Health and safety

Electrical equipment used in university buildings must be safe and if necessary independently inspected (a PAT certificate may be requested as proof that the inspections have been carried out).

• Before using electrical appliances, you should carry out a visual check to identify any obvious deficiencies. Under no circumstances should you use equipment if you have any doubts about its electrical safety.

• Any faults with University-owned electrical equipment should be reported to a member of staff. Staff have the right to take out of use any electrical equipment that they suspect is not safe.

• Never overload electrical sockets or use cuboid adapters.

• Ensure the correct rated fuse is used in each appliance.

• Only use CE marked plugs and appliances and check that each appliance is rated for the UK 240-volt supply.

General guidance on the safe use of computers

Intensive or incorrect use of computers can lead to short and long term health problems, caused by poor posture and working practices.

• Take a short break every half hour or so - that will encourage you to get up and move around, get blood flowing to muscles, and give your eyes a rest from the screen.

• Be sensible about the amount of time spent on the computer, either for study or social activities.

• Adopt a good posture, with adequate back support - don't slouch!

• The mouse and keyboard should be within easy reach, with your forearms horizontal and your wrists straight - don't overstretch. 

For your own safety, you must:

• evacuate the building immediately if the fire alarm sounds.

• attend fire safety briefings or training, or complete on-line fire safety training and tests.

• familiarise yourself with buildings that you visit, live or work in, and make sure you know the fire evacuation procedures.

• never tamper or misuse any equipment provided for fire safety e.g. fire alarms, detectors or extinguishers.

• report when you use such equipment so that it can be replaced e.g. fire extinguishers, fire blankets.

• report any fire related incidents (including significant near misses) and bringing to the attention of your supervisor (or any other member of staff) any concerns you might have about fire safety. If you need assistance to evacuate a building please make yourself known to your school’s disability adviser, Warden or hall manager so that a personal evacuation plan (PEEP) can be developed for you.

Further information can be found on the Health and Safety pages.

• Download a copy of the Fire Procedures leaflet.

• Watch the latest fire safety film.

• Health and safety advice and guidance for course work, projects and practical classes including laboratories can be found in our A to Z directory.

Barbecues

If you are planning to have a barbecue - either formal or informal - this needs university permission. You must apply in advance - see our BBQ Safety Note for more information. 

If you or another person needs first aid during a lecture or practical class, please ask either your academic supervisor or a technician, who will contact a first aider.

• Names and telephone numbers of first aiders are posted on local notice boards in all buildings.

• Alternatively, ring the emergency telephone number for University Security: Tel. 0118 378 6300.

• If you need an ambulance, ring 999 or 112, then inform University Security

Further information can be found on the Health and Safety pages. 

Lifts

The lifts in University buildings are tested to the highest standards. However, as with all lifts, occasionally they can break down. If you do get stuck in the lift, stay put, stay calm, and follow the simple instructions provided on the instruction card located in the lift. Please do not overload the lifts. Tampering with the security telephone in the lift or forcing open lift car doors will result in disciplinary action.

Construction work

Please do not enter any construction site on campus. This includes projects in the campus grounds, and refurbishment projects inside buildings. You must not interfere with building services or the fabric of the building without prior authorisation from Estates & Facilities.

In the event of a pandemic or other contagious outbreak (e.g. mumps or meningitis) the University will issue guidance via the Student Homepage, or via other means, like email (in the case of a localised outbreak). The information given in these pages will be supplemented by local rules and information set out in your School's Area Health and Safety Code. If you are in doubt at any time about what is expected of you, please ask. 

The University is a smoke free environment

For the purposes of this policy, smoking includes all tobacco and illegal drugs and use of electronic cigarettes.

• Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and within 10 metres of all buildings - this includes all Halls of Residence, including study bedrooms.

• Smoking in buildings, enclosed and semi-enclosed areas is a criminal offence.

• You must dispose of waste smoking materials responsibly in the bins provide - it is an offence to throw down or drop litter, including waste smoking materials

• Read the Smoking Policy on our A to Z of policies and procedures page.

Living in Halls

If you live in Halls, your Halls Handbook has further essential health and safety information. You will be asked to demonstrate a good awareness of fire safety by attending a mandatory training session and undertaking a short fire safety test.