Health and Safety Check for Knowsley Foster Carers

1. Purpose of Guidance

This guidance is for fostering team staff undertaking a health and safety check of prospective foster parent/s, for staff undertaking a health and safety check within foster carer reviews and for foster carers who are undertaking their own initial health and safety assessment of their home. Where a health and safety check is being completed as part of a prospective carer assessment this should be done as soon as possible within the process. The check will be completed with reference to this guidance, the checklist and any other information which may have been made available to the assessor by the Directorate.

2. General Principles

Although Health and Safety legislation is not enforceable in domestic premises, the basic guidelines are useful when looking at creating a safe home environment for Children Looked After.

Additionally, Health and safety checks are required in order to meet National Minimum Standards for Foster Care.

It is necessary to check the proposed/existing foster home with regard to:

Any immediate hazards which can be identified which are hazardous to children within the age group cared for/to be cared for. Hazards are those things, which are identified as having the potential to cause harm.

In identifying hazards due regard should be given to any abilities/disabilities of children placed with the foster carer/s. For example, the issue of stair safety will be relevant for foster carer/s who wish to/are approved to foster children aged five and under. It will also be relevant for some older children who are disabled.

3. Immediate Hazards

Assessors are initially expected to focus on immediate hazards. The checklist (HSCHECKLIST) indicates which elements of health and safety are deemed as "essential" to be met within the foster home, and those which are "desirable".

Immediate hazards are obvious and have the potential to cause harm or injury. These hazards must be addressed prior to the placement of any child.

4. Checklists

Knowsley Council has developed a checklist for health and safety, to comply with National Minimum Standards, which is for use within the assessment process for new foster parents (HS CHECKLIST).

Caption: checklists section

4.1	Each subject area will have relevance to all children but the extent to which the topics should be considered will depend on the age and ability of the children to be placed/who are in placement. For example glass safety will have more relevance for young children than it will for older teenagers.

4.2 Essential items/issues to be addressed

Certain items/issues are essential requirements even if an immediate hazard is not identified. Essential items are highlighted with an asterisk (*). All essential items/issues must be obtained/addressed prior to the placement of any child.

5. Potential Hazards

Potential hazards are those which are not immediately considered to be a risk but may be in the future if action is not taken. Such hazards will be those which may require discussion and the provision of advice and information to foster parent/s.

6. The Role of Assessor - Health and Safety

It is acknowledged that supervising social workers are not trained health and safety inspectors nor indeed are they specialised experts in fields such as electrical or plumbing maintenance. Therefore, the extent to which they are able to apply the checklist will be determined by their own experience and competency. Information to assist in the completion of the checklist is provided in this guidance; other material such as leaflets are available on websites as outlined later. This, together with a "common sense" approach should be all that is needed to make appropriate judgements and offer useful advice/be able to discuss health and safety with the social worker or carer.

A USEFUL APPROACH IS TO ASK THE CARERS TO UNDERTAKE THEIR OWN ASSESSMENT OF THEIR HOME AND TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE SOCIAL WORKERS TO AREAS THE CARER THINKS MAY BE A PROBLEM. This enables a discussion to take place and is less patronising. If this is the approach which is taken the social worker, following the discussion, is responsible for signing the checklist. The checklist is countersigned by the line manager.

It is important that all staff/carers become more aware of "safety" and continue to look out for possible hazards.

The role of the assessor is to ensure that a full check of the household premises, including the outside area, is undertaken as part of an assessment of the suitability of the foster carer/s home. All areas of health and safety deemed immediately hazardous and those classified as essential which need to be obtained/addressed must be identified. A plan of action for remedying them outlined, agreed with the foster carer/s/social worker and documented on the checklist.

All areas of health and safety deemed desirable should be notified to the prospective applicants. This advice should be in written form and a copy should be retained on the foster parents file.

If anyone experiences any difficulties with a particularly complex or difficult issue, they should contact their line manager/link family placement worker for advice. All identified advice and action required should be notified to the line manager who should countersign the checklist.

