Chapter 14 – Health and Safety

Chapter contents

Home Health and Safety Check

First Aid Kit

Home Hygiene and Infection Control

Childhood Accidents

Home Security, CCTV

Heating and Electrics

Fire Prevention

Around the Home

internal doors

stairs

preventing falls

harmful substances

kitchen

bathrooms and bathtime safety

bedrooms and safe sleeping

windows and glass

toys

In the Garden

Sheds, garages, greenhouses, and other outbuildings

appliances and tools

harmful substances

garden equipment and furniture

play equipment

swimming pools

hot tubs and saunas

garden ponds

rivers, lakes, and streams

Leisure

caravans and camping

cycle safety

electric bikes and scooters

motorised vehicles

boats

open water and the beach

sun safety

firearms and weapons

Vehicles

legal requirements

maintenance

car seats

Animals

Pets

Livestock

Placements on Working Farms/Smallholdings

Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS)

Home Health and Safety Check

ISP has a duty to secure the health, safety and welfare of our staff, children, young people and families and any others who use our service.  We therefore carry out a health and safety check at all fostering households to ensure that your home provides a safe environment for children and young people.  This check will happen when you are first assessed to be a foster parent, and as part of your annual review process.

The health and safety check is not about the removal of all risk but about reducing risk to a reasonable level.  If we identify any hazards, we will help you to meet and maintain the required standard of safety for us to place children in your care.  

Complete the mandatory online training course: Health & Safety in the Home

First Aid Kit

Every fostering household should have a first aid kit for the treatment of minor injuries. An additional kit should be kept in each vehicle that is used to transport children.

The first aid kit should contain plasters and dressings to deal with minor injuries, for example:

  • Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
  • Plasters – a variety of sizes
  • Micropore tape
  • Crepe rolled bandages
  • Burn dressings
  • Gauze dressings (small, medium and large)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Safety pins
  • Tweezers

The first aid kit should not contain any medication, and it does not need locking away.

Medication in the home must be stored securely, in accordance with the young people’s risk assessments. The usual requirement is a locked cupboard.

Complete the mandatory training course: Emergency First Aid – book on ‘Learnative’.

Home Hygiene and Infection Control

Home hygiene is about identifying the ‘critical hygiene points’ in the home, taking action to stop the spread of germs, and restricting the spread of illness when it breaks out.

Germs can be present in the home from a number of sources, including:

  • Contaminated food
  • Bacteria, viruses and parasites within the human body that can contaminate hands, equipment, surfaces and food
  • Bacteria, viruses and moulds present in the air

Germs transmit and spread through coughs and sneezes, faeces, vomit, blood, physical contact between surfaces (e.g. from hand to door handle, from dishcloth to work surfaces). Everyone is susceptible to infection but certain people are more vulnerable, e.g. the elderly and people with suppressed immune systems.

Good hygiene

Preventing the spread of infection can be achieved by good hygiene. This includes personal hygiene (e.g. hand washing), environmental hygiene (e.g. cleaning surfaces in the home) and food hygiene (e.g. cooking and storing food hygienically). The task is not to remove all germs from the home, but to remove as many as possible, where there is a risk of them spreading and causing infection. Germs of particular concern include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Norovirus and Influenza.

‘Critical hygiene points’ in the home, where the presence of germs presents a significant risk of the germs spreading and causing infection include:

  • Toilets
  • Cleaning cloths, sponges
  • Hands
  • Kitchen surfaces, chopping boards
  • Taps, door handles
  • Refrigerator
  • Laundry soiled by bodily fluids

Particular care should be taken to ensure that these are regularly cleaned with soap and hot water, using disinfectant/bleach where appropriate. Rapid drying is also effective in controlling germs.

Other parts of the home, where transmission of germs is less likely (e.g. floors, walls, general laundry), should be cleaned with warm water and detergent, wet dusting, dry dusting, vacuuming, and laundering at 40°c.

Personal hygiene advice
  • Washing hands with warm water and antibacterial soap will remove germs.
  • Hands should always be washed before preparing food, immediately after handling raw meat/poultry, before eating, after using the toilet, after contact with contaminated areas such as waste bins, after handling pets and pet cages, and whenever hands are dirty.
  • Any members of the household who have a cold/flu virus should wash their hands with warm water and soap regularly. Use disposable tissues rather than handkerchiefs when unwell with a cold.
  • Wash underwear, personal towels and heavily soiled clothing at 60°c to remove germs.
  • Dry laundry as quickly as possible as germs multiply rapidly in damp conditions. Do not leave wet laundry in the washing machine overnight.
Environmental hygiene advice
  • Regularly change dishcloths. Boil wash/disinfect reusable cloths.
  • Use separate cloths in the kitchen and bathroom, and store them separately.
  • Wear rubber gloves when cleaning the toilet. Do not use these gloves for any other cleaning task.
  • Clean toilet bowls using toilet cleaner and a brush every few days. Remove lime scale build-up. Clean the toilet seat with disinfectant. If a member of the household has diarrhoea and/or vomiting, clean all parts of the toilet with disinfectant every time they use the toilet while they are ill.
  • Regularly change hand towels and tea-towels, and don’t use these to dry anything other than clean hands/clean dishes
  • Clean kitchen surfaces and your fridge regularly.
  • Vacuum carpets and soft furnishings at least weekly. Regular steam cleaning can help remove germs.
  • Don’t allow rubbish to accumulate. Store toys in a clean container or cupboard. Clean toys frequently (scrub with hot water and detergent, or put them in the dishwasher) and put soft toys in the washing machine regularly.
  • Pets carry germs in their faeces, on their fur, paws and in their mouth. Keep pets away from food, dishes and worktops. Ensure pet beds and feeding areas are kept clean and that faeces are removed promptly.
  • Don’t leave food or food debris around either inside the house or outside (picnics, barbecues, take-away food) where it will attract vermin, pets and other animals.
  • If you notice signs of infestation have it dealt with professionally if it is not something you can deal with safely yourself. Clean up scrupulously until the infestation has been dealt with.
Food hygiene advice
  • Keep separate chopping boards for raw and ready to eat foods to avoid cross contamination. Wash boards with hot soapy water and replace any chopping boards that are split or have a worn surface.
  • Open the fridge door as little as possible to maintain a constant temperature. The warmest part of fridge should never exceed 5°C – use a fridge thermometer to measure the temperature.
  • Store washed salad items, cooked and ready to eat items at the top or in the salad compartment, and raw or defrosting meats at the bottom.
  • Keep raw meat in a dish/sealed container in the fridge to avoid meat juices dripping onto other foods, and keep all food in the fridge covered.
  • Cool hot foods to room temperature before refrigerating. Avoid leaving food out of the fridge for longer than 90 minutes.
  • Hands are one of the easiest ways to spread germs. Wash your hands before you start and during preparation, specifically after handling raw meat, and before handling salads and chilled food.
  • Encourage children/young people to wash their hands before eating.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions when preparing food and make sure food is fully cooked. Pay particular attention to barbecued food which may burn on the outside whilst still being raw on the inside.
  • Don’t prepare food if you have diarrhoea and/or vomiting or have infected cuts or sores.

Find information about food safety here.

Childhood Accidents

Children and young people are particularly at risk of accidents for several reasons:

  • They are often absorbed in activity and can be unaware of their surroundings.
  • Young children are often not able to regulate strong emotions and might run blindly into danger when angry or scared.
  • Young children often have a limited perception of risk because of their lack of experience or stage of development. They may also not be aware of the consequences of their actions.
  • Some children enjoy physical play and this can result in pushing, shoving and wrestling with other children – which can result in accidents.
  • Curiosity and a spirit of adventure may lead a child into danger, e.g.
    • Young children might climb inside a chest freezer, washing machine or tumble dryer and be unable to get out again. Use the appliance child lock.
    • Children might try to climb up or inside wardrobes, cupboards and shelving units. Always fix these securely to the wall.

