Health & Safety
Under the general provisions of The Health and Safety of Work (NI) Order 1978 an employer must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety of its employees at work. This is achieved by maintaining safe plant, safe systems of work and safe premises, and also by ensuring adequate information, instruction, training and supervision.
Queen's is bound by the Order to ensure the safety of all other persons, while on its premises, who (though not employees) are working or otherwise using the facilities i.e. STUDENTS.
General Health & Safety Points to note are as follows:
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Emergency evacuation procedures are posted throughout the buildings in the David Keir Building; locate and read them. Also locate the nearest Fire Alarm Break Glass Point and Fire Extinguishers in the area you are working. Do not move vehicles anywhere on site during an emergency, all traffic routes must be kept clear.
If you are in a vehicle always observe parking restrictions, where applicable, and the on-site speed limit of 10 mph.
Fire Alarm:
The fire alarm is a continuous sounding bell or siren. In general the fire procedures are:
- Raise the Alarm (by breaking the cover of a fire alarm point in the corridor);
- Evacuate the building by nearest safest exit;
- Proceed to designated Assembly Point, unless informed otherwise by a special announcement;
- Do not re-enter any building in which there has been an emergency until instructed to do so by a Divisional Fire Officer or by your lecturer. (On occasions the Fire Brigade may mute the alarm to facilitate searches. This does not mean the building is safe to enter.)
Bomb Warning:
The procedures for a bomb warning are:
- A triple alarm will sound throughout the complex;
- Listen carefully to specific instructions issued over the tannoy;
- Proceed immediately to Assembly Point
First Aid
Blue 'RIDDOR' notices are posted in each building giving details and contact numbers of the local qualified First Aiders.
Accident reporting
Any accident, no matter how small, must be reported to the lecturer or supervisor in charge. The details must be entered in the accident recording book and a QUB accident report form filled in. Non-injury accidents that could have caused injury should also be entered into the accident recording book.
Medical conditions
It is advisable if you suffer from a known medical condition (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes) to inform the Disability Officer or the General Office. This information will be treated in confidence.
It is required only so that a swift and accurate diagnosis can be made and the correct medical procedures followed in the event of an incident occurring directly related to the condition. (you should at least inform a close colleague).
Pregnancy
Specific risks and hazards to new or expectant mothers have to be assessed and controlled, as far as reasonably possible. This includes Physical risks (e.g. manual handling, radiation, extremes of temp), Biological agents (e.g. Hazard Group 2, 3 or 4, abortive, physical or neurological), Chemical agents (e.g. mutagens, teratagens, cytotoxic, lead). Specific hazards or risks are discussed in the HSE booklet 'New and Expectant Mothers at Work'. The latter is available in the library or from the Safety Officer. It is advisable, though not compulsory, to inform your Tutor or the Student Support Officer if you are pregnant.
Site safety
Several construction projects may be ongoing during the Academic year. Do not interfere with any of the Contractor's building materials, plant, machinery or work tools. Do not enter any area where you are not authorised to go.
PLEASE NOTE
It is an offence for anyone to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
You have a personal duty and legal responsibility to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and of other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions.
If you require any further information or wish to discuss any aspect of health and safety while in the David Keir Building please feel free to contact the QUB Safety Service in the Old Physics Building, on the main QUB campus.
