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Foster for Staffordshire
Foster Carers Handbook
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General Advice
General Advice
Slips, Trips and Falls are a common cause of injury in the home. Check that there are no trailing cables, toys on the floor, loose carpets and other items causing a trip hazard.
Be aware of children climbing on chairs and other objects to gain access to light switches, door handles and windows, climbing into freezers and on the stairs.
Fit safety glass or cover with a transparent safety film on all low level glazing.
Soft furnishings and children’s equipment and toys must conform to the relevant British Safety Standards and possess a CE mark.
All cords on window blinds must be cut or stowed out of reach of babies and young children so that they do not present a strangulation hazard. See also Child Death Overview Panel Newsletter regarding Blind Cord Awareness.
Where young children are being cared for, install a stair and/or kitchen gate as necessary.
Use appropriate access equipment such as a kick stool or step ladder when reaching for items up high or changing a light bulb.
Keep stairs and landing free from trip hazards.
Be aware that hot taps and hot radiators present higher risks to children than adults. Where necessary, consideration for the installation of radiator covers.
Cover or restrict children’s access to garden ponds and pools, and never leave a child unattended near water.
Ensure gardening equipment, tools and chemicals are safely locked away out of reach of children.
Ensure the garden is secure and that the child cannot wander.
Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy, and that appropriate safety checks and servicing are carried out on a regular basis.
Store keys out of reach of children.
Be aware of what children are accessing on the internet, and install security filters where necessary to ensure they are not accessing sites which are not suitable for their age.
Have an Emergency Plan. Know where your gas isolation valve, electric isolation switch and water services stop cock locations are. Have an escape plan in the event of a fire.
Keep Emergency telephone numbers in a prominent place for easy access.
Firearms must be stored safely and in accordance with the Firearms Act.
Related content
Foster Carers Handbook
HS-Advice-and-Guidance-for-Foster-Carers
Accident Reporting
Cycling
Electricity
Fire Safety
First Aid
Food Safety
Gas
General Advice
Guidance on Young People's consumption of Alcohol
Health and Safety Advice and Guidance for Foster Carers
Heating
Household Chemicals
Infection Control
Kitchen
Manual Handling
Medication Policy
Personal Safety
Pets
Policy and Guidance for Staff, Foster Carers and Children/ Young People on smoking in Foster Care
Safe Care on Holiday or Trips Away
Safe Care Plan
Smoking
Transporting Children & Young People
Warning Labels on Household Chemicals in the UK