health and safty

1. ASSIGNMENT 2
MODULE: SAFETY AND HEALTH IN OUR HOME
SUBMITTED BY jojo
Class discussion
We had a class discussion and debate regarding “Health and safety in our home”
and we came across different issues that relates to health and safety in residence.
All of them participated and shared their thoughts and suggestions. We wrote down
the suggestions and Margaret our instructor has suggested some points and
proposals which we were not discussed about. We all agreed that we will apply our
findings and observation in Health and safety on our daily life.
My Proposals
Stairs inside home are safe with handrails
Doors are opened to inwards.
Entrance lights and safety alarms are working properly. There were no hangings
on the doorlevel that will bang the head.
Hallways are free from furniture’s and shoe rack. Rugs are attached firmly to
the floor and edges.
Adequate lighting especially during night
Hazardous materials stored safely
Check all smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary.
All the students participated in the debate and discussion session and it was very
interesting. Students agreed and disagreed on proposals put forward in the class
debate. A show of hands for each proposalwas made and the majority ruled, on a
few occasions our tutor brought up points that made us rethink some of the
proposals we had made. We then talked about the advantages and disadvantages of
each proposalas we decided on the main points. After all the discussions we had,
we all decided on a final draft and subsequently the final draft was reviewed again
just to make sure everyone agreed on it.
I am attaching the final draft of our checklist with this assignment

2. BEDROOM
YES/NO
Do throwrugs create a trippinghazard
Is the carpet torn?
Is the room free fromclutter?
Is there toomuch furniture forthe space?
Is there properaccessto telephone,mobilephone,especially atnight?
Is there enoughlightinthe bedroom?
Is the bedtoo highor low?
Do tangledelectrical leadsobstructpathways?
Doesthe furniture provide proper support,if needed?
BATHROOM
Are grab bars available nearthe tub,
Showerandtoilet?
Are there bath mats?
Is the toiletthe potential forbathwatertobe too hot?
Are medicationsstoredproperly?
LOUNGE
Is itdifficulttomove aroundfurniture?
Is the furniture stable?
Can the lightsbe switchedonquickly?

3. Is there enoughlighting?
Doesglare from the windowsmake itdifficultto
see?
Is itdifficulttogetinand of a chairor sofa?
http://www.homesafetysmartcheck.com/home-safety-checklists_5143_ct.aspx

4. Evaluate Safety and Health in your own home
I have accessed safety issues in home, keeping in mind especially the safety of
Children and older or disabled guests visiting my home. They are as follows: -
Parking
 Cars are parked not closing any entrance of the house
 Parking area surface are even and can be accessible to footpath.
 Footpath are clean, spacious and not having any stones or slippery falls.
Entrance
 Entrance can be wheel chair accessed and carpets are fixed properly.
 Doors are opened to inwards.
 Slippery floor mats should be avoided.
 Call bell at correctposition and make sure it’s working
 Looserugs are to be avoided
 Free of clutter at the entrance
 Adequate lighting and cleanliness at the entrance
Kitchen
 No loose curtains or clothes hanging near to the gas flame.
 Extractor fan is working and the kitchen is free from any smokes.
 Floors were free from any spillages or any water.
 Sharp objects stored in a childproof drawer, out of reach of children.
 Clasps were fitted in kitchen drawers to protect from children.
 Electronic appliances maintained safely and power sockets not to be
overloaded
 Fire extinguisher on the wall, Fire blanket by the stove
 Regular checking and maintenance of fire alarms
Living Room
 Standing lamps and furniture’s are kept away from the accessibility of
children.
 Smoking alarm is checked and battery is working well.
 Ashtrays are emptied and fireplace is covered with spark guard.
 TV on stand well secured.

