Health and Safety

STUDENT HEALTH & SAFETY

We all have a legal and moral duty to make the College as safe and healthy a working environment as is reasonably practicable. This statement gives some information about what the College has done to achieve this and how you can play your part.

• Taking reasonable care of our own health and safety within the College; • Following health and safety policies and procedures within SRC and those of any other company on whose premises we might be working. • Not placing other people at risk, through what you do or fail to do. • Not misusing equipment and resources which have been provided in the interest of

Health and Safety (e.g. inappropriate use of fire extinguishers. • Reporting anything that might present a danger to either you or anyone else at the

College to a member of staff. Regular Health and Safety inspections are carried out by the Estates Department.

Health & Safety Policy

The College Health and Safety Policy comprises the organisation and arrangements for the health, safety and welfare of students, staff, contractors, visitors and others. This policy communicates the beliefs, direction and commitment to Health and Safety within the College. The College’s Health and Safety Policy, is available on the college VLE.

Organisational Arrangements

There is a line of responsibility for health and safety management which reaches as far as the Chief Executive who is assisted in this by the Estates Department, the Health and Safety Committee and the Health and Safety Manager. However, all students and staff are responsible for taking reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be adversely affected by their actions or omissions.

Emergency Procedures

If there is a power failure, College users should remain where they are until instructions are given on the action to be taken.

Fire Safety

The consequences of a fire can be devastating but through measures that SRC has taken and by your own actions we can ensure that the risk is minimised. You should make yourself familiar with normal and alternative escape routes and the designated assembly points, as indicated on the fire evacuation route plans displayed throughout the College. Fire extinguishers are located throughout the College.

When you hear the fire alarm

• Leave the building immediately by the nearest available clearly marked escape route without using lifts. • Go to the designated assembly point and remain there (do not leave College grounds to ensure everyone can be accounted for) until you are given permission to do so by the Evacuation Controller.

Smoking

Smoking shelters are provided at each campus if you wish to smoke. Smoking including e-cigarettes is prohibited within and surrounding all College buildings.

First Aid Arrangements

A list of the College’s first aiders for each campus building is available from reception and the caretaker’s office. Each building has a first aid room and first aid boxes are provided in all laboratories, kitchens, workshops and salons.

Accidents

Accidents and potential causes of accidents (hazards) must always be reported to a member of staff who will record the incident on a College Incident Report Form. Most hazards can be eliminated by the completion of risk assessments and implementation of suitable control measures, provision of information, health and safety training and instruction. You can also assist in the reduction of accidents by keeping your work area clear of materials and obstructions. It is College policy to record all accidents and incidents to permit a suitable investigation to be carried out to determine appropriate corrective and preventive action. If you are involved in an accident ensure that it is reported to a lecturer, a member of campus services or a member of the caretaking staff who can summon a first aider, if necessary.

Display Screen Equipment Regulations

When using any visual display equipment (e.g. computers) in the College, you should ensure that the workstation is comfortable by checking the seat height and adjustment, that the screen is clean and at the right height and distance and that the keyboard and mouse are positioned comfortably.

Manual Handling

• Always use a kikstep when retrieving books or other objects from a high shelf. • Always place both feet on top of the kikstep. • Never climb up on chairs, desks, worktops or other furniture. • Always lift or lower books or other objects by bending your knees not your back. • When moving several items at once, never extend your hand span, always use both hands to support the items. • Do not place items on the floor or on top of other items.

Building Defects and Damage

Please report any building defects to a member of staff, including water leakages, electrical problems and defects to windows or doors.

Housekeeping

Please ensure that your personal possessions do not obstruct pathways, creating a trip hazard between desks, on corridors or in stair wells. This is vital to ensure safe evacuation of buildings in the event of a fire alarm.

Electrical Equipment

Please ensure that when you use any equipment in the College, you follow all the instructions given. This applies to photocopiers, VDUs, video players and reader printers. All electrical equipment should have a valid ‘Portable Appliance Test’ (PAT) conducted by the College. Non-PAT tested equipment (including portable computers mobile phone chargers and e-cigarette chargers) cannot be used with the College electrical supply. The Health and Safety Policy and related Procedural Notes can be found on Canvas. For more information on health and safety, please contact the Estates Office: T: 028 3025 9620