There are many hazards in the University which are not described in this Manual. They are dealt with in specialised Manuals or Handbooks or in the instructions which accompany equipment, or in special leaflets.
The hazards discussed here are the general hazards which may affect anyone, for example, fire, falls or electricity.
Every attempt will be made to provide everyone with the information they need for ensuring health and safety in the areas in which they work, but if people are in areas other than their normal workplace they may be injured through lack of familiarity with the hazards there.
In particular no one may, without authorisation, enter laboratories or associated rooms, they may not walk about on the roofs or enter ducts, plant rooms, switch rooms or laboratories and associated rooms; to do so is to risk injury or even death.
Fire is the most serious danger which we have to face. It can break out almost anywhere and it can affect everyone.
There are specific fire hazards associated with laboratories and storage areas and these are dealt with in the University's specialised handbooks.
What follows are the general principles which everyone needs to know.
In order to break out, fire needs to have combustible material present and the combustible material needs to be heated up and have a supply of air before it will burn.
Everyone knows that naked flames will heat up combustible material to its ignition temperature but it is not so obvious that other sources of heat such as radiators and steam pipes can take combustible material more than half way there. For example rags can burst into flames, particularly if they are soaked in oil or solvents, if left over or near to steam pipes.
Do not allow waste paper or other combustible materials to accumulate.
Smoking is a serious hazard and is responsible for many fires, either from dropped matches or from cigarettes left burning. It is particularly dangerous in laboratories and in computer rooms. Attention is drawn to the provisions of the University Smoking Policy which must be observed.
Unattended frying pans and chip pans, misuse of electric fires and hairdryers, are ready sources of fire in student accommodation. Such carelessness could lead to serious burns or even death.
You should look around your working environment and ask yourself, "What are the dangers of fire and how can I work in such a way as to minimise these dangers?
Fire doors play a very important role in our precautionary system. Their purpose is TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF SMOKE. Smoke is not only very unpleasant to breathe but it is accompanied by poisonous carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. MORE PEOPLE DIE IN FIRES THROUGH BREATHING IN SMOKE THAN THROUGH BURNS.
Fire doors MUST NOT BE LEFT PROPPED OPEN. To prop open a fire door in this way may cost lives if a fire breaks out.
RAISE THE ALARM -. break the nearest alarm point glass.
Alarms in University buildings, with the exceptions given below, are connected to an alarm panel in the main security office and the Fire Brigade will be summoned by Security staff.
IN THE FOLLOWING, THE ALARMS ARE INTERNAL ONLY, and it is ESSENTIAL TO TELEPHONE THE SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICE on internal 4499. 6 Ashgrove and Oxenhope Moor Transmitting Station.
ATTACK THE FIRE but only if it is safe for you to do so.
EVACUATE THE PREMISES if the fire can not be immediately controlled, using the nearest available exit.
The basic provision for fire fighting in the University is the hose reel. There are two types in use:
(i) The older type which has a valve at the side of the reel
which must be turned on before pulling out the reel; the water is then controlled by twisting the nozzle. The flow can be varied between full flow and a fine spray by this means.
(ii) The newer type in which the water turns on
automatically when the reel is pulled out by about 10 or 12 feet. The flow is also controlled by twisting the nozzle.
The hose reel is the best way to fight commonly caused fires of ordinary combustible material such as paper, cardboard, rags or wood. Direct the jet to the base of the flame till the fire is well and truly out.
A hose reel MUST NOT be used on ELECTRICAL FIRES. TO DO SO IS TO RISK ELECTROCUTION. Nor must it be used on fires involving insoluble liquids such as petrol, fuel oil or many laboratory solvents. These continue to burn and float on the surface of the water. To use a hose reel here will only help to spread the fire.
Water extinguishers are provided in several buildings containing mainly offices,
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Dry Powder extinguishers are provided in laboratories and areas where there is a risk of electrical or chemical fire. All these appliances are simple to use. You pull out the safety pin and depress the plunger or the trigger in the hand held types, which are the ones in general use.