Some children will need a higher level of supervision than the norm, and this will be reflected in the child’s individual risk assessment. The child’s risk assessment will consider their developmental needs, understanding of danger and how they express emotion – including aggression and self-harm.

Find information about prevention of accidents here.

All accidents must be reported to ISP. Please see our Accidents and Incidents – Essential Information for Foster Parents, and our full policy.

Home Security

Exterior doors

The exterior doors to your home should be sufficiently safe to prevent a break-in when the door is locked.

In addition, please ensure that your front door cannot be opened from the outside without a key.

For reasons of fire safety, it is important that family members can leave the home quickly in an emergency. Make sure the front door keys are kept near the front door, preferably in a key cupboard. Do not leave front door keys hanging in the door lock, even on the inside as this is a security risk.

A child lock may be needed on your exterior door to prevent young children from leaving the home unaccompanied, if this could put them at risk of harm.

CCTV

You may choose to install a CCTV system and/or camera doorbell as a security measure to prevent crime on your property. If you own the home, you do not need anybody else’s permission to fit CCTV cameras. However, if you rent, you will need written permission from your landlord or the owner of the property. Ensure that the camera only captures images within the boundaries of your property. If it works beyond this limit then you must ensure that you are compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

We do not advocate the use of CCTV cameras within the home. For the vast majority of homes, they are unnecessary and undesirable. If you feel that there is an exceptional reason for using CCTV within your home, please discuss this with your supervising social worker. If we are in agreement with your request, we will need to obtain the agreement of children’s placing local authorities before CCTV can be used in the home.

Read our CCTV Policy for more information.

Heating and Electrics

Electricity is everywhere in our homes and it is a very useful part of our lives. However, it should also be treated with respect as it can be dangerous.

If the gas appliances in your home are unsafe, you could be at risk of fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.

This section shows what to be alert for, what to check, and what not to do.

Required checks and installations
  • Gas boilers and portable gas appliances must be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We will ask to see evidence of this check when you have your annual review. If you are a tenant, your landlord is responsible for the gas safety check. They must provide you with evidence that the gas appliance is safe.
  • We will ask you to install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Alternative heating appliances (e.g. those that use coal, wood, or oil) must also be serviced annually by an approved tradesperson. Again, we will ask to see evidence of required checks when you have your annual review.
  • Chimneys must be swept by a qualified and approved professional chimney sweep. This should be done at least annually, and in line with professional recommendations depending on choice of fuel.
  • Landlords are also now required to have an electrical safety check every five years. We do not routinely require foster carers who own their own home to obtain such a check, but you may choose to do so or a foster child’s placing local authority may require it.
Danger Signs – Electricity

Watch out for hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow for no obvious reason, flickering lights, scorch marks on sockets or plugs. They are all signs of loose wiring or other problems.

Check that appliance plugs are securely intact. If the coloured wires are visible, not only could they be pulled loose but water and debris could get inside the plug.

Check the power leads of electrical appliances. Frayed, cut or chewed leads are dangerous and the appliance should be replaced. Check extension leads in the same way.

Danger Signs – Gas

Discolouring around gas fires or the top of water heaters may indicate the presence of carbon monoxide. The gas appliance may be less efficient and go out more frequently. You may feel drowsy, have more headaches or feel dizzy when getting up. You might have slight palpitations, stomach pains or diarrhoea.

If a home has only one carbon monoxide detector it should be installed close to sleeping areas, but not within an individual bedroom. This is to ensure that it is adequately loud to wake all people who are asleep if carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels. The ability of the detector alarm to wake everyone should be checked. If that detector is not also clearly audible in the living areas of the house, it is recommended that an extra detector is installed there.

Tips to reduce the risks posed by electricity and gas:
  • Turn off and unplug electrical appliances when you’re not using them.
  • Use the right fuse. This will prevent the product from overheating.
  • Regularly check electrical appliances; if there are any signs of damage get them fixed or replace them.
  • Have gas appliances checked each year by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. If you live in rented accommodation, your landlord must have this done, and provide you with written proof.
  • Be cautious when purchasing second-hand appliances.
  • Don’t be tempted to carry out significant electrical DIY work yourself. ‘Part P’ of the Building Regulations states any significant electrical work has to be undertaken by a qualified electrician or checked by local authority building inspectors. Never be tempted to DIY with gas.
  • If a power lead is split or frayed, don’t tape over it. Water could get in, or the tape could come loose. Never join cables by taping them together.
  • Don’t overload electrical sockets. If you plug too many appliances into an adaptor or extension cable it could become overloaded. Items that use a lot of power e.g. equipment that heats up (kettle, cooker, heaters, washing machines, tumble driers, microwaves, etc.) should not share a socket.
  • Don’t leave power leads where they can be tripped over, near a source of water, or close to the cooker top.
  • Don’t let cables or plugs get wet, and keep liquids away from electrical appliances. In the bathroom, only use electrical equipment which is designed and made for the bathroom.

Find electrical safety advice here.

Find gas safety advice here.

Alert!

Important note: Electrical socket covers are no longer advised. Please follow this link and this link for more information.

Fire Prevention

A household fire can be a serious risk to life and lead to the property and its contents being damaged (either directly, or from smoke or water).

By taking some simple precautions you can reduce the likelihood of a fire starting and significantly reduce the damage caused if one does start.

N.B. Some children may be particularly drawn to fire or have a history of fire-starting. Extra vigilance will be required including the securing of any ignition sources and adequate supervision.

Smoke alarms

A smoke alarm is the simplest single step you can take to cut the risk of dying from fire. The cost of smoke alarms is minimal and some fire authorities may fit them free. If your home is on more than one floor, you should fit at least one smoke alarm on each floor. Check that the alarms are loud enough to wake all sleepers.

Regularly check your smoke alarms to ensure they are still working. It takes a few seconds to test a smoke alarm. You should test your alarm once a week and change the battery once a year (unless it’s mains powered or has a 10-year battery). Twice a year, vacuum the inside to remove dust.

Electrical appliances

Do you have enough sockets to prevent overloading power points? Electrical Safety First has a helpful online calculator to help you find out.

Are any of your electric cables worn or taped up? If they are, they aren’t safe and they should be replaced.

If you have any electric blankets, check for fraying, scorch marks, dampness and loose connections as these are all dangerous. Don’t leave electric blankets switched on at night unless they have thermostatic controls for safe all-night use. Always store them in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use (unless they are designed to be left on, e.g. a DVD player that displays the date and time). In a power cut, switch off electrical appliances until power is restored.

LED lightbulbs are good for children’s lamps as they do not generate heat.

Electric Powered Personal Vehicles (EPPVs)

EPPVs, such as electric bikes and scooters need to be charged carefully to prevent house fires. Please follow this advice, and see the London Fire Brigade’s website for more information:

  • Store and charge EPPVs in a dedicated location outside of the home;
  • Don’t block escape routes in the home with EPPVs or their batteries;
  • Only use the correct charger for the vehicle;
  • Don’t remove batteries from EPPVs or bring them into the home for charging;
  • Charge EPPVs in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

More information is given in the Electric Bikes and Scooters section further down this page.

Heaters and fireplaces

Don’t get too close to heaters and fires. It’s dangerous to sit nearer than one metre (three feet) from a heater or open fire. Put drying clothes a safe distance from heaters or fires – at least a metre. Don’t dry clothes on heaters or fire guards. Also, avoid putting a portable heater where it can be knocked over.

Be aware that children may stand too close to the fire if they are trying to reach something from the mantelpiece or look in a mirror that is placed above a fireplace. Where this is a risk REMOVE the item or mirror.

Open fires should have a fireguard (which meets BS6539) fitted. Other hot surfaces which present a significant risk should also be provided with a guard or cover if they cannot be placed out of children’s reach.

