Warwickshire College Student Guide to Health and Safety Page 1 …cnctutor.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/3/3/13332375/student... · 2018. 10. 13. · Warwickshire College Student Guide to

Warwickshire College Student Guide to Health and Safety Page 1 of 23 This document refers to many activities which are monitored and reviewed taking into account the equality agenda. Any issues arising will be investigated by the Equality and Diversity Manager. This guide has been through an Equality Impact Assessment on 09.07.08

The Warwickshire College Student Guide to Health and Safety Foreword In line with its vision of being ‘the best provider of lifelong learning’, Warwickshire College is committed to providing a healthy and safe place for everyone to work and to learn in. The ‘Warwickshire College Guide to Health and Safety’ has been produced to provide you with advice and guidance on a wide range of issues relating to your own health and safety whilst you are at the College. The College is a busy and active environment that provides an extensive programme of general and specialist education and training. For many, this will involve activities in classrooms and work areas that are relatively low risk. For many others, however, their work will bring them into workshops and studios where the hazards and the potential for accidents is much greater. Everyone benefits from working in an environment that is both safe and healthy; and to achieve this we all must recognise and abide by the rules and good practices that have been established. Most of these rules are, essentially, applied common sense. But it is common sense that is based on the clear understanding of technical and scientific information, and high levels of professional skills and experience which have been formed into codes of conduct and safe working practice. Integral to all areas of learning and preparation for the workplace is the need for you to understand and to apply agreed codes of conduct and practice. Rules can be broken, however, the rules governing Health and Safety exist only to protect us and breaking these rules may only result in you and/or others being hurt. The College takes ‘Health and Safety’ seriously and expects that you will too. By following the advice and guidance given, you will be helping to make the College a safe and healthy environment for everyone. All students must sign the Agreement Form below:- This signed form should be retained in the student’s personal record file.

I acknowledge receipt of the ‘Warwickshire College Guide to Health and Safety’ I confirm that I have read the Guide and that I agree to abide by the instructions and advice contained therein.

Student name: Course/MIS No:

Signature: Date:


Workshop / Studio / Salon / Machine area Date of Induction Description of Induction I acknowledge that I have received the Health and Safety Induction as described above. Student signature date Tutor signature date


STUDENT NAME TECHNICAL ACADEMY AREA COURSE TITLE / MIS NUMBER Year 201 / 201

HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING INDUCTION RECORD



This guide is available electronically on the Health and Safety pages of the College Intranet

Contents Section

Foreword Health And Safety Training Induction Record

1.0 The College Health & Safety Policy 2.0 The Law And Your Responsibilities 3.0 Induction 4.0 Emergencies

4.1 First Aid 4.2 Accident Reporting 4.3 Fire Alarms & Evacuation

5.0 Safeguarding 6.0 Risk Assessments

6.1 Individual Risk Assessments 7.0 Class And Lecture Room

7.1 Specialist Areas 8.0 Libraries 9.0 Using Computers

9.1 Laptops 10.0 Hazardous Substances 11.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 12.0 Work Experience Placements 13.0 Off-site Visits

13.1 Residential Visits 13.2 Overseas Visits

14.0 Vehicles Parking and Driving 14.1 Use of College Transport

15.0 College Premises and Security 15.1 College Premises and Things 15.2 Security

15.3 Prohibitions 15.4 Offensive Weapons

16.0 Working Outdoors – Sun protection 17.0 Food Safety

17.1 Legal Requirements 17.2 Training

18.0 Stress and Learning 19.0 Sport and Fitness Facilities 20.0 The Final Word


1.0 THE COLLEGE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

The full Health and Safety Policy and other procedures relating to specific issues are available in the College Learning Resource Centres; on the Intranet or from the Health and Safety Officer.


2.0 THE LAW AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES Health and Safety is supported by the law: Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes a duty on everyone to co-operate with the management of the College in maintaining a safe working environment. This means that you should:

• Behave in a safe manner and with due regard for your own and others health and safety.

• Follow the College’s Health and Safety Procedures and other safe working practice.

