Deciding Who Will Help
Clear roles make safety predictable. Every practice benefits from named people for day-to-day checks, first aid, fire safety and equipment control. Competence matters more than job title; training and time should match the role.[2][1]
Core roles in a typical practice
A H&S lead coordinates policy, risk assessments and training.[2]
A fire responsible person ensures risk assessment, drills, signage and equipment checks.[4]
First aiders or appointed persons cover first-aid arrangements and stock.[3]
Equipment custodians own safety checks for specific items, such as slit lamps or fundus cameras.[5]
It can help to consider DSE assessors for office and screening areas.[7] A COSHH coordinator can track data sheets and storage.[8] For domiciliary services, a lone-worker lead maintains contact protocols and route risk checks.[9]
- Role clarity list: role name and holder; duties; training completed and expiry; time allocated; deputy; and escalation path if unavailable.[2][1]
Making roles work in small teams
In small practices one person may wear several hats. Spreading the load where possible and appointing deputies keeps cover resilient.[2][1] Checklists that fit into normal routines - such as adding fire checks to opening duties and chemical checks to cleaning audits - often help.[4][8]
Locums benefit from a light induction that names these people.[6]
A simple poster in the staff room with photos and roles can shorten response time during incidents. Updating it when roles change and adding review dates keeps it current.[6]
Recording and reviewing help
A single "Who helps with what" register is practical. Adding training expiry dates makes it easier to book refreshers before they lapse.[2][5] After incidents, it is useful to review whether roles and cover worked in practice, not just on paper.[2][1]
Support helps people succeed. Time for checks, access to suppliers for repairs, and authority to remove equipment from service all reduce unsafe workarounds when faults appear during clinic.[5][1]
References (numbered in text)
- What is competence? - Health and Safety Executive (Updated: 14 January 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Managing for health and safety (HSG65) - Health and Safety Executive (2013) Find (opens in a new tab)
- First aid in work: Appoint someone to take charge - Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
- A guide for persons with duties under fire safety legislation - Home Office (Published 21 December 2022; Last updated 4 October 2023) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Managing medical devices - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (Published 1 April 2014; Last updated 25 February 2021) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Standards for optical businesses (effective from 1 January 2025) - General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
- Working safely with display screen equipment - Health and Safety Executive (Updated: 20 March 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHH - Health and Safety Executive (2012; Updated: 12 April 2023) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Lone working: Protect those working alone - Health and Safety Executive (Updated: 25 February 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
References are included to demonstrate that all the content in this course is rigorously evidence-based, and has been prepared using trusted and authoritative sources.
They also serve as starting points for further reading and deeper exploration at your own pace.
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