The Security (and Emergency) Service must be informed if a fire extinguisher has been let off , even accidentally. This is important ,in order that the appliance may be replaced and sent for servicing.
Fire in ducts and fires involving chemicals are best tackled by those with special responsibilities in these areas: call for assistance immediately - phone 4499.
(i) IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE, RAISE THE ALARM.
(ii) TELEPHONE THE SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICE, EXTENSION 4499.
(iii) ATTEMPT TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, BUT ONLY OF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
(iv) IF YOU CANNOT CONTROL IT, CLOSE THE DOORS UPON IT AND LEAVE THE BUILDING BY THE NEAREST AVAILABLE EXIT.
The University is required by law to conduct regular fire drills. These have the purpose of familiarising the occupants of buildings with the sound of the fire alarms and with the means of exit, and of enabling the University to monitor the effectiveness of its fire precautions.
The fullest co-operation of all staff and students is essential and the following applies:
(i) The fire alarm is the continuous ringing of alarm bells or the continuous noise of sirens.
(ii) When the alarm sounds, close all windows and doors and leave the building IMMEDIATELY by the most convenient staircase. Do not make your way to the main staircase in the building if that is further away, simply because it is the one you normally use. The more exit routes that are used in an evacuation, the less congested the main exit route will be, and the quicker the building will be totally evacuated.
(iii) The senior person present in each area should ensure, as far as possible, that all persons in that area leave the building and that offices, toilets and communal areas are checked and the doors closed.
(iv) Lifts must NOT be used.
(v) The entrance foyers must be kept clear to allow continuous movement down the staircases. Delay in evacuating the lower floors could result in persons being trapped in the staircases higher up in the building.
(vi) Unless prior notice is given to the contrary, the whole of the area or building must be evacuated ON EVERY OCCASION when the alarm sounds. If the alarms cease to sound this does not mean that it is safe to re-enter the building: the signal to do so will be given by the Fire Officer.
A high proportion of the injuries in the University arise from falls and most of these occur to people walking about on the level and using staircases.
The University will do all it can to eliminate any hazards to people walking about but there are some things that the users of the University can do for themselves to make falls less likely. These are:
(i) to wear sensible footwear; certain types of fashion shoe are not suitable for work and should be kept for leisure wear,
(ii) to take especial care when passing areas where the floor is being washed or polished; warning notices will be posted - pay attention to these.
(iii) to keep to regular foot-paths where these exist.
Employees using portable electric tools must not allow the cable to trail across passageways and particularly across doorways unless warning notices are posted. Wherever possible use the socket which does not involve the cable being a danger to other people.
LADDERS
Accidents can occur through falls brought about through failures of ladders. Examine ladders before using and if anything seems wrong do not use it, label it as defective and report it to the person in charge of it.
Portable ladders must be inspected at least annually by those in charge of them.
Fixed ladders should be inspected at least every two years for these or other faults.
Faults in ladders should be referred to the manufacturers for repair and not dealt with on a "do it yourself" basis.
But whatever the hazards there may be in the use of ladders, these are as nothing compared to the hazards which arise through the use of chairs, boxes or upturned buckets in place of ladders or other access equipment. Take time to find the appropriate ladder, step ladder or step stool for safe and secure access.
On 1st April 1990 the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 came into force. Now almost all workplaces are subject to the same legal requirements relating to electrical safety. It has been possible to make the Regulations generally applicable because they describe simply the ends which are to be achieved. Where electrical equipment in a workplace has been installed and is used according to good electrical safety practice there should be no problem in achieving compliance. However, where bad practices have been followed these will be at odds with the Regulations. The Regulations say that everyone involved - employer, employee or self employed - is required to comply with these Regulations " in so far as they relate to matters which are within their control". Reg 3. The HSE Memorandum of guidance on the Regulations offers practical guidance and also identifies sources of more detailed information.
(a) Electrical plugs shall be wired up by suitably trained or experienced technicians, or, in those areas in which technicians are not employed, by the Estates Department. This provision does not apply to any electrical device which is the property of the person concerned - in this case wiring should be done by a competent electrician.
