Children come into contact with cleaning products on surfaces or in the air / eczema, dermatitis, asthma / request areas in which cleaning products are used are well ventilated; use child and environmentally friendly products. Signed Review date - Health and Hygiene - Page 9

10 Risk assessment cleaner Written by Date Hazard / risk / control the cleaner Potential risks to the cleaner from hazards in the house such as door locks, stair gates, etc / trips, falls /teach the cleaner how to use door locks and stair gates; remind the cleaner to advise me if she has any concerns; Cleaner wets the floors during her work / slips, trips / remind cleaner to use minimum water and dry surfaces with blue roll; cleaner to wear non slip footwear when working on wet, potentially slippy floors; Cleaning fluids including the risk of them being mixed or used inappropriately / poisoning; toxic gas, occupational asthma and diseases such as cancer / ask the cleaner to ensure labels are on all cleaning fluids and cleaning fluids are mixed to manufacturer recommended amounts; Lifting heavy weights such as boxes, vacuum cleaner, furniture, buggies out of the way, upstairs, up steps etc / strains, RSI, permanent disabling injury as a result of damage to the back, muscles and ligaments / advise the cleaner to attend a manual handling course; ask the cleaner to leave anything which is too heavy rather than trying to move it alone; Cleaner exposed to hazards through working at height / falls / explain to cleaner that working at height is not necessary; chairs must not be used for climbing; Cleaner takes ill upstairs and is unable to tell me / emergency on premises / be aware of the time the cleaner is taking when out of my view and check if concerned; Cleaner over-reaches to get to corners etc / strains / cleaner must consider the risks of stretching and reaching out; Cleaner falls down the stairs / permanent disabling injury as a result of damage to the back, muscles and ligaments / remind the cleaner not to put anything dangerous near or on the stairs that might cause a trip hazard; request the cleaner wears non slip footwear; Electrical hazards caused by sockets and floor mops, wet cloths etc / burns, electric shocks / speak to the cleaner about the dangers of water and electricity during initial walk round; Cleaning the toilet / cross contamination; sickness / the cleaner is to use appropriate cleaning fluids, gloves worn for toilet cleaning only and a single use disposable cloth; ask the cleaner to tell me if the toilet is blocked so I can call a plumber; Waste bins / hazardous contents, cross contamination / provide gloves for the cleaner to wear; Sharp objects in the house, in bins etc / cuts and serious infections such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV / ensure the cleaner does not come into contact with sharp objects; Health and Hygiene - Page 10

11 Cleaner comes into contact with cleaning products on surfaces or in the air / eczema, dermatitis, asthma / provide and suggest cleaner wears protective gloves which are replaced regularly; ensure spare gloves and an apron are available if required; ask cleaner to use child and environmentally friendly products; ask cleaner to ventilate areas where cleaning products are used; Fire and emergency escape procedure not practiced / death / ensure the cleaner is involved in an emergency escape practice; Cleaner is pregnant / danger to unborn child from cleaning products, lifting and carrying etc / ask cleaner to inform me if she thinks she is pregnant so we can work out a safe way forward; Vacuum cleaner malfunction, worn electrical cord / electric shock / ensure vacuum cleaner is properly maintained and emptied regularly; advise cleaner not to use vacuum cleaner near water; ask the cleaner to inform me if there is any problem with the vacuum cleaner (and to stop using it immediately) and I will contact Dyson. Signed Review date - Fire safety advice from Fire Officer The cleaner should be Involved in regular, recorded fire practices aim for 2 a year; Advised to shout fire if a fire is suspected; Advised that any fire doors in the house must be closed at all times (not wedged open); Shown how to exit safety through emergency exits; Shown the location of displayed fire escape plans; Advised that they are not responsible for childminded children on the premises in an emergency situation; Advised about the location of fire evacuation assembly points; Considered when changes are made to fire safety procedures which might affect their safety while on the premises. Complete the attached forms to show evidence that the cleaner has been involved in and is aware of emergency and fire evacuation procedures. Health and Hygiene - Page 11

12 Other legal considerations The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 This act requires employers to ensure the health and safety of employees. While you will probably not have a contract with your cleaner, s/he is still working for you in your house and you are paying your cleaner to do a job. For these reasons you have a duty of care to ensure your cleaner s safety. The Health and Safety at Work Act requires the following hazards to be considered Work related illnesses such as airborne diseases, allergic reactions etc; Work related accidents such as damage caused by lifting, slips and trips or cross contamination of dangerous liquids. And to Write risk assessments to protect the employee; Take responsibility for keeping the employee safe; Offer training if appropriate this might include giving fire safety advice or ensuring the employee can read labels on containers; Provide appropriate tools and clothing, which are kept clean and in good condition; Ensure provision of toilets, hand washing facilities and drinking water; Provide first aid if needed; Keep hazards such as trip and slip hazards to a minimum; Have appropriate insurance in place and displayed for employees to see and read; Employees are required to Use tools and equipment safely and as trained; Wear protective clothing or use protective equipment if needed; Follow any information given about fire safety and take part in fire escape practices; Report concerns, accidents or incidents to the employer. Employees can contact the health and Safety Executive for advice The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations1998 These regulations require work equipment (for example mops, vacuum cleaners etc) to be well maintained, suitable for the job and training to be provided where appropriate. Health and Hygiene - Page 12

