Subject 5: Home and Community Support For each home care setting…

For each of the items listed below, rate safety according to the following risk matrix:

Where you answer Medium, High or Very High, add comments how the hazard was addressed, i.e. reported to supervisor, isolated hazard, or indicate specific actions taken.

• Adequate exterior lighting provided and maintained.

• Free from jagged or protruding surfaces/objects (including significant cracks).
• Wide enough for intended use (including wheelchair access).

• Handrails provided when there are more than two risers.
• Treads provided and maintained in good condition.
• Slope of ramp appropriate for wheelchair access.

• Free from jagged or protruding surfaces/objects.

• Access limited.
• Maintained in good order.
• Guttering securely attached, no build-up of leaves, etc.

• Securely fenced to restrict non-supervised access.
• Chemicals correctly stored.

• Stable.
• Wires secured and taut.
• Height adjustable.
• Suitable access pathway.

• Non-slip flooring.
• Change bench provided (where necessary).
• Bathing aids provided where appropriate.
• Waste Water drain in floor.
• Adequate storage for linen and toiletries.
• Hoist provided (where necessary)
• Appliances (for example hair drier) kept away from water.
• Appliances kept out of reach of children.
• Exhaust fans functioning.

• Condition of floors, walls and ceiling.
• Condition of fittings and fixtures.

• Sufficient space for storage and movement.
• Lounge chairs suitable for needs of client AND caregiver.
• Television and Video (no piggyback plugs).

• Detergents/soaps and other chemicals stored securely.
• Protective equipment and clothing available for chemical use.
• All chemicals stored in original container.
• Non-slip flooring.
• Washing machine / drier securely fixed in position.
• Adequate bench space for clothes sorting.
• Trolley available for moving clothes basket.
• Waste Water drain in floor.
• Adequate ventilation to prevent build-up of condensation.

• Stove / oven / microwave securely fixed in position.
• Sharp objects (including knives) kept in secure storage.
• Non slip floor surface.
• Detergents/cleaners/poisons stored away from foodstuffs.
• Protective equipment provided for chemical use.
• Cyclical removal and cleaning of filters in extraction hoods.
• First aid supplies accessible.
• Fire Blanket appropriately located.
• Location of nearest extinguisher clearly signposted.
• Electronically lit gas burners.
• Bench height appropriate to needs of users.
• All chemicals stored in original containers.
• All plastic bags securely stored.
• Pet feeding utensils kept separate from those used for humans.
• Good hygiene standards maintained.
• Adequate storage provided.
• Free from infestation of rodents or insects.
• Waste containers supplied with lids and emptied regularly.
• Chairs and tables in good order.

• Sufficient space for storage and movement.
• Bed height suitable for working needs of care giver.
• Condition of doors and windows.

• Wiring maintained in good condition.
• Cords on all appliances safe to use.
• Power sockets / plugs secure and safe for use.
• Appliances safety stored.
• Appliances kept away from water.
• No overloading of power points.
• Electrical Safety Switch installed.
• Hard wired smoke detectors installed.

• Sufficient doorway width for wheelchair access.
• Full height glazed doors clearly marked at eye level.
• Fly wire screens intact.
• No sticking doors or windows.

• Guards provided around heaters where necessary.
• No portable bar radiators in use.
• Heaters used and maintained in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Matches, lighters and igniters securely stored.
• Ducted heating grills in good condition.
• Adequate clearance for ceiling fans.

• Wide enough for wheelchair and hoists.
• Floor coverings not a trips risk.
• Floor coverings suitable for wheelchair use.