Health and safety
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-24)

Advice on legal responsibilities for managing and maintaining the school estate and ensuring school buildings and land are compliant with statutory and regulatory standards.

You should ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors by managing your statutory responsibilities and other health and safety issues in the school estate to minimise health and safety issues.

To keep the estate in a safe condition, you should:
- clearly define and designate responsibilities for health and safety issues
- identify all property related health and safety issues
- take appropriate actions to avoid or minimise risks
- monitor risks and issues
- follow the relevant legislation (you must indicates a statutory requirement)
Estate-related health and safety should be part of your wider school health and safety policies and procedures. This guidance focuses on health and safety related to school buildings and external areas. There is also general health and safety in schools guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-and-safety-in-schools).

Specific health and safety responsibilities for construction projects are not covered in detail in this section. More information about this can be found in the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance on the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htm).

Find out more about health and safety considerations when managing estate projects (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/estate-projects#have-the-right-skills-in-place)

Who is responsible for health and safety

The basis of British health and safety law is the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) (https://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm?layout=default&layout=default). In education settings, this is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Under the HSWA, employers have overall responsibility for the health and safety of employees, pupils and visitors in workplaces.

Other people also have duties under the HSWA. For example, anyone who has control of non-domestic premises (including schools) has some duties towards non-employees who use those premises.

All employers must provide welfare facilities and a working environment that’s healthy and safe for everyone in the workplace, including those with disabilities. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (https://www.hse.gov.uk/workplace-health/law.htm) cover a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare issues and apply to most workplaces.

Further guidance is available from:
- HSE on the responsibilities of school leaders (https://www.hse.gov.uk/education/sensible-leadership/school-leaders.htm)
- HSE on workplace safety (https://www.hse.gov.uk/workplace-health/law.htm)
- HSWA (http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm)
Seek professional advice if you’re unsure about your responsibilities.

Who is the employer in schools

The employer varies depending upon the type of school.

The local authority is the employer in:
- community and community special schools
- voluntary-controlled schools
- maintained nursery schools
- pupil referral units
The governing body is the employer in:
- foundation and foundation special schools
- voluntary-aided schools
The school proprietor (the academy trust, for academies and free schools) is the employer in:
- academies
- free schools
- other independent schools
Employer responsibilities

The HSWA (http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm) requires employers to:
- ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees
- conduct their undertaking in a way that does not expose non-employees to risks to their health and safety
Maintenance plays an important part in complying with health and safety law. As an employer your duties include:
- safe provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work associated with them
- provision of information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the health and safety at work of employees
- maintenance of a safe place of work including access and a safe working environment
The employer remains responsible for their HSWA duties. You cannot delegate your HSWA duties. You can delegate the management of specific functions, but that does not release you as an employer from a legal duty.

Example

You may appoint a competent person to carry out risk assessments, but you will still have ultimate responsibility for health and safety.

In schools, the management of health and safety on the estate is likely to be delegated by the employer to a designated person. This person should ensure that:
- the school meets statutory compliance across its estate
- competent persons are engaged to assist with compliance
Where the local authority or other responsible body is the employer, they may delegate roles and responsibilities to school staff, but they must undertake regular monitoring to ensure that local management arrangements are being implemented and are effective.

Premises responsibilities

The HSWA (section 4) requires those who have control of premises to ensure that the premises are safe and without risk to health. This includes people with obligations for maintenance, repairs or control of access. In schools, these duties often apply to multiple people.

Schools and academies also have duties under the Occupiers Liability Act (https://www.inbrief.co.uk/land-law/occupiers-liability/) towards pupils, staff and visitors, to ensure that they will be reasonably safe when using the premises.

Roles, responsibilities and arrangements for estate health and safety should be clearly set out within the school’s health and safety policy.

Management of health and safety

Managing health and safety is an ongoing process, rather than a one-off activity. HSE recommend a plan, do, check, act approach (https://www.hse.gov.uk/managing/introduction/how-to-manage.htm) to help with this.

Key areas include:
- appointing a competent person(s) to support compliance activities
- managing risk and risk assessments
- information and training
The HSWA is supported by other regulations with more specific requirements, including the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR).

Appointing competent people

Employers are required to appoint one or more competent persons to support compliance activities, such as day to day health and safety and activities relating to maintenance and construction work. They should have the skills, knowledge and experience to be able to recognise hazards and help employers put sensible controls in place to protect workers and others from harm.

