Policies and Procedures

Section 4 - Safety and Security

Accident Prevention

Policy:

Measures are taken to ensure a safe environment at all times.

Procedure:

Wipe up liquid spills on the floors. Use a detergent solution to clean up any grease on the floor.
Use a ladder or stool when reaching for objects.
Do not leave sharp knives in soapy water.
Store sharp knives in knife rack.
Report broken electrical switches and worn out electrical insulations, which may cause possible shocks or burns.
Ensure safety guards are in safety position when operating mechanical equipment. Report any broken or malfunctioning safety guards or casing and do not operate equipment until repaired.
Disconnect electrical supply before washing any electrically operated equipment.
Ensure ladder is in proper position.
Ensure electrical plugs are in place.

Disaster Plan

Policy:

The Child Care Centre has a comprehensive plan in the event of a disaster.

A disaster is:

Demolition of the centre
A bomb threat
Cessation of services
Hydro
Heat
Water

Procedure:

Follow the evacuation plan

Fire Alarm

Policy:

There is a current fire alarm/evacuation procedure for the Child Care Centre posted in many prominent areas.

Procedure:

Send children out of the building in the safest efficient and timely manner.
Close all the doors on the way out.
Take First Aid kit with Emergency Cards.
Take attendance record for that day.
Once out of the building proceed to designate location and take attendance.
Use emergency cards to phone parents or guardians (in First Aid Kit).
Take Ipad with Himama information

Occupational Health and Safety

Policy:

The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations will be the reference manual for all occupational health and safety concerns for the Child Care Centre.

Procedure:

The Director will ensure that the Child Care Centre is following the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
The Director will inform the Board of any concerns that may occur regarding Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations will be stored at the Child Care Centre

Pandemic Plan

Policy:

In the event of a Pandemic, the childcare facility will implement all protocol recommended by Public Health and the Ministry of Education

A pandemic is: The World Health Organization website defines a pandemic as:

“ A pandemic is defined as “an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people”. (Last, 2001) The classical definition includes nothing about population immunity, virology or disease severity. By this definition, pandemics can be said to occur annually in each of the temperate southern and northern hemispheres, given that seasonal epidemics cross international boundaries and affect a large number of people. However, seasonal epidemics are not considered pandemics.”

Last JM, editor. A dictionary of epidemiology, 4th edition. New York: Oxford University Press; 2001.

Bulletin of the World Health Organization (2011) The classical definition of a pandemic is not elusive. Article retrieved from https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/89/7/11-088815/en/#:~:text=A%20pandemic%20is%20defined%20as,are%20not%20considered%20pandemics.

Procedure:

During a pandemic, Casper’s will ensure close communication with Public Health to stay informed about recommendations and strategies that evolve daily.
A list of important contact emails and phone numbers will be available to have access to accurate information and answers to evolving questions or concerns.
Casper’s families will be updated as needed about changing or immerging protocol changes.

Safety

Policy:

The Casper’s Early Learning Co-operative Centre shall operate as safely as possible according to the Child Care Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The Staff and Board shall continue to co-operate in perfecting safety measures now in effect and agrees to abide by the Health and Safety Regulations.
One staff member per shift shall hold a valid first aid Certificate.

Procedure:

Every licensee shall:
- store unsafe items and poisonous substances in a place inaccessible to children
- cover radiators and hot pipes with non-combustible materials
- cap electrical outlets accessible to children when not in use
- have emergency phone numbers posted near the telephone
- have an evacuation plan posted at each exit
- a fire extinguisher will be mounted at each exit
- fire extinguishers will have maintenance done once a year
- the Director will administer fire drills each month and post evacuation times for each month
- fire alarm exit lights and signs will be checked monthly
- walkways and exit paths will be kept clean and clutter free