Your  Student  Health  and  Safety  

Guide  

 Keep  It  Handy        

   1  

Introduction  

Your  safety  is  as  important  to  us  as  your  learning  experience.  Please  help  us  to  make  sure  you  stay  safe  by  reading  this  booklet  and  keeping  it  handy.    

 Your  Responsibility…  

We  cannot  keep  you  safe  without  your  help,  so  please  follow  these  simple  rules:  

DO   Behave  in  a  responsible  and  considerate  manner     Comply  with  health  and  safety  procedures  and  instructions     Obey  all  safety  signs  and  notices   Report  all  incidents  involving  fire,  injury,  property  damage  or  criminal  activity   Report  any  bullying  or  aggressive  behaviour  towards  you  or  other  students  or  

staff   Report  any  concerns  you  have  about  your  safety  or  that  of  other  students  

DO  NOT   Misuse  or  tamper  with  safety  equipment  

 

Contents  Introduction  and  Your  Responsibility  ...........................................................................................................  1  Fire  Safety  .....................................................................................................................................................  2  Fire  Evacuation  .............................................................................................................................................  3  Electrical  Safety  ............................................................................................................................................  3  First  Aid  and  Medicine  ..................................................................................................................................  4  Slips,  Trips  and  Falls  ......................................................................................................................................  4  Safety  in  Lessons  ..........................................................................................................................................  5    Sports  and  Activities  .....................................................................................................................................  5  Road  Safety  ..................................................................................................................................................  6  Cycle  Safely  ...................................................................................................................................................  6  Personal  Safety  .............................................................................................................................................  7  Internet  and  Mobile  Safety  .........................................................................................................................    8  Cyberbullying  ................................................................................................................................................  8  Computer  Use  ..............................................................................................................................................  9  Spot  the  Hazards  Challenge  ........................................................................................................................  10    Emergency  Contacts    and  Useful  Websites  can  be  found  on  the  back  page  

    2  

 Fire  Safety  

Fires  can  start  and  spread  easily  if  you  do  not  follow  safety  measures  and  regulations.  

Even  a  small  fire  can  result  in  significant  damage  to  your  personal  property  and  the  smoke  and  fumes  can  kill  quickly.    

Fires  can  put  many  lives  at  risk,  including  those  of  fire  fighters.    

DO   Keep  your  room  tidy  and  clutter-­‐free   Ensure  you  can  leave  your  room  quickly  in  an  emergency   Familiarise  yourself  with  the  evacuation  procedures  and  exit  points  in  all  the  

buildings  you  use  

  Keep  fire  doors  closed  and  evacuation  routes  clear  of  clutter  

     

  Treat  all  alarms  as  real  emergencies  unless  you  are  informed  otherwise      

 DO  NOT   Cook,  smoke,  use  candles  or  burn  incense  in  your  room                                      

                      Misuse  or  tamper  with  fire  equipment  -­‐  lives  may  depend  on  this  equipment  and  

it  is  a  criminal  offence   Obstruct  exits  and  escape  routes     Cover  heaters,  light  fittings  or  fire  detectors    

 

  Achieving  Fire  Safety  

Not  cooking,  smoking  or  lighting  candles  anywhere  

in  building  

Not  covering  accommodation  heaters  with  

clothing/towels  etc.  

Only  use  fire  safety  equipment  when  there  is  a  fire.  

Keeping  Fire  Doors  closed  

Not  overloading  electrical  sockets  

     

Immediately  reporting:    -­‐ anything  that  you  think  may  

cause  a  fire,  -­‐ any  fire  incident  no  matter  how  

small,  -­‐ defective  fire  safety  equipment.  

 

Not  covering  fire  detectors.  

 

 

   

   3  

   Fire  Evacuation  

It  is  very  important  that  you  know  what  to  do  in  the  event  of  fire.    Your  student  induction  will  inform  you  of  fire  evacuation  procedures  and  assembly  points.    Please  inform  staff  if  you  require  assistance  evacuating  the  building.    On  discovering  a  fire…  DO   Sound  the  alarm  by  breaking  the  fire  alarm  glass  and  pressing  the  call  point     Warn  others  close  to  you  and  leave  the  building  immediately,    walking  quickly    to  

your  assembly  point   Inform  the  nearest  member  of  staff  of  the  location  of  the  fire  or  dial  999     Report  to  the  person  taking  the  register  or,  if  there  is  no  one  around,  stay  at  the  

assembly  point  until  help  arrives    

On  hearing  the  alarm…   Leave  the  building  immediately  by  the  nearest  exit    and  go  to  the  assembly  point   If  you  are  in  class,  follow  your  teacher’s  instructions   Report  to  the  person  taking  the  register  or,  if  there  is  no  one  around,  stay  at  the  

assembly  point.  Be  careful  of  traffic  

DO  NOT     Use  the  lifts                                                                             Stop  to  collect  belongings  or  wait  for  others     Go  back  into  the  building  until  a  member  of  staff  says  it  is  safe  to  do  so  