The HSE’s guidance on appointing a competent person (https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/gettinghelp/index.htm) contains further information about this role.

It’s best if you can appoint a competent person who is already employed by the organisation.

A competent person should have:
- appropriate knowledge
- sufficient training
- the experience to apply that knowledge correctly
- the ability to undertake functions effectively
- enough time to carry out responsibilities
The employer should ensure that those appointed continue to have the right level of competence. This includes meeting any training needs and ensuring they have sufficient time available to keep up to date with industry good practice and any changes in the law.

Risk assessments

Risk assessments are an important part of managing health and safety. Employers need to:
- have suitable, sufficient and regularly reviewed risk assessments
- record significant findings
- implement appropriate preventive and protective measures
- monitor and review any preventative and protective measures taken
Risk assessments should be undertaken by competent people. They can be informed by surveys. Inspections and servicing should be carried out by suitably qualified professionals (such as for gas equipment).

Any potential risks should be formally recorded, assessed and managed. This includes taking appropriate preventative and protective measures. You should routinely monitor and review risks and any actions taken.

As well as formal risk assessments, you should also encourage and enable staff and pupils to report risks. You should have a system in place to formally record and act on issues raised.

Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and kept up to date. This includes when there are changes, such as new equipment, using an area for a different purpose or if someone reports a hazard.

You should take account of health and safety monitoring arrangements when carrying out any repairs, maintenance and improvement projects.

Find out more about controlling risks at work (https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/steps-needed-to-manage-risk.htm) and risk assessments (https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm).

Information and training

Employers must provide employees with comprehensive and relevant information on risks, protective measures and procedures. They are also required to provide adequate health and safety training and ensure this is repeated periodically.

Specific training may be necessary for some aspects of estate health and safety, such as for asbestos and fire safety.

You should consider what training is necessary to enable people to manage risks and undertake designated tasks and roles, including for appointed competent people.

Health and safety documentation

You should maintain documents to help you ensure your school and your estate is safe and compliant with regulations. This includes certificates and records of all statutory examinations, testing and remedial work.

Some documents are required by law, such as:
- health and safety policy including risk assessments and arrangements
- asbestos register and management plan (for estates containing asbestos)
- fire risk assessment and management plan
Other documents you should have to help keep your estate safe include:
- statutory maintenance and testing certificates
- a Legionella risk assessment and management plan
- inspection logs and registers
- details and contact information for maintenance and emergency contractors
Find out more in the information about the estate (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/understanding-and-managing-your-land-and-buildings#information-about-your-estate), and maintenance documentation (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/maintaining-the-estate#planning-your-maintenance) sections.

Display Energy Certificate

All buildings occupied by a public authority that are larger than 250m² and frequently visited by the public must have a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and advisory report. This includes most schools and academies.

This is a requirement of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/991/contents/made).

Find out more about Display Energy Certificates (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/display-energy-certificates-and-advisory-reports-for-public-buildings).

Accessibility

Accessibility plans for school buildings should include actions to make the school accessible to all. Assessment of pupils or staff with particular needs may require reasonable adjustments to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, to protect people from discrimination and avoid disadvantage to those with disabilities.

Find out more about the Equality Act and schools (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-advice-for-schools).

Building structure and fabric

Structural stability

It is a statutory requirement to have structurally safe buildings. Responsible bodies, such as local authorities, academy trusts and governing bodies, are responsible for ensuring their school estates are safe and well maintained.

All buildings should be inspected periodically to check for damage. The nature and frequency of inspections depend on how the building is used, the construction type (traditional brick, steel, concrete or timber frame) and environmental considerations such as:
- flooding
- nearby watercourses
- historical mining activity in the area
- ground conditions
Any visible changes in a building’s structural condition should be formally reported and actioned using appropriate professional advice. Some inspections could be undertaken by a member of staff, and some may need to be done by a professional surveyor.

You should keep a record of:
- inspections
- any issues identified
- any required actions
Older buildings, such as those built post-war between 1945 and the 1970s, often need careful maintenance and monitoring. It is important that you are aware of the construction type and any associated risks. Guidance on managing older school buildings (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-older-school-buildings) can help you identify these buildings and provide further information about maintaining them effectively.