• Follow the instruction of lecturers, technicians and other members of staff at all times.

• Co-operate with staff in an emergency • Avoid obvious hazards and report any that you discover • Accept instructions from staff concerning health and safety • Wear sensible clothing, footwear and use Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE) appropriate to the activities you are engaged in • Smoke only in Designated Areas

Section 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires that you must not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided by the College in the interests of Health and Safety. This means that you should:

• Ensure that health and safety equipment including fire extinguishers, first aid boxes, signs are used only for their intended purpose

• Obtain permission before using any College equipment • Know the correct method of operating equipment • Use equipment only when all guards and interlocks are in place • Never take risks by bypassing safety systems • Report any damage to health and safety equipment • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when instructed to do so.

In addition, students must treat other students and staff with fairness and respect as safeguarding is the responsibility of us all. The College provides designated areas on each site for students who wish to smoke. Maps showing these areas are available from Reception. If you are in any doubt about any aspect of Health and Safety, do ask!


3.0 INDUCTION Your first week at College is primarily concerned with Induction. This is a time when you can find out how the College works, where everything is, especially the places that you will use during your timetable, and also learn the rules that are in place to help the College run smoothly. You will also have a specific induction to the workshops and studios that you may use depending on your course of study. These will always place emphasis on safety and the rules and procedures that are in place to ensure that you do not come to harm. Do be careful to understand what is expected of you and how you should work and behave – the rules are there to protect you!

4.0 EMERGENCIES

There may be times when you will need help, perhaps urgently. If you are in a learning session tell your Tutor / PLA and College staff will assist you with the problem. At break, lunch times, and when you are in an unsupervised situation you will need to take responsibility for seeking help. If you follow College procedures this help will come more quickly. If you feel unwell If you are feeling unwell before you come into College, please do not come in. If you do come in, please be aware, that it is you or your parents’ responsibility to make sure that arrangements are made to get you home if you are not well enough to stay in class. There may be times at College when you are feeling unwell. Your family will be contacted to arrange to get you home. Tell your Personal Tutor PLA or the Lecturer at the time or:

• Contact Reception staff at Rugby, Pershore, Trident Park Centre, Moreton Morrell and Henley; or Student Services at Leamington. Staff there will assist you and make arrangements as necessary – this may involve you or your parents having to pay for a taxi home

Don’t go home without informing Tutors / PLAs Emergency services should be requested via Reception. If any emergency services have been requested directly then Reception must be notified.


4.1 First Aid Staff are not allowed to dispense any medication including Aspirin and Paracetamol. If you have forgotten medication that you will need during the day please tell your tutor. If you become ill with an infectious illness, please do not come to College until your doctor agrees that it is safe for you to do so. Do explain the situation to your tutor. The College has a number of First Aid trained staff who can assist when there is an accident. If the accident happens in a classroom or workshop the staff will call for assistance. If you have an accident, or come across someone who is injured or ill and needs assistance, please contact a tutor/PLA, a warden, or Reception and explain the problem to them. They will seek help for you. The College internal emergency number for all Centres is x2222. There are also emergency mobile phones at reception at:

• Leamington 07541950340 • Rugby 07737761143 • Henley 07858819006 • Moreton Morrell 07747361047 • Pershore 07581219074

If an ambulance is required, the Reception staff will contact the Ambulance Service. If you have an accident, the College will inform your family.

4.2 Accident Reporting The College is required to record all accidents and near misses, and to report some accidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) or Local Authority. If you are involved in an accident or have witnessed what happened you should:

• Inform a member of staff • Help to complete the College Accident Report Form • If required, help College staff to investigate the accident

The same procedure also applies if you notice anything wrong such as faulty electrical equipment; defective machines; or anything that could be a dangerous hazard. Don’t ignore it, please report it!


4.3 Fire Alarms and Evacuation

If you discover a fire:

• Sound the alarm at the nearest red alarm call point or warn others verbally if there is no call point close by

• Inform a member of staff • Leave the building by the nearest, safe route.