 NEVER  try  to  put  out  a  fire  unless  you  have  been  trained  and  it  is  safe  to  do  so    

   Electrical  Safety    Electric  shocks  can  be  nasty  and  sometimes  fatal.  Electrical  failures  can  also  start  fires.  Here  are  a  few  steps  to  minimise  risks…    

DO   Have  faulty  equipment  checked   Check  you  have  the  correct  CE  

approved  UK  adapters  and  plugs,  or  ask  staff  to  check  for  you  

Switch  off  appliances  and  plug  sockets  when  they  are  not  in  use  

DO  NOT   Use  or  attempt  to  fix  faulty  

electrical  equipment   Use  kettles,  toasters,  heaters,  rice  

cookers  etc.  in  your  bedroom   Overload  sockets    

    4  

 First  Aid  and  Medicine    At  your  induction  you  will  receive  information  on  your  First  Aiders  and  what  to  do  if  you  have  an  accident,  are  unwell  or  need  to  take  medicines.  Please  follow  the  simple  rules  below:    

DO     Report  all  accidents  to  a  member  of  staff  as  soon  as  possible   Store  medicines  safely  and  securely   Get  your  medicine  from  an  authorised  dispenser  

 

DO  NOT   Call  the  emergency  services  unless  you  cannot  quickly  locate  a  member  of  staff   Share  medicines  with  other  people    

   

 

 Slips,  Trips  and  Falls  To  help  minimise  accidents,  please  keep  premises  clean  and  tidy.  Be  aware  of  your  surroundings  and…

DO   Watch  where  you  are  going   Be  careful  in  busy  areas  on  crowded  stairs  and  in  wet  and  icy  conditions   Report  or  clean  up  spilt  food  or  liquid  immediately   Wear  appropriate  footwear  for  your  environment  

 

DO  NOT   Leave  items  unattended  in  walkways   Drop  litter  or  leave  a  mess  behind  you  

   

   5  

Safety  in  Lessons Putting  theory  into  practice  in  art  and  science  classes  can  be  risky  if  you’re  using  hazardous  substances  or  sharp  equipment.    

 DO     Follow  safety  procedures  and  instructions     Read    written  protocols  for  hazardous  work  -­‐  such  as  Good  Laboratory  Practice  

and  Safety  in  Fieldwork   Wear  the  right  protective  equipment     Concentrate  when  working  with  dangerous  materials  

 DO  NOT   Start  a  risky  activity  if  you  don’t  feel  safe,  stop  and  ask  for  help  

   

     Sports  and  Activities  Any  sport  or  outdoor  activity  involves  risk.  Using  approved  clubs  and  organisations  helps  to  reduce  this  risk,  as  does  following  these  simple  guidelines…    DO   Ask  the  activity  organiser  if  you  have  any  questions  about  safety     Use  the  right  equipment     Follow  instructions    

 

DO  NOT   Undertake  sports  activities  without  the  appropriate  equipment  and  supervision   Undertake  sports  activities  without  appropriately  warming  up  and  down      

 

    6  

 Road  Safety    

It’s  important  that  you  observe  road  signs  as  these  maybe  different  from  those  in  your  own  country.    There  is  a  list  of  useful  websites  at  the  end  of  this  booklet  which  provide  further  information  on  this  topic.    

MOTORISTS  DRIVE  ON  THE  LEFT  IN  THE  UK  AND  IRELAND    DO   Pay  attention  when  using  roads  and  

walkways   Use  identified  walkways  and  crossing  

points     Check  the  “Look  right/Look  left”  

markings  on  the  road  before  crossing  

   

DO  NOT   Drive  a  car  unless  you  have  a  valid  licence  and  insurance        

 Cycle  Safely  Cycling  is  a  great,  healthy  way  to  get  about.  To  cycle  safely…

 DO   Obey  traffic  and  crossing  signs    

                                                                             Path  is  shared              Separate  Paths                  Cyclists  Only     Look  out  for  vehicles  turning  left  across  your  path   Wear  a  helmet  and  use  lights   Check  your  brakes  and  tyres  regularly  

DO  NOT   Leave  your  bike  unlocked,  it  can  disappear  in  seconds  

 