Find out more about assessing the condition of your estate (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/understanding-land-and-buildings#assessing-the-condition-of-your-estate).

RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete)

RAAC is a lightweight, bubbly form of concrete commonly used in construction between the 1950s and mid-1990s. It is mostly found as precast panels in roofs (commonly flat roofs, sometimes pitched) and occasionally in floors and walls. RAAC panels are considerably weaker than traditional concrete and are now past their estimated service life. This means there are concerns about their structural integrity and safety.

DfE has completed its RAAC identification programme. However, if you have concerns about the presence of RAAC in your school estate, refer to the identification guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance). This can help you identify RAAC from a visual inspection of your buildings and employ a suitably qualified building professional to confirm whether RAAC is present.

If RAAC is confirmed on your estate by a suitably qualified building professional, you should use the structural issues form (https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=yXfS-grGoU2187O4s0qC-WWPFFHv97pBvSgiur9dPUtUNDdVTEwyR0NKSjFMOFc0UUlERTdMRlhBRyQlQCN0PWcu) to inform DfE.

You should also refer to guidance for responsible bodies and education settings with confirmed RAAC (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-guidance-for-responsible-bodies-and-education-settings-with-confirmed-raac).

If you have any questions about RAAC, email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx?subject=RAAC%20Questionnaire%20Enquiry).

Asbestos

The majority of schools in England contain some asbestos, as it was used extensively as a building material, particularly from the 1950s to the mid-1980s, until it was completely banned in 1999. School buildings may contain asbestos if any part of them was built before 2000.

Asbestos can be dangerous if not managed effectively. As long as asbestos containing materials are undamaged, and not in locations where they are vulnerable to damage, they should be left undisturbed and their condition monitored. When asbestos does pose a risk to safety and cannot be effectively managed in situ, it should be removed.

It is extremely important that any asbestos present in your school is managed properly. If managed correctly, asbestos poses very little risk to health. Equally, if it is not effectively managed, asbestos poses a significant health risk.

Schools must have an:
- asbestos management survey, carried out by a competent surveyor
- asbestos register (including remedial actions)
- asbestos management plan
Suitable communications and training should be provided to all staff. All available asbestos information should be made available to building or maintenance contractors before they undertake work at the school. Find out more about managing contractors (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/maintaining-the-estate#managing-maintenance-works).

The detailed guidance on asbestos management in schools (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-asbestos-in-your-school-or-college) contains more information.

HSE provides guidance about asbestos health and safety (https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/), including advice on selecting a competent asbestos surveyor (https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/duty/arrange-asbestos-survey.htm).

Working at height and fall protection

Falls from height are one of the most frequent causes of serious accidents in the workplace and remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths. HSE guidance provides information about planning work at height.

Working at height should be avoided wherever possible. If it is not possible, you should prevent falls by working from an existing safe place or by using suitable equipment. If the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated you should reduce the distance or consequence of a fall. For example, you could use of safety nets, soft landing systems, or a fall arrest system using a high anchor point. please see HSE’s guide on minimising risks (https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/step-by-step-guide.htm#minimise). For example, use of safety nets and soft landing systems, or a fall arrest system using a high anchor point.

Any equipment used for working at height must be suitable, stable and sufficiently strong. It should be inspected before use and periodically to ensure that it is still in good condition. This may include roof edge protection or harness eye bolts or systems used to secure window cleaning equipment. Scaffolding should only be erected and used by competent persons.

Those who are in control of any work at height should make sure that work is:
- properly planned
- appropriately supervised
- carried out by competent people with the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the task
You should give special consideration to situations where it may be possible to fall through a fragile roof material or surface (for example, a skylight) and take precautions to prevent such an accident. You should also take precautions to prevent anyone becoming injured by falling material or objects.

Slips, trips and falls

Floors should be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions. You should consider all access routes, including corridors, stairs, passageways and external paths. They should be periodically inspected, and any condition issues should be formally recorded and addressed.

Glazing

All windows or transparent or translucent surfaces in walls, partitions, doors or gates should be made from a safety material or be protected against breakage and be appropriately marked.

