4.5 Safe place to work

(1) Fire Safety

In compliance with fire safety legislation the University provides a range of measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of fire and a range of equipment to detect, warn of and extinguish fires.

Fire Protection:                                   fire safety training, low fire loading, elimination and control of sources of ignition, good house-keeping and workplace design;
Prevention of the spread of fire:        building compartmentalisation, fire doors, low fire loading of structure and furnishings;
Fire detection:                                     linked (intelligent) and stand-alone fire/smoke detectors (heat, ionisation, optical); and
Fire extinguishment:                           portable extinguishers (water, foam, carbon dioxide and powder), hose reels, sand.

Advice on fire safety matters may be obtained from the Fire Safety Adviser, based in the Health & Safety Office.  The University has a Policy, Code of Practice & Guidance Notes on Fire Safety.

(2) Structural safety of buildings and estate infrastructure

In compliance with health and safety legislation (eg the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act (1974)) the University will provide buildings of sound construction with safe means of access and egress.

Estate Development Services (EDS) are responsible for new construction of, and refurbishment work in, all University buildings. EDS have a Construction Health and Safety Adviser.

Property Services are responsible for the maintenance and decoration of the building fabric, finishes or services on the University estate.

Grounds are responsible for care and maintenance of the University (Exeter) gardens and estate (except for road and pathway infrastructure maintenance).  No staff other than those the above Services may engage in any of these activities.

Any problems concerning the work environment in University buildings or estate infrastructure should be reported to the Property Services Help Line or by phoning 01392 26 4552 (or Internally, 4552).

(3) Safety of plant and equipment

In compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWE) Regulations (1998) the University will provide plant and machinery which is:

  • safe in its construction;
  • safe to use in the place where it is to be used; and
  • safe for the purpose for which it is to be used.

In the context of the PUWE Regulations use means; the starting, stopping, programming, setting, operating, transporting, repairing, maintaining, servicing and cleaning of work equipment.

(4) Risk assessment

In compliance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1992) the University will make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the work-related health and safety risks to which members of the University (and visitors, contractors, etc) may be exposed.

The University has devised a written scheme of risk assessment which will be applied, unless an assessment (as required by other statutes, eg COSHH Regulations) has already been carried out.