When having a fireplace fitted (including the fire surround), please use a suitably qualified and experienced installer, and ensure they follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. There have been a number of child deaths in recent years caused by falling fire surrounds that had been inappropriately self-installed. These have included:

  • Fireplaces fitted to walls that are insufficiently strong to take the weight of the surround.
  • Fireplaces glued to walls, with no screws.
  • Insufficient screws or incorrect screws used.
  • Second-hand fire surrounds self-installed, with no manufacturer installation instructions available.

Has your chimney been swept? If you have an open fire, you must have your chimney professionally swept at least once a year and in line with professional recommendations depending on choice of fuel. You will be asked to provide evidence of this at your annual health and safety check.

Flammable products and materials

Is your upholstered furniture fire-resistant? If it was made before 1988 then it might not be fire-resistant, which means it could set alight easily and produce clouds of toxic smoke. Check the label on your furniture to be sure. Ensure furniture and furnishings are not too close to sources of heat which could cause them to catch fire, e.g. open fires, candles etc.

Are aerosols and flammable materials stored correctly, away from heat sources and away from children? Aerosols should not be stored on window ledges as the heat from the sun can cause them to explode. Always store these items in cool places.

Don’t store combustible items under the stairs; a fire could cut off your emergency exit.

Keep matches and lighters away from children.

Never leave candles unattended. Keep candles in a stable holder, on a heat-resistant surface and away from flammable materials.

Cooking

Is the cooker clear of flammable objects? Keep wires, cloths and oven gloves away from the cooker top. Never leave pans unattended on the hob, and turn pan handles away from the room so that they cannot be accidentally knocked.

Don’t overfill chip pans. It is dangerous to fill them more than a third full. If the oil starts to smoke don’t put food in – leave the pan to cool. Make sure the food you’re cooking is dry. Thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers are much safer than chip pans. In the event of a chip pan fire, don’t move the burning pan, and don’t throw water over it. Use a fire blanket to extinguish the fire, or a damp towel. If you cannot extinguish the fire quickly, leave the house and call 999.

Fire Evacuation Plan

At your initial Household Health & Safety check, you will create a Fire Evacuation Plan. This will be reviewed, and updated when you have your annual review.

Include everyone who lives in your home. Everyone, including children, should know exactly what to do if there is a fire.

  • Choose an escape route – the easiest way out. Pick a second escape route in case the first is blocked by fire.
  • Always keep the door and window keys in the same place. Tell everyone where they are kept.
  • Keep the escape route clear of obstructions.
  • Close interior doors at night to limit the spread of fire.
  • Test your smoke alarm every week to make sure it will go off in the event of fire.
Emergency action

If you are unable to escape from the home in the event of fire, take the following action:

  • Get everyone into one room – ideally one with a window that opens and a phone.
  • Shut the door and put bedding/cushions along the bottom of the door to keep smoke out of the room.
  • Open the window and shout for help.
  • Phone 999 and tell them your location in the home.

For more information about fire prevention, detection and escape, visit here.

Around the Home

Internal doors

Most internal doors do not need to be lockable, and children must never be locked in a room. However, certain rooms may need to be locked for privacy and/or safety reasons:

  • Bathroom doors need to be fitted with a privacy lock. It is important that the lock can be overridden from the outside in an emergency.
  • If a room contains equipment or materials that could pose a safety risk for children, the room should be locked when not in use. This may include a home gym or cellar. The key should be kept out of reach of children.

If your home has a balcony, please ensure that the balcony door is kept locked if nobody is on the balcony or in the room that leads to the balcony. If the balcony is purely decorative, and the doors serve as a window for the room, then the door to the room that leads to the balcony may need to be lockable to prevent access by young children.

You may use baby gates on internal doors to prevent access to rooms by young children. This might include the door to the kitchen.

Internal glazed doors must contain safety glass. If the door was constructed prior to 2005, please check that the glass is safe, and take professional advice to make it safe if needed.

Stairs

Stair treads need to be secure, with no slip risk.

Banisters must have a maximum 10cm (4 inches) between rails. Glass banisters must be constructed from toughened safety glass. Open stairways, with no banister, are not safe and should never be installed in a family home.

Please ensure that all stairways have a handrail positioned at a suitable height for children.

Fit stair gates to prevent young children falling downstairs, preferably the retractable style. Avoid gates which have a bottom bar over which someone could trip and fall downstairs.

Please do not let children play on stairs as this increases the risk of a fall.

Preventing falls

Falls are the most common cause of accidental injury to people of all ages.

There are two basic types of fall:

  1. Elevated falls or falls from heights, such as falls from ladders or roofs, down stairs or from jumping to a lower level. These falls can result in serious injury and even death.
  2. Same level falls, generally caused by slips or trips:
Hazard awareness

Within our own homes we may become complacent about slip, trip or fall hazards. Because we are aware of that loose carpet or trailing cable, we automatically step over it or avoid it; however, when other people enter our home they will not be aware of it and therefore will not take appropriate precautions. Also, children will often forget safety advice, e.g. not to run through the kitchen. 

The age of the child and their capabilities will influence the level of risk. You should bear this in mind when considering the risks of falls e.g. could a child…

  • Fall out of bed or from a chair?
  • Fall from a window or balcony?
  • Be more at risk from obstructions?

Changes in floor level can sometimes cause problems and extra care should be taken where children are playing with ride-on toys such as tricycles or using wheelchairs.

You should also consider the risk of things falling onto the child or the child running into things, e.g:

  • Obstructions at the child’s head-height such as shelves, coat hooks, tables and sharp corners on furniture.
  • Large glazed areas the child could run into.
  • Furniture such as tables.
  • Items which can fall upon a child e.g.
    • items placed near the edge of the table, which curious children could reach for and pull down.
    • saucepans on the hob that could be pulled if the handles are within reach.
  • Toy chest lids without anti-slam protection.
  • Furniture which could fall onto the child if not fixed to the wall.
  • Overloaded shelving/racking etc. Missing or loose fixings may cause items to collapse or fall.
  • Glassware, china or heavy ornaments accessible to child.
Safety advice
  • Fit stair gates to prevent young children falling downstairs, preferably the retractable style. Avoid gates which have a bottom bar over which someone could trip and fall downstairs.
  • Use double-sided tape under rugs to prevent slipping.
  • Use anti-slip mats in baths and showers. Also provide a mat for the bathroom floor if it is slippery when wet.
  • Improve the lighting in the home, especially on areas such as stairs (use a 2-way switch so that the light can be operated at both the top and bottom of the stairs).
  • Stairs and any ramps should not be too steep. They should have non-slip surfaces.
  • Ensure handrails are available on all staircases. These should be secure and at a suitable height for the child.
  • Balustrades must be of adequate strength and their heights sufficient to prevent a fall over them. Gaps in balustrades must be no wider than 10cms. There must be no horizontal bars or other parts which children could climb.
  • Don’t place furniture, which children could climb on, near windows or balustrades on landings or balconies.
  • In children’s bedrooms and communal areas where there is a risk of falls from windows, use limiters to restrict the window openings to 100mm or less.
  • Clean up spills and debris straight away. Remove damp leaves and other vegetation from pathways.
  • Never leave babies alone on any furniture – beds, tables, sofas, cots with sides down, or changing tables. Avoid bunk beds for children under the age of 6 or who are more at risk of falling.
  • Don’t overload pushchairs with bags as this could cause them to tip or collapse.
  • Don’t leave ladders/stepladders accessible to children.
  • Avoid using baby walkers if there are changes in level and never use baby bouncers on raised surfaces.

Find information about prevention of accidents here

Harmful substances

Many common household substances such as cleaning materials, cosmetics, medicines, plants, alcohol, glue, insecticides and other chemicals such as paint and white spirit can be dangerous. They can cause harm if they are inhaled, swallowed, touch or scratch the skin, or if they are splashed e.g. on clothes or in eyes.