Fire safety

Responsibilities for fire safety in the workplace (https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities) include:
- having procedures in place to reduce the likelihood of fire
- maintaining fire detection and alarm systems
- familiarising staff and pupils with emergency evacuation procedures
New school building work must comply with relevant building regulations (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b) on fire safety. The building bulletin 100 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-bulletin-100-design-for-fire-safety-in-schools) provides guidance on fire safety for school building design.

Fire risk assessments

You must have an appropriate and up-to-date fire risk assessment (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-educational-premises) for all premises under your control.

Your fire risk assessment must be reviewed regularly and updated when appropriate. This is particularly important when there is a reason it may no longer be valid, or when there are significant changes to the premises or their use.

The final report from the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-final-report) recommends that fire risk assessments are reviewed annually for high-rise residential buildings. Schools of any height should consider reviewing their assessment annually, or at least every 3 years.

Those completing fire risk assessments (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-educational-premises), or providing advice in relation to them, should be appropriately qualified or experienced. The National Fire Chiefs Council has further guidance on finding a fire risk assessor (https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/building-safety/protection-building-safety/finding-a-fire-risk-assessor/).

Fire detection and alarm systems

Fire detection and alarm systems should have a weekly alarm test. In systems with multiple manual call points, a different one should be tested each week, so that all are eventually included in the schedule of testing over a period of time. The system should also be subject to quarterly and annual inspections and tests by a competent person.

All work on the fire alarm system, including routine testing, should be:
- recorded
- accessible to the fire service
Zone diagrams should be available at the main control panel. This enable fire services to:
- determine the location of the incident
- devise the most appropriate methods of fighting the fire
Fire doors

All fire doors must remain in efficient working order and should be regularly checked and maintained by a competent person. You should keep a record of any maintenance. The inspection of fire doors should check that:
- self-closing devices operate properly
- hold-open devices release when the fire alarm operates
- glazed panels are intact and undamaged
- warning signs are in place - ‘automatic fire door – keep clear’ if the door has automatic release, or ‘fire door - keep closed’ if manually operated
- doors open and close freely and are free from damage
- there is no distortion or warping of the door or frame
- intumescent strips (made of a substance that swells when exposed to heat) and smoke seals are in place and not damaged
- hinges and locks are properly lubricated
- fire doors are not propped open by staff or pupils
Firefighting equipment

Extinguishers

Extinguishers should be maintained and inspected by a competent person at least once a year. This involves a visual inspection of the extinguisher and a check of the contents and stored pressure.

A written record should be kept of the date of the last maintenance examination. This should usually be attached to the body of the extinguisher.

Fire blankets

Fire blankets should be inspected at least annually and replaced as required.

Hose reels

Hose reels are for the use of the fire service. School staff should not normally be trained in the use of this equipment. All hose reels should be inspected on a yearly basis by a competent person.

They must also be recorded in the risk assessment for Legionella and maintained accordingly.

Fixed systems

When activated by the warning or alarm system, fixed systems release the extinguishing medium, for example, sprinklers. All fixed systems should be inspected at least annually, or to manufacturer’s guidelines.

You should to keep a record of any maintenance and testing.

Facilities for the fire service

This could include:
- dry risers
- access for emergency vehicles
- emergency switches for installations
- firefighting lifts
- information about the premises and contents
If you have these facilities, they should be maintained and kept in good order. Maintenance and testing is required annually and varies depending on the height of the building.

Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting is installed in a building to provide light when normal lighting fails.

For fire safety, the most important part of an emergency lighting system is escape lighting. This illuminates escape routes to allow people to safely evacuate the building.

Schools are encouraged to undertake and record a monthly flash test. It is good practice to conduct a more detailed condition test every 6 months, including a 3-hour battery test. This should be done by a competent person.

Signage and exit routes

Employers, and those who have control of premises, are required to ensure safe means of escape in the event of fire. This should include signage to provide direction to emergency exits. HSE provide guidance on safety signs (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l64.htm).

Lightning protection

Lightning protection includes:
- lightning conductors, which protect building structure, typically of taller buildings
- lightning surge protection, which aims to protect electrical equipment from a severe power surge caused by lightning
Electrical surge protection systems not only provide protection from lightning, but also from other potential electrical surges (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#electrical-safety).

The British Standard BS EN 62305: 2006 recommends that all lightning protection systems are inspected and tested at least annually. A fully-qualified engineer checks that all joints and bonds are not corroded and still have electrical continuity.