6.1 Other aspects of health and safety

There are other health and safety issues, which are not covered by the checklist and this guidance. Such issues will include moving, lifting and handling and behaviour management. These should be dealt with within the usual LAC planning documentation and be included within an individual risk assessment.

Other issues such as First Aid training should be discussed in the context of current training needs.

6.2 General Household Conditions

The following issues should be considered within the assessment and further guidance is available within the Recruitment and Assessment Procedures:

Space within the accommodation;
Sufficient room for study/quiet time;
Child's sleeping arrangements.

6.3 Health and safety within the foster carer review

The Review form contains a list of health and safety areas to be reviewed. The reviewer must ensure that this is completed with the foster parents and any required action is noted on the form, reported to the line manager and followed up. All "essential" requirements should be reviewed as a minimum.

6.4 Provision of health and safety items

To attempt to create a totally risk free environment is unrealistic, so it is not necessary to expend great sums of money. However, some items can be provided by the Directorate to ensure that essential health and safety items are in place. If a foster carer does not have the following essential items they can be provided by the Directorate:

First Aid boxes;
Fire blankets;
Cooker guards;
Stair gates;
Play pens (where appropriate);
Fireguards;
Child car seats;
Cots and beds.

It will be the carer's responsibility to update First Aid boxes.

Larger items/work can sometimes be authorised to enable health and safety standards to be met. The foster carer should discuss any potential such matters with the social worker at an early stage.

7. Leaflets

A range of leaflets can be obtained which outline various aspects of health and safety. See for example the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) website, The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) or the Food Standards Agency website.

8. Guidance Notes - Health and Safety Areas

The following notes are not exhaustive and are designed to provide some information to family placement staff and foster carers regarding health and safety issues.

Further information can be obtained from one of the websites outlined above.

Caption: electrical safety information

Electrical Safety (the ROSPA leaflet "the home safety book" can provide further information)	Essential * (With reference to age of child placed/to be placed)	Advice
Sockets	*	All plug sockets not in use should be covered. Sockets should be securely fixed to the wall with no bare wires showing. No scorch marks should be visible. There should be no ordinary electrical sockets in bathrooms.
Flexes/Cables		Flexes/Cables should be checked visually to see if they are in good condition – no splits, cracks, fraying or signs of wear to reduce the risk of electric shock. Cables should not be run underneath carpets or rugs. (Extension leads should usually be fully unwound before they are used as coiled cables can get hot enough to cause a fire in certain conditions.) Any damaged flexes should be replaced. Care should be taken to ensure that flexes and cables have not been positioned where they could cause trips or falls.
Plugs		Plugs should be securely fitted to all appliances. Cables should be secured by the cable grip (usually secured by 2 small screws where the cable enters the plug). Plugs should be clean, free from cracks and breaks to reduce the risk of electric shock. Any cracked plugs should be replaced with new, clean plugs. Pins should be secure and not twisted, bent or wobbly.
Adaptors/plug boards		Be wary of 2 or 3 way socket adapters and plug boards and use them sensibly. It is very easy to overload electrical sockets by using them. Overloaded sockets can cause fires. If they are used, socket covers should be used on any "unused" positions. Don't plug more than 1 item which uses a large amount of electricity into an adapter e.g. fan heater, kettle etc. Use one plug board or adaptor per socket only.
Switches		Electrical switches should be properly secured to the wall. Ensure switches are not cracked and have no evidence of overheating (e.g. scorch marks) to reduce the risk of fire. Bathrooms should have pull cord switches. Any damaged switches should be replaced.
Meter cupboard		Electrical meter cupboards should be lockable or located out of reach if children under the age of 5 are present or visiting. Keys should be kept safely.
Indoor appliances		Portable electrical appliances should be visually checked for obvious damage, exposed circuits, signs of overheating etc. They should be located in a safe place. They should not be used in bathrooms and care should be exercised if they are to be used outside. Unplug at night and when going away.
Outdoor appliances		RCDs - (safety cut off adapters) should be used when these are used outside, to reduce the risk of electric shock. Children should not be allowed to use lawn mowers etc. Unplug when not in use and keep out of the reach of children.