13 Fire / emergency evacuation employee Use this form to record 2 emergency evacuation practices per year involving your employee. Note any problems in the comments section. Name of cleaner Date of evacuation Time of evacuation Comments Childminder s signature Date Cleaner s signature Date Date of evacuation Time of evacuation Comments Childminder s signature Date Cleaner s signature Date Health and Hygiene - Page 13

14 COSHH To comply with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH 1999), if a cleaner is employed a COSHH must be completed covering all cleaning products used in the house. If you are concerned about the type of products that are used in your house you would like the cleaner, for example, to use environmentally friendly products then you need to discuss this at the initial interview. If you are employing a cleaner directly, then you will supply all the products anyway and you might simply need to show the cleaner how to use them so they are effective. If you are going to look for an agency cleaner, then the agency might supply products you will need to make it clear that you have concerns about chemicals being used around children and talk about the alternatives. If the agency or company refuse to comply with your wishes, you should consider whether you are willing to compromise or look elsewhere. COSHH risk assessment Written by Date For all cleaning products General risks include skin damage, inhalation, choking, splashes to eyes and mouth, poisoning, poisonous fumes. Those at risk include adults, children, babies, visitors, cleaner General controls in place include products stored locked out of sight and reach of the children and brought out only when in use; cleaner will usually only be on the premises when children are not (Monday and Friday morning); hazardous materials will not be combined and will only be stored in original containers; instructions for use will be followed; caps will be closed between and after use; gloves and other protective equipment will be worn; Health and Hygiene - Page 14

15 Specific cleaning products Product / purpose Dettol spray to sterilise and clean food, nappy changing, toilet and other surfaces Instructions spray onto the surface, wipe with a clean, damp cloth and air dry (do not rinse) Hazards eye damage rinse with plenty of water and seek immediate medical advice. Product / purpose Windolene for cleaning windows and mirrors Instructions spray onto surface 25cm away; wipe with a soft dry cloth or paper towel Hazards eye damage rinse with plenty of water and seek immediate medical advice; skin avoid contact with damaged skin; do not ingest if ingested seek medical advice. Product / purpose Wheelers beeswax for cleaning wood furniture Instructions shake well and apply with a cloth Hazards avoid contact with upholstery and fabrics; handle with care. Product / purpose Persil washing powder for use in the washing machine Instructions follow dosage instructions on the box Hazards avoid prolonged contact with skin; rinse and dry hands after use. Product / purpose Fairy washing up liquid for dishes Instructions put into a bowl of water to produce bubbles for washing dishes Hazards - avoid contact with damaged or sensitive skin; wash and dry hands thoroughly after use. Product / purpose Astonish paste for cleaning the cooker Instructions none given Hazards avoid contact with skin or eyes flush with water; if ingested drink water. Product / purpose hand washing liquid Instructions lather, rinse and dry hands thoroughly Hazards avoid contact with sensitive or damaged skin. Review date Health and Hygiene - Page 15

16 Accident / incident recording Any accidents or injuries must be recorded and the cleaner must sign to confirm the details recorded are correct. Any first aid administered must also be recorded. If accidents or injuries are recorded the risk assessment will need to be updated. Accident / incident reporting Employers must report certain accidents suffered by employees, including incidences of violence, under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) I have details of RIDDOR in my risk assessment file. Other agencies to which accidents / incidents might need to be reported include Ofsted serious accidents on the premises; incidents or allegations involving children; Local infection team work based illnesses; Health and Safety Executive s Incident Contact Centre; Insurance company in case of a serious accident or incident happening on the premises which might lead to legal action being taken against the employee. If in doubt check with the insurer. Recording attendance When you work as a childminder you have a duty of care to the children and their families and a responsibility to record information about your day-to-day practice to share with Ofsted on request, The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) does not say that childminders must have a written record of people coming into the house however most childminders choose to record this information somewhere. A record of who has been in your house and when keeps you, the children and the visitor safe. A visitor record (wherever it is written down) can be used in different ways To share with Ofsted; To prove who was in the house and when in case of query by insurance companies, parents etc; To prove who was in the house and when in case of an allegation of abuse being made; In case of fire or other emergency situation. The attendance does not need to be recorded on a specific form it can simply be noted in the childminder s diary or other daily record book. However, if a form is preferred, there is a sample attached. Health and Hygiene - Page 16

17 References etc Early Years Foundation Stage (DfE, 2017) and related documents Equality Act 2010 HMRC website and help desk Ofsted About websites used in this Information Guide - in places this guide might link to other websites. The author and distributor of this guide cannot be held responsible for the content or availability of these sites. Disclaimer - however carefully researched the material in this guide might be it is not possible to guarantee its accuracy or completeness. The author and distributor therefore accept no liability for any inaccuracies or any loss or damage arising from the use of or reliance on details obtained from this guide. Note that readers should consult the statutory frameworks of their countries as Ofsted (England), CSSIW (Wales) and Care Inspectorate (Scotland) have different statutory frameworks and the information in this guide is an indicator of best practice only. About information taken from EYFS statutory documents - this Information Guide is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2017) from Information sourced from the Department for Education has been reproduced as per the Open Government Licence for Public Sector Information, which can be viewed on the following website The source of the information is acknowledged as Crown Copyright Copyright protection - if any person is tempted to pass on any of the pages in this guide for reward or profit, please be aware that, unless you ask for specific written permission from the owner and distributor of this information guide before making the transfer, you may be in breach of UK copyright law. The owner and distributor reserve the right to take legal action in such an instance. For further information please message Childcare.co.uk - childcare.co.uk/contact. Thank you. Health and Hygiene - Page 17