POLICY SUN PROTECTION - Sunbury Primary School

P O L I C Y
DOCUMENT
S U N B U R Y
PRIMARY SCHOOL
SUN PROTECTION
Rationale:
This policy for students, staff and parents is in accordance with Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development Policy and duty of care considerations. Reference is also made to Cancer Council of Victoria guidelines
and advice. The Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide Section 4.5.12.1 outlines current Departmental Policy
on Skin Protection.
Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. The
damage done to the skin from even one episode of over exposure to the sun can never be repaired.
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing some form of
skin cancer during their lifetime. Over exposure to the sun during childhood and adolescence is known to be major
cause of skin cancer.
You can see sunlight and feel heat (infra red radiation), but you cannot see or feel UV (ultraviolet) radiation. It comes
directly from the sun and can also be scattered in the air and reflected by surfaces such as buildings, concrete, sand,
snow and water. UV radiation can also pass through light cloud.
It can be damaging to skin on cool, cloudy days and hot, sunny days.
Schools can reduce students (UV) radiation exposure and risk of skin cancer because:
Students are at school when UV levels are moderate and above
Schools are an appropriate place to teach and promote healthy behaviours
Schools in partnership with families and their communities can help reduce UV radiation exposure through
policy, education and role modelling.
Aim:
The aim of the Sun Protection Policy is to:
Increase community and student awareness about skin cancer, ultraviolet protection and sun protection
Actively promote, educate and encourage the entire school community to use a combination of sun protection
measures with particular reference to the period between September and April or whenever the UV levels reach
3 (moderate) or above
Work towards a safe school environment that provides shade for children, staff and the school community
Assist children to be responsible for their own sun protection
Ensure that all children and staff maintain a healthy balance between too little and too much ultra violet
radiation from the sun
Ensure that families and new staff are informed of the Sun Protection Policy.
Scope:
The Sun Protection Policy covers the following areas:
Shade
Clothing
Hats
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Role modelling
Curriculum.
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Recommendations for practice:
All students and staff use a combination of sun protection measures throughout the day to ensure they are well
protected. Particular care is taken between 10am and 2pm. (11am and 3pm daylight saving time) when UV
levels reach their peak
Sun protection measures are not used from 1 st September to the 1 st May unless the UV index level reaches 3
and above
Our Sun Protection policy is considered when planning outdoor events e.g. assemblies, camps, excursions and
sporting events. Where possible outdoor activities or events are conducted earlier in the morning or later in the
afternoon, or indoor venues are utilised. Staff preparing and planning for outdoor events must document
preparation of students for sun protection in the school’s excursion planning document.
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1. SHADE:
2. CLOTHING:
In consultation with the School Council, shade provision is considered in plans for future buildings and
grounds
The availability of shade is considered when planning excursions and outdoor activities
Students are encouraged to use areas of available shade when playing outside
Students who do not have appropriate hats or outdoor clothing are asked to play in a pre-determined
shaded area.
Sun protective clothing is included in the school’s Dress Code Policy. School clothing is made of close
weave fabric and includes shirts with collars and longer sleeves, longer style dresses and shorts and rash
vests or t-shirts when swimming.
3. HATS:
Students are required to wear hats that protect the face, neck and ears, i.e. broad brimmed hats (with at
least 8cm brim) or bucket hats, whenever they are outside. Please refer to our Student Dress Code policy.
(Please note: baseball caps do not offer protection and therefore are not SunSmart recommended hats.)
4. SUNGLASSES: (not mandatory)
Students and staff are encouraged to wear close fitting wrap around sunglasses that meet Australian
standard 1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4) and cover as much of the eye area as possible.
5. SUNSCREEN:
SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen is available for staff and children’s use. Sunscreen is
applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours if outside for long periods
of time
Teaching staff remind students to apply sunscreen before going outdoors
First Aid kits are to contain SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen which is ideal for low
allergenic sensitive skin types
Students who are allergic to sunscreen are to be identified by parents when they provide medical advice
about their child. Staff are to report to a student’s parent or guardian any adverse reaction to sunscreen.
6. ROLE MODELLING:
Staff are expected to act as role models by -
‣ Wearing school approved broad brimmed hats, appropriate clothing and sunglasses when outside
‣ Applying SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen
‣ Seeking shade whenever possible.
Families and community members are expected to use a combination of sun protection measures (sun
protective clothing and hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) when participating in and attending outdoor
school activities
7. CURRICULUM:
Programs on skin cancer prevention are included in the curriculum for all year levels and Cancer Council of
Victoria resources are sourced

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SunSmart behaviour is regularly reinforced and promoted to the whole school community through
newsletters, parent meetings, staff meeting, school assemblies, student and teacher activities and upon
student enrolment.
Evaluation:
Community feedback is to be encouraged and documented throughout the year by the School Council Policy
Committee.
Review:
School Council will review the effectiveness of the Sun Protection Policy every three years or revise the policy where
required or as directed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development policy, or guidelines or advice
from the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria.
Review date: 2012.
Policy ratified by School Council: Monday, 14 th September 2009.
Relevant Documents/Links:
Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide: 4.5.11 Skin protection
www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/referenceguide/envir/default.htm
Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria
www.cancervic.org.au/
Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH): Section 7.5.5 Shade Areas
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Sections 21 and 23: Main duties of Employers
Section 25: Duties of Employees
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au > Laws and Regulations > Acts and Regulations
Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC): Guidance Note for the Protection of Workers from the
Ultraviolet Radiation in Sunlight
www.ascc.gov.au/assoc/HealthSafety/HazardsSafetyIssues/UltraviletRadiationSunlight.htm
Sun Smart UV Alert (issued) whenever the UV Index reaches 3 and above
www.sunsmart.com.au
UV and Vitamin D:
www.sunsmart.com.au/browse.asp?ContainerID=1917
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