Caption: slips and trip safety information

Slips, Trips and Falls (for further information see the CPAT safety guide leaflet for the relevant age group and the leaflet "making a safer choice – a guide to baby products")		Advice:
Stair gates	* < 5	Stair gates should be fitted in such a way as to prevent children having access to stairs; in practice this may mean at the top of stairs or bedroom doorways – depending on the time of day. Stair gates can also be used to prevent access to other areas, which could be hazardous, e.g. kitchens. Some older children may require stair gates to keep them safe, depending on their needs. Stair gates should be obtained where children under 5 live or visit regularly.
High chairs/buggies	* < 3	It is essential for high chairs and buggies to have appropriate restraints. This also applies to any other equipment from which a child could fall.
Windows	* < 7	All windows that can be accessed by children must have restricting locks that prevent the windows being opened to a point where a child can open the window and climb up or fall out. Fit locks where these are missing or ensure children cannot access window openings. Window keys should be kept securely at hand in case of an emergency.
Bunk beds	* < 6	Ensure bunk beds are not used for this age group, as even if children sleep on the bottom bunk they may be tempted to climb the bed stairs or climb to the top bunk and be at risk of falling.
Balconies/Play pens	*	All balconies must have railings/walls that cannot be climbed/accessed by a child. Play pens must be of a height sufficient to prevent a child climbing over and children must be supervised at all times whilst playing in play pens. Any railings/bars must have a minimum width of 100mm to reduce the risk of choking.
Trailing wires		Care should be taken to ensure that flexes and cables have not been positioned where they could cause trips or falls.
Floor coverings		These should be in good condition. Look out for frayed carpets/torn lino particularly in doorways or on stairs. Rugs should be secured if used on highly polished floors or floors which can become slippery (e.g. kitchens). Wet floors are slippery.
Handrails		All stairs should have a handrail which is securely fastened.

Caption: choking hazard infromation

Choking hazards (a leaflet "How safe are my children's toys" can be obtained from the Child Accident Prevention Trust)	.	Advice:
Bedding/pillows/bumpers. The Department of Health and Social Care has information relating to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prevention and a downloadable leaflet: "reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome".	* < 1	Pillows must not be used. Sheets and lightweight blankets must be used rather than duvets. Bumpers must not be used. All of these are based on current medical advice relating to safe sleeping for babies. (2003). Please speak to your health visitor if you need additional advice. Ensure the appropriate bedding is available.
Cot sides/bed sides/play pens/railings/banisters	* any age for cot use	Where there are cot or bed sides, play pens, railings or banisters, there should be a minimum gap at any point of 100mm to prevent a child putting his or her head through the gap.
Cords/washing lines/curtain cords		Ensure hanging cords are tied/looped up, away from a child's reach and that rotary driers are not accessible. Any cords/lines should be of a height that children cannot reach, to reduce the risk of choking or strangulation.
Small items		Store these out of the reach of children, particularly those aged three and under.
Chest Freezers		These should be kept locked.

Caption: glass safety

Glass safety (the ROSPA leaflet "the home safety book" could provide further information.)	.	Advice:
Low level glass	* < 8	All low level glass that a child could fall against/run into must be fitted with either safety glass or safety film. This type of accident can cause serious injury. NB not television sets/goldfish bowls. This advice also extends to glass outside the property, including greenhouses and cold frames.
Large, low level fish tanks		These can present a risk if low level as a child could climb in, drop small electrical appliances in or be at risk from the type of fish kept there. They should not be accessible to a child.
General household items		These will include ornaments and drinking glasses. These should all be treated with care and not given to children under five. For example drinking glasses can easily break and cause injury and ornaments can splinter and crack. Glass items should be kept out of the reach of younger children.

