This policy applies to all school events, on and off-site.
Rationale
A balance of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is important for health. Too much of the sun’s UV radiation can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a critical factor in determining future skin cancer risk.
Too little UV radiation from the sun can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles, and for general health. Sensible sun protection when UV is 3 and above does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Objectives
This sun protection policy has been developed to:
- encourage the entire school community to use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above
- work towards a safe school environment that provides shade for students, staff and the school community at appropriate times
- assist students to be responsible for their own sun protection
- ensure families and new staff are informed of the school’s sun protection policy.
Staff are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times on the SunSmart app or http://www.myuv.com.au/, to assist with implementing this policy.
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2012
Procedures
Staff are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times on the SunSmart app or http://www.myuv.com.au/, to assist with implementing this policy.
The school uses a combination of sun protection measures for all outdoor activities during terms one, three and whenever UV levels reach 3 and above at other times. A combination of skin protection measures are considered when planning outdoor events e.g. camps, excursions, sporting activities and swimming carnivals.
1. Clothing
Sun protective clothing is included in the school uniform/dress code and sports uniform. The clothing is cool, loose fitting and made of closely woven fabric. It includes shirts with collars and elbow length sleeves, longer style dresses and shorts and rash tops or t-shirts for outdoor swimming.
2. Sunscreen
- Students can provide their own SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen and the school will also supplies SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen for staff and students’ use.
- Sunscreen is applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours if remaining outdoors.
- Families with children who have naturally very dark skin are encouraged to discuss their vitamin D requirements with their GP or paediatrician.
3. Hats
All students and staff are required to wear hats that protect their face, neck and ears e.g. legionnaire, broad brimmed or bucket hats, whenever they are outside. Baseball or peak caps are not acceptable.
4. Shade
- A shade audit is conducted regularly to determine the current availability and quality of shade.
- The school council ensures there is a sufficient number of shelters, portable shade structures and trees providing shade in the school grounds, particularly in areas where students congregate e.g. canteen, outdoor lesson areas and popular play areas.
- The availability of shade is considered when planning excursions and all other outdoor activities.
- In consultation with the school council, shade provision is considered in plans for future buildings and grounds.
- Care is taken during the peak UV radiation times, and outdoor activities are scheduled outside of these times or in the shade where possible. Sports days and other outdoor events to be held during term two or earlier in the day where practical.
- Students are encouraged to use available areas of shade when outside.
- Students who do not have appropriate hats or clothing are asked to play in the shade or a suitable area protected from the sun.
5. Sunglasses (optional)
Students and staff are encouraged to wear close fitting, wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 (Sunglasses: lens category two, three or four) and cover as much of the eye area as possible. Novelty tinted glasses do not protect against UV radiation and are not recommended.
6. Staff WHS and role modelling
As part of WHS UV risk controls and role modelling, when the UV is 3 and above staff will:
- wear sun protective hats, clothing and sunglasses when outside
- apply SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen
- seek shade whenever possible.
Families and visitors are encouraged to use a combination of sun protection measures e.g. sun protective clothing and hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and shade, when participating in and attending outdoor school activities.
7. Curriculum
- Programs on skin cancer prevention are included in the curriculum for all year levels every second year.
- SunSmart behaviour is regularly reinforced and promoted to the whole school community through newsletters, school homepage, parent meetings, staff meetings, school assemblies, student and teacher activities and in student enrolment packs.
Policy review
The school council and staff regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the sun protection policy (at least every three years) and revise the policy when required.
Date of next policy review: 2023
