Revision to 'Departmental Health and Safety Policy' document

In reviewing the requirements for ISO45001, the University has reviewed and revised the Departmental Health and Safety Policy document (template)Link opens in a new window that Department's/School's can adapt as their own. This includes statements around striving for continual improvement in health and safety and a commitment to consult and engage workers and worker's representatives in changes that could impact on their health, safety or wellbeing. It also looks to strengthen the ties between departmental health and safety committees and the senior management team, such that health and safety objectives, performance and significant issues are brought to the attention of the senior management team in a more formal manner.

LEV Code of Practice, LEV Training and Logbooks

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are an engineering control that can provide a very effective means of inhalation exposure control. If relying on these types of systems to protect you, then you need to know how to check that they work effectively. LEV Training is now available via MoodleLink opens in a new window, This is currently aimed at those working across the Science, Engineering and Medical Faculty, but can be completed by anyone, by self-enrolment. In addition, there is a Code of Practice and Logbook templates that can be used to record user checks, maintenance and issues found with your LEV system. These are all available to download from our LEV webpagesLink opens in a new window. The latest that has been added are videosLink opens in a new window showing how an anemometer can be used to carry out the monthly checks required if following a quantitative approach. The alternative is to use a smoke generator or smoke pen for a qualitative check that the LEV system is working effectively. Whichever method is used, results must be recorded in the associated Logbook. A LEV newsletter is available to remind LEV users about the basic requirements.

Revision to the Asbestos Management arrangements

The Asbestos Management Arrangements have been revised. The latest version can be found from the Asbestos Management webpagesLink opens in a new window.

Guidance for home working

When working from home, whether using a desktop PC, laptop or with paper-based activities, then the work is generally ‘low-risk’, but there are simple measure that staff can take to reduce risk further.

A checklistLink opens in a new window has been developed to provide information on what measures you should try and put into place, as far as you reasonably can, to minimise any potential for problems when working from home during this exceptional period.

Information on social distancing is available from Public Health England.

There is also further information and resources for the public available from the World Health Organisation.

Chemical Safety - please see the Chemical Safety bulletin for information on good Chemical Safety management

FIRE SAFETY

If a fire is detected on campus, the University’s goal is to ensure that all colleagues evacuate buildings in a prompt and safe manner. This relies on a number of factors, such as:

• sounders operating correctly in all areas
• escape routes being clear
• final exit doors releasing/opening properly
• colleagues behaving appropriately in response to an alarm activation.

The only way to test that the fire arrangements in all buildings are robust and working is through planned fire evacuation drills. As a result, fire evacuation drills will be carried out across all buildings throughout the academic year 2017-18.

How to familiarise yourself with your local fire arrangements:

• Locate and read your nearest ‘Fire action’ notice, which is a blue sign next to fire exits and on the back of doors in accommodation blocks.
• Make sure you understand the action to take in the event of a fire – familiarise yourself with your escape route(s) and emergency gathering point.

What to do in the event of an emergency:

• If you detect a fire, raise the alarm using the means available and evacuate immediately.
• If you hear a fire alarm, evacuate immediately. It could be a real fire – do not assume that it is a drill.
• Do not re-enter the building until you have been given permission to do so by a member of the emergency response team.

What to do if you notice a problem:

• If you notice any problems with any fire safety measures (such as detectors, alarm points, signage, escape routes or extinguishers) report them immediately to your manager/supervisor/academic tutor or through the Health and Safety or the Estates helpdesks (available via the respective websites).

Click here to see what you should do in the event of an emergency.