Caption: safe storage

Safe Storage (the CAPT leaflet "what might poison your child" can provide further information)		Advice:
Medicines	*	Young children can mistake medication for sweets/drinks. Older children could be tempted to "experiment" or they may accidentally overdose. Ensure all medication is kept in a locked cupboard, which children and young people cannot access.
Flammable materials	*	Do not store unless absolutely necessary. Where it is necessary to store them they must be stored in a safe place. Flammable materials should never be stored under the stairs. Ensure all flammable materials are kept out of the reach of children under the age of 10. Store them away from heat sources. Any spare gas cylinders should be stored out of doors.
Cleaning materials, chemicals, poisons	* < 8	Cleaning materials, chemicals and poisons can look like drinks/food to younger children. Even a small amount can cause a fatality to a young child. Always use original containers and never use soft drink bottles/containers. Ensure all cleaning materials, chemicals, and poisons are locked away and out of the reach of children under 7.
Sharp knives/scissors		These can easily cause injury if children play with or transport them. Such items should be kept out of the reach of children and ideally locked away. Children need to be supervised when using scissors and younger children (under 7) should use play scissors.
Cigarettes/Lighters Alcohol/Matches		Children like to "copy" adults. Younger children may not know what these items are but might like to investigate. Alcohol and cigarettes can be poisonous to a young child. Older children may wish to "experiment" so it may be wise to keep them away from older children too. Matches of course can be a fire hazard. Try and keep all such items out of the sight and reach of children under the age of 10.
Shampoos/Cosmetics/razors		Younger children may mistake shampoos/conditioners for drink. They may try to "copy" shaving and see what make up tastes like, or they may accidentally put it in their eyes. It is advisable to lock away such items out of the reach of children under 8 and those children and young people who may not understand what such items are and/or may self-harm.
Cupboard locks		Children like to "explore" and investigate. If there are hazardous items there they could cause illness or injury. Consider keeping all cupboards containing hazardous items and which can be accessed/reached by children locked.

Caption: food hygiene

Food hygiene		Advice:
Cleanliness	*	This is essential within food storage and preparation areas, to reduce the risk of food poisoning. This will mean that the kitchen and storage areas should be kept tidy and cleaned frequently. This will include ensuring that dish/drying cloths are frequently laundered. Ensure these areas are reasonably tidy and are clean.
'Fridge thermometer (the Food Standards Agency leaflet – "keeping food cool and safe" provides more information		Aim to keep the coldest part of the fridge between 0C and 5C (32F and 41F).
Raw and cooked food/general storage		It is wise to have separate areas/chopping boards/utensils for raw and cooked food. Many food poisoning outbreaks have been traced to contamination of cooked food by raw meat/poultry. All food should be stored in clean and hygienic conditions.
Date order		It is advisable to use food by the "use by" dates, as the use by system has been devised to reduce the risk of decaying/mouldy food being eaten. Decaying/mouldy food is a health hazard.
Pet food utensils		To avoid any contamination by household pet food it is wise to use separate utensils for the serving of pets' food than those used for household members. Additionally, pets should not be allowed to lick from plates/utensils used by household members for general hygiene purposes.

