Health and Safety

Find out more detailed information about keeping safe and secure at university including First Aid, what to do in a fire, electrical safety and lots more. Further health and safety information can be found on our If you are in doubt at any time about what is expected of you, please ask.

Electrical safety

Electrical equipment used in university buildings must be safe and if necessary independently inspected (a PAT certificate may be requested as proof that the inspections have been carried out).

Before using electrical appliances, you should carry out a visual check to identify any obvious deficiencies. Under no circumstances should you use equipment if you have any doubts about its electrical safety.

Any faults with University-owned electrical equipment should be reported to a member of staff. Staff have the right to take out of use any electrical equipment that they suspect is not safe.

Never overload electrical sockets or use cuboid adapters.

Ensure the correct rated fuse is used in each appliance.

Only use UKCA or CE marked plugs and appliances and check that each appliance is rated for the UK 240-volt supply.

General guidance on the safe use of computers

Intensive or incorrect use of computers can lead to short and long term health problems, caused by poor posture and working practices.

Take a 5-10 minute break every hour, get up and move around, get blood flowing to muscles, and give your eyes a rest from the screen.

Be sensible about the amount of time spent on the computer, either for study or social activities.

Adopt a good posture by adjusting the chair back and seat height to support your body, and the screen should be at eyeline to stop stooping.

The mouse and keyboard should be within easy reach, with your forearms horizontal and your wrists straight - don't overstretch.

Fire safety

For your own safety, you must:

evacuate the building immediately if the fire alarm sounds.

attend fire safety briefings or training, or complete on-line fire safety training and tests.

familiarise yourself with buildings that you visit, live or work in, and make sure you know the fire evacuation procedures.

never tamper or misuse any equipment provided for fire safety e.g. fire alarms, detectors or extinguishers.

report when you use such equipment so that it can be replaced e.g. fire extinguishers, fire blankets.

report any fire related incidents (including signif