- First Aid
- Fire
- Safety Hazards
- Disabled Persons
- Late Working
- Building Structure
- Accident Reporting
- Safety Training
AREA
The area covered by these regulations includes accommodation occupied by the Computer & Information Sciences Department on the 11th, 12th, 13th and the 14th floors of the Livingstone Tower
University of Strathclyde Health and Safety Policy Statement
- It is the policy of the University of Strathclyde to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees in accordance with relevant statutory requirements.
- It is the policy of the University to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its students while they are engaged in activities that are under the supervision of the University.
- The University will also afford, so far as is reasonably practicable, the same safety and health assurances to those members of the general public who have access to the University property.
- The policy stated above will be enacted through the following:-
- A Health and safety Policy document including the University’s Safety Code that contains the arrangements and organisation for health and safety; (a summary of the policy is distributed to all staff).
- Local safety rules as are approved by the University Court and issued to departments for appropriate distribution;
- Departmental Safety Regulations;
- University Safety Services’ Guidance Notes
- It is the duty of all staff and students to abide by the said code, rules and regulations.
- Within the general policy stated above, it is the University’s policy in particular:
- To provide and maintain accommodation, equipment, services and systems of work which are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health;
- To make arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
- To provide such information, instruction, training and/or supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of the persons detailed above;
- To provide and maintain such protective equipment and clothing as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of its staff and students;
- To encourage staff to set a high standard of safety by personal example in order that students leaving the University should take with them an attitude of mind which accepts good safety practice as normal.
- In pursuance of this policy, the University has established the Statutory Advisory Committee on Safety to advise the University Court on all matters relating to safety in the University and to oversee the implementation of the University’s Safety Policy.
- The University has appointed a University Safety Advisor (Head of University Safety Services), a Radiation Protection Advisor and a Biological Protection Advisor. The latter two are responsible, through the Head of the University’s Safety’s Services to the secretary of the University (and Court) for the implementation of the University Safety Policy.
The University expects all staff and students to contribute to the maintenance of this policy by adhering to such regulations as are in force, by reporting hazards, accidents and inadequacies in the working environment to the person responsible. Each member of staff has a personal responsibility (under section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) for their own health and safety and for the health and safety of those who may be affected by their activities.
1. First Aid
1.1 All security staff are trained in first aid. Anyone requiring assistance should contact one of these staff. A limited supply of First Aid equipment is kept in the Departmental Office.
1.2 In the event of ACCIDENT/ILLNESS telephone extension 2222 or 3333 giving your name, department and exact location of the incident and nature of the accident/illness. State if a doctor is required as attention by a doctor is available only at the Royal Infirmary. DO NOT move the patient until the arrival of the ambulance men. Someone should accompany the patient to the Infirmary.
1.3 All accidents MUST be reported as soon as possible to the Area Safety Convenor, who will report them to the University Safety Office.
2. Fire
The Fire Regulations are displayed in the corridors and should be strictly adhered to. Make sure you know the meanings of the audible fire alarms. The fire alarm is a loud continuous siren. The drills to be followed in the event of a fire are mandatory.
Evacuate the building immediately through the nearest exit
Do not stop to collect belongings
Do NOT USE LIFTS. Use the nearest stairs.
Proceed AWAY from the building to the Rottenrow Gardens.
The fire warning systems are tested weekly. Details of the current testing schedule are available here
2.1 In the event of a fire being discovered:
- Leave the room, close the door and raise the alarm by activating the nearest “break-glass” fire alarm call point or by informing the Security staff (extension 2222).
- If it is safe to do so, switch off equipment that appears to be on fire. Familiarise yourself with the location of any master switches.
- If it is safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher or hose reel to attack the fire.
DO NOT USE WATER WHERE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OR
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ARE INVOLVED.
2.2 Make sure that you are familiar with every escape route in the building.
Know the location and purpose of the fire extinguishers. Exit by a different route at each drill. Do not re-enter the building until authorised by the Security staff.
2.3 Special attention should be paid to radiators and other heaters. Papers, chairs, briefcases, etc. should not be allowed to rest against them. Particular care should be taken when using electric kettles and freestanding electric heaters. These should not be left operating unattended.
2.4 The University has a strict code of practice on smoking and you are required to refrain from smoking in all public areas of the university.
3. Safety Hazards
3.1 Computer Equipment
No one must use equipment that he or she has not been trained to use.
NO ONE OTHER THAN THOSE AUTHORISED BY THE HEAD OF
DEPARTMENT SHOULD ATTEMPT TO REPAIR FAULTS OR TO
REMOVE PANELS FROM EQUIPMENT.
All faults or suspected faults concerning computer equipment should be reported System Support on the 13th floor (Rm 13.07).
Local rules for the safe use of display screen equipment are available at –
www.strath.ac.uk/safetyservices/localrules/
All staff and users are asked to make themselves acquainted with these rules and to adhere to them.
3.2 Electrical Equipment
- Do not overload power points.
- All appliances should be PAT tested by a technician before use.
- Electric kettles and similar appliances must not be used on the floor.
- Three pin plugs on domestic equipment should be inspected annually and owners may request a technician to do this. Plugs on portable office equipment such as electric typewriters and computing equipment will be tested annually by a technician, as stated in the University of Strathclyde rules for electrical safety, and a register of inspections maintained.
