KEEPING

OUR CHILDREN SAFE

a BVM initiative
Part 2 School

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety in schools - Introduction

Campus Safety

Health and Safety in school

Understanding The Safe Touch

Safety in Classrooms

10

Safety in Laboratories

12

Safety in Library

15

Safety during Breaks

16

Safety after school

17

Safety at the Playground

18

Safety during Special Program and Functions

19

Safety with Transport Facilities

20

Safety during outings, excursions and field trip

21

School fire safety

22

Safety During Natural Disasters And Other Calamities 23

Conclusion

26
2

SAFETY IN SCHOOLS INTRODUCTION

While education is at
the nucleus of a
schools mission, all
other aspects like
curriculum,
infrastructure, facilities
& programmes are the
surrounding orbits. The
underlying assumption
in all of the processes is
that all the children are
safe at all times.

Schools have the noble purpose of

One of the most important things schools can do to promote

educating young minds and preparing them

learning is to create environments where students are safe. A

for life. Hundreds and thousands of eager

positive school climate is necessary in developing a safe school.

parents and children congregate in our

Schools with a safe, positive and welcoming climate increase the

schools for this life-long learning process,

likelihood that students succeed. A safe school is also prepared for

placing their total trust and hopes in our

emergencies, and has effective schoolcommunity partnerships.

hands.

It

is

therefore

our

utmost

responsibility to ensure that such learning

happens. However, the most important,
although unsaid expectation is that the
children are safe in our hands while in our
care.

In a school environment, there can be a variety of scenarios

that has to be dealt with. There is a need for intense quality check
as the environment is occupied by a vulnerable group- Children.
Safety precautions and awareness about crisis management thus
becomes mandatory. Heads, Teachers, non teaching staff, support
staff and other professionals associated with the functioning of the

While education is at the nucleus of a

school need to understand the importance, do a thorough quality

schools mission, all other aspects like

check from time to time, ensure that the primary safety rules are

curriculum,

&

followed and make this loop an ongoing process. Safety at school

programmes are the surrounding orbits. The

not only means safe and hardy buildings, but also the intricate

underlying

details that need to be looked into regularly.

infrastructure,

assumption

in

facilities

all

of

the

processes is that all the children are safe at

all times.

This manual, serves as a guide and a reminder to evaluate

ourselves and our awareness about our school environment, and
incorporate the basic value of safety within us. It is each of our
individual duty to ensure that these safety guidelines are followed
meticulously.
3

CAMPUS SAFETY
A good & noble idea can be converted into reality, when,
amongst other things, it complies with the law of the land. It is
essential for an educational institution like BVM to conform to the
norms and statutory requirements as stipulated by the Government,
by CBSE as well as by local corporations. These would cover all
aspects of the schools activities, the physical infrastructure, the
curriculum etc. Such compliance and conformity lends the school
recognition and support from the governing authorities. The
following rules are to be followed, certifications obtained and
renewed from time to time.
To ensure that the land is fit for construction, a certificate from
the local Revenue Officer is to be obtained and supported with
technical validation.
Soil testing is to be done and soil treatment to be done if
necessary.
The size of the building is determined in
accordance with the strength of the soil and the
recommendation.
Stability Certificate, Sanitary Certificate and Fire Certificate
for the school building are to be obtained, after due compliance
and renewed at periodic intervals.
Check for any cracks or damages in the building or flooring,
rusting of metal components and rotting of wood components
during regular check by the Principal, Vice Principal and Coordinators, periodically.
Cracks, if any, must be inspected professionally & validated as
minor faults or structural safety concern. Insist on a report by a
Structural Consultant.

The flooring of the school premises must be skid proof.

There should be no water seepage from the walls. If it is seen
at any time, necessary corrective steps need to be taken
immediately.
Walls are not to be used as graffiti.
There should be no stagnation of water or accumulation of
garbage in & around the school.
Ramps to be provided at the entrance for physically challenged
persons as per PWD Act.
All the gates are to be kept open and manned by uniformed
security during the commencement and closing of school every
day.
Only the main entrance should be operated during school
hours.
The staircases and corridors should be properly grilled.
A visitors pass is to be given to any visitor entering the
campus.
Children should also be educated on reporting if any person is
inside the campus without a valid visitors pass.
Ensure that the campus and the exterior area around the school
is kept clean and free from debris.
Fire extinguishers are to be installed at strategic points.
Evacuation drills are to be done as per the prescribed norms, to
deal with an emergency.
Constant monitoring through CCTV from the entry up to the
exit. CCTV cameras to be installed at strategic points, covering
all the floors, playground, and other areas.
Security guards, vendors, bus drivers, parents and visitors can
gain access only up to the front office.
4

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN SCHOOL

Schools have a
responsibility to provide
a safe and healthy
environment for
children whenever they
are in their care within
the school premises or
outside

Health and safety is the foundation on

which the vision of an institution rests.
Healthy and safe environments provide the
security and platform for all the endeavours
of the school be it education, character
building, and
wholesome personality
development.
Schools have a responsibility to
provide a safe and healthy environment for
children whenever they are in their care
within the school premises or outside.