You should identify any lightning protection systems installed in the school, and seek professional advice about the maintenance of these systems.

You should always have electrical installations inspected and tested by a competent person.

Heating and gas installations

Gas installations

Maintenance of all gas installations and appliances must be carried out in line with gas safety regulations (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l56.htm). If you employ someone to carry out gas work, you are required by law to ensure that the person carrying out the work is a certified, competent technician. Currently this means that they must be a Gas Safe registered engineer (http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/) with a valid certificate of competence relevant to the type of gas work involved (for example, non-domestic).

Effective maintenance of gas appliances requires an ongoing programme of regular inspections, together with any necessary remedial work. The Gas Safety Regulations (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l56.htm) require employers to ensure that any gas appliance, installation pipework or flue is maintained in a safe condition.

You should have a maintenance plan for gas appliances, pipework and other equipment on site, following the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific requirements and periods between maintenance. It is good practice to have at least annual gas safety checks of appliances and associated pipework.

In the case of boarding schools, or residential accommodation provided as part of a job (such as a caretaker’s home on school property), landlords have additional duties (https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/index.htm). This includes undertaking an annual gas safety check and ensuring appliances, pipework and flues are maintained and in a safe condition.

Gas appliances or fittings must not be used if it is known or suspected that they are unsafe. If in doubt, you should seek specialist advice.

Electrical heating

Electrical heating and hot water heaters should be tested as part of fixed electrical system testing (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#electrical-safety).

Extreme care should be taken if any portable heating is used. Portable heaters present a risk of:
- fire
- burning
- over-loading the electrical system
Before any portable heating equipment is used in a school, you should complete a risk assessment and have control measures in place.

Oil heating

Oil burners should be serviced at least annually, ideally at the end of the winter by a competent person.

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/2954/contents/made) cover the storage of oil at schools and other establishments.

All tanks, bunds and pipework should be regularly checked for signs of damage. It’s recommended they are checked at least weekly, with a more detailed annual inspection and service by qualified inspectors to ensure that any potential defects are found and rectified.

There are security and environmental issues associated with oil storage areas. These areas should be as resistant as possible to unauthorised interference and vandalism.

If there are any permanent taps or valves where oil can be discharged from the tank to open areas, these should be fitted with a lock and should be locked shut when not in use. Where appropriate, notices should be displayed telling users to keep valves and trigger guns locked when they are not in use.

Pumps should be protected from unauthorised use. Taps and valves should be marked to show whether they are open or closed. When these are not in use, they should be fitted with a blanking cap or plug.

Schools that have redundant oil storage tanks should seek professional advice, particularly if considering the removal of redundant tanks, due to the risk of fire or explosion.

Further guidance on oil storage regulations for businesses and public sector buildings (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/storing-oil-at-a-home-or-business) contains more information.

Other heating equipment

In recent years there has been an increase in the use of alternative heating equipment to reduce carbon footprint. These include biomass boilers, ground source, air source and heat recovery.

Due to the wide variety of equipment and methods of heat generation available, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on inspection. This should be incorporated in the school annual maintenance plan.

Radiators and fan convectors

In a traditional ‘wet’ heating system (circulation of hot water), heat is delivered to areas of the school through either radiators or electric fan heaters that blow hot air by forcing air over a radiator. These systems are a closed water circuit. They operate under pressure and should be inspected periodically for leaks.

Fan heaters should be checked and inspected periodically (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#electrical-safety) to check the fan operation and condition of electrical connections. This can be done as part of fixed electrical testing (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#electrical-safety).

Water

Hot water temperature

The School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/standards-for-school-premises) say that hot water at the point of use should not pose a scalding risk. Suitable arrangements should be made to ensure that control measures are in place and functioning effectively.

Legionella

Legionella bacteria can grow in hot and cold water systems and can be harmful to health if inhaled. Growth is more likely to occur when cold water temperatures are over 20°C, when hot water temperatures are below 50°C, or when water is allowed to stagnate due to pipe work dead legs or infrequent usage.

Legionnaires’ disease is normally only contracted where water is sprayed and small droplets of water containing the bacteria are inhaled, such as in a shower.