- Work should only be undertaken on live equipment by suitable qualified personnel and then only when absolutely necessary. Work should be carried out in an area protected by a Resident Current Devise (RCD).
Any faults should be reported to the main office and to the technician (Rm 13.05)
3.3 Mechanical Workshop Equipment
Use of equipment in the Mechanical Workshop is restricted to departmental technicians or persons authorised (in writing) by the Head of Department to perform a specific task.
All appropriate precautions must be taken, as injury cannot only be caused by cutting and impact but also by clothing and hair being drawn into machinery. All safety guards on machinery must be correctly fitted and functioning as specified by the manufacturer and MUST be used at all times.
Machine operation must be accompanied by the wearing of appropriate protective clothing including where necessary safety glasses, ear protection, etc.
3.4 Pedal cycles
Cycles may be stored in the Department only by express permission of the Head of Department. Cycles must not cause any obstruction when stored and must not be taken down stairways in the event of a fire alarm.
3.5 General Behaviour
Accidents are less likely in a tidy department and one in which everyone behaves in an orderly manner.
3.6 Lifts
In the event of being trapped in one of the lifts dial extension 2222 and ask for help.
4. Persons with Special Needs
4.1 General
If you expect to be teaching or studying alongside a person with special needs you should ensure that you are familiar with any special procedures or arrangements that may have been made for his/her safety.
4.2 Evacuation of Mobility Impaired Persons (Status May 2005)
The current challenge for the University is in the nature of its buildings which do not possess the level of access and egress provisions required by the current building regulations and the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act. The most significant impact on the University will be with people who require any degree of assistance to evacuate, ranging from those whose mobility is permanently impaired to those who are temporarily incapacitated.
Under existing regulations the initial response for the safe evacuation of buildings remains the responsibility of employers and management. To assist Departments understand the essentials of what is required, guidance has been produced by the Fire Safety Adviser
In the meantime the existing egress procedures for mobility impaired staff and students will continue. This entails establishing a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) based on the physical status of the individual. The plan is produced by Safety Services with the cooperation of the individual and with assistance from the individual’s department and the Disability Service where required.
The basis of the plan is to: –
- Identify the areas where the individuals will be located;
- Provide individuals with evacuation procedures, including details of escape routes and the location of refuge points 1;
- Discuss and agree with the individuals the details of the plan, provide drawings with evacuation routes highlighted and convey relevant information to Security and other affected parties
Arrangements for visitors to the University are normally accommodated on the basis of advanced notice, when the most suitable locations can be identified. Unscheduled or unexpected visitors may require special consideration where access is required to areas with inadequate or unsuitable provision.
Estates Management are developing a plan for the improvement of facilities to assist with the evacuation of the mobility impaired and this, coupled with revised management procedures and fire brigade assistance and cooperation, will ultimately enable the University to allow full access to its wide range of services. The information on the progress of improvements to facilities will be circulated as it becomes available.
The local fire brigade will continue to provide their emergency response to fire alerts and other emergencies within the University. Nationally, the fire service is undergoing changes to utilise its resources more effectively by targeting areas where the identified need is greatest. This will be achieved by a risk assessment process where the more vulnerable areas can expect a more concentrated effort.
Advice relevant to this subject can be obtained from the Safety Services by accessing Safety Services Website at:-
www.strath.ac.uk/safetyservices/
5. Late working
5.1 Regulations governing entrance to buildings of the University are displayed at the main entrance. Academic, academic related and senior administrative staff has automatic entrance at all times. Contact control (Ext 3333) for access if the building is locked.
5.2 A person granted right of access out with normal hours must inform the Security guard of his/her intentions to enter, remain in or leave the premises by telephone to the Control Room or by signing the log book at the Control room.
Details on access out of hours is given on the Department’s web page:-
http://local.cis.strath.ac.uk/local/faq/fom-serve/cache/11.html.
5.3 Anyone using the Department on his/her own after hours should consider the dangers inherent in late working with no one else present. It is recommended that NO LESS than two people are present in labs, etc., when working late and staff are requested to draw students’ attention to this recommendation.
5.4 Regrettably security is a problem at times within the University and you are advised to look after your personal possessions with care and not to leave them unattended.
6. Structure of the building
Structural faults in the building and damage to furnishings and fixtures should be notified to the main office and brought to the attention of Estates Management (ext 2164) and/or a member of the Safety Committee.
7. Accident reporting
All accidents (no matter how trivial they may seem) must be reported to the main office and Area Safety Convener for reporting to the safety officer.
8. Safety Training
All members of staff are required to attend the University course on Safety Policy and Fire Prevention. Each member of the Department has received a copy of the Area Safety Regulations and the University Local Rules in respect of working with Display Screen Equipment. Designated users should also attend the VDU awareness course organised by the Safety Office. Additional copies of the Local Rules can be obtained from the Area Safety Convener or the main office.
It is the duty of all staff to ensure that their safety training is kept up-to-date.
Members of the Safety Committee:
- Julie Sobocinski (Convenor/Chair)
- Iain McCord (Department Safety Convenor)
- Marie Claire (Department Manager)
- Mohamed Belabbes (PhD Safety Representative)
- Catherine Benison (Deputy Safety Convenor/Minutes)