However, every organisation dealing people and systems is likely to

face health related challenges and safety lapses at times. Therefore
all schools should have arrangements in place for dealing with
health & emergency situations. All steps should be taken to
maintain a healthy and safe milieu in the school where our children
grow, thrive and develop.
While it is essential to adhere to the statutory requirements, it is
important to develop a comprehensive health and safety policy.
MEDICAL:
It is mandatory to conduct a health check-up by an appointed
medical practitioner for all the children of the school, once a year.
Findings should be recorded in the report-card of the child.
Any incidental findings should be informed to the parents
immediately by the class teacher.

In case a child is observed to be infected with communicable

diseases like conjunctivitis, chicken-pox, etc. the child should
be sent home immediately upon informing the parents.
First aid:
It is mandatory for schools to maintain basic first-aid kit
consisting of cotton, band-aid, antiseptic liquid (dettol) and
ointment, gauze, plaster, paediatric and adult doses of
paracetamol.
It is advisable to have an earmarked sick bay to rest the
children who may fall sick, until they are picked up by their
parents.
In case of serious injuries, inform the parent/guardian /family
members (in case of staff) and send the child/staff home at the
earliest.
In case of a medical emergency take the child/staff to the
nearest hospital at the earliest and inform their family.
Medicines should be periodically checked for expiry dates.
Supply of sanitary napkins to be available at all times.
One set of change of clothes for every class size separately for
boys and girls to be kept in case of soiling or any other
emergencies.
Mosquito repellents to be kept.
Regular spraying of insecticides (fogging) by health inspectors.
Maintain a register of children with major medical problems
along with precautions to be taken as instructed by the parents.
5

 Keep the relevant teachers/sub-staff informed about the

methods of administering the relevant first-aid for emergencies.
Any restrictions on a childs ability to participate in Physical
Education should be taken in writing & recorded in the childs
docket. Sports teachers should be kept informed of the
exemptions.

Name Of Child, Name Of Medicine with expiry date ,

Dosage ,Method Of Administration, Time /Frequency Of
Administration , Any Side Effects .
CLEANLINESS:
School should ensure that clean and safe drinking water is
available at all times.

All adults should be aware of issues of privacy and dignity of

children with particular needs.

Taps for hand-wash with running water should be available on

all corridors/floors.

All staff should know how to call the emergency services.

Adequate number of toilets in all floors should be provided for

girls and boys separately. Papers and dustbins for disposal of
used sanitary napkins should be provided in the senior girls

In case a child with known medical conditions needs to be

administered medicines during school hours following
precautions should be followed:

toilets. Any other methods of disposal may be adopted as is

convenient. The girl students should be educated on the usage
and disposal of the sanitary napkins.

Staff should never give a non-prescribed medicine to

a child unless there is specific prior written
permission from the parents.

Flooring of the toilets should not be slippery.

Parents should inform the school in writing about the

medicines that their child needs to take and provide

Running water, bucket and mug/health faucets should be

available at all times.

details of any changes to the prescription or the

support required.

Toilets and bathrooms should be cleaned at regular intervals (4

times in a day) with cleaners and disinfectants.

Keep a copy of the doctors report and prescription

Adequate no. of cleaning staff should be posted near all toilets

in the childs file.

Medicines should always be provided in the original
container as dispensed by a pharmacist and include
the prescribers instructions.

as well as on all corridors especially Kindergarten & early

primary classes.
After rains, any water-logging on corridors or room spaces
should be mopped immediately.

Maintain a record of the following:

FLOORING AND CORRIDORS AND OTHER SAFETY

RULES:
All classrooms, corridors and staircases should be swept and
mopped regularly and dusted (during all vacations).
Periodical checks and maintenance of furniture, fittings, wiring,

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG - DISCIPLINING RULES:

While it is important to ensure discipline in the school, it is
essential to bear in mind that no extreme measures are taken by any
staff that would cause an emotional harm to the students. The staff
are prohibited from engaging in the following acts:

Class Teachers should be present in their respective classes in

the morning while taking attendance, and for primary classes

No capital punishment for any student of the school by any

staff of the school. This includes slapping, whipping,
beating with hands or scales or any other materials.

during lunch breaks and during dispersal time at the end of the
day.

No verbal abuse by way of calling names or making

personalised negative comments about any student or staff.

Ensure that the eatables distributed in school during functions &

No jeering, teasing, ridiculing or making belittling

floorings, etc. should be done regularly.

celebrations are safe to consume.

Canteen should be inspected periodically for the level of
hygiene & cleanliness maintained as well as to check the
quality of the items sold, expiry dates of products.
While locking the classrooms and toilets by the end of the day,
the sub-staff should ensure that nobody is left inside the room.
Lifts should be restricted only for staff and should not be used
by the children.
School should take in writing the mode of transport and by
whom the child will be picked from school. Any changes have
to be informed to the school/class teacher immediately.

comments.
In case a child or staff reports of grievous physical abuse at
home or anywhere outside the school by way of bullying or
domestic violence, the same should be reported to the school head,
who shall then take necessary action. Complaints can be made
based on strong suspicion also.
In case a child reports of sexual abuse within or outside the
school by any staff or student or any other outsider, the same should
be reported to the school head, who shall take necessary action.
Complaints can also be made based on strong suspicion.