As an employer, or a person in control of the premises, you have a duty to:
- appoint a competent person to take day-to-day responsibility for controlling any identified risk, sometimes referred to as the ‘responsible person’ - this person may be a member of school staff but they should have sufficient knowledge of the water system and sufficient authority to deal with the issues
- identify and assess sources of risk in accordance with HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l8.htm)
- prepare a written scheme (or course of action) for preventing or controlling the risk
- implement, manage and monitor the written scheme
- keep records and check that what has been done is effective
- if appropriate, notify the local authority that there is a cooling tower on site - however, it is very unlikely that cooling towers will be present on school sites
The risk assessment and preparation of the course of action should be undertaken by a company which offers these specialist services.

HSE have produced guidance about Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease (https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/).

Drainage and sewerage

Blocked drains or sewers have the potential to overflow, causing flooding and contamination of areas of the school. This can result in significant health and safety issues and affected areas will need to be immediately closed. For this reason, it is important to address any potential drain blockages as soon as they are identified.

Gutters should be regularly cleaned. Ponding on roofs should be dealt with as a matter of urgency as it can cause deterioration of roof finishes. In severe cases, it can overload roofs contributing to structural failure. Water ingress (damage from water) can pose a particular risk in buildings that are constructed from certain materials, including where asbestos (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-asbestos-in-your-school-or-college) and RAAC (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance) are present.

At times of severe loading (such as following storms), drains and sewers can become blocked. This also leads to flooding or contamination of areas.

Monitor and maintain your drainage systems and review flood risks regularly. Use our checklist (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67ae1dfe6e6c8d18118acda9/Checklist_assess_and_manage_flood_risk_in_schools.pdf) to assess your site’s vulnerability to river, coastal, surface water and reservoir flooding, and ensure drainage infrastructure is properly maintained. Regular checks will help prevent water damage to buildings and disruption to school operations.

Air and ventilation

Air quality

Air quality is important in education buildings. Extensive research shows that good air quality (correct levels of CO2 and thermal comfort for example) is essential for conducive learning environments, and the health and well-being of teachers and students.

You should also consider monitoring air quality in your buildings periodically. There are many environmental sensors available which can measure:
- temperature
- humidity
- carbon dioxide (CO2) levels
- pollutants such as total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) – solvents and other complex or volatile chemicals
- particulate matter - PM2.5 or PM10 – pollen, dust, soot and other potential contaminants which can affect health
- noise levels
Building bulleting 101 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-bulletin-101-ventilation-for-school-buildings) sets out the standards for air quality in new and refurbished school buildings.

When choosing sensors, make sure that they are accurate. If they are connected to your network, you should check that they are secure. Do not use them if they are not secure, or if you are not sure, as it could increase the risk of cyber-attacks.

Vaping sensors

Vaping sensors allow schools to detect vaping in areas of concern. These are usually air quality sensor devices that detect pollutants and particulate matter to identify vaping. If you already have air quality sensors, they may already be capable of detecting vaping.

Ventilation

Employers must make sure there is adequate ventilation in enclosed areas. Your risk assessment should identify areas of your estate that are poorly ventilated, including:
- areas where there is no natural ventilation (open windows, doors, or vents) or mechanical ventilation (fans or ducts bringing in air from outside)
- areas that feel stuffy or smell bad
- where a CO2 monitor has identified poor ventilation
You can generally maintain and increase the supply of fresh air by opening windows and doors – although fire doors (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#fire-doors) must not be kept open.

You should balance the need for increased ventilation with maintaining a comfortable temperature. You could do this by:
- partially opening windows and doors to let fresh air in
- opening higher-level windows to reduce draughts
- airing rooms by opening windows and doors in between use – opening windows for 10 minutes an hour can help increase the amount of fresh air
Where it is not possible to maintain adequate ventilation, you might consider using an air cleaning unit until remedial works are undertaken. Air cleaning units are not a substitute for ventilation. They should never be used as a reason to reduce or not remediate poor ventilation in the long term.

DfE has an approved framework for buying air cleaning units (https://find-dfe-approved-framework.service.gov.uk/list/air-cleaning) at a suitable specification and competitive price. It also provides a guide for how many units you might need depending on the number of occupants in the space.

HSE provide more information on ventilation in the workplace (https://www.hse.gov.uk/ventilation/index.htm) and using CO2 monitors to assess ventilation (https://www.hse.gov.uk/ventilation/using-co2-monitors.htm).