If you hear the fire alarm (a continuous ringing bell):

• Leave the building calmly and quickly by the nearest, safe exit o Do not run o Take your personal belongings that are immediately to hand o Do not delay to collect items from lockers etc

• Use the nearest staircase o Do not use the lifts

• Once outside, make your way to the correct Assembly Point o To reach the Assembly Point, go by an outside route o Use the footpaths and keep the roads clear o Do not re-enter the buildings.

• Once at the Assembly Point, listen for instructions from the Fire Emergency Controller who will direct you

o Do not re-enter the buildings until you are clearly instructed to do so by the Evacuation Controller. This instruction will only be given once the Chief Fire Officer has confirmed that it is safe to do so.

• Do not attempt to drive your car or leave the campus – all access roads must be kept clear

4.3.1 Evacuation for wheel chair users and those needing assistance ‘Refuges’ are designated safe areas located in half hour fire resistant stair wells. Wheelchair users and any others needing assistance with evacuation should have a ‘Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan’ (PEEP) in place. If you feel that you need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan and have not been involved in the development of one please inform your tutor. When you hear the alarm:

• Go to the nearest Refuge and wait there o A member of staff will wait with you o Try not to obstruct the passageway to the stairs

• A Fire Warden will notify the Controller of your location • Your Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan will be followed whilst you

safely evacuate the premises 4.3.2 Assembly Points


Below is a list of the Fire Assembly Points for the main College sites: Leamington Centre

College Building Assembly Point Six Storey (Main) Building

Main Car Park adjacent to Warwick New Road

Three Storey (Science) Building Sports Hall and Sector 4 Warwickshire School or Arts – B Block Learning Resource Centre (LRC) Ceramics and Gas Assessment Centre, ‘The Barn’, Welding and Fabrication Workshop ‘A’ Block Leamside, Centralia, Portacabins Sector 4 Car Park Nursery Nursery Garden

Rugby Centre

College Building Assembly Point Main Building Nursery, Sports Hall Main Car Park

Henley Centre

College Building Assembly Point All buildings except Pavilion Lawn at end of Arden House

The Pavilion Grassed area adjacent to the astro-turf pitch

Trident Centre

College Building Assembly Point Main Building Car Park to the front of the building Workshops Once evacuated, staff and students may remain to the rear of the building whilst

staff report to the Controller at the front of the building Moreton Morrell Centre

College Building Assembly Point Cotswold Court, Horse Unit, Farriery Centre, Construction Workshops, Alan Parton Building, Dene Hall Residential block, Learning Resource Centre, Top Forge (CoVE), PC Classrooms, Action for Leisure, Connexions

The Plaza (to the front of Cotswold Court)

Animal Welfare Unit Agricultural Engineering Building, Forge Lower Campus Car Park Horticultural Unit Whitehouse

Farm Buildings, Farm Yard Gatherum Centre, Garden at rear of building Suggett Centre, Residential Services Arden Hall, Feldon Hall, Avon Hall, Jubilee Hall Arden Hall Lawns Shop/U18’s Student Common Room, Refectory O18’s Student Common Room

Floristry Moreton Hall – Car Park Pershore Centre

College Building Assembly Point Avonbank House, Tower Suite, Frank Parkinson Centre, Fruit Unit, Refectory, Upper Park, Hindlip Animal Care Centre, Students Union, Teaching Block (Floristry)

Avonbank Car Park

Amenity Unit, Avonbank Cottages, Avonbank Landscape Office, Estate Maintenance, Glasshouse Unit, Landscape Workshop, Machinery Workshops, Nursery Unit, Plant Centre, Norbury (Hostel), Avonbank Fruit Food & Drink Unit

Bullfield Car Park

Hazelwood Hostel, Hudson Hostel, Marriot Hostel, Raleigh Hostel, Bredon, Malvern Hostel Quad


5. 0 SAFEGUARDING Our safe learning environment includes your personal safety. The College has arrangements to ensure that any worries or concerns you have can be dealt with appropriately. If, at any time, you feel unsafe eg you are being bullied or are not being treated fairly, with respect or openness, discuss your concerns with a member of staff. The College procedures are available on the intranet under ‘Safeguarding’.