CCTV can be set at all entrances of the building to monitor the

visitors.
Any luggage/baggage unclaimed has to be checked by the
security.
7

UNDERSTANDING THE SAFE TOUCH

awareness

and ability to form satisfying emotionally intimate

amongst us about the reality of Child

relationships. Preparing them to handle such situations by in

There
CSA

includes

sexual activity, whether

or

not

it

includes

physical touch. It does

not necessarily involve
direct physical contact,
but can also happen in
indirect ways such as
taking

or

posting

obscene

pictures

of

children or luring kids

into

sending

their

is

growing

Sexual Abuse - CSA. Gone are the days

when we assumed that it does not happen
in my locality. There is enough statistical

Here are some ways in which schools should handle and

can start educating our children:

data and research about child abuse in India.

School counselors should conduct regular awareness classes

Incidents of small children, both boys and

for children, with age appropriate content. Middle school

girls being subjected to various forms of

will be addressed about physical changes, hormonal

abuse have been steadily increasing. Every

changes, and psychological changes. Sensitive topics to be

day, we read about such cases, and a shock

handled in two different settings, one for the boys and one

wave spreads across the society, and it

for the girls separately.

All the teachers should be trained about what is CSA, the

surpasses as the heat reduces.

CSA

includes

sexual

activity,

photos for any kind of

whether or not it includes physical touch. It

pornography. CSA can

does not necessarily involve direct physical

lead to short term and

contact, but can also happen in indirect

long

negative

ways such as taking or posting obscene

consequences. It affects

pictures of children or luring kids into

the childs self esteem,

sending their photos for any kind of

mental health.

pornography. CSA can lead to short term

term

providing information, skills and safety measures is vital.

and long term negative consequences. It

affects the childs self esteem, mental health

effects and the consequences of it on the child.

In case a child reports of sexual abuse within or outside the
school by any staff or student or any other outsider, the
same should be reported to the school head, who shall take
necessary action. Complaints can also be made based on
strong suspicion.
Do not ignore or be careless when a child seems to be
having a possible issue. Children might not open up and
disclose easily.
Do not react in an inappropriate way by accusing or
rejecting the child, if the child discloses to you. Create a
8

comfortable environment, assure total acceptance of the

child and be supportive.
Do not sound angry or intimidate the child by any chance

does not mingle with people, and is aloof. It can also be in

the other extreme where they seek negative attention. If you
detect such odd emotional behaviour, refer to the counsellor,
talk to the parents and help the child heal.

Believe what the student tells you

Teach them to say NO to people when they are
uncomfortable with their demands, even if they are people
they love.
Teach them that there are parts of their bodies that are
personal and private
Do not insist that they hug or kiss you. Do not hold the child
too close or give discomfort, even if it is to appreciate the
child.
Stress on personal safety and give examples of problem
situation that may arise in school, home, public places and
any out-of-the way places outdoor.
When the child asks doubts, do not ignore, scold or act
ignorant. Spend enough time, listen actively and assure the
child that he/she will be taken care of.
Assure that the act is not the childs fault and there is no
need to feel guilty or ashamed.
Abuse can also be physical or emotional. Look for bruises
or wounds that are unexplained. If you suspect any abuse,
call the child in private and talk about it.
Emotional abuse can result in heavy emotional scarring. For
example, if the child exhibits odd behaviours, is withdrawn,
9

SAFETY IN THE CLASSROOM

A classroom is the physical

The furniture in each class should be of appropriate size to the

space where holistic teaching and

age group. Enough leg room should be present to allow

learning

movement.

happens.

Creating

A classroom is not just

classroom that is well organized, well

a space where formal

equipped and welcoming with mutual

teaching happens. It is a

respect makes it a lot easier to teach

space where children

and learn. Students need to feel safe

move & play, sing &

in order to learn. They need to feel

The doors and windows must be made of light material. The

dance

and

secure in order to want to participate.

latches and hinges of the doors and windows must be strong, not

learn.

Safety in the

A classroom is not just a space where

sharp.

work

boundaries
classroom
open

the

of
&

&
the

school

doors

to

boundless learning and

growth.

formal teaching happens. It is a space

where children move & play, sing &
dance and work & learn. Safety in the
boundaries of the classroom and
school open the doors to boundless
learning and growth.

There are a

number of things we can do to set up

classrooms that are safe and wellorganized.
Classrooms must be spacious, well ventilated and well lit for
children to sit study & learn. They should have necessary
facilities like electrical connectivity, adequate number of fans,
facilities for multimedia projection.

Furniture should not be too close to each other to avoid hurting

when children move. They should not have sharp corners that
might hurt the students.

