HEALTH & SAFETY for BIRKBECK STAFF and CLIENTS at USS or UEL

Birkbeck has agreed that for all premises related health and safety matters, UEL's arrangements are to be followed by Birkbeck staff working at USS or UEL buildings and also by all clients using Birkbeck's rooms at USS.  The main points to note are:

Fire safety:

All Birkbeck staff and clients at USS or UEL must make themselves aware of  UEL's fire safety procedures.  These are set out below. Staff and room hire clients should note that when a fire alarm sounds, it is your responsibility to guide your visitors/delegates/students to the fire assembly point.  Accordingly, you should also familiarise yourself with the following:

• the fire alarm sounder will be a continuous siren or bell.
• fire alarm call points - red break-glass boxes on landings and at building exits.
• the nearest escape route and fire exit - walk around and identify this.
• the alternative escape route and fire exit - walk further and identify that/those too.
• the nearest refuge point for disabled persons - look on staircase landings.
• the fire assembly point - check with UEL security where your nearest point is.

UEL's Fire safety procedures:

IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE OR SMELL SMOKE

1. Raise the fire alarm immediately by operating the nearest fire alarm call point
2. Call the fire brigade by dialling 999 on your mobile or 9-999 (internal telephone).
3. If it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire with the appliances provided but do not take personal risks. Ensure you have a clear exit route to a place of safety.
4. Leave the area and proceed to and remain in the designated Fire Assembly point and remain there until advised it is safe to return OR  if you have difficulty walking or you are accompanying a disabled person who is unable to use the stairs,  go to a Fire Refuge area where you can can contact building reception via an intercom for advice and assistance.

ON HEARING THE ALARM

1. Stop work. If undertaking specialist activities, activate the agreed emergency shut-down procedures.
2. Leave the building by the NEAREST safe route.
3. Proceed to the designated Fire Assembly Point.

• DO NOT STOP TO COLLECT ANY PERSONAL BELONGINGS NOT IMMEDIATELY TO HAND

• DO NOT USE THE LIFTS

• DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL TOLD THAT IT IS SAFE TO DO SO BY
     THE FIRE BRIGADE OR THE MEMBER OF STAFF IN CHARGE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for OCCUPANTS of the USS BUILDING

The final exit doors from the staircases are on magnetic holders - read the info at this link to understand how the release systems for these work in case they don't open automatically: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/so/safety/GBOX

Reporting hazards & accidents:

• All Birkbeck staff and clients at USS or UEL should report any accidents or noted hazards with fabric or fittings to UEL building security.
• Any procedural issues can be reported back to Birkbeck Safety Services who will liaise with UEL for you. Contact healthandsafety@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. 

Other UEL Health and Safety Policies and procedures:

The full range of UEL's safety policies and procedures can be found here:
http://www.uel.ac.uk/hrservices/hs/handbook/. Birkbeck staff and clients should refer to any policies that may cover the safety requirements for their area of work. 

If in doubt about and safety matter, ask healthandsafety@bbk.ac.uk

Birkbeck Health and Safety Services
29 August 2013. Updated 27.09.17.