6.0 RISK ASSESSMENTS Many activities and tasks have the potential to lead to accidents that cause harm. It is important that activities are assessed to check what hazards are likely to occur so that control measures can be put in place to minimise the risks. Knowing what can happen and putting controls in place reduces the chance of injuries. Some of these control measures are physical, such as guards or interlocks, which are intended to stop you getting too close to the dangerous part of the machine / equipment. Other controls are concerned with you knowing the safe methods and practices of working with and using the machines. It is important that you:

• Follow instructions from tutors • Put guards in place before using a machine • Follow the procedures given to you, and that you • Put into practice the safe ways of working demonstrated to you.

Risk Assessments are regularly reviewed throughout the College to ensure that hazards are effectively controlled. Your tutors will advise you of any risk associated with the activities you are involved in and you can always ask for this and further information if you are unsure. 6.1 Individual Risk Assessments In order that the College can identify and provide any necessary support College Students are asked to advise the College of any additional needs, disabilities or serious medical conditions that may affect their activities whilst at College. If necessary your tutor will complete an individual risk assessment with you. This assessment may include specific medical assistance where a Medical Protocol will be agreed and recorded. For any specific assistance during emergency evacuation a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) will be agreed and recorded.


7.0 CLASS AND LECTURE ROOMS We all would prefer to keep our learning environments clean and safe places to work in. You can help by:

• Not eating or drinking in the classrooms unless given permission to take in water

• Taking care when using any electrical or mechanical equipment within the classroom

• Making sure that your footwear is clean especially if you have been working outside or in messy areas

• Not interfering with the room heaters; thermostats or any visual aids equipment stored in the room

• Disposing of your litter in the bins provided 7.1 Specialist Areas Workshops; studios; laboratories and computer rooms as well as other practical activities have specific rules for you to follow when you are working in those areas. These additional Health and Safety instructions will be provided and explained to you by your tutors. In general don’t use any equipment until you have:

• Been trained and • Understand how to use it and • Know what to do if something goes wrong

If you wish to use your own equipment in College you must get permission from your tutor first. Any equipment brought into College must:

• Meet the College’s safety standards – for example any electrical equipment must be tested first, before it is used, to ensure that it is safe. When tested and passed, a label is attached to certify it is safe and when it has to be re-tested

• Be of safe construction • Be suitable for the task • Be safe in the area where it is to be used

8.0 LIBRARIES The Libraries are a valuable facility for everyone to use and are staffed and equipped to provide you with the best opportunity to develop your work and skills in a supportive environment. As in all areas, there have to be a few rules to promote a good working environment and you can help by:

• Switching off mobile phones and pagers


• Using equipment safely, which means not moving any equipment, leads and cables

• Using the equipment sensibly and behaving with due regard to the needs of other users

• Asking staff if you need to use a mains supply for your laptop • Working with staff to help the operation of the Centre run smoothly • Taking sufficient breaks and responding to the good practice advice for

using computers • Making sure you work quietly • Not eating in the Libraries unless this has been agreed • Only drinking from spill proof containers

9.0 USING COMPUTERS Human bodies are not designed to sit in a static position staring at a screen for hours on end. Make full use of the equipment provided, and adjust it to avoid potential health problems.

Here are some practical tips:

o Adjust the seat back to ensure good lumbar support o Adjust the seat height so forearms are approximately horizontal o Use a foot support if needed to raise feet and prevent excess pressure on

underside of thighs and backs of knees o Do not have obstructions under the desk so you have space for postural

change o Do not excessively bend wrists (up, down or sideways). Keep wrists

straight when keying, position the mouse within easy reach, so it can be used with the wrist straight

o Keep a soft touch on the keys and don’t over stretch your fingers. o Adjust the screen height and angle to allow comfortable head position.

Normally eyes should be the same height as the top of the monitor. o Keep space in front of key board to support hands/wrists during pauses in

keying o Don’t sit in the same position for long periods and take regular breaks.

Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some


movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation)

o Try different arrangements of keyboard, screen, mouse and documents to find the best arrangement for you. Move the keyboard out of the way when it is not being used

o Arrange your desk and monitor to avoid glare, or bright reflections on the screen. This will be easiest if neither you nor the screen is directly facing windows or bright lights. Adjust curtains or blinds to prevent unwanted light.

If you find that you have aches or pains after sitting at a computer tell your tutor and they can help you to solve the problem. Please do not attach or remove any plugs, cables or additional equipment to a computer without permission and supervision. Drinking water may be taken into computer rooms in spill-proof (sports-drinks) bottles only.

9.1 Laptops Although laptops are very easy to move about, you should try to apply the same rules to their use as with a desktop computer:

• Get into a comfortable position with the machine in front of you; don’t sit in a twisted position to use the laptop

• Put the screen at the right angle to avoid glare • Use a mouse whenever possible • Take short regular breaks • If you use the laptop as a desk machine plug in a full size monitor and

keyboard whenever possible • Remember the volume – no one else needs to hear your laptop

10.0 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Exposure to hazardous substances can cause ill health. Hazardous substances are labelled, according to the potential they have to cause harm, and carry instructions on how to use them safely. The label will tell you of the precautions you need to take when you use them. Risk Assessments and information on the materials that you will be using are available to you in every workshop, studio and laboratory. You should make yourself familiar with this information, especially if you have any concerns or existing health problems or sensitivities.


It is important to follow these instructions and any that your tutor gives you. Some substances can affect you immediately but the effect of others may only become apparent after many years or after repeated exposure, for example, resulting in an allergic reaction to that substance. Once individuals become sensitised to a substance they will be affected every time they come into contact with the substance no matter how small the quantity. If you have, or develop, an allergic reaction to a substance, tell your tutor about it immediately. The College carries out Risk Assessments (called Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) Assessments) on the hazardous substances that we use. This enables us to understand how a substance may affect you and to help prevent health problems. If a smaller quantity of a substance has to be decanted into another container, do make sure the new container is labelled to ensure that everyone knows what substance is in the container. Don’t dispose of substances down the sink, drain or into a bin without checking that this is appropriate with your tutor. You must not bring any substance into College without first checking with your tutor that it is acceptable for use in the College.

11.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) The College puts in place, controls to minimise hazards to the lowest practicable level to protect you during activities. There may, however, be some risks remaining and when this happens you will be provided with, and advised to use, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a last control measure. To be effective, the PPE must:

• Be suitable for the task • Fit properly • Be worn all the time the hazard is in the area.

It is important to remember that PPE is really a last resort and that the other controls are the most effective means to control a hazard. If you are using PPE provided for you, remember to:

• Put it back carefully and in a clean condition for the next person • Look after PPE because it can protect you and others from harm

throughout the College year • Report it if you notice any defects in the equipment.


Your course of study may require you to have your own PPE in which case you will certainly appreciate the need to take care of it.

12.0 WORK PLACEMENTS Some courses offer a period of work placement as an integral part of the course. The College has a responsibility to be reasonably satisfied with all work placement providers’ own arrangements for Health and Safety. When you are working away from the College, the environment you are working in may have many different kinds of hazards. It is important that you receive a full induction at your placement so that you can understand the risks, hazards and controls that are there. Remember that, even though you are a student on placement, you have the same responsibilities towards Health and Safety as the employees of the placement company. You should only carry out the tasks you have been asked to do. Tasks should be carried out in the way you have been trained and in line with the safe working practices of the workshop. Most people are keen to make a good impression at the placement - who knows if a job opportunity may become available, but don’t take risks, for example, by deciding to do something on your own without checking first. There may be risks or significant hazards present that you are not aware of, or that you don’t fully understand. Always check with your supervisor about how to do a task especially when it’s new to you. If you have any concerns during your placement, please raise them with your supervisor and if you still feel uncertain or concerned and want help and advice do contact your tutor or the person who arranged your placement. Your tutor or another appropriate member of staff will probably visit you during your work placement to discuss how things are going and you can always raise issues during this visit. There will also be an opportunity to make a report back when you return to College after your placement has been completed.