Television sets should be mounted securely at an appropriate

height.
All doors and windows should have stoppers.
Electrical fittings in the class room should be safe and out of
reach from children. Any short circuits, loose contacts and
malfunctioning must be reported immediately.
Switches must be easily accessible and placed at a height so
that small children cannot reach them. The control switch must
be outside the classroom.
Precautions should be taken to prevent students crowding near
the staircase.
10

 Students should be periodically advised not to run around in the

classrooms or corridors.
Any form of punishment physical, verbal or emotional should
be strictly prohibited.
Notice boards with information or circulars should not be
pasted along the walls of the staircase or on the landings. They
should be properly mounted on the wall at the lobby or at the
earmarked space for the same.
Chairs, cupboards, waste baskets and other articles should not
be so placed where they will become a tripping hazard.
Approved ladders or other safe support should be used to reach
materials on high shelves, bulletin boards, or other high

All exits from the room (including exit windows) must be kept
clear for exit.
It is advisable not to hang any items from the ceiling or ceiling
tiles.
Use of toxic glue is prohibited. Purchase non-toxic and safe
products for classroom use, especially play dough.
Students should not be allowed to move equipment, benches
and desks. If they do, insist on arranging back.
Ensure all classroom doors and windows are locked, at the end
of the day.
Ensure all staff and students wear an ID card issued by the
school.

elevations. When it is necessary to climb---use a ladder, not a

chair, stool, desk or box. Be sure the ladder is secure.
Teachers & children are advised not to sit on the edge of a

Live animals, insects should not be brought to the classroom

for any purpose.

chair. Teachers should not sit on students desks.

Avoid standing in front of closed doors, which may open
suddenly.
Broken glass and other similar material should be thoroughly
wrapped before disposal in waste cans.

11

SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY

Laboratories are
exciting places where
our students discover &
practise what they learn.
While the hands - on
experience is exciting
and nourishing it is
important to be aware
that they dealing with
things that can be
potentially hazardous.
Laboratories are one of
the most accident prone
zones in the school.
Experimenting in the
science lab is safe if we
are careful!

Laboratories are exciting places where

our students discover & practise what they
learn. While the hands - on experience is
exciting and nourishing it is important to be
aware that they are dealing with things that
can be potentially hazardous. Laboratories
are one of the most accident prone zones in
the school. Experimenting in the science lab
is safe if we are careful! Each staff and
student must assume responsibility for their
own safety and for those around them. All
laboratories must have a record of No
Accidents. Let us endeavour to make the
practices in our labs a risk free learning
experience. The following safety rules
should help guide us in keeping our labs a
safe place to work:

Laboratories must be ideally located on the ground floor. The

lab space must be kept clean and organized.
Enough number of windows should be present for cross
ventilation.
Adequate number of exhaust fans must be installed to expel
fumes.

The sink and drainage must allow free flow of liquids without
clogging
The computer science lab must be air conditioned. It should be
dust free and hence should not be near the playground. Wires
and connections should not be cramped or a source for tripping.
Make sure the sockets are closed, and switch off the electrical
outlets when not in use.
Gas cylinders must be stored outside the laboratories.
Gas pipe lines must be safe and secured and must be checked
for any leakages frequently.
Worktables must be of appropriate height, for students to work
comfortably. The table tops must be acid resistant.
First Aid boxes must be available in all Labs.
Fire extinguishers should be placed in all the labs. Teachers,
support staff and senior students should be trained on the usage
of fire extinguishers.
Chemicals and solutions should be stored in properly labelled
containers meant for holding chemicals and solutions.
Inflammable materials should be kept in separate places.
Educate the students on careful handling of chemicals and
inflammable materials.

The labs must possess enough water points.

12

Personal Safety Practices

Students and staff should not be allowed to wear shorts,

sandals, or open-toed shoes in the lab. Only closed toe shoes

and long pants must be worn in the lab.

Insist on everyone to wash their hands before leaving the lab.

Learn where the safety and first-aid equipment are located.
Install firewall and other security in the computer science labs.

Long hair must be tied back especially when using open

flames.

Teachers should monitor any misuse of internet in the

computer science labs.

Eating or drinking should be strictly prohibited in the

laboratory.

Students are to be educated on important safety tips inside the

lab.
Very young children (upto Primary) should not be allowed

in laboratories.
Lab coats, gloves and safety glasses must be worn

compulsorily in all laboratories.

Before using the chemicals, study the product label carefully

& be aware of the hazards and warnings.

Chemicals should be disposed off properly.
Keep the safety handbook handy when using chemicals. The

handbook should be on file in the school office, as well as in

the science lab.
Do not allow the pipette to be mouthed.
Do not allow anyone to work alone in a laboratory,

unsupervised.
No unauthorized experiments are to be performed.
Instructions should be given to never taste anything. Never

directly smell the source of any vapour or gas.

Teachers are trained to handle common issues like acid burns,

evacuation procedures and irritation of eyes due to fumes if

chemicals come into contact with your skin or eyes, flush
immediately with copious amounts of water. Seek medical
help if symptoms persist.
In case of an accident, notify the school heads immediately.