(b) No one may use in the University any electrical heating device other than one provided or approved by the University, and under conditions prescribed by the University.
(c) University electrical appliances may only be repaired by suitably trained or experienced technicians or by the Estates Department.
(d) Only electricians attached to the Estates Department or electrical contractors employed by the University may modify the permanent electrical installation of the University.
(e) No one may enter any transformer house or high voltage switch room except the persons referred to in (d) or persons authorised to do so by a written permit to work issued by the Maintenance Works Manager or his deputy.
(f) Electrical cables shall be adequate to carry the electrical load to which they are subjected. Persons using extension leads shall ensure that they do not cause passers-by to trip over them.
Students and other persons in University residential accommodation shall adhere to such rules regarding the use of electrical appliances in any University residential accommodation as may be laid down, from time to time, by the Senior Warden and Director of Student Services.
There are special arrangements for the provision of lighting and sound effects for Entertainment's and Theatre, whereby suitably trained students are permitted, under the auspices of the Students' Union Technical Services Association, and subject to conditions laid down in the Entertainments and Theatre Safety Manual, to carry out electrical work in connection with the above activities.
Such electrical work must not involve interference with the permanent electrical installation of the University or entail entry into transformer houses or high voltage switch rooms.
The University, as part of its general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act, will provide appropriate training in electrical safety.
The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 set out what has to be done to prevent hearing damage caused by loud noise at work.
It is the policy of the University, so far as is reasonably practicable, to reduce noise to a minimum.
Where noise levels unavoidably exceed any standard which may be laid down from time to time by the Health and Safety Executive, the University will, so far as is reasonably practicable, effect measures to reduce the noise to a level below the required standard. Where this is not possible, suitable hearing protection will be provided. Such hearing protection must be worn by those affected by the noise.
In some areas of the University, noise which is well below harmful levels may cause annoyance or distraction to other people.
Consideration should be given to these circumstances, and, wherever possible, noise should be reduced to a minimum or arrangements should be made to carry out such work outside 'normal hours'.
Refuse may be understood as waste paper, broken glass and what may be regarded as domestic trash. It does not include, chemical, biological, or radioactive wastes.
Refuse is disposed of by Ancillary Services, and is compacted in the loading bay of the Richmond Building Engineering Block.
It is highly dangerous to mix chemical wastes with refuse except for certain inert powders which, with the agreement of the University Safety Adviser, may be disposed of by this route.
Glass must be kept separate from waste paper and therefore bottles and broken glass must not be placed in paper or polythene sacks intended for waste paper, as severe accidents have occurred as a result of this practice in the past. Ancillary Services will provide suitably marked receptacles for glass.
Glass bins must not be used for chemical disposal or for containing waste paper etc.
Particular care must be exercised to prevent the use of receptacles for waste paper being used as ash trays.
The University Safety Adviser has the responsibility for disposal of chemical waste, and organises periodical collection of waste chemicals by a waste disposal contractor. Queries and problems about chemical waste disposal should be referred to the University Safety Adviser.
Animal and other biological wastes are disposed of through special arrangements by the Department of Pharmacy. These arrangements are detailed in the Natural and Applied Sciences Safety Manual. These wastes must not be disposed of through any other channels.
Clinical Waste includes human tissue and body fluids, animal tissues and carcasses, medical swabs and dressings, syringes and needles and other contaminated disposable sharps, microbiological cultures and potentially infected waste from clinical or research laboratories, items soiled with urine, faeces or other body fluids or excretions. Special arrangements have been made for the segregation, bagging,
collection and disposal of such materials by a licensed contractor. These arrangements are co-ordinated by the Ancillary Services Manager and detailed in the appendix to the Natural and Applied Sciences Safety Manual. This type of waste must not be disposed of through any other channel.
Queries or problems about Clinical Waste disposal should be referred to the University Safety Adviser.
Radioactive waste may only be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of University Safety Handbook "Radiation Protection" and under the general supervision of the Radiation Protection Supervisor.
