Policies

This revised document sets out the University’s health and safety arrangements following the wider organisational changes that have been made at the University since the last version came into force.

Before undertaking any work with hazardous biological substances University personnel must read and understand the University's policy governing such work and all relevant risk assessments (or undertake such risk assessments if necessary) and must register their details. The current policy and associated information on complying both with the policy and the regulations that direct it can be found in this document.

*2013 revision of URLs and name of Health and Safety Office only.

COSHH requires employers to take any necessary steps to protect their employees from the harmful effects of hazardous substances. These may be in any form (solid, liquid, gas, fume, vapour), any type (including micro-organisms and allergens), and can present a hazard to health by a variety of routes of exposure. Substances can be absorbed through the skin, injected, inhaled or ingested: they may be irritant or corrosive to skin or eyes. Substances that need consideration are those used in, or generated as a result of, any work activity under the employer's control (e.g. research, student studies, general laboratory work, cleaning, maintenance etc.). The extent or degree of the risk posed by these substances is dependent on the severity of the hazard (inherent in the substance), and the potential amount of exposure (weights or volumes used, dustiness or volatility, frequency or duration of tasks).

All employers are under a general duty to assess the risks to the health and safety of their employees and to anyone else who may be affected by their activity, so that necessary preventative measures can be identified and actioned. As part of this general assessment, work with display screen equipment (DSE) must be assessed against the requirements of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (amended 2002). This document outlines policy and guidance on how to comply with these regulations.

This document has been prepared to assist all University schools and services in meeting their legal responsibilities to effectively manage on-the-road work activities. The document reflects current legislation and best practice with regard to ensuring that drivers are appropriately qualified and trained.

Electricity can kill and injure people. Around 1000 electrical accidents at work are reported to HSE each year and about 25 people die of their injuries. Even non-fatal shocks can cause severe and permanent injury. Shocks from faulty equipment may lead to falls from ladders, scaffolds or other work platforms. Those using electricity may not be the only ones at risk: poor electrical installations and faulty electrical appliances can lead to fires which may also cause death or injury to others. Most of these accidents can be avoided by careful planning and straightforward precautions.

This policy document is subject to review.

Legionella bacteria occur naturally in rivers, lakes and other sources of water. However, they can enter and colonise workplace water systems where favourable conditions are present. Water temperatures between 20˚C and 45˚C and the presence of nutrients in these systems, e.g. algae and other bacteria, will promote bacterial proliferation. Any sludge, scale and 'biofilms' of bacteria present will also help to protect the legionella bacteria and allow them to thrive.

To prevent or control as far as is reasonably practicable the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria in the workplace and comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and its sub-ordinate regulations it is necessary to introduce measures that control the growth of legionella bacteria in water systems and to minimise exposure to water droplets and aerosols.

More than a third of all over-three-day injuries reported each year to HSE and local authorities are caused by manual handling - the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force. This code of practice outlines actions that need to be taken to prevent manual handling injuries in the University.

Work equipment, as defined under The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, includes almost every piece of equipment in the University. The Regulations are intended to ensure work equipment should not result in health and safety risks regardless of age, condition or origin. PUWER 98 apply to all such equipment including mobile and lifting devices and all workplaces and situations where the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 applies

This document sets out the University of Bristol policy to ensure the safe use of non-ionising radiation by university staff, contractors and students

This document outlines the health and safety measures required under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Other University safety policies and guidance notes contain general safety information which is applicable to offices (eg electrical safety, mechanical safety) but for convenience the main safety precautions are listed in this document.

• A personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) is required for staff or students whose disability is known and could prevent them leaving a building without assistance in an emergency.
• A building emergency evacuation plan (BEEP) is required for all university buildings and would be offered to occasional visitors.

This Policy and Guidance document for Working with Ionising Radiation covers the university policy and rules for working with ionising radiation and radioactive materials to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements. The document details the current arrangements for working with ionising radiations. All work with ionising radiation must be authorised to ensure the health and safety of staff and students

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 imposes a duty on employers to carry out suitable and sufficient assessments of all the significant risks to employees and those who may be affected arising out of or in connection with any work activity. This document provides guidance on how to carry out a risk assessment and provides a template.