Air extract systems

Air extract systems remove:
- hazardous fumes
- dust
These systems should be adequately maintained as advised by the supplier or installer.

Mechanical extraction is often used to provide ventilation and remove cooking fumes and heat in kitchens. Ducts and filters can become blocked with residue from cooking, increasing fire risk and affecting performance. As part of planned maintenance, they should be regularly cleaned or replaced in accordance with the maintenance or supplier recommendations.

These systems also prevent the build up of gas fumes or leaks from kitchen equipment during cooking. For this reason, the extract system should be linked to the gas supply to prevent any flow of gas while the extract system is not working.

Local exhaust ventilation systems (LEVs) may be used in fume cupboards and in workshops. They should be examined and tested at least every 14 months.

HSE provide guidance on LEVs (https://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/index.htm), catering ventilation (https://www.hse.gov.uk/catering/guidance.htm) and catering maintenance (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cais12.htm).

Air conditioning

Air conditioning systems must be inspected by an energy assessor regularly, at least every 5 years. Bi-annual checks and an annual maintenance schedule should continue as best practice.

If you have certain equipment (including stationary air-conditioning equipment), an appropriately qualified person must check for fluorinated gas (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/checking-f-gas-equipment-for-leaks) (F gas) leaks. The frequency of inspection will vary between 3 and 12 months, depending on the amount of F gas in the equipment.

Pressure systems which contain a liquid or gas under pressure, such as refrigeration systems, require proper maintenance, otherwise they can cause serious injury and damage to property. You should also refer to the section on pressure systems.

Find out more about air conditioning inspections (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-conditioning-inspections-for-buildings/a-guide-to-air-conditioning-inspections).

Electrical safety

Fixed electrical supply and installation

Fixed electrical system testing involves testing the electrical installations and systems that conduct electricity around the building. It includes:
- all electrical wiring
- external lighting and supplies
- main panels
- distribution boards
- lighting
- socket outlets
- air conditioning
- other fixed plant
To comply with the requirements of the The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/635/contents/made), the HSE recommends periodic inspections should be carried out by a competent person to check that electrical installations are safe. The Regulations do not specify how and when inspections should take place. Ultimately the frequency of and type of inspection should be based upon the risk assessment for the particular installation based upon the prevailing conditions.. Fixed wiring electrical inspections in swimming and hydrotherapy pools and other high-risk locations may be required more frequently based on risk assessment.

All electrical testing must be conducted by a suitably qualified electrician.

Find out more about controlling risks from use of electricity at work (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg231.htm).

Portable electrical appliances

A portable electrical appliance is any item that can be moved, either connected or disconnected from an electrical supply. They generally have a lead (cable) and a plug.

Not all portable equipment will need a portable appliance test (often called a PAT test). In some cases, a simple user check and visual inspection is enough.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/635/contents/made) state that electrical systems, including any electrical equipment used by employees at work, must be maintained to prevent danger.

The law does not say how you must do this or how often. You should decide the level of maintenance needed according to the risk of an item becoming faulty, and how the equipment is constructed.

Items that are unsafe should be immediately taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

HSE provide guidance on the maintenance and safety of portable electrical equipment (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg107.htm).

Lighting

Lighting is covered under the fixed electrical supply (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#electrical-safety) section. You should ensure that any external lighting is sufficient to enable safe use of the site.

External areas

Perimeter security

You should assess the risks associated with individuals entering or leaving the school estate. The school perimeter should be secured and controlled accordingly.

Find out more about site security (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/maintaining-the-estate#site-security), CCTV (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/digital-technology-in-your-estate#cctv) and access control (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/digital-technology-in-your-estate#access-control).

Access routes, gates, roadways and parking

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l24.htm) require that pedestrians and vehicles should be able to circulate safely to protect school staff, pupils and visitors. There should be separate, clearly marked access routes for pedestrians and vehicles. Parking and playground areas should also be separate.

Automated gates and barriers can improve security, but can also represent a significant safety hazard. To understand your legal obligations, and for details of best practice for installing and maintaining an automated gate, the charity Gate Safe has developed a guide (https://gate-safe.org/help-and-advice/tools-for-schools/). HSE also provided guidance on powered gates (https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/poweredgates.htm).

Trees

If you have trees on your site, you will have responsibilities under the HSWA and the Occupiers’ Liability Acts. You should carry out routine inspections reflecting the level of risk and after any potentially damaging activities or weather.

