Safety and risk management

Schools need to be aware of their safety responsibilities under the relevant legislation and take appropriate steps to implement safety systems in their schools. They should also be familiar with the guidelines set out in the school registration manual that is relevant to their school.

Schools should develop their teaching and learning programs with consideration of relevant safe work practices. This includes Work Health and Safety requirements, and the safe handling, use, storage and disposal of tools, equipment, materials and chemicals. For syllabuses that include content relating to digital technologies, teaching and learning also needs to reflect the legal, ethical and cyber-security considerations of digital solutions.

Where relevant, schools must be aware of their responsibilities in relation to:

• activities that may require notification, certification, permission, permits and licences
• students that may have allergies that can result in anaphylaxis (a severe and sometimes sudden allergic reaction which is potentially life-threatening and always requires an emergency response)
• school and education sector policies regarding the safe conduct of activities and movements when developing teaching and learning programs.

For some syllabuses, like Agricultural Technology and Biology, schools must be aware of the guidelines and legislation surrounding animal welfare in schools when developing teaching and learning programs.