Parents / guardians of concerned student should be informed

immediately.
USING EQUIPMENTS AND TOOLS:
Keep the use of glass to a minimum. Plastic unbreakable
containers are a good substitute.
Cuts are the most common of all laboratory injuries.
Instructions must be given to take proper precautions when
using sharp objects like knives, scalpels, compasses, wires,
needles, or pins.
Cutting or sharp
recommended.

tools

with

retractable

blades

are

Do not store food and drinks in laboratory refrigerators.

13

 Store batteries with at least one terminal covered with tape.

Batteries with any signs of corrosion should be discarded.
Consider using rechargeable batteries.

Live animals

Thermometers:

It is necessary to give students a safety lesson to show them

how to properly care for and treat an insect or animal before
bringing it into a classroom.

Use alcohol thermometers instead of traditional mercury

Students should handle animals voluntarily and only under the

thermometers. Mercury from broken thermometers is difficult to

clean up and the vapour from spilled mercury is dangerous and
toxic for the environment.
Thermometers with plastic or metal backing are best.
Students must be instructed not to use the thermometers as
stirring rods.

Plants
Students should be instructed not to place seeds or plants used
in science activities in their mouth.
Instruct children to wash hands after working with seeds and
plants. Many seeds are coated with insecticides, fertilizers, or
both.

close supervision of the concerned teacher.

Students must be instructed not to mishandle or mistreat
animals or insects.
Broken glass and spills
Broken glass is to be cleaned up immediately. Do not touch, and
do not allow students to touch broken glass. Dispose off the
glass in a separate container.
Clean up any spill immediately, especially a liquid spill.
Throw all clean-up materials in a separate container for
chemical wastes. Do not put chemical waste in the normal trash
containers.

Instruct students to recognize and avoid hazardous & poisonous

plants.
Learn the signs of the plant poisoning: headache, nausea,
dizziness, vomiting, hives, itching, or other skin irritation - act
quickly & notify the school heads if a student exhibits such
signs.

14

SAFETY IN THE LIBRARY:

Reading not only
improves vocabulary
and provides
knowledge, but also
expands a childs
cognitive bandwidth. A
well read child is able to
face the world with
more confidence.
Children of this smart
phone generation,
should be motivated
more to reading books.

Library is an open space for children

Students should be very careful when they use steel corner

to explore and experiment their thirst for

books in library.
New books can sometimes be sharp edged and cut the childrens
fingers / palm. They should be warned about handling such

knowledge. While the school provides an

environment to acquire knowledge , the
library expands their horizons and gives them
the scope for identifying their interests and
channelizing their energy. Reading not only
improves

vocabulary

and

provides

knowledge, but also expands a childs

cognitive bandwidth. A well read child is

books..
Students should not be allowed to bring food and beverages
including water, gum, and candy to the library..
Do not permit any kind of valuables like cell phones, electronic
gadgets, cameras, transistors, precious coins, stones or any item
of jewelry.
Ensure that the students do not damage library furniture by

more to go by the old school of reading books. Here are some

scratching or spoiling the desks, benches, chairs or write or

draw any thing on the walls or damage others belongings.
Unauthorized photography is not allowed in the library, by
anyone.

tips to be followed, in order for the library to remain safe and

Fire extinguishers must be placed at strategic points.

serene:

Ladders available in the library must be strong and sturdy. Use

only ladders to reach books kept in the higher shelves. Avoid
using chairs or tables to climb.

able to face the world with more confidence.

Children of this smart phone generation, should be motivated

The Library is a quiet zone. Students shall enter the library in a

quiet, respectful manner and remain silent.
Dust allergies are a possible hazard to the children visiting the
library. Let us make sure it is dust free through regular
maintenance.
Children should not touch or switch off electrical boards in the
library.
The Librarian should be vigilant about the websites visited by
the students with the library computers.

Seepage of water from the walls must be checked to prevent

damage to books.
Students should be allowed to use age appropriate books only.
Pesticide treatment and termite treatment to done periodically
during vacations.
Book racks are properly maintained and grounded, to avoid
falling on the students.

15

SAFETY DURING SHORT BREAKS

A break is a great time that children
Break times spell
immense physical
activity and can result
in chaos, if they are not
well monitored.
Several incidents of
accidents, injuries,
quarrels and
mis-behaviour have
been reported during
breaks & after school.
hours. hours.

look forward to grab a bite or catch up with

friends & play. Timely breaks help to recharge & regain energy and go a long way in
sustaining concentration. Research suggests
that

childrens

Learning

become

more

permanent when they are given time to

process the information & new knowledge
that is introduced to them. However break

During lunch breaks, a teacher needs to be present in

Primary classes in order to ensure that they finish their lunch
& no untoward incidents occur.
The teacher who goes to the class after the break must
ensure that all the children have come back to their class.
For children below age of 5, an attender must be present
compulsorily, when they use the rest room.
Ensure that the children do not go to potentially dangerous
locations like a terrace or a remote corner of the school.

times also spell immense physical activity

and can result in chaos, if they are not well
monitored.

Several incidents of accidents,

injuries, quarrels & mis-behaviour have been

reported during breaks & after school hours.