Caption: fire safety

Fire/fumes safety		Advice: As a general measure, all members of the household should know how to dial 999, what to say and how to exit the property as quickly and safely as possible.
Smoke alarms (the Child Accident Prevention Trust leaflet "burns and scalds – how safe is your child?" and the ROSPA leaflet "the home safety book" provides more detailed/ further information	*	Research has shown that survival from household fires increases when there are smoke alarms. They can ensure people are alerted to a fire at an early stage. There should be a smoke alarm on each floor and these should be fitted according to the fixing instructions supplied. Smoke alarms should be tested on a weekly basis and changed annually.
Fire blanket/extinguisher	*	Many fires start in the kitchen and can quickly spread. A fire extinguisher or fire blanket can help to reduce the effects of a fire at an early stage. There should be a fire blanket (this can be supplied by Social Services if not currently available) or extinguisher in each kitchen.
Exit routes	*	It is essential that all children and young people could exit safely from the property in the event of a fire, particularly, but not exclusively, at night. Children and young people should not sleep in loft/attic areas unless this issue has been addressed.
Appliances	*	Physical changes to gas appliances can indicate that an appliance is not working properly and there can be a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is important to site appliances carefully (away from any inflammable/combustible materials) to reduce the risk of fire. It is illegal for a gas appliance to be fitted or maintained in domestic premises by anyone other than a CORGI registered fitter. All appliances should be monitored for signs of discolouration/flame colour change (particularly where there is orange/yellow pointed flame or flame lifts from the burner). Appliances should be maintained regularly by qualified CORGI registered engineers. Gas safety certificates should be kept for scrutiny if required. If possible, carbon monoxide alarms should be fitted. All heating appliances should be fixed to the wall.
Firearms/guns/ammunition and other items including crossbows and air rifles	*	In view of the dangerousness of such items it would not normally be acceptable for them to be kept within the foster home. However, it is recognised that there may be some situations that may provide an exception. There are very stringent licensing and certification requirements for most of these items. Any households which contain any of the listed items or any other weapons will necessitate a specific risk assessment. All firearms must be covered by appropriate licenses/certificates. They must be stored in the specified locked cupboard as stipulated for the license/certification. Even if some items do not require licenses or certification they must be stored in a locked cupboard which cannot be accessed by children or young people. Things they have been told not to touch often fascinate children and there are obvious dangers associated with firearms.
Fireguards	* < 5	Younger children can be fascinated by fire. They can also be prone to falling. Fires should therefore be guarded to reduce the risk of burns. The guards should fully cover the fire and be securely fixed.
Cookers		Care must be taken with pans on cookers as children may try to reach up for the handles. The cooker needs to be stable so that it cannot wobble and cause items to fall off. Where guards are not fitted it is important that pan handles are always facing inwards and not over a heat source.
Ceiling tiles		Some ceiling tiles are highly flammable (polystyrene). In the case of fire these can quickly ignite and spread a fire.
Furniture		Furniture such as settees and armchairs which was manufactured after 1988 should be filled with fire retardant foam/material. Older furniture may contain filling which is highly flammable. If furniture is old, consider replacing with newer flame retardant filled items. If this is not possible/feasible ensure all other aspects of fire safety are continually and carefully monitored.
Matches and lighters		These need to be stored safely.