Most adults understand the risk associated with these substances but a baby, child or young person may not. They may be attracted by packaging, want to copy adult use, be at a stage of testing everything by mouth or use the products in an unexpected way. Your job is to protect them from these products and their actions.

What you need to do will depend on the age and ability of the child you are looking after, however here are some general guidelines:

Do:
  • Lock up medicines, vitamins and chemicals, and keep alcohol out of reach.
  • Keep batteries away from children if there is a risk they may put them in or near their mouths. Dispose of batteries safely.
  • Make sure mouse baits/traps or other pest control products are inaccessible to children. Use enclosed bait boxes.
  • Ensure that children cannot access and drink from non-drinking water sources.
Don’t:
  • Never mix chemicals.
  • Never transfer chemicals into other containers for storage.
  • Supervise children in areas where chemicals are being used.
  • Don’t have children with you if you are using volatile cleaning products or other chemicals for household tasks.
REMEMBER: 

It is not only chemicals that can cause harm. Other everyday items can too:

  • Small items such as toys or fridge magnets can cause choking. If there is any reasonable doubt about whether a toy is suitable for a young child under 3 years old or the child is at risk of choking on a toy, a choke hazard test should be carried out. A suitable tester is available at http://www.safetots.co.uk.
  • Plastic bags and other packaging may cause asphyxiation.
  • Tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigarette butts are toxic when eaten.
  • Baths, rivers, paddling pools, garden ponds and even buckets of water could result in drowning if the child is not adequately supervised.
  • Hot water, kettles, pans and unprotected heaters can cause scalds and burns – ensure you check the temperature of water to be used for washing; fit thermostatic valves on baths and basins to avoid excessive water temperatures.
  • Cords on window blinds or clothes, cables etc. could be a strangulation hazard
  • Ensure that you dispose of items safely. Some children may remove items from waste bins.
General guidelines

Kitchen

You may need to use a door gate on the kitchen door if you are looking after very young children or disabled children for whom the kitchen is a high-risk area.

Some appliances and equipment in the kitchen can pose a risk to the user – or to unsupervised children. This includes things which are:

  • serrated, sharp or pointed
  • hot, cold or freezing
  • heavy or awkward to use
  • mechanical, electrical or battery-powered

When you are caring for very young children or disabled children who lack risk-awareness, you may need to keep hazardous kitchen equipment in cupboards that are locked or out-of-reach. If you have a chest freezer, please ensure it is kept locked to prevent the possibility that a young child might climb in and become trapped.

Most children will learn to use kitchen equipment under supervision as they grow and develop life skills. If a child or young person is helping you or pursuing their own activity using tools or other equipment, make sure they know how to use them safely. Have a routine with them for tidying up and putting things away.

Cooker and hob safety
  • Is the cooker clear of flammable objects?
  • Keep wires, cloths, and oven gloves away from the cooker top.
  • Never leave pans unattended on the hob, and turn handles away from the room so that they cannot be accidentally knocked or grabbed by small children.
  • Do you have a cooker guard to protect young children from hot surfaces? This is particularly helpful if you have an electric hob.
Hazardous substances

Most kitchens are used to store household cleaning products including washing detergent and bleach. Please ensure that young children are not able to get hold of these. As they are typically stored under the sink, you may need to fix child locks to the cupboard doors. Always keep cleaning products in their original packaging.

Bathroom and bathtime safety

Bathroom doors need to be fitted with a privacy lock. It is important that the lock can be overridden from the outside in an emergency.

Baths and showers should have anti-slip surfaces, or a non-slip mat attached when in use.

The only electrical sockets in bathrooms should be shaver points. Electrical appliances must not be taken into bathrooms with extension leads from hallway/landing sockets.

Bathtime safety

Baths are the most common place for babies and young children to drown.

Babies and children can drown in as little as 5cm (2 inches) of water. Drowning is one of the common causes of child death – it’s often silent, so you won’t necessarily hear any noise or struggle.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises:

“Once your child is in the bath, it’s vital you watch over them. Tragically, children have drowned when their parent or carer has turned their back for a few seconds to grab a towel. It really can happen that quickly.”

Children under 8 still need to be actively supervised in and around water (Child Accident Prevention Trust)

NHS Bath Time Advice

  • Stay with the baby or toddler the whole time they’re in the bath. Never leave them for a moment.
  • If you use a bath seat, remember that it’s not a safety device. You still need to stay with them all the time.
  • Empty the bath as soon as you’ve taken the child out.
  • Keep them within arms’ length at all times.
  • Give them your full attention (leave phones outside the bathroom).
  • Only adults should be left in charge of a child or baby in the bath (not older siblings).
  • Bathe the child in the smallest amount of water possible.
  • If you need to move away from the bathroom, take the child with you.

Important
  • Children aged 5 or under should always have constant supervision while bathing.
  • Children with disabilities and complex needs may need supervision until a later age than other children.
  • Children up to the age of 8 should still have a level of appropriate supervision to ensure their safety.
  • Children’s safe care plans should reference bathtime routines and make clear the level of supervision that is required at bathtime and how this should be carried out in relation to age and ability.


For further advice: https://www.rospa.com/resources/hubs/keeping-kids-safe/bath-time

Harmful substances

Most bathrooms are used to store shampoo, shower gel, and other personal hygiene products, and they often also contain household cleaning products such as bleach. Please ensure that young children are not able to get hold of these. You may need to fix child locks to the cupboard doors. Always keep cleaning products in their original packaging.

Bedrooms and safer sleeping

If you are caring for a baby, including within a parent-and-child placement, please ensure you are familiar with our Safer Sleeping Procedure.

The guidance in this section is intended to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death. This guidance is based on advice from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust and must be followed during the daytime as well as at night.

This guidance is also intended to reduce the risk of accidents.

The Child Specific Safer Care Plan for children aged 0-3 years includes a safe sleeping section and your supervising social worker will discuss expectations with you.

The following are some key pieces of guidance from our Safer Sleeping Procedure. Please refer to the procedure for full details.
  • Babies must sleep in the same room as their care giver for at least their first 6 months (for premature babies it is 6 months from their due date).
  • The safest place for babies to sleep is in their own moses basket or cot. Never fall asleep with baby.
  • Avoid using ‘next-to-me’/bedside cots.
  • Babies must be laid on their backs to sleep, with their feet near the foot of the cot.
  • Keep the baby’s environment smoke-free at all times.
  • Babies’ sleeping areas must be between 16-20°C.
  • Babies must not be allowed to get too hot whilst sleeping:
    • Use lightweight bedding that is well-fitted, not loose and tucked in.
    • A sheet and blanket, or a baby sleeping bag is the only bedding advised by the NHS for babies.
    • Don’t cover the baby’s head while they are sleeping
    • Do not position cots / moses baskets under a window or near a radiator
  • Use a new mattress for each baby. Mattresses must be firm and waterproof.
  • Keep babies’ sleep spaces flat and clear – no pillows, quilts, bumpers,
  • Do not use cot mobiles for babies 4 months and over, or babies who are starting to become mobile.
  • Do not use neck cords (e.g. with dummies and biccie pegs).
  • Remove bibs before sleep.
  • Travel cots must not be used in place of a standard cot for permanent or long-term use.
  • Babies must not sleep for long periods in swings or bouncers.
  • Babies must not sleep for long periods in car seats (maximum of 2 hours). For premature or low-weight babies, a maximum of 30 minutes applies.
  • If using a baby carrier or sling, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keeping the baby in an upright position is advised.
Older children

When the cot mattress is at its lowest height and the top rail is below the child’s chest, move the child to a bed.

Keep other furniture away from cots to prevent toddlers from climbing out. Also keep furniture away from the window to prevent young children from climbing on to the ledge.