It is important to maintain discipline during breaks to avoid

undesirable behaviour.
The school may choose to give clear instructions and dos &
donts of behaviour ( eg: running on the corridors & staircase).
Teachers may be allocated duties to watch over the children.
Support staff may also be posted near lower classes.
Students should not be allowed to play inside the class room,
where the chance of hitting themselves against the desks and
benches is high.
16

SAFETY AFTER SCHOOL:

After a long day in school, children await home time eagerly.

The teacher should not send the child if the person who has

The time when hundreds of children leave the school premises can

come to pick up the child happens to be a stranger and not the

usual person.

become chaotic unless the dispersal is well organized. It is good

practice to have different gates to be used by children of differing

The teachers should know the children who go by school bus.

age groups so that there is lesser crowd & better control. There is a

The children should be taught to inform the teacher/office

about any unknown persons approaching them.

greater need to ensure order as children go home by a variety of

modes parent pick up, school bus, private vans & auto rickshaws,
private drivers & maids or even crche pick up facilities. Let us
ensure that there is adequate safety in the last hour activity of the
school.

Parents to be informed if a child happens to remain in school

without being picked up by anybody.
Parents should be aware of compulsory games timings so that
they know when the child has to be picked up.

Ensure that all the children leave after their respective school
hours.
Check in the class room if there are any children left out.
Mode of transport of children (KG & Lower Primary) should
be listed out and displayed in the classroom. Any changes have
to be intimated to the teachers.
It is advisable that the class dispersal ( KG and primary up to
class 3) is done by the class teacher who will know the children
and their families. The children of classes 4 and above should
be taught that they should not go with a stranger.
The teachers in-charge of the dispersal duty should be very
careful in sending the children with the authorised person who
has come to pick up the child.

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SAFETY AT THE PLAYGROUND

Playgrounds and outdoor play equipment offer kids fresh
air, friends, and exercise. So it is important for us to make sure that
faulty equipment, improper surfaces, and careless behavior don't
ruin the fun. Falls are the most common type of playground injury,

Discourage violence or excessive competitiveness among

teams when they are playing.
Do not allow other people to watch or stand near the play area,
as they might get hurt

accounting for more than 75 percent of all playground-related

Have a first aid kit ready in the school campus.

injuries. Lack of or improper supervision is associated with

Train the children to give first aid to small injuries. For ex: it is

approximately 45 percent of playground-related injuries.

Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the
playground can be dangerous.
Check playgrounds where children play. Look for ageappropriate equipment and hazards, such as rusted or broken
equipment and dangerous surfaces
Little kids play differently than big kids. It is important to have
a separate play area for children under 5.
Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces,
purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught
on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard.
Teach children to wait for their turn when they are playing.
Provide constant support and assistance in using new and novel
toys or equipments
Make sure children know the rules before they start an active

important that they let a child who has got a sun stroke to
breathe easy, and should stand aside.
Teach them not to panic when something is thrown at them
unexpected.
Make sure there is ample space when they are on the swing/
see-saw etc.
Tell the children to play only on dry equipment. If it is wet,
they could slip and fall.
When children are using the slide, teach them to go down the
slide one at a time. Wait until the person in front is on the
ground and has moved away from the slide. Always slide
sitting down facing forward. NEVER slide down headfirst.
Also, tell them to move away from the slide bottom as soon as
you reach the ground.
Make sure children wear appropriate dress for the nature of the
game.

sport such as basket ball, football etc

18

SAFETY DURING SPECIAL PROGRAMMES &

FUNCTIONS:
Schools have a variety of activities in their calendar School
Annual Day, Sports Day, Cultural Fests, Inter House Competitions

should personally hand over the children to their guardians.

Appropriate announcements need to be made for the purpose.

that no untoward incidents or mishaps happen. These functions

Children who come with their parents to watch the programme

should be given a place near the parents.

spell enthusiasm & excitement for the children with a non academic

Children should not be allowed to wander around the campus

etc. These require different methods of organization & control so

agenda & freedom to move around the campus. Let us endeavour

to make the process of holistic learning a safe one too.
Every event should be allocated to a group of teachers who will
be in charge of conducting the event as well as the students

while a programme is going on.

The students who do not participate in programmes should
wear the school uniform with ID cards for easy identification.
Constant supervision is a must.

participating in them.
Teachers in charge of the programmes must take special care of
the children participating in the programmes.
An invitation card or an e invite should be sent to the parents
beforehand so that no stranger enters the campus.
The name list of the students participating in each programme
should be kept for reference.
Attendance to be taken before and after each event.
The children who participate in programmes should assemble
and stay in the same place.
Care should be taken to reach the children back safely to their
parents after their respective event. The teacher in charge
19

SAFETY WITH TRANSPORT FACILITIES:

Travel is an unavoidable part of urban life. It is vital that we
take the necessary safety measures while ensuring that we reach on
time. Many students take the bus/ van transport provided by the
school, and we as a school are answerable to the parents if some
safety rule is not followed. Children need assistance at least till the
age of 10 as they are not equipped to make crucial decisions to keep
themselves safe. They may be excited or tired when they come/go
back in the bus. There a some situations that we cannot control like
the traffic. However, it is vital that we take all the necessary
precautions to keep our children safe. At all times, it is important
that we follow basic rules.
Contact number of the driver and conductor should be readily
available with the school to communicate in case of an
emergency.
Adult supervision is mandatory. Allocate attenders to each bus

Ensure that children are seated and are not jumping/playing or

running inside the bus when it is moving.
Steps of the bus must be comfortable for the children to step in
and out.
Do not overload the bus. Only prescribed number of children is
to be allowed in a bus.
Buses to be numbered, to enable children to identify the buses.
School buses should avoid playing music or songs to prevent
distraction.
Small children must be handed over only to the parent, guardian
or authorized person. If no adult is there to pick the child at the
bus stop, the child is to be brought back to school.
Inform the parents if school bus gets delayed.

for assistance in pick up and drop.

The drivers licence should be scrutinized thoroughly before
recruiting them.
Make sure speed governor is fitted in all the school transports.

Fitness Certificate for the school buses should be obtained.

Buses should be serviced regularly.
The bus windows are provided with steel barriers to prevent

Any issues about children in the bus to be brought to the notice

of the class teacher/VP/Principal.
The security should be provided traffic assistance while the bus
leaves or enters the campus.
Have periodic meeting with drivers and conductors.

children putting their head or hands out. Make sure that no child
stretches his/ her hand or head outside the window while
travelling.
20

SAFETY DURING OUTINGS, EXCURSIONS & FIELD

TRIPS:
Excursions are much awaited and a time of fun and
relaxation for students. Field trips give students the latest
information on the subject. They are an integral part of ones school

Wear the ID card at all times.

Not to accept anything from anyone unknown.

life. Going out with their friends is an enormous learning

experience for the children, apart from the fun and excitement. In
order to maintain safety during these occasions the following steps

Children should be dropped and picked up only at the school

premises.

can be taken:

Attendance should be taken before leaving the school premises

Keep the parents informed thoroughly about the itinerary of the

outing. Keep a list of their names and contact numbers handy.
Make the class teacher aware of any condition eg allergies,
health of the child. This will help the teacher decide what
activities the child can participate in.
Make sure that the area in which children are playing is a safe
zone.

and at the visited area.

The students can be divided in small groups. They could be
given the responsibility of checking that their group members
are with them at all times during the trip.
The teacher student ratio should be reasonable.
In case of excursions, the students must come in school
uniform so that they can be easily identified.

When children are going on educational or class trips make sure

that they are instructed to bring necessary items such as water,
food, cap, shoes, and any protective gear.
Ensure that the age and ability of the child match the level of
the activity.
Instruct children about the expected behaviour during the trip.
Stay with the group only.
Any needs to be informed to the teacher.
21

SCHOOL FIRE SAFETY

Teachers, officials and staff should be familiar with the
school's fire protection system, including the location of fire
alarm pull stations and sprinklers and be instructed in the
use of fire extinguishers.

In lab, keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything

Make sure that everyone can recognize the sound of the

alarm and knows what to do when it sounds.

If you smell gas in gas heater, do not light the appliance.

Leave the lab immediately and call for help.

For School and teachers :

Fire drills must be held on a frequent basis while school is in
session.
Ensure that stairways, doors and other exits are working
properly and are unblocked.
Students with special needs should be assigned an adult or a
student buddy to assist them. Fire drills are a good
opportunity to identify who among the student population
requires extra assistance.
It is important to make sure that students leave the building
orderly as quickly as possible.
Use register to ensure that every student is accounted for.
Once everyone has safely exited the building, they should
remain outside at a predetermined location until the 'all
clear' has been given to re enter the school.
Store flammable and combustible materials such as matches
and lighters up high and out of childrens reach, in a locked
cabinet.

that can burn.

Always check and ensure that there is no gas leakage from
the Bunsen burner.

Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
For School:
The school should be a No Smoking zone .
Fire alarms must be placed at strategic points and they must
be checked regularly.
Every floor must have a fire extinguisher or at the very least
sand banks must be set in place.
The school must be in contact with emergency services like
the fire and rescue department and ensure that they respond
as soon as possible in case of an emergency.
Check all the electrical installations regularly.
Remove the accumulation of litters in all areas of the school
and dispose them properly.
Call a qualified electrician if you have blowing fuses or
tripping circuit breakers, a tingling feeling when you touch
an electrical appliance, burning or rubbery smell coming
from an appliance, flickering or dimming lights or sparks
from an outlet.
22

 Do not overload electrical outlets & circuits by putting

additional lights and appliances.
Blown fuses should not be replaced with coins, wires or any
metal.
Have a handy first aid kit
Always maintain and have proper firefighting equipment in
the office.
For Students :
When you hear the fire alarm, stop what you are doing
immediately and calmly leave via the nearest exit.

