HEALTH & SAFETY AWARENESS for BIRKBECK STAFF at UEL

The University of East London (UEL) as the premises owner has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all staff and students on its premises.  Equally, Birkbeck as an employer has a duty to co-operate with UEL to ensure that its staff do not compromise the safety of themselves or others while on UEL premises.  This information is designed to make you aware of your health and safety responsibilities while working on UEL premises.

Fire evacuation
All Birkbeck staff at UEL will need to make themselves aware of the fire evacuation procedures applying to the area where they will be working. 
This will include:

• identifying the fire alarm system - it is a continuous siren or bell
• how to raise the alarm - activate a call point (red break-glass boxes on landings and at building exits).
• nearest means of escape route and fire exit - walk around and identify these.
• alternative means of escape route and fire exit - walk further and identify these.
• procedure for clearing the room and who to report to - check with UEL security as to what and who.
• location of the fire assembly point - check with UEL security where your nearest point is.

If you are lecturing when the alarm sounds, it is your responsibility to guide your students to a place of safety outside the building - and away from exits.

Reporting hazards

• All Birkbeck staff at UEL should report any noted hazards with fabric and fittings to UEL building security
• Any procedural issues can be reported back to Birkbeck Safety Services who will liaise with UEL for you. Contact t.mccartney@bbk.ac.uk or your line manager.

Risk assessment
All Birkbeck staff  working in UEL labs should ensure that they are fully aware of the safety procedures and COSHH risk assessments covering their work.  These are prepared by Birkbeck and should have had your input. Check with your line manager if in doubt.  Do not carry out any lab work that is not covered by a COSHH assessment that you have fully read and understood.    Staff lecturing in general use classrooms will not require additional risk assessment of their activities unless these involve introducing non UEL equipment or processes with a potential hazard e.g. their own mains electrical devices.  If in doubt, ask t.mccartney@bbk.ac.uk

Health and Safety Policies and procedures
All Birkbeck staff working at UEL must make themselves aware of the UEL policies and procedures that can be viewed and downloaded from: http://www.uel.ac.uk/hs/hs-handbook.htm

Mandatory
• Health and safety policy
• Fire policy
• Accident, dangerous occurrence, ill health & violent incident management and reporting procedure
• First aid policy
• Smoking
• Evacuation procedures for wheelchair users and other people with restricted mobility

Specific health and safety policies which will relate to their activities may include:
• Personal security
• COSHH
• Electrical safety
• Working alone
• Display screen equipment
• Office safety

Megan Reeves, Deputy Secretary
Birkbeck, University of London                                                                                                     04.04.08