Ensure that heavy furniture is attached to the wall as young children may try to climb up shelves, or inside wardrobes and cause them to topple over.

The use of side rails

If a child is at risk of falling from their bed, you might need to use a side rail. There are many types, designs and sizes of side rails, all with a variety of fitting and operation methods. That, together with the range of beds and mattresses, means that you will need to choose carefully.

On selecting a bed rail the following should be considered.

  • Has the supplier or manufacturer provided enough information for its use?
  • Are the side rails suitable for the bed/mattress to which it will be fitted?
  • Could the child climb over the bed rail and fall?
  • Could the child’s head pass between the side rails’ bars?
  • Is the child’s head or body small enough to pass through the gap between the bed rails and the mattress?

There is more information about bed rails here.

Read more information about safe sleep at The Lullaby Trust.

Bunk beds

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommend that children under the age of six years do not use the upper bunk of a bunk bed. They also caution against the use of the lower bunk as there have been incidents where toddlers have become trapped.

Most accidents involving bunk beds happen when children are playing on them. Young children will need to be supervised in bedrooms where there are bunk beds to prevent them from accessing the upper bunk, from which they could fall. Children should be encouraged not to play on bunk beds.

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets are heavy blankets filled with a material such as plastic pellets to apply deep pressure. They are advertised and marketed for “therapeutic purposes, self-calming and sensory regulation”.

Research into the efficacy of the blankets is, however, limited. The Royal College of Occupational Therapy has identified some safety concerns and in particular a risk of suffocation, difficulty breathing, feeling sick and an increase in temperature. The risk of suffocation makes them especially dangerous for babies and young children.

As a general principle, ISP does not promote the use of weighted blankets, and you should not use one without the consent of the child’s social worker. However, a health professional may have recommended a weighted blanket, and some children will bring one to placement with them and are accustomed to using it. The local authority can agree how it is to be used in the child’s Placement Plan.

Follow these safety guidelines when using a weighted blanket.
  • Blanket used with adult supervision;
  • The child must be able to remove the blanket themselves;
  • Limit use to 20 minutes at a time;
  • Do not cover the child’s head or neck with the blanket;
  • Don’t use the blanket overnight;
  • Do not roll the child up in the blanket – place it over them;
  • The blanket should fit the child’s size and not drape over the edge of the bed;
  • Never use a blanket to restrain a child;
  • The maximum weight of the blanket should be no more than 10% of the child’s body weight.
If the child shows any of the following reactions, remove the blanket immediately and seek medical advice if there is no immediate resolution of the symptoms:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Increased temperature/feeling too hot
  • Behavioural or physical reaction that might suggest the child is anxious
Do not use a weighted blanket if the child has any of the following health conditions:
  • Respiratory problems
  • Cardiac problems
  • Serious hypotonia
  • Skin conditions including allergies
  • Circulatory problems

See the following links for professional information and advice about weighted blankets:

Windows and glass

Glazed exterior and interior doors need to contain safety glass. If your door was constructed prior to 2005, please check that the glass is safe, and take professional advice to make it safe if needed.

Glass furniture has been required to contain safety glass since 2005. If furniture is older than this, please seek professional advice regarding the safety of glass surfaces. Safety glass is not indestructible, but is designed to shatter into tiny pieces if broken. Children should not be allowed to stand or sit on glass surfaces.

Upstairs windows should have safety features to prevent a fall from height. Window locks or limiters to restrict opening beyond 10cm (4 inches) will make your windows safe for young children.

Cords on window blinds or clothes, cables, etc. could be a strangulation hazard. Newly-manufactured blinds are ‘safe by design’ which means that they will either not have loose cords, or cords will be designed to break under pressure. A cleat will also be supplied in this instance to secure the cords to the wall.

Please check that your blinds are safe; If your blinds have loose cords, you must ensure that you have a safety cleat to secure the cords. We may ask you to replace old blinds to ensure safety for children.

Toys

Only use toys which meet the required safety standards. Thousands of children are injured each year in accidents involving toys.

When selecting toys consider whether there is a risk of choking:

  • If children are likely to place the toys in their mouths, consider whether small parts could come off and choke them.
  • Is the hair/fluff on stuffed animals and dolls secure?  Are seams intact? 
  • Is there a string or cord on the toy longer than 20cms? A cord can easily be wrapped around a young child’s neck, risking strangulation.

If there is any reasonable doubt about whether a toy is suitable for a young child under 3 years old or that they may be at risk of choking on a toy, a choke hazard test should be carried out. A suitable tester is available here.

General safety guidance
  • Supervise young children at play.
  • Always follow warnings and instructions provided on toys.
  • Make sure the toy is suitable for the child. Many toys come with recommended age labels but you must also consider whether it is suited to the individual child’s ability and stage of development.
  • Regularly check the toys remain in good condition and throw away damaged toys.
  • Look for the official European Community (CE) symbol on the toy. This is a claim by the supplier that their toy meets the requirements of the EC Toy Safety Directive.
  • Look also for the British Toy Manufacturers Association ‘Lion Mark’. One of the requirements of this trade association is that members’ toys will meet the safety requirements.
  • Don’t significantly alter or modify toys.

In the Garden

Sheds, Garages, Greenhouses and other Outbuildings

Children must not have unrestricted access to these buildings, as they often contain equipment, tools and chemicals that pose a risk to young children.

Children’s access and the level of supervision you put in place will vary depending on the child’s individual risk factors. Discuss this with your supervising social worker. As a general rule, keep these buildings locked when not in use, and store the key out of reach of children. Supervise children when in these buildings, and store equipment, appliances, tools, and chemicals in lockable cupboards wherever possible.

Choose greenhouses and cold frames that are made with safety glass. If you have plate glass, apply a safety film over the top.

See Appliances and tools, and Harmful Substances below for more information about how to safeguard children in these areas.

Appliances and Tools

Some appliances, equipment and tools can pose a risk to the user – or to unsupervised children. This includes things which are:

  • serrated, sharp or pointed
  • hot, cold or freezing
  • heavy or awkward to use
  • folding or unsteady
  • self-locking
  • mechanical, electrical or battery-powered
  • gas, petrol or oil-powered or
  • involve water and/or high pressure.

This includes appliances and tools commonly found in the garage and garden shed; leisure equipment such as trampolines, bicycles and fishing tackle.

Some items are hazardous for anyone to use without proper care and sometimes training is required for safe use of equipment. Children and young people would not usually have access to these items. They might, however, use common household tools and appliances under supervision as they grow and develop life skills. If a child or young person is helping you, or pursuing their own activity using tools or other equipment, make sure they know how to use them safely. Have a routine with them for tidying up and putting things away.

Supervise young children at all times in the garden. If they are helping you with gardening tasks, give them age/ability-appropriate tools and don’t let them use chemicals or help to mow the lawn.

Harmful Substances

Some garden and house plants are toxic, some sting or are thorny. Pebbles can also be a choking hazard, and toddlers have been known to eat soil. Supervise very young children while they are playing in the garden until they learn that they must not touch or eat the plants.

It may be possible to fence off a safe area of the garden near the house for the child to play in. Some flexible playpen systems are suitable for use in the garden as well.

Get information about harmful garden plants here.

Many common household and garden substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and other chemicals such as paint and white spirit can be dangerous. They can cause harm if they are inhaled, swallowed, touch or scratch the skin, or if they are splashed e.g. on clothes or in eyes.

Most adults understand the risk associated with these substances but a child or young person may not. They may be attracted by packaging, want to copy adult use, or use the products in an unexpected way. Your job is to protect them from these products and their actions. What you need to do will depend on the age and ability of the child you are looking after.