Caption: outdoor safety

Garden/outdoor safety (please refer to the Child Accident Prevention Trust leaflet, "how safe is your garden" for further information)		Advice:
Ponds/water tanks/pools/all features, ornaments and furniture	* < 8	All water features can be dangerous. Don't under estimate the danger as someone can drown in two inches of water. Children can quickly run away and are fascinated by water, so they need to be closely supervised at all times where water is around. Water features can contain pools. Paddling pools and buckets should be emptied immediately after filling/use. All ponds/water tanks/pools should be securely covered when not in use and maintained to ensure water does not "pool" on the cover. Alternatively, pools should be appropriately fenced, gated and locked.
Sand pits (There is a ROSPA information sheet "Sand Play in Children's Play Areas" which can be referred to if required	* < 5	Sand pits should always be covered when not in use, especially if there are pets which could use the sand pit; a small child could choke if he or she were to fall face down in the sand. Cover sand pits when not being used. The sand should not be too deep as this could increase a risk of suffocation.
Power tools, e.g. hedge trimmers, electric saws, steamers	*	Power tools can cause serious injury. They may be difficult/impossible for children to control. They should be kept securely and children under 14 should not normally be allowed to use them. If older children do use them they must be closely supervised at all times. The decision as to whether or not a child can use such tools should be based on his or her abilities and any known risk factors.
Locks on gates	* < 5	Gates leading to the street/road should be kept locked or barred with devices that are out of a child's reach.
Fencing	* < 5	Children can squeeze through fairly small gaps and enter street/road areas where they may be at risk. They may also trap their heads in the fencing. Fencing should be well-maintained and secure, without protruding nails or sharp pieces of wood. Any gaps in fences should be less than 100mm wide. Children should not be able to exit the house or the garden without the knowledge of the carers.
Poisonous plants Refer to leaflet "How safe is your garden" for further information	* < 10	Certain fairly common garden plants are poisonous and potentially fatal. Children may think they are eating a foodstuff or wish to experiment. Berries particularly can be attractive to children. Some plants can be sharp and hurt children. However, many plants can be potentially poisonous, particularly if there are medical conditions. Poisonous plants should not be in the garden. If they already are, they should be removed.
Slides/swings/play equipment	*	Play equipment should be sited over a soft covered area/soft grassy area and not be placed over flagged or concrete areas, to reduce the risk of injury. All equipment should be securely fastened down. Supervision should be given as age-appropriate. Equipment should carry a BS number whenever possible.
Animal waste/safe area	* < 8	Animal waste can be hazardous to children. For example dog waste can cause toxicaris (which can potentially blind). Ensure there is a separate area in the garden/outdoors if dogs excrete there, that is not accessible to children. All animal waste should be cleaned up immediately.
Machinery/vehicle access	*	Empty cars and machinery can fascinate children and young people. They may try to imitate adults and drive or operate them, risking serious injury. Ensure vehicles are kept locked when not in use and that children cannot gain access to machinery.
Drain covers		Large drain covers could be seen as a challenge to children, to open and explore. As the covers are heavy, they could cause serious injury if they fell on fingers or children could become trapped inside. Small drain covers can harbour germs. Large drain covers should be securely fixed and not be able to be lifted by a child. Small drain covers should be kept clean.
Tools		Smaller tools can be a danger in small hands, such as axes, saws and chisels. These need to be securely locked away where children cannot access them.
Sheds/Garages/Outhouses/Workshops etc.		Many items stored in these areas can be hazardous. Ensure such buildings are kept locked and that children cannot access them.
Steps		Handrails should be placed wherever there are steps, to ensure children can steady themselves.
Nests/hives		Where there are nests or hives in the garden ensure children and young people cannot access them. Consider having the nests dealt with by the environmental health department to reduce the risk to children if there is swarming. Seek the advice of the environmental health department as required.
Barbecues		Barbecues require close supervision and children should never be left unattended near them. Barbecues can remain hot for a long period of time after use and they should be damped down once finished with. Children should not be allowed to light barbecues. Don't leave barbecues unattended and take care after use.

Caption: vehicle safety

Vehicle safety (please refer to the most recent transport guidance for employees or the Child Accident Prevention Trust leaflet "How Safe is your child in the car?" for further information as required.		Advice:
Driving licence	*	All drivers transporting children must have a full driving licence.
MOT	*	An MOT certificate is a recognised measure of vehicle roadworthiness. It is required in law for all vehicles that are more than 3 years old. All vehicles used to transport children and young people should have a current MOT certificate. The certificate should be viewed by the assessor.
Insurance	*	Third party insurance is the minimum legal requirement to ensure children are adequately insured for any accident to them. There should be this level of insurance as a minimum for all drivers, covering all vehicles that are used to transport children and young people. Carers should contact their insurance companies to ensure that they are insured to carry Children Looked After and young people.
Child seats/seat belts/restraints /booster cushions	*	See Transporting Children Procedure. Remember that even on short journeys you should always use the appropriate seat/belt etc. Ensure correct seating is used and that the law is complied with. Carers should not carry more children in the car than is legally safe.
Child locks	* where fitted	Child locks can be helpful in ensuring children don't attempt to get out of the car/open a car door whilst it is moving. Use child locks when available.
Keys		Don't leave keys in unattended vehicles or leave car keys where inquisitive children can reach them. Keep vehicles locked at all times.
Driveways		Always park with the handbrake fully on. Prior to setting off, always ensure there are no children near the vehicle.