5.  No sharp corners on furniture.
 All electric cords secured and fastened.
 Switches at top and bottom of stairs.
 Stairways well lit.
Bedroom
 Rooms are properly lighted up.
 Mattresses are firm, linens and pillows are free from dust and dirt.
 Cradles are fixed properly and swinging freely.
 Able to get in and out of bed safely without any obstructions.
 No slippery floor mats or rugs.
 Safe electric power sockets and switch boards.
 Adequate heating facility & storage facility.
 Medicines are all kept away from the reach of children.
 Phone accessible from bed.
 Emergency alert system accessible from bed.
Bathroom
 Well ventilated.
 Light switches were placed outside the bathroom.
 Toilet bowl and sink is perfectly clean with disinfectants.
 Shower has having temperature control.
 Towels, liquid soap present.
 Bins are provided.
DRUG SAFETY
 Review your medicines frequently with your doctoror pharmacist and when
you take new medication.
 Make sure medicines are clearly labelled.
 Dispose of any old or used medicines.
 Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
 Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser.
 Check with your doctoror pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs
and prescription drugs.

6. GENERALHOME SAFETY
The following home safety tips can help keep you and others safe:
 Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detectoron every floor.
 Never smoke when alone or in bed.
 Use a correctly measured walking aid.
 Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
 Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
 Wipe up spills promptly.
 Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
 Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary,
purchase a stair lift.
 Make sure that staircase steps should have a non-slip surface and stair case
have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
Accurate identification of specific problem areas in relation to older people/
disabled people (at least3)
Some of the problems that I identified in relation to older/disabled people are:
1) Bath tub is very new but do not have a firm grip. There is chance of
skidding.
2) Furniture not well planned and causing difficulty for free movement
3) Smoke alarm not working in the kitchen
4) Heavy items like printers, suitcases were placed at the top of the cupboard.
5) Slippery floor mats.
6) There were no child safety rail gates near to the stairs.
7) No adequate no of wardrobes.
8) Poorlit entrance and hallway.
Demonstrate (at least3 examples)how you would improve Health and Safety
in your home.

7.  I spoketo my landlord. We discussed the issues that could be reasonably
resolved.
 He placed extra firm gripped rubber mattress, that reduces the slippery of the
bath tub.
 We bought a child safety rail gates.
 Heavy items were removed from the top of cupboards.
 All fuel-burning appliances, including boilers, fireplaces, water heaters, as
well as chimneys and vents have been inspected professionally this month
after requesting the same to the landlord.
 Repaired the smoke alarms, it started working now.
Sources ofinformation
www.hsa.ie
www.hse.ie
Module Breakdown
Healthcare Support. A Textbookfor Healthcare Assistants by Imelda Duffy,
Published by Gill and MacMillan
Health Safety and Welfare Care in Ireland by Joseph Kinsella, Published by Gill
and MacMillan.
The Irish Health & Safety Handbook(2nd Edition) T.N. Garven, Oak Tree Press.
Met with the Local Fire Officer and discussed safety with him.
http://www.homesafetysmartcheck.com
http://www.aplaceformom.com/
sg_bacwww.dorchesterhealth.org
http://www.rospa.com/
Give comprehensive analysis of findings and logicalconclusion
For my assignment preparation for health and safety at home, I have evaluated the
following areas, parking area, entrance to the home, kitchen, bedrooms, stairs,
Living room, bathroom, furniture and electrical appliances. We have discussed the
Health and safety issues in the class. Everyone was actively participated and
came up with different safety issues. By evaluating / and preparing this
assignment. I have a got a good insight into the different health and safety issues at

8. home. Thoseare unnoticed by me. Some of the problem I would have easily found
solutions. Other issues were resolved or at the least reduced the safety concerns.
May I hope my experience in analyzing the health and safety matters in my home
will help me in future assessment. These observations gave an idea about the
dangers that existed inside the home and found solution to overcome this.
Inspecting our home and taking action to prevent home injuries can help us to live
comfortably and safely for many years to come. Whether we live in a house or an
apartment, living safely at home requires adapting the environment and lifestyle to
the normal changes that age brings. We need to recognize that assistive devices
and gadgets are a smart way to make our everyday life easier, independent and
safe. Every change made to adapt the home and to stay healthy will help keep us
from falls and injury.