Safety in the School

Our staff, research and taught students are our key resource and it is essential that risks to their health and safety are properly controlled through the implementation of an effective health and safety management system and by commitment at all levels within the School. We are committed to improving our health and safety performance and this web site is designed as a source of information and support for everyone in the School of Engineering to enable that we can all achieve a safe working environment. The School values the important contribution that staff and union appointed safety representatives make in improving health and safety. The School’s view is that a collaborative approach to managing health and safety is crucial to the School meeting its objectives for maintaining and improving health and safety performance.

School Health and Safety Policy
The School Safety Policy is a two part document. The first part is the high level Health and Safety Policy Statement (PDF), which sets out the Schools intentions, structures and roles and responsibilities. The second part is the Safety Handbook that contains relevant local guidance on the full range of health and safety issues. Both parts are designed to compliment the University Health and Safety policy and provide further guidance relevant to the School of Engineering. An induction presentation is available for new staff and students.

*NEW* Alcohol and Drugs
A new policy on the consumption of alcohol and drugs has been published. The policy can be found in the safety handbook or can be accessed here in pdf format. Alcohol and drugs policy.

Emergency Procedures
Information on actions to be taken in an emergency

Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents and incidents (near misses) should be reported through the University’s Health and Safety Department online form. A guide to completing the online form is available. Please ensure that in section B2 the School Safety Advisor’s email address (safety-advisor@see.ed.ac.uk) is entered.

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)
The latest safety advice for workers handling CNTs can be found on the HSE website.

Meningitis Awareness Plans
The University is keen to promote the awareness of Meningitis. Awareness of Meningitis is especially important at times when the students are returning to the University. A memo from Dr. Bruce Nelson (PDF), Academic Registrar raises some of the issues around meningitis and gives links to sites of information and advice.

Pandemic Flu
There is a lot of useful information on pandemic flu published on the University Health and Safety Website that will be of interest to both students and staff wishing to find out more about the University's contingency plans and guidance what should be done to minimise risk, or actions to be taken in the event of an outbreak of pandemic flu.

Nuclear Non-proliferation
The UK Government is a signatory to an agreement which requires them to submit certain information concerning nuclear activities to the International Atomic Energy Authority. This agreement is apparently intended to facilitate the IAEA’s role as monitor of nuclear activities and nuclear materials in "non-nuclear weapon states". One of the activities on which information has to be submitted is the "research and development work on nuclear-fuel-cycle-related activities". Under the Nuclear Safeguards Act 2000, The University is required to submit this information to the Health and Safety Executive. Failure to do so could risk prosecution.
If you are planning on undertaking any such R&D activity, please inform the School Safety Advisor so that the appropriate returns can be made to The University.

Key safety contacts

• Fire Stewards
• First Aid
• Specialist Safety Advisors

Safety Committees
The School operates a School Safety Committee and four Local Area Safety Committees. Each local area committee covers a clearly defined geographic area, usually one or more of The School's buildings. The Local Area Safety Committees play a key role in communicating heath and safety but also in reviewing policy and auditing practice. More information on the role and supporting information and documentation for each of the geographic areas/buildings can be found on the Local Area Safety Committee web pages.

Forms and Other Documents

• List of Research and Teaching Labs in the School
• Standard forms, checklists and templates and guidance on how to complete them)
  

School Safety Advisor

Dr Andrew Bunting
School of Engineering
The King's Buildings
Edinburgh
EH9 3JL
Tel: 0131 650 5610
Email: safety-advisor@eng.ed.ac.uk