General guidelines
  • Lock up all cleaning solutions and chemicals that you use in the garden. Make sure they are out of reach of young children.
  • Make sure mouse baits/traps or other pest control products are inaccessible to children. Use enclosed bait boxes.
  • Ensure that children cannot access and drink any non-drinking water sources.
  • Never mix chemicals.
  • Never transfer chemicals into other containers for storage.
  • Always supervise children in areas where chemicals are being used.
  • Don’t have children with you if you are using volatile cleaning products or other chemicals for household tasks.
Alert!

If you have a septic tank in the garden, please ensure that it is well-maintained and that children cannot access the lid.

General guidelines

Garden equipment and furniture

Garden safety tips:
  • Check around the garden for items that are unstable such as benches or rotten trees. Ensure that railings and fences are not spiky and that wood is not splintering.
  • Check that there are no items that could fall down onto a child e.g. loose tiles.
  • Be aware that items such as stones could be used as a missile and use appropriate controls such as removal, supervision, etc.
  • Keep the washing line away from play equipment and above the child’s head height.
  • Cover rotary washing lines when they are not in use, or ideally put them away in a shed or garage.
  • Position outdoor heating devices and barbecues on stable, level ground, away from children’s play areas. Children must be supervised in the garden when these devices are in use or still hot.

Play equipment

When visiting a park, it can be assumed that play equipment has been built and installed with child safety in mind. Equipment can be damaged, however, and a quick check to ensure it remains in good condition is always a good idea. Only allow children to play on age-appropriate equipment.

When purchasing outdoor play equipment for your garden, make sure that it is appropriate for the age and ability of the child, and buy equipment that conforms to safety standards. Position equipment over something soft like a mat or well-watered grass. Check play equipment at home regularly to ensure it remains in good condition and all the nuts and bolts are still tight.

General safety guidance
  • Supervise young children at play.
  • Always follow warnings and instructions provided on toys.
  • Make sure the toy is suitable for the child. Many toys come with recommended age labels but you must also consider whether it is suited to the individual child’s ability and stage of development.
  • Regularly check the toys remain in good condition and throw away damaged toys.
  • Check garden swings and slides. Are they robust and safely fixed? Check they don’t pose a strangulation risk.
  • Look for the official European Community (CE) symbol on the toy. This is a claim by the supplier that their toy meets the requirements of the EC Toy Safety Directive.
  • Look also for the British Toy Manufacturers Association ‘Lion Mark’. One of the requirements of this trade association is that members’ toys will meet the safety requirements.
  • Don’t significantly alter or modify toys.
  • Don’t leave children unsupervised in and around water/paddling pools.
  • Always encourage children to wear appropriate protective clothing/equipment
Trampolines

Trampolines can be great fun and are very popular among children. They are, however, associated with accidental injury. If you have a trampoline or are thinking about buying one you should consider the following safety points:

Purchasing: Only buy trampolines from a reputable retailer. Make sure the trampoline is fitted with safety pads that cover the springs, hooks, and frame. Safety netting reduces the chance of the child falling off the trampoline and can be purchased separately. Make sure that the trampoline is suitable for the child’s age and ability.

Positioning: You should make sure you have adequate space to safely position the trampoline away from any hazards such as walls, trees, greenhouses, washing lines, etc. There should be at least 2.5 metres clearance all the way around the trampoline. Place the trampoline on an energy-absorbing surface such as sand, bark, or mats.

Play: Set strict ground rules with the children before allowing them to use the trampoline. This includes agreeing that only 1 person will use the trampoline at one time, no jewellery, no jumping off the trampoline and no somersaults. Trampolines are not suitable for toddlers or very young children.

Always supervise children when they are using the trampoline. This is, however, no guarantee of safety.

Sandpits

We recommend buying sandpits from a reputable supplier so that it conforms to British Standards for children’s play equipment. Buy a sandpit with a lid, and use ‘play sand’. Change the sand at least annually, and more often if it is visibly dirty or if any bodily fluid has been in contact with the sand. Do not allow pets to go in the sandpit.

If you are making your own sandpit, make sure that it has adequate drainage and a sturdy cover to keep the sand clean when it is not in use.

Paddling pools

Supervise young children at all times when they are enjoying the paddling pool. It is possible for a young child to drown in very shallow water. All the while the paddling pool contains water, young children must not be in the garden without an adult.

At the end of the day, empty the paddling pool to prevent accidental drowning and maintain hygiene. Clean the pool and put it away as soon as possible.

Please read this advice for parents on the prevention of drowning:

Swimming Pools

Water safety is a vital consideration to avoid accidental death. On average, 40-50 children drown each year in the UK. Please read the following sections and protect your children when they are enjoying the water. You can find extended information and advice at RoSPA’s website:

https://www.rospa.com/Leisure-Safety/Water/Advice/Children-Young-People.aspx

Teaching your child to swim at a young age helps to protect them against drowning. Most local swimming pools offer swimming lessons. Please explore these opportunities if children are unable to swim unaided.

If you have a swimming pool at home, we will discuss the necessary safeguards with you during your home safety risk assessment. We will ask you to always supervise children in the pool, and make sure that they cannot access the pool without an adult.

Access to a home swimming pool should be restricted by use of fencing or a secure gate/door. You might choose to also install an alarm to alert you to any unauthorised access. Pool covers are not a sufficient method to restrict access, and they do come with potential risks. Read this advice for more information.

Swimming pools should be well-maintained and water hygiene checked before use. Always store pool chemicals securely. See the section on harmful substances for more information.

Supervise children at all times when they are in a swimming pool (appropriate to their age and development). This includes on holiday, even if the pool has lifeguards on duty.

If you have a swimming pool at home, we would advise you to have additional First Aid/Life Saving training, including the use of CPR. First Aid advice is available from the Royal lifesaving Society UK. You should also have a lifesaving device by the pool such as a torpedo buoy/rope or reach pole.

Please read this advice for parents on the prevention of drowning:

Hot tubs and saunas

Hot tubs

These are an increasingly popular addition to the home garden and holiday accommodation. They are, however, several potential risks including bacterial infection and drowning. If you have a hot tub at home, we will discuss the necessary safeguards with you during your home safety risk assessment.

Children and young people must not use a hot tub without an adult present, and they are not suitable for young children who cannot regulate their body temperature. There is no legal age restriction on the use of hot tubs, but RoSPA considers that hot tubs should not be used by children under 5. We will ask for the consent of children’s social workers before allowing them to use a hot tub.

Read RoSPA’s advice about hot tubs here.

When the hot tub is not in use, please cover it and lock the lid.

Regularly test the water quality in the hot tub, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Store cleaning chemicals in a secure place, where children cannot find them. See the section on harmful substances for more information.

Hygiene is particularly important when it comes to hot tubs. Everyone should shower before entering the hot tub, and nobody should use it if they have an infectious illness or an open wound, however small, as this can lead to bacterial infection.

It is also important never to submerge your head in a hot tub as hair can be caught in the filtration system.

Saunas

If you have a sauna at home, or at holiday accommodation, and a young person would like to use it, we will ask their social worker for permission. Like hot tubs, saunas are not suitable for young children, who cannot regulate their body temperature. Leisure facilities typically do not allow young people under 16 to use a sauna.

If a child has a pre-existing medical condition then a doctor should be asked for advice about whether the use of a sauna is safe.

Safety advice suggests that when young people do use a sauna, they should do so for no more than 15 minutes at a time, and should drink plenty of water afterwards to re-hydrate. An adult should always supervise young people in a sauna and it should be locked when not in use.

Garden ponds

If you have a garden pond, we will ask you to cover this with a rigid metal grille or fence it off to avoid unsupervised access by children. Please read this pond advice provided by RoSPA:

Children should always be supervised when by the pond, e.g. watching the fish.

Rivers, lakes and streams

If your garden has access to a river, stream or lake, we will discuss this with you during your home health and safety assessment. It is important that children cannot access the water without appropriate adult supervision. Depending on the location of the water, you may need fencing or a gate to ensure that children cannot access the water unsupervised. Children should not be at the water’s edge without an adult, and should not go into water (e.g. for pond or stream dipping without an adult).