Caption: household hygiene

Household hygiene		Advice:
Hygienically clean	*	The property should be hygienically clean, to prevent the build up of bacteria. This will be particularly important in the bathroom and kitchen areas. Rubbish should be disposed of to reduce the risk of fire and/or vermin. To minimise the possibility of unpleasant odours, ensure that things which can develop into problems are dealt with in a timely manner, for example wet or dirty bedding, cat litter etc.

Caption: pet safety

Pets		Advice:
Care of Pets		It is expected that normal care of pets such as six-monthly worming of domestic pets will be completed.
Allergies	*	Where children have identified allergies to pets (for example in relation to asthma or eczema) care should be taken when children placed in homes, which contain these pets. Medical advice should be taken on how to minimise allergy problems.
Sleeping and feeding arrangements	*	Pets should not be allowed to sleep on children's beds. They must not be allowed to lick plates or other crockery/ eating utensils as they may have germs, which pass on. Keep pets out of children's' bedrooms wherever possible.
Temperament	*	Certain breeds of dogs are not suitable within foster homes and these include all breeds classified by the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991). These are Pit Bull terriers and Japanese Tosa. Additionally, the RSPCA have identified Alsatians, Rottweillers, Dobermans (and Pit-Bull terriers) as breeds with a capacity and tendency for aggressions. Any concern about the safety of a particular pet will be addressed, if necessary by appropriate discussion with the RSPCA or other vetinary personnel. There should be consideration of the temperament of family pets. Children should never be left unsupervised with a dog.
Litter trays		Where possible, these should be where children cannot access them and away from food preparation areas. Try and keep these out of kitchens and out of the reach of children.
Exotic pets		Whenever there are exotic pets ensure these are kept safely, don't let children handle them unless you are sure that they cannot pass on any disease. Ensure children are supervised at all times when in the vicinity of them. Levels of risk will depend on the ability/attitude of the child/young person in relation to a particular circumstance, together with any known risk factors.

Caption: general safety

General		Advice:
Smoking	*	Care should be taken when children are placed with smokers if they have been diagnosed with asthma. Medical advice should be sought wherever there is doubt.
First Aid container	*	Each home should have a basic First Aid container. If the carer does not have this item it can be provided by the Children and Young People Directorate.
Plastic bags	* < 5	Plastic bags can cause suffocation to children and babies. These should be kept out of reach of children.
Sun protection (The CAPT leaflet "Handle safely" can provide further information if required.	*	The sun is known to be a potential hazard if sun creams are not used properly. Young skin is particularly vulnerable and all children should be protected from the sun by creams or lotions, head protection and by avoiding midday sun. Keep children out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm whenever possible. Take care that sun creams and lotions are waterproof when playing in water. Ensure young children wear sun hats.
Hot water		Hot water from the tap should be monitored so that it cannot cause accidental scalding. It is better to keep the temperature to a maximum of 43 degrees centigrade, setting the thermostat to this maximum. Take care with kettles and consider using coiled leads to prevent flexes hanging down. Also be careful with tablecloths and use table mats where possible.
General "housekeeping"		Storing household items haphazardly and in quantities can present hazards of fire, trips or falls. If rooms are reasonably tidy it is easier to identify potential hazardous items.
Working from home		Where a foster carer works from home (other than as a foster carer) there should be a risk assessment of any factors, which could affect children. For example, if the business requires regular deliveries to the address there should be an analysis of any additional risk posed by vehicles/visitors to the property.
Outside activities, leisure pursuits		Foster carers have a "duty of care" to children engaging in outside activities and leisure pursuits such as horse riding, abseiling, canoeing, rock climbing and caving. It is important to ensure that any instructors have the required qualifications – certain activities will require the organisation providing them to have a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority. Make sure that the child's social worker is aware of the proposed activity and has agreed/arranged the suitable agreement for it.