Further information about risk management of trees is available from HSE (https://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/sims/ag_food/010705.htm) and the Forestry Commission (https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/common-sense-risk-management-of-trees/).

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas given off by rocks and soils. It is a harmful gas that can enter buildings.

Schools in a radon affected area, and those in a non-radon area that have a basement that is occupied for more than an average of one hour per week (50 hours per year), should carry out measurements to determine potential radon levels in their premises. You may need to take action to limit exposure in accordance with the requirements of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/index.htm).

Find out more about radon in the workplace (https://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.htm).

Other site hazards

Schools may have other health and safety hazards within their grounds that children should be kept away from. This could include:
- ponds
- excavations
- ground contamination
- electrical plants
You should assess, manage and regularly review these hazards, with regular reviews, to ensure the safety arrangements are effective. Records should be kept of these arrangements and checks made.

Other equipment, systems and storage

Lifts and lifting equipment

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) (http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm) require duty holders to ensure that lifts used by their employees for work are safe to use.

LOLER also requires people-carrying lifts to be thoroughly examined (https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/thorough-examinations-lifting-equipment.htm) every 6 months. This involves a systematic and detailed examination of the lift and its associated equipment by a competent person such as an insurance provider. The competent person may call for supplementary testing in support of the thorough examination.

You should consider the safety of users in the event of the lift breakdown or stopping between floors. Options include a breakdown response contract as well as the normal maintenance contract, or training some employees in lift lowering and emergency door opening. The lift should have a suitable means of raising an alarm (for example, alarm call buttons, emergency telephones) and may have emergency lighting. Only lifts designed for use in the event of a fire can be used to evacuate during a fire.

HSE provide guidance about lifting equipment and LOLER (https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm).

Gym and playground equipment

Equipment used for physical education must be safe to use. To ensure that equipment is maintained in a safe condition, it should be regularly inspected. British Standard EN 1176 requires that playground equipment should be inspected at regular intervals reflecting its use, purpose and position.

Find out more about the inspection and maintenance of playground equipment. (https://www.afpe.org.uk/page/Inspection__Maintenance_of_PE_and_Sport_Equipment_Approved_Partners)

Swimming pools and hydrotherapy pools

It is the responsibility of swimming pool operators to:
- carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of their operations
- identify necessary control measures
This should take account of the whole user population of the swimming pool and the risk that a fatal incident can occur very quickly.

For further information, refer to:
- HSE’s guidance on managing health and safety in swimming pools (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg179.htm).
- guidance on water treatment, pool maintenance and operation from the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (https://www.pwtag.org/), which publishes the standards for water treatment and also provides suitable training and qualifications for school pool operators
Swimming and hydrotherapy pools should also be included in Legionella (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#water) risk assessments.

Spa-pool systems carry a particularly high risk of infection and require a more intense schedule of monitoring and inspection.

Find out more about the control of Legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool systems (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg282.htm).

Kitchens

You should consider:
- extract hoods and ventilation (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#air--and-ventilation)
- gas equipment (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#heating-and-gas-installations)
- hot water temperatures (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#water)
- Legionella (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools/health-and-safety#water)
Pressure systems

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) cover the safe design and use of pressure systems to prevent serious injury. The HSE Approved Code of Practice (PDF, 547KB) (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l122.pdf) includes an appendix on how to apply the regulations in a proportionate manner. The regulations apply to many types of pressure systems, including all pressure systems over 250 bar litres capacity.

The PSSR do not apply to portable gas cylinders and simple welding sets.

Refer to HSE’s guidance on PSSR and pressure systems (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pressure-systems/pssr.htm) for further information.

Gas cylinders for welding

Model risk assessments (http://dt.cleapss.org.uk/Resources/MRATS/) (MRATs) for both gas welding and oxy-acetylene welding recommend that the equipment be inspected by a suitably qualified person every 12 months and the regulators and hoses replaced every 5 years. MRATs are available for all equipment, materials and processes used for design and technology and art.

Storing hazardous substances

Dangerous materials and chemicals need to be stored securely with an an up-to-date inventory. The handling and use of hazardous substances is governed by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/).

Guidance is also available on the storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals in schools (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/storing-and-disposing-of-hazardous-chemicals-in-schools).