13.0 EDUCATIONAL VISITS Many courses include educational visits as part of the learning experience. You will receive information about the visit beforehand and if you have any questions do please ask your Tutor for further information. There will usually be pre-arranged College transport for you to use. The visit may involve you participating in activities different to those you do at College and you may come across some new and unfamiliar hazards.


The tutors involved will have made a Risk Assessment of the hazards and will be able to advise and guide you appropriately. You can help by:

• Paying for the cost of the visit as soon as required to • Arriving on time for the start of the visit and being on time throughout the

visit • Letting the College know if you are unable to go on the visit (especially if

there is a problem at the last minute) • Following instructions from tutors • Remembering to bring any equipment, packed food, clothing that you may

need • Not wandering off on your own away from the group • Taking care when using transport, trains, buses, coaches etc • Looking after your money and possessions • Being on time at the departure point to make the return journey • Letting your family know what time you expect to get back to College so

that someone can be there to collect you if you plan to arrive back late. (Let your tutor know if there are problems)

• Remembering to bring any medication with you that you will need during the visit

• Telling the visit organiser if you have been ill, might be ill (travel sickness etc) or become ill during the visit

• Acting in a responsible manner

Travelling can often be subject to unexpected delays and difficulties that are out of the hands of the College. If a situation arises, tutors will contact the College to explain what is happening. The Reception or Faculty Office staff will have details of every visit out of the College and parents etc can contact them for information. Tutors will also give you chance to telephone home. If you need to take medication during the visit you will need to inform the visit organiser and particularly so if you forget to bring it with you, forget to take it or lose it.

13.1 Residential visits You will be staying in an unfamiliar place so you will need to check where the emergency exit routes are and where to assemble in an emergency. You will also need to find out where other facilities are. It’s better to do this when you’re awake rather than in the middle of the night. On a residential visit, you go as part of a group and have different responsibilities. You need to remember that you are not at home and that your actions and behaviour, especially at night, can have a serious impact on others. Anti–social


behaviour is not acceptable at any time and can lead to disciplinary action by the College. If a problem arises taking action just by yourself may not be the best course of action. Discuss it with a member of staff but remember that it is not always possible to find instant solutions. Whilst staff will provide support, bear in mind that they do not provide immediate 24 hour supervision or assistance. When visiting a different region you need to remember that what is acceptable where you live, may not be the same. There may be a very different range of activities for you to join in with and you need to remember to view these opportunities with caution. It’s easy to become involved in situations that are difficult to get out of or for which you are not entirely prepared.

13.2 International visits When visiting other countries there are many things you will need to consider carefully. College staff will brief you thoroughly and help you to prepare for the differences that you will meet. You may find in other countries that people do not speak much English; or that they drive on the other side of the road, which can make crossing the road quite hazardous. It may be illegal to cross the road except at pedestrian crossings and in some countries; traffic does not have to stop even for pedestrian crossings. They may have different rules for behaviour that they expect everyone to adopt, and not understanding the rules can lead to difficulties. Do make sure that you follow instructions and advice from tutors and importantly, watch how the local people go about their business and learn how to be safe in their environment.

14.0 VEHICLES, DRIVING AND PARKING

There will never be enough car parking spaces to please everyone and often the car parks on campus are crowded. There is a real potential for accidents but drivers can help by:

• Keeping speeds down to 10 mph at all Centres and 20 mph at Moreton Morrell on the approach roads

• Driving with consideration especially for pedestrians • Not attempting to drive your car or leave the campus during an emergency

evacuation of the College premises • Parking only within the marked bays and not on access roads


o Remember in an emergency a fire appliance or ambulance may need to get access to a particular area quickly and your vehicle may be damaged if it obstructs access

• Observing restricted parking signs o In particular by not parking in disabled parking bays unless

appropriate 14.1 Use of College Transport Students are asked to behave responsibly when using, or waiting for College transport. Students should behave in a safe manner, so as not to endanger themselves and others by:

• not distracting the driver or moving around a vehicle when it is in motion. • not intimidating or being aggressive to the driver or others • following the instructions of staff in coach parks.