SAFETY DURING NATURAL DISASTERS AND OTHER

CALAMITIES:
By planning in
advance and
anticipating as many
health and safety
variables as possible,
schools can ensure
that the decisions
made on the day of a

In case of fire don't hide in closets or under the desk, go

outside

crisis are not only

Fall & crawl to escape during a fire. It is easier to breath in a

effectively but that

fire if you stay low while getting out.

Use the back of your hand to test if a door is hot before you
open it. If it is hot, try to use another way out.
If your clothes are on fire; stop, drop, and roll until the fire
is out. Shout for help, but don't run.

made quickly and

they will be correct

and automatic
responses arising out
of the time spent on
pre-planning for
disaster

While safety planning is familiar

to schools, disaster planning is
relatively new to the education sector.
High profile accidents and disasters in
the education sector have demonstrated
the common sense of disaster planning
and, conversely, the often tragic cost of
failing to identify hazards and their
potential
for
sudden,
dramatic
escalation if the arrangements to control
and contain them prove to be
inadequate. Effective plans to mitigate
the consequences of a disaster will
derive from an "all hazards" approach
(the "what ifs" and worst-case scenarios
- on-site and off-site) and joint
consultation with all those likely to be
involved. By planning in advance and
anticipating as many health and safety
variables as possible, schools can
ensure that the decisions made on the
day of a crisis are not only made
quickly and effectively but that they
will be correct and automatic responses
arising out of the time spent on preplanning for disaster
23

Earthquake/ Building collapse

Try to evacuate from the building if possible with pre identified
shelter places/open area
Take better care of the young childrens during such event
While running for shelter be careful of falling materials, glass
panes, heavy cupboards, sharp materials etc
Drop, cover and hold: Get down low. Cover your head and
neck with your arms. Hold on to something stable so that you
do not go sliding.
If no sturdy cover is nearby, kneel or sit on the floor next to a
structurally sound interior wall. Place your hands on the floor
for balance.
Move away from windows, bookcases and other unsecured
heavy objects.

In case the bomb threat is outside the school, keep the children
in the classroom and away from windows.
Inform Police and Bomb Explosion Unit as quick as possible.
Flood:
Listen to the Warning issued by the local Administration from
time to time.
Take shelter at high end places
Never try to venture into unknown places where water depth
cant be judged
Be aware of the electric wires, pole that might get dislocated
and cause further damage
Never roam in flood water. Possibility of water bone illness
cant be cancelled out

Bomb threats:

Use plastic bags to save important articles

Be aware of unidentified bags or parcels or any unusual objects

It is always better to learn basic swimming techniques

in the school.
Take bomb threats by phone calls seriously.
If such an incident happens, inform the school official and the
emergency team as quickly as possible.
Keep children away from the suspected object and evacuate
them from the dangerous area.
In case the bomb threat is inside the school, evacuate the
students to a safe area.

Lightning
Its a natural phenomenon, never take shelter under tree or
highly elevated place
If inside the school be in the school, dont venture out
Take shelter in house, building and avoid touching metal parts
Stay away from electric poles, metal fences and water taps
Avoid places where water is collected.

24

 Avoid travel in uncovered vehicles such as motor cycles,

bicycles and tractors.
If lightning is about to strike, squat on your toes and curl in a
ball
Fire/Short Circuit
Check for all possible fire causing places
Fire Extinguishers must be installed at all vital locations
classrooms, labs, halls, auditoriums
Have good equipments in rescue like ropes, ladders, first aid
box etc
Stampede
Avoid congested outlets, must have alternate paths for
evacuation

Teach them to go straight across. Do not cross at an angle.

At the time of walking along the road always use the pavement
or foot path if there is one. If there is no pavement walk on the
right side of the road keep close to the side.
Animal Bite
Schools must have preventive measures for such an event.
Information about local doctors/clinics/hospitals must be readily
available at the school.
First Aid kit must be available with them
Need to have a good monitoring group of senior students along
with teachers
Train the in-house nurse/ doctor to attend animal bites.

Try to regulate the crowd by nominating specific senior teachers

and students
Proper lanes system must be followed with focus on the most
vulnerable age group children.
Teach the children not to panic and run.
Road Accident
Congestion around the School campus must be monitored
closely by the school security person
Small children should not be allowed alone on busy main roads
until they can assimilate such teaching of rules of roads.
Children should not be allowed to play in roads on which there
is much traffic
25

CONCLUSION:
While we know many of the safety rules and regulations,
seldom do we take that one moment to check whether we
implement it in our daily lives. Most of the accidents and mishaps
may be avoided if we are more meticulous about following these
rules. Safety is a primary and basic intuition that all living
organisms possess. If someone flicks in front of our eyes, it is our
basic instinct to blink so that our eyes are safe. Do not wait till life
flicks, lest you take a hasty precaution.

Prevention is better than

precaution is the way to it!

cure,

and

VIDEO LINK:
http://www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com.

REFERENCES :
The Orange Book a teachers workbook on sexuality education,
TARSHI, 2010
Safety issues in school by Mr G Balasubramanian
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/policies/
safety/safety-in-the-elementary-k-6-science-classroom.pdf

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