Health & Safety

Induction

Department of
_______________
University of Bath

Employers Duty of Care

The University owes a duty of care to:
Its employees
Contractors or partner organisations and their employees
Others who may be affected by its work activities (Students/Visitors/local
community)
The University must:
Provide a written health and safety policy and statement
Assess risks to employees, customers (students), partners and any other
people who could be affected by their activities
Arrange for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review
of preventive and protective health and safety measures
Ensure they have access to competent health and safety advice
Consult employees about their risks at work, current, preventive and protective
measures
University of Bath

Employees Duty to
Co-operate
Health & Safety is the responsibility of
everyone
You have a duty of care to:
yourself
Others around you
Others who may be affected by what you do or
dont do
You should not interfere with anything which
has been provided for your (or others) health,
safety and welfare
You must use any personal protective
equipment provided and as instructed
You must co-operate with your employee in
respect of Health & Safety
You should report any work situation that you
believe presents an immediate danger
You should report any shortcoming in the
employers protection arrangements
University of Bath

Managing Health & Safety

Policy
Safety Policy
Safety Manual of policies
Organisation
Identified roles and responsibilities
Planning
Risk assessments and risk control system
Implementation
Training
Control measures
Monitoring
Incident reporting, Audit action plans,
Inspections
Review and Audit
Programme of Departmental audits and
inspections
University of Bath

Roles and Responsibilities

Vice Chancellor (Responsible Officer) ultimate responsibility

University Secretary
Chair of Health & Safety Committee
delegated responsibility from the VC
Head of Department
main responsibility for operational health and safety of the Department
Head of Health, Safety & Environment (Competent Officer)
provides strategic legal advice to senior managers
develops policy, procedures and guidance to support Departments
Technical Manager/Safety Co-ordinator
manages risks from work and Departmental activities
Employees
responsible for their own safety and others who may be affected by their actions
University of Bath

Fire Safety

Keep fire exits and routes clear at all

times
Store flammable materials as directed
Control ignition sources
Keep fire doors closed when not in use
Do not smoke in or near buildings
Dont interfere with the fabric of the
building

Think Fire!
University of Bath

Fire Evacuation
Fire alarm
Audible test every Wednesday in specific locations
On discovering a fire, activate the alarm by pushing a red
call point
On hearing the alarm evacuate the building by nearest
available route and proceed to the assembly point.
Collect personal possessions only if you can do so very
easily and quickly.
Wait at the assembly point until informed otherwise
Fire drills
Minimum every twelve months but can occur without
warning
Fire Wardens
Minimum of two in each building. Larger buildings have
minimum of two on each floor.
Recognisable by hi-visibility vests
Assembly Point
?
University of Bath

Equal Opportunities

Trembler fire alarms available from Estates

Fire safety signage in braille
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
(please ask your Department if you think you
may need one). Available from University
Health, Safety & Environment
Information in graphic form wherever possible
Ramped access
Rest rooms available (Wessex House/3 South)
University of Bath

Incident Reporting

An incident could include but is not limited to a road traffic accident, assault,
near miss, fire alarm activation, fire
All accidents, near misses and incidents should be reported as soon as
possible using the approved incident form.
To prevent recurrence
To implement control measures
To comply with legislation
First Responders (Security) will attend all incidents
If requested to do so by phoning 666
If fire alarm activated
First Responders will attend all fire alarm activations
University of Bath

First Aid

First Aiders
dial 666 and ask for a first aider
all first aiders are fully trained and have access to a first aid
kit
do not use first aid equipment unless you are qualified and
authorised to do so by the University Health, Safety &
Environment Unit
Plasters may be provided by your Department for
preventing infection or contamination
Defibrillator available on site
Sports Training Village and Security (dial 666)
University of Bath

Health & Wellbeing

Wellbeing Fair
Mental Health
Stress Management
Occupational Health
Health surveillance
Occupational Disease
Information and support is available
so please ask your Department if you
think you need it.

Prevention is always better than cure!

University of Bath

Workstations

Your workstation should be suitable for you

Workstation assessment required upon induction, routinely or after
significant change (your assessor is ?)
Workstations include:
Desk, chair, computer, telephone, monitor
Keep tidy
Dispose of rubbish and aim for a clear desk policy
Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD)
If you already suffer from a WRULD please let your line
manager/supervisor know
If you have been given advice about how to use your workstation then
please follow it
Co-operate with your Workstation Assessor
University of Bath

Electrical Safety
Extension Cables
Use wisely
Never use more than one
extension cable at a time with each
appliance
Avoid using extension cables with
high wattage appliances such as
kettles
Portable heaters
Water and electricity dont mix!
Only use earthed three pin plugs
Dont cover
Appliances
Portable Appliance Testing
routinely between 6 months and 5
years depending on the risk
University of Bath

Housekeeping

Keep floors clear to avoid slip, trip or fall

Tidy and restrict cables to prevent them from becoming a hazard
Clear up spills immediately
Try and keep books and files no higher than eye hieght
University of Bath

Manual Handling

Before you lift, assess the:

Weight, shape and size
Distance you need to travel
Surface beneath you
Environment (wet or cold which may affect
your grip)
Break it into smaller loads if possible.
Get help if you need it.
Use lifting equipment provided.
Dont lift if in doubt!
University of Bath

Risk Assessments

Read before you act

Understand the risks
Ask if youre not sure
Implement control measures
identified
Specific Hazards

Department of
_______________
University of Bath

Lasers

Power
Most lasers at the University are of low power
Lasers used for research may pose a higher risk but access to them is limited to
authorised users only
Visibility
Laser beams are never obvious and can only be seen if scattered by dust or
smoke
Most lasers are embedded in equipment and as such are controlled
University of Bath

Chemicals

Keep quantities to the minimum required.

Store flammable chemicals in fire proof cabinets or
in external storage which is well ventilated and
away from combustibles
Transport with care
Always label containers
Always wash your hands after handling chemicals.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in the labs.
Always dispose of waste correctly
University of Bath

Fume Cupboards

Close the sash when not in use

To prevent spread of fumes
To reduce energy usage
Keep the sash at the lowest height needed to work
To protect you and others from splashes or reactions
To contain any reaction
Expensive to install they are not store cupboards!
University of Bath

Checklist

You should now know what to do if:

You hear the fire alarm
You discover a fire
You need to report an incident
You need first aid treatment
You need support for a health condition
You need a workstation assessment
You should now be aware of:
Your legal responsibility
Good housekeeping
Specific Departmental hazards
Risk Assessments
University of Bath

Further Information

Health, Safety & Environment website

Central policies and advice including Safety Policy
Library of generic and specific risk assessments
Guidance and self-training presentations
Information
Templates for assessments and incident reporting etc
Quarterly Newsletters
Available from the website
Notice boards
Department
Risk assessments Departmentally specific
Local training, information and instruction