Students under the influence of alcohol are not allowed to travel on College transport.

15.0 COLLEGE PREMISES AND SECURITY 15.1 College premises and things The Estates Wardens and maintenance staff make a lot of effort to ensure that we have a pleasant environment in which to work and learn. You can help to keep the College environment pleasant by:

• not damaging the buildings or their contents – the less spent on repairs means more to spend on facilities

• if you break something tell Reception or the Wardens – at least the damage can be repaired before it becomes a danger to others

• not dropping litter around the campus – it looks untidy and someone else has to clear it away

• not dropping chewing gum on the floor – it becomes a real eyesore and can be a health hazard. Put it in the bin every time!

• not leaving personal belongings where they can become a hazard to others e.g. on stairways and in corridors.

• by reporting any criminal or suspicious activity to Reception or the Wardens. Do not try to intervene in any situation by yourself.

Lost and Found property will be forwarded to the Lost Property Office/ Reception. If you lose anything report it to Reception who will advise the Estate Wardens. 15.2 Security The College as a whole, is based on six main campuses and several additional outside centres, with hundreds of people attending courses and passing through each day. A great deal of effort is devoted to providing a secure and safe environment and you can help this effort by looking after your belongings. Do not


leave your bags and valuables unattended. Any bag found to be left in a potentially dangerous place will be removed by the wardens. Keep in mind your own personal safety especially in the evenings and during the darker winter days. If you bring a vehicle onto the College property you must accept that it is at your own risk and that the College cannot accept responsibility for any damage that may occur. Do be aware of the need to lock your vehicle and take care of personal belongings. Any criminal activity should be reported immediately to the wardens. Out of usual College hours, any area of a College building that is not in use, will be locked and the alarms set. The buildings are out of bounds to anyone other than specific College staff. 15.3 Prohibitions The College is a place of learning and as such there are certain things that do not belong in this environment and which are classed as unacceptable by society as a whole. This is reinforced by the Criminal Law. The use of and possession of illegal drugs of any class is unacceptable. Such use is damaging not only to the personal health of the individual, but can be very dangerous particularly if the individual is required to use machinery or equipment. The potential for personal injury is significant but it may also compromise the safety of others. Anyone who is found in possession or using such drugs will face disciplinary action by the College and may be reported to the Police. You should also be aware that some prescription medicines may also have side effects which pose significant risks if you have to use machines or drive. You should read the medical advice carefully and also inform your tutors. The use and abuse of alcohol holds similar dangers both for the individual and for others who may be affected by the behaviour and performance of the individual. There is a time and place for everything and whilst moderation in the consumption of alcohol by adults is tolerated by society, it is not tolerated in any work place, and the College is your work place. 15.4 Offensive Weapons It is against the law to carry an offensive weapon which includes ‘any article made or adapted for causing injury or intended to cause injury’. The Police may be called if staff suspect or are aware that anyone has an offensive weapon in their possession. If it is a requirement of the College or other authoritative body that students use their own tools of the trade, they are allowed to bring them onto College sites, but must:

• Have the approval of their tutor • Keep such items securely locked in an appropriate container when

travelling to and from College or between sites, particularly when travelling on College transport.


• Keep such items securely locked in an appropriate container in workshops or teaching areas when on site and subject to arrangements agreed with tutors, unlocking the container only when tools are in use.

16.0 WORKING OUTDOORS - Sun Protection For some students, the chance to soak up the sun during break times is a welcome opportunity to relax. For many students, however, working outside is a major part of their course studies. Everyone should be aware of the dangers of over exposure to ultra violet radiation from the sun, which can cause damage to your skin and more seriously, skin cancers. If you will be working out of doors for lengthy periods of time, you do need to consider the following advice carefully:

• Keep covered up! The less skin you expose to the sun, the less damage can be done. Clothing is a good protection against over exposure.

• Wear a hat with a brim or flap that covers your ears and the back of your neck.

• Stay in the shade whenever possible and especially at break and lunch times.

• Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on any exposed skin including your hands and reapply sunscreen regularly.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. • Check your skin regularly. If you notice any unusual moles or spots or

changes in shape, size, colour of existing moles or if they itch or bleed, see your Doctor immediately.

Remember, your skin is the largest organ in the human body and it is important; take care of it!

17.0 FOOD SAFETY 16.1 Legal requirements Under the Food Safety Act 1990 (amendment) Regulations 2004 and the General Food Regulations 2004, the College is committed to providing food and drink to the highest standards of hygiene and quality for consumption by students, staff and visitors. Before any activity involving food commences, a ‘hazard analysis’ has to be completed by a suitably trained person. This involves:

• Identifying and analysing potential food hazards


• Identifying critical control points • Implementing the controls and monitoring procedures • Setting the limits and corrective actions.

17.2 Training The Food Safety Act (2006) requires that all people involved in preparing, storing, cooking, and serving food should be supervised, instructed and trained appropriately to the work activities. If you are involved in any food activity as part of your course or as part of other activities e.g. for the Student Union on College premises, you should:

• Inform your tutor well in advance • Inform the College Health and Safety Officer about your plans • Make sure that anyone involved has received appropriate training • Ensure that anyone supervising has a minimum Basic Food Hygiene

qualification • Check that a Hazard Analysis has been carried out and keep a copy to

hand

18.0 STRESS AND LEARNING We all live with pressure and stress – some level of stress is important for us to be able to live and function. On occasions, however, the stress levels can become too much all at once and it’s at these times when we can do with a little help. If you find yourself in this situation, do talk to your personal tutor and explain what the problems are. You may not feel it is easy to talk to your tutors in which case you can go directly to the Counsellors. The service is discreet and confidential. There are also other staff who are based in Student Services who can help you with specific issues, for example, financial, housing, legal, as well as careers advice. Extra support is also available though Learning Support. So do talk to staff as soon as you become aware of the problem – don’t let it build up into something bigger than it really is.

19.0 SPORTS AND FITNESS FACILITIES The sports and fitness facilities are open to students, staff and members of the public. Opening hours are displayed on the entrance doors. Supervised lessons take place in the sports halls during the day and members of the public can book out the sports hall at weekends and evenings


All users of the gym have to undergo an induction in the gym and complete a medical questionnaire indicating they are safe to exercise. Once this has been completed users can benefit from the facilities during opening hours. There is a small charge for use of the facilities dependent on the category of user. The gym facilities are fully supervised with qualified instructors during all opening hours Remember when exercising:

• Always wear appropriate clothing for the activity you are participating in • Food and drink, other than bottled water should not be consumed in the

gym or sports hall. • Report all spillages to the gym instructor • Inform the gym instructor of any change in medical details • If you are unsure about use of the machines please ask for advice from the

qualified staff For some students, sport is part of their course of study, so tutors will provide guidance and direction for those activities.

20.0 THE FINAL WORD The College is only safe because we all work to make it safe for everyone. We all have our part to play and your contribution is very important to us all. Safety is often about an informed common sense and about thinking before we act. How You Can Help

• don’t leave your things where others can trip over them • do make sure you don’t trip over things left by others • don’t run in corridors or on stairways • don’t spit – it is a health hazard • do keep doorways and stairways clear • please don’t use the lifts unless you have a disability or have a specific

need to use them. Try following the ‘life code of conduct’ to support your own good health and at the same time leave the lifts available for people with mobility impairment and staff moving equipment.

• don’t smoke except in the designated areas outside • do put all chewing gum in the bins provided • do not leave litter anywhere around College • do report spillages. Wet floors are a major cause of accidents as people

can slip and fall heavily which can lead to sprains and broken bones.


• do contact your tutor / Faculty Secretary / or Registry Liaison Officer if unable to attend College (you will be told who to call as part of your College induction)

• do switch off mobile phones in classrooms • do not walk about College centres with ear phones plugged into your ears

- it can impair your ability to react to situations. So:

• assume nothing – Check first • if in any doubt – Ask! • be Safe and enjoy your learning experience with us.

21.0 NOTES Use this section to make any notes.

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