Rivers and lakes can be dangerous places to swim. The depth of the water can be difficult to assess, it is cold and there may be hidden hazards under the water, including discarded refuse and reeds/plants. There may also be undercurrents that pose a risk, even to children who can swim. Children should only enter rivers and lakes as part of organised water sports, with appropriately trained adult supervisors. They should be wearing the appropriate clothing and safety equipment for the activity.

Leisure

Caravans and camping

If you have a caravan, or any camping equipment, we will complete a risk assessment form with you and discuss the safety of these for children.

If young people are going to share a bedroom or tent then our ‘bedroom sharing risk assessment’ will also be completed before this is agreed.

The risk assessment considers:

  • the camping site (e.g. if it’s near a lake, or close to a road)
  • the safety of heating and electric sources
  • safe sleeping arrangements
  • physical security
  • hazardous substances
  • general maintenance

Caravans and tents might not be safe and secure for some young people, and the child’s individual risk assessment will also need to be taken into account. Your supervising social worker will discuss this with you if there are any concerns.

Cycle Safety

Getting children involved in cycling at an early age is a great way of keeping them fit and healthy. You must, however, also consider safety and accident prevention.

Make sure that the bike is the right size for the child. They should be able to place the balls of their feet on the floor while sitting on the bike. If you buy the bike from a reputable retailer, they will be able to advise on the most appropriate type and size. They will also be able to supply you with other safety equipment that you need, and maybe even a cycle service plan.

If the cycle is to be used when it is dark, make sure that it is fitted with lights and reflectors. All bikes should have a bell or a horn too.

Young people must be provided with a cycle helmet and encouraged to wear it whenever they ride their bike, especially if they are riding on public roads. They should also wear bright clothing when riding on the road so that other road users can see them clearly. We recommend long-sleeved tops and long trousers when cycling to reduce injury during a fall. Young children might also need knee and elbow protectors while they are learning to ride a bike.

Wherever possible, young people should use dedicated cycle routes, paths, and lanes as these are often safer than the road. When young people need to ride on roads, they should know the basic skills required and have good road sense. Cycle training courses are a good method of providing this.

It is dangerous to wear a personal stereo or use a mobile phone whilst cycling.

Find out about cycle safety training for children here.

For road safety information see here.

Electric Bikes and Scooters

UK law restricts the use of electric bikes and scooters.

Young people can ride an electric bike if they are 14 years old. They do not need to register the bike and they do not need tax or insurance.

If a young person is using an electric bike, they should follow the same safety advice for pushbikes. The bike must be well-maintained, with lights and reflectors, a bell or horn, and the young person must have a cycle helmet.

Electric scooters are popular with young people. However, it is illegal to ride them on a public road, cycle lane, public footpath, or a council park. Young people can only ride them on private land, with the land-owner’s permission.

Some councils have introduced schemes for the legal hire of electric scooters. However, young people must be over 16 and have at least a provisional driving licence to hire one. They would also need motor vehicle insurance.

Advice regarding electric bikes and scooters – fire risk

The number of people using e-bikes and e-scooters is increasing. E-bikes and e-scooters use large lithium-ion batteries which can present a serious risk of serious fire or explosion in certain circumstances. While these can be used safely, there have been an increasing number of fires involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including standard bikes which have been changed to an e-bike using a conversion kit.

The government guidance if using these types of bikes or scooters must be followed.
 

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an important safety message, highlighting the steps people should take when owning or buying an e-bike or e-scooter.

  • Step 1: RESEARCH – only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews
  • Step 2: READ – always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters
  • Step 3: CHECK – not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger
  • Step 4: CHARGE – always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
  • Step 5: NEVER – attempt to modify or tamper with your battery
The warning signs your e-bike or e-scooter battery is a fire hazard

A fire can develop quickly, within a few seconds, and often without warning. Formation of smoke or a white vapour cloud indicate the start of battery failure and fire. Listed below are other signs that your battery is a fire hazard.

You must stop using or charging your battery immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Overheating: If your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch
  • Deformation: If your battery looks swollen. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device.
  • Noise: If your battery is making hissing or cracking sounds.
  • Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery
  • Performance: If your battery does not fully charge or is taking longer to charge than normal
  • Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking.
How to reduce the risk of fires from your e-bikes or e-scooters’ lithium battery

The majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters have happened in homes. These fires often happen when charging batteries. There are a number of ways you can reduce the risk of fire when charging your e-bike or e-scooter battery in the home;

  • Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked – for example, hallways
  • Don’t leave your battery charging unattended, when you are out or while you are asleep.
  • Don’t cover chargers or battery packs while charging
  • Fit smoke alarms in the area where you charge your batteries and test them once a month to make sure they work.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product.
  • Always use the manufacturer-approved battery and charger.
  • If you need a replacement battery or charger for your e-bike or e-scooter go directly back to the manufacturer or retailer you bought it from to ensure its safe.
  • Regularly inspect your product and check for damage or warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.
  • Don’t attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.
  • Only buy e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers and manufacturers
  • Check the product is marked with a CE or UKCA mark to ensure they comply with UK product safety standards


This list is non-exhaustive and further safety procedures can be found on https://fireengland.uk/fire-safety/charging-your-e-bike-or-e-scooter

For Further Advice-:

https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/lithium-batteries/charging-electric-bike-and-electric-scooter-lithium-batteries/How to keep your home safe when charging your e-bike or e-scooter | Fire England

Motorised vehicles

If you have any motorised vehicles on the premises (e.g. motorbike, quad bike, jet ski) or hire these for activities with young people, we will complete a risk assessment form with you to ensure that the young people’s safety is protected. We will look at:

  • Training for young people
  • Safety equipment
  • Supervision
  • Maintenance of the vehicles
  • Storage of the vehicle/s and their keys

We will also make sure that the young person’s social worker has given the activity their approval.

You will be responsible for ensuring that legal requirements are met (i.e. registration, licence, MOT, road tax, and insurance) and we may ask to see the evidence. See the following online resources for information about requirements:

https://www.gov.uk/quad-bikes-the-rules

https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped

Boats

If you own a boat/canoe or hire one for use with young people, we will complete a risk assessment form with you, to ensure that the young people are safe.

We will look at:

  • First Aid and lifesaving training
  • Training for young people when they are in charge of a craft
  • Safety equipment
  • Supervision
  • Maintenance of the boat
  • Emergency procedures

You will be responsible for ensuring that legal requirements are met (e.g. licence, Boat Safety Scheme certificate, and insurance) and we may ask to see the evidence. We will also ask to see evidence that any gas appliances on board a boat have been safety-checked.

Open water and the beach

Children must always be supervised while in the sea, appropriate to their age and development. Be aware of currents and tidal activity, and choose beaches with lifeguards on duty. Please read this RoSPA guide to water safety, which includes information about beach signs and flags:

Please read this advice for parents on the prevention of drowning:

Sun Safety

Exposure to sunlight is a vital source of vitamin D, but it is important to balance this need with protection from the sun’s harmful effects on the skin and eyes.

Children and babies are particularly at risk because of their delicate skin. Keep babies under 6 months out of direct, strong sunlight. Use sunshades on prams and never leave babies unattended outside, as they are unable to move with the shade.

Encourage children to wear cool, loose clothing which covers the skin and a hat to protect their heads. Clothing made from tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton, offer good protection from the sun’s rays. Older children should wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from strong sunlight.

The NHS advises spending time in the shade as much as possible between the hours of 11am and 3pm from March to October, as this is when the sun is strongest. You could do this by encouraging children to play in the shade or by arranging other activities like walks in the woods etc. In addition, children should use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Sunscreen typically has a shelf-life of 2 to 3 years; check that your sunscreen is not past its expiry date.

