Guidance on storage for classroom checklist

Student medication

Medication must be secured against unauthorised access. Records of administration must be maintained and available. Is medication in date?

General storage

Poor storage can lead to slips, trips and falls, items striking people when they fall and increase fire risks (see fire section of the Checklist for more details). Check for dropped paper & plastic sheets on floors near waste bins and near storage areas. Look at any high-level storage - is it stable? Is it secure? Can you get it down safely without reaching above head height?

Hazarous Substances

A number of hazarous substances could be present in your classroom. The effects of injesting, inhaling or skin contact of these can be very severe (fatal in some circumstances). It is therefore vital that these are securely and appropriately stored. Under no circumstances should domestic food containers be used for decanting substances. Neither should any substances be decanted or stored in unmarked containers or bottles.

Potential weapons and instruments for self-harm

The nature of the activties which take place in classrooms means that there are going to be a number of items which could either be used immediately as a weapon or instrument of self-harm or could be adapted for that purpose. Any items which fall into these categories should be secured against unauthorised access and should be capable of being quickly counted after use to prevent thefts.