Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities

As a volunteer you have a number of rights you should be aware of:

• to work in a healthy and safe environment;
• to be provided with information that adequately describes your roles and responsibilities;
• be provided with an induction prior to commencement as a volunteer;
• to be provided with sufficient information, instruction and training for you to perform your tasks safely;
• to be provided with adequate supervision
• who to speak to if you have any queries about any aspects of your work.

As a volunteer you also have responsibilities to:

• work safely;
• not affect the safety of others;
• observe all established Policies and Procedures;
• report any safety concerns;
• undertake Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect: Education and Care training for Volunteers;
• undertake your mandatory notification obligations, as required;
• hold a current acceptable Working with Children check.

There are a number of important points relating to safety within our school that you should be familiar with:

Safe Work

• You are only asked to do work which you can perform safely. If you feel that you cannot do a job safely or have any safety issues, please discuss with your Supervisor / Leader immediately.

Evacuation

• Should a continuous alarm or fire bell sound then you must evacuate the building according to the evacuation plan displayed in each area. Please close doors behind you on leaving – but do not lock.  Everyone will then assemble on the school oval, if safe to access, alternatively the tennis courts are an assembly area.  Do not enter any buildings until the all clear is given, usually by an announcement over the public address system.

Lock In

• Should a wailing alarm sound then you must remain in the area you are in or go immediately to the nearest room. Secure all doors and windows, close blinds and move away from windows.  Do not leave the area until the all clear is given.  If you are approaching the school and hear the wailing alarm you should not enter the school grounds.

Reporting

• Should you see a hazard, or you are aware of something that might injure you or someone else, or you are involved in an injury, incident or near miss, please report the matter immediately to your Supervisor.

Signing In/Out

• All visitors/volunteers need to sign in and out on the IPad in the front office, making sure to wear a badge.

Electrical Safety

• All electrical appliances are regularly safety tested and tagged. Do not bring electrical appliances from home.

First Aid

• First aid kits are located in the First Aid room.  The First Aid room is open during office hours 8.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.  Trained First Aid officers are on duty.  If required, you can contact the school’s receptionist by dialling 200 for assistance.  In the event of requiring an ambulance, to obtain an outside line please dial 0

Equipment

• This school provides equipment for your use. Volunteers are discouraged from bringing equipment from home however, should this be necessary, please discuss this with your Supervisor / Leader.

Chemicals

• You must only use chemicals supplied by this school. The chemicals used by this school have been assessed for risk prior to use. Make yourself aware of the location of material safety data sheets prior to use.  If you have any concerns or require personal protective equipment to use any of these products, please discuss with your Supervisor / Leader.

Working Alone and Security

• For safety reasons volunteers are discouraged from working alone.
• Do not leave personal items unattended.

If leaving the office/buildings outside of the working day, consider the personal safety of yourselves and others

Smoking, Drugs, Alcohol and Your Health

• This school is designated as a smoke-free workplace. There is no smoking in the buildings or on these grounds, including the car park and driveway.
• Whilst on duty you should be in sufficient physical and mental health to be capable of complying with your duty of care to your colleagues and students;
• You should not be impaired in the carrying out of your duties by reason of alcohol, medication, or an illegal drug.

Vehicles

• Volunteers will not normally be asked to use their vehicle. If you use your car as part of your volunteer duties, please refer to the school’s policies and procedures.
• If you drive a car as part of your volunteer duties, a current driver’s license and compliance with registration insurance and safety requirements are required.

Housekeeping

• Please leave all work areas clean and tidy. Please report any issues with work spaces.

Nut products banned

• St Francis School has banned nut products due to children having severe allergic reactions to these products.

Manual Handling & Physical environment

• Please inform a staff member of the school if you are concerned that the existing environment will prove to be adverse to your well-being. Personal health and safety must be considered if you are involved with manual handling or working on a task with the potential for injury.  If a task is deemed to be unsafe, please phone the front office for assistance/guidance.  Mechanical equipment is available on request.  If you are working alone, please be aware of your security and advise someone of your location.

Facilities

• Adults and children (excluding students) are not permitted to enter the student toilets at any time. Staff/volunteer toilets are located in the administration building, please access through the school front office area.

Hazards & Incidents/Hot beverages

• Please report any near misses, hazards, incidents or accidents to a staff member. If you have a hot beverage, the school policy is to use a container/cup with a lid.

Position Specific WHS information will be issued where required e.g. BBQ, events, tuckshop etc.

Your Supervisor is as per the event you are attending

Your First Aid Contact person is front office staff or as per the event you are attending

If you have any WH&S concerns please call the school

000 for Emergency (Police, Fire or Ambulance)

Please sign below to confirm you have read and understood the information provided and are willing to follow our procedures/policies.

This organisation places great value on the work done by volunteers.  We aim to ensure that volunteers work in a safe environment and in a safe manner.  Please help us to do so by reporting any hazards or safety issues to the Supervisor.

I confirm I have read and understood the information provided and am willing to follow St Francis School procedures and policies.