Health and Safety Management in Schools

EARRINGS AND OTHER JEWELLERY: SAFE PRACTICE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION SWIMMING AND TECHNOLOGY

1.0 The number of pupils attending schools who have had their ears, or other body parts, pierced and, subsequently, the attachment of a variety of earrings and other adornments (e.g. navel rings, nose studs, lip studs, tongue studs, eyebrow studs) which collectively come under the heading of jewellery, have increased in recent years. Whilst this 'fashion trend' does not in itself cause, in the majority of cases, undue problems for schools it can conflict with safe practice and the delivery of part of the National Curriculum - namely PE, Sport, Swimming and in some cases, Technology.

2.0 For safety reasons the wearing of earrings, ear studs or other jewellery (metal or plastics) must not be permitted during sporting activities, PE or swimming. For safety and hygiene reasons this may also apply during technology. These items represent potential hazards, not only to the wearer but also to other pupils, staff and, in some instances, third parties. Medical, Professional and Occupational Safety advice confirms that any jewellery wearing during these lessons constitutes an unnecessary risk and should be avoided at all times.

3.0 Teachers are advised to prohibit the wearing of earrings, ear studs or other jewellery in all aspects of physical activity or where, on the basis of a risk assessment, there is a risk of injury to the wearer or to others or where there is a risk of standards of hygiene being compromised, such as in Food Technology lessons.

4.0 Serious injuries have been sustained as a result of contact between pupils wearing jewellery and other pupils, equipment or apparatus during physical activity. Similarly, those who may be involved in the operation of machinery in school workshops are required not to wear anything loose (including jewellery) that may get entangled in the working parts of a machine. This is an absolute duty under Health and Safety Regulations and includes rings and wristwatches. Food Hygiene Regulations require food handlers to remove jewellery, including wristwatches, bracelets, rings and loose pendant earrings. 5.0 Governors and Headteachers are advised to establish local policies for their schools that encompass the above requirements. Secondary schools will need to ensure that Heads of Departments include the above provision in their Departmental Policies and Procedures. These should make provision for circumstances where, despite a prohibition, a pupil nevertheless attends a practical lesson wearing jewellery. In this minority of cases, a degree of management discretion will need to be exercised by the class teacher by way of a suitable solution. This may necessitate temporary exclusion from an activity if, on the basis of the assessed risks, the class teacher feels that such action is warranted. In such instances staff should be appropriately supported by the Headteacher and Governing Body.

6.0 Parents should be informed of the school rules regarding the wearing of jewellery. A practical measure, which may be helpful, is for Headteachers to use parents evenings and events, from the very early stage when children are first preparing to enter school, to emphasise the policy on jewellery and other adornments and to discourage the wearing of these items before it becomes habitual. The school prospectus should contain a Health and Safety section, which outlines the policy and the underlying reasons for it.

7.0 Pupils should be encouraged to leave items of jewellery at home on days when they have lessons where the removal and safe keeping of such items will or may be required for safety or hygiene reasons. Members of staff should not be personally involved in the removal and/or temporary secure storage of items of jewellery, both for hygiene and insurance indemnity reasons and to avoid inadvertent injury to the pupil.

8.0 In very exceptional circumstances (e.g. newly pierced ear, infection or similar short term medical condition) the ear lobe may be taped temporarily (4 to 6 weeks) with non-allergic (hypo allergenic) microporous tape if it is necessary to retain the stud in place for medical reasons. Conventional first-aid sticking plasters must not be used for these cases. The parent, in such instances, must provide suitable evidence, in the form of a Doctor’s Note, of the pierced ear infection or short-term medical condition. Similarly, rings that cannot easily be removed from fingers in preparation for a food technology class may, exceptionally, be covered with blue detectable first-aid plasters.

9.0 Failure to comply with the above guidance may render the County Council liable to enforcement action from either the HSE or Environmental Health Inspectors and/or Civil Action for Damages should a jewellery related incident/injury occur. OFSTED Inspectors may also check for compliance with the above procedures during their school inspections.