Sunscreen should be applied prior to sun exposure, and reapplied at least two-hourly and always after being in water (even if it is ‘water resistant’). Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, e.g. face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Use sunscreen for children between March and October, even on days that are cloudy.

Action in the event of sunburn
  • Take regular cool baths or showers or apply cool compresses
  • Apply a soothing lotion such as calamine or after-sun to the burned skin
  • Avoid exposure to the sun until fully recovered
  • Avoid contact with harsh soaps and other products
  • Increase your fluid intake to replace water lost through sweating
  • Seek medical help if you feel unwell or if the skin swells or blisters.
  • Don’t apply petroleum jelly, ointment or butter to the sunburn
  • Don’t burst any blisters or rub the skin

If you suffer more than mild sunburn you should see your doctor, particularly if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, upset stomach, confusion, dizziness, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, increased thirst, painful eyes or eyes that are sensitive to light.

Some people are allergic to certain types of sunscreen. Apply just a little sunscreen to a test area of the skin to check for adverse reactions, before more widespread use.

Report incidents of sunburn to your supervising social worker/ISP Out of Hours

Firearms and Other Weapons

Store, use, transport and dispose of any legally held firearms and shotguns in accordance with the conditions of the licence and in compliance with the law. Apply the same level of care with non-licensed weapons such as air guns, CO₂ guns and crossbows. These equally must be properly, legally and safely stored, carried and used.

It is the responsibility of the foster carer to advise the agency if they take ownership of any firearms, and provide evidence of the relevant licence if applicable.

Vehicles

During your time with the child or young person, you will undoubtedly need to use your car to travel with the children you are looking after. Disabled children or those who have additional needs might require special equipment. You should consider any risks in relation to the child and put in place appropriate precautions and ensure adequate supervision.

You must ensure that any person you ask to transport your foster children has sufficient driving experience, that they have a valid driving licence and that their vehicle has a current MOT.

When you have your initial Household Health & Safety Check, we will ask to see all drivers’ licences, vehicle insurance, tax, and MOT. Insurance companies may require foster parents to include business use on their vehicle insurance. These checks will continue annually when you have your annual review.

Maintenance

If you are transporting children, your vehicle must be well-maintained. We will ask you to have your car serviced regularly in addition to the legally required MOT check. We will ask to see evidence of this when you have your annual review.

Car Seats

Children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old, or 135cm tall (whichever comes first). For further information on the law relating to the use of child car seats, please refer to these guidelines

Children must use a rear-facing seat until the they are 15 months old. Never fit a rear-facing child seat in the front of the car if there is an active airbag on the passenger side.  When your child reaches 15 months, their neck will be stronger and it will now be safe to mount their car seat facing forward.

Children weighing more than 22kg and taller than 125cm can use a backless booster seat. Smaller children should use a high-backed booster seat.

Fit child seats using ISOFIX mountings or a diagonal seat belt strap.

Children of 12 years old or taller than 135cm do not need to use a child seat, but must always wear a seat belt when travelling in the car.

It is safer for children to travel in the rear seats as there are more front impact crashes. Therefore, if you have the choice, put the child in a rear passenger seat. If the middle rear seat has a 3 point diagonal belt, this is the safest seat to travel in. Always check that the child seat fits properly in the position you have chosen.

Do not buy a Second Hand Seat as you cannot be certain of its history. It may have been involved in an accident and been seriously weakened; the damage might not be visible. A new seat ensures that it complies with current safety laws.

Do
  • Service your car regularly. Keep it in good condition and road legal.
  • Notify your supervising social worker if you get any penalty points on your driving licence.
  • Make sure you are insured to drive the vehicle that you are using.
  • Ensure pets are securely positioned in the back of the car when travelling.
  • Fit child locks to the passenger doors if necessary
Don’t
  • Don’t carry children and young people in vans or other transport that are not designed and safe for passengers (e.g. without appropriate restraints).
  • Never leave children and babies alone in the car and don’t carry passengers in a caravan or trailer you are towing.
  • Don’t allow young people to drive your car unless agreed by their legal guardians, licensed and insured. Keep your car keys safe (where they cannot be taken by the child/young person and never leave them in the ignition).
  • Don’t drive under the influence of anything which affects your driving or makes your driving illegal.
  • Never carry children on the back of motorbikes without agreement, a helmet and appropriate clothing.
  • Don’t let children put their limbs out of the window while the car is moving or throw things out. Consider if there needs to be an additional adult to supervise them whilst you are driving.

Animals

Pets

There are many benefits to owning pets, and they give great happiness to many people.

Most children and young people love pets and want to look after them, hold and cuddle them. You as a carer need to make sure this can happen safely for the child and the pet.

Pets or animals have the potential to be dangerous in some way. Some danger is obvious, like a dog that could bark and scare or even bite, or a cat that could scratch. Other dangers are less obvious e.g. pet lizards excrete Salmonella bacteria and therefore very young children should not handle them; un-wormed dogs’ or cats’ faeces may transmit Toxocara to people; pets jumping into a cot or playpen may cause asphyxiation.

When you have a child coming into your home you need to make sure they are safe and comfortable with any pets or animals you may have. Some carers own and keep horses or introduce children to horse riding centres/stables. You should ensure that those who supervise children around horses are competent to do so.

Do:
  • Inform your Assessing / Supervising Social Worker if you have any pets. They will complete a Pet Risk Assessment Form with you. In the event of concerns of any significant risk towards a child or young person, the agency will consult with an appropriately qualified person.
  • Arrange appropriate supervision of children and animals when they are together.
  • Check that the children you are looking after are not a risk to or allergic to any of your pets, and decide with your Supervising Social Worker what to do if they are.
  • Keep pets out of the kitchen wherever possible, particularly when preparing food. Never let any animal onto work surfaces.
  • Always keep pet bowls separate from family crockery and wash them separately. Never let pets eat from family plates.
  • Always wash your hands after handling an animal or pet. Make sure everyone else in the household does the same.
  • Regularly empty litter trays and ensure that children do not come into contact with the pet litter.
  • Keep cages, hutches, and other living spaces for pets clean, and dry them well before putting new bedding in place. Remember to vacuum pet cushions and baskets and clean them regularly.
  • Make sure children cannot insert their fingers into, or fall into fish and amphibian tanks.
  • Clean up any fouling straight away, using hygienic processes and disinfectants where safe to do so. Special products are available from pet stores and veterinary practices for cleaning difficult surfaces. Always wear gloves, and if they are reusable, disinfect them after each use.
Don’t:
  • Don’t carry animals and children together in the car or other vehicles unless the animal is in an appropriate carrying case or behind a cargo barrier.
  • Never let dogs or other animals lick children’s faces.
  • Don’t leave ground floor windows open or unprotected where anyone is sleeping if there is a possibility of an animal getting in.
  • Don’t allow children and young people to tease, provoke or mishandle pets and animals.

Livestock

Where carers keep livestock, we will conduct a risk assessment on either the basis that the home is a ‘smallholiding’ or that the animals are pets.

Our consideration will be for the welfare of the animals as well as the safety of children and young people. Access to the animals will need to be well-managed, children educated in the safe handling and care or animals and any legal requirements checked.

The following resources can be used to identify health and safety requirements for livestock:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals.html

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/farm/farmanimals

https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/system/files/keepinganimals.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/topic/keeping-farmed-animals

Placements on Working Farms/Smallholdings

The HSE has a range of publications regarding the safety of children on farms.

See HSE’s guidance on preventing accidents to children on farms at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg472.pdf

Social workers who carry out the risk assessment for placements at working farms need to read the HSE guidance. They might consult with an inspector from the HSE or the local Environmental Health Department for advice and/or assistance in assessing the premises.

Children and young people who are to be placed at a working farm will need to have an adequate induction to farm health and safety beforehand.

Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS)

Standards met of ‘Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care’ when carers complete activities in their portfolio.