Over a third of all accidents reported each year to HSE arise from manual handling - the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or bodily force. Most of the reported accidents cause back injury, though hands, arms and feet are also vulnerable. Many manual handling injuries build up over a period rather than being caused by a single handling incident.
Manual Handling operations are subject to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. In order to comply with these requirements the University will:
Staff and students have a duty to co-operate with the University to avoid injury. They should follow systems of work laid down for their safety and make proper use of equipment provided for their safety. Manual handling operations should, wherever possible, conform to the guidance given in Appendix 1 of the HSE Guidance on the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Don't lift heavy loads unless trained to do so and never lift with a bent back. It is best to squat and, with the load held close to the body, straighten the legs thus using the strong muscles of the legs to take the strain.
Guideline figures for lifting and lowering and handling while seated, together with a list of maximum weights, to be handled by persons not specially trained in lifting, form Appendix 4 of this Manual.
No one should use lifting tackle or other lifting aids or operate portable cranes and forklift trucks without training and formal authorisation.
Lifts need to be used with care; they must not be overloaded. Each lift has a notice saying how many people or what weight it is designed to carry. To exceed this load is dangerous. Smoking in lifts is prohibited.
Transport of asphyxiating substances such as liquid nitrogen in lifts must only be carried out under strict conditions so as to ensure that persons may not accompany such materials. Warning notices will be posted and persons should not enter a lift when such a notice is displayed.
In the Richmond Building, wherever possible, goods should be transported in the goods lift at the end of the Richmond wing.
Faults in lifts should be reported to Security at once. If a lift jams between floors press the alarm button. Do not panic; restrain panic in others by reassurance that you will soon be let out.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The provision and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is subject to the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
Where protective clothing is provided by the University, it must be used when performing the activities for which it is provided. Care should be taken to ensure that it is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. Any defects should be brought to the attention of the appropriate supervisor.
Laboratory coats must not be worn in dining-rooms,libraries, common rooms and other places of recreation. To do so may spread chemical and biological hazards.
The University will, so far as is reasonably possible, ensure that appropriate information, instruction and training in the selection, use, and maintenance of PPE is provided for those persons who need to use such equipment.
The Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 applies to workers who habitually use VDUs for a significant part of their normal work. A summary of the new Regulations dating from 1 January 1993 and some suggestions as to how you may make your workstation and screen more comfortable and easy to use, can be found in the HSE booklet "Working with VDUs" which is available from the Safety Office.
A general outline of the implications of the regulations is given below, but should you have any concerns regarding health & safety please contact the University Safety Adviser.
1 Adequate Lighting
2 Adequate contrast, no glare or distracting reflections on DSE
3 Distracting noise minimised
4 Leg room and clearances to allow postural changes
5 Window covering to reduce glare
6 Software: appropriate to task, adapted to user, provides feedback
on system status, no undisclosed monitoring
7 Screen: stable image, adjustable, readable, glare/reflection
free
8 Keyboard: usable, adjustable, detachable, legible
9 Work surface: allow flexible arrangements, spacious, glare free
10 Work chair: adjustable to give adequate support
11 Footrest may be required
1 Seat back adjustability
2 Good lumbar support
3 Seat height adjustability
4 No excess pressure on underside of thighs and backs of knees
5 Foot support if needed
6 Space for postural change, no obstacles under desk
7 Forearms approximately horizontal
8 Minimal extension, flexion or deviation of wrists
9 Screen height and angle should allow comfortable head position
10 Space in front of keyboard to support hands/wrists during pauses
in keying
If you feel you have any symptoms which may be attributable to working with a VDU you should contact your Head of Department or designated Safety Liaison Officer for your case to be referred to the Occupational Health Service. The Occupational Health Nurse will then see you to discuss your problem and offer possible solutions. If appropriate, arrangements will be made for the Optometry Department to give you an eye test and if necessary a prescription for corrective appliances for use with VDUs will be issued. Please note that this will cover only corrective appliances for using Display Screen equipment, and may not cover any other eye defects you may have. It is then your department's responsibility for the prescription to be dispensed either via the Optometry Department or through your local optician.