Wearing  headphones  or  talking/texting  on  your  mobile  will  distract  you  from  your  surroundings  and  greatly  increase  your  chance  of  having  an  accident  

   7  

 Personal  Safety  By  taking  simple  precautions  you  can  significantly  reduce  the  risk  of  becoming  a  victim  of  crime…      

DO   Secure  your  bedroom  and/or  

personal  belongings     Report  anything/anyone  suspicious   Carry  your  ID  and  report  it  

immediately  if  you  lose  it     Keep  money  in  the  school  safe,  or  

in  a  pocket  money  or  bank  account    

DO  NOT   Let  anyone  into  college  buildings  

who  does  not  have  a  pass/you  don’t  know

Lend  anyone  you  don’t  know  well  your  phone/electronic  devices  or  any  money

 Safety  when  out  and  about  It  is  sensible  to  follow  a  few  simple  precautions  when  you  are  out  and  about…  DO   Try  to  use  cashpoints  in  daylight,  beware  of  people  standing  close  to  you  and  

conceal  your  PIN  number   Keep  to  busy,  well  lit  areas  at  night  

DO  NOT     Show  your  money  in  the  street  or  leave  valuables  on  display  or  within  easy  reach   Accept  a  lift  from  a  stranger,  unmarked  taxi  or  someone  you  don’t  know  well  

Safety  on  a  night  out  Make  your  night  memorable  for  the  right  reasons…    

DO   Tell  your  accommodation  provider/a  

friend  where  you’re  going  and  when  you’ll  be  back    

Plan  how  to  get  home  and  take  money  for  a  taxi  (just  in  case)  

Make  sure  your  mobile  is  working     Let  friends  know  where  you  are  

going  if  you  split  up   Only  use  licenced  taxis,  or  walk  

home  in  a  group     Stay  alert  to  signs  of  danger  

If  you  think  you  are  being  followed,  cross  the  road,  check  to  see  who  is  behind  you,  get  to  a  busy  area  or  call  a  friend  to  tell  them  where  you  are.  If  necessary,  call  the  police  

DO  NOT   Get  into  a  car  with  a  driver  who  

appears  to  be  under  the  influence  of  alcohol  or  drugs  

Leave  drinks  unattended  where  they  might  be  spiked  

Take  unknown  or  illegal  substances  

    8  

 Internet  and  Mobile  Safety  

The  internet  and  mobiles  are  a  great  source  of  information  and  communication.  However  you  may  encounter  people  (predators)  who  use  them  to  persuade  you  into  

dangerous  situations.      

 

DO   Remember  that  not  everyone  is  

who  they  say  they  are.  Predators  can  post  fake  names,  information  and  pictures  

Tell  a  member  of  staff  and  the  website  provider  if  you  suspect  someone  could  be  a  predator  

 

DO  NOT   Give  personal  information  to  

people  you  don’t  know   Plan  to  meet  anyone  you  have  

communicated  with  online     Give  out  financial  information  or  

make  payments  online  other  than  through  verified  websites  or  payment  system  

 

Cyberbullying  

Cyberbullying  is  any  form  of  virtual  or  online  bullying.  All  of  your  actions  online  can  have  a  lasting  presence  on  the  internet,  so  think  carefully  before  sharing  opinions,  comments  or  images.        

DO     Block  anyone  who  is  bullying  you  

from  contacting  you  online  or  via  your  phone  and  tell  someone    

Change  your  number  or  email  address  if  necessary  and  only  give  new  details  to  people  you  know  you  can  trust  

Contact  a  helpline  if  you  feel  you  can’t  talk  to  anyone  around  you        

DO  NOT   Post  intimate  images  or  

comments  on  any  website  or  send  them  to  anyone  electronically  

Reply  to  nasty  messages  you  receive    

   

   9  

Keep  your  head  and  body  straight  with  shoulders  relaxed    

 Computer  Use  It  is  very  important  to  set  up  your  work  station  correctly  and  adopt  a  good  posture  as  this  will   help   to   avoid   common  problems   such   as   eye   strain,   finger,  wrist,   back   or   shoulder  pain  and  headaches.      

                       

 

DO   Make  sure  you  can  read  the  screen    

clearly  without  flicker  or  glare   Take  regular  breaks  during  screen    

work   Use  a  foot  rest  if  your  feet  don't    

touch  the  ground    

Ask  if  you  would  like  help  with  your  work  area  or  if  you  are  suffering  from  any  complaints  associated  with  computer  use.  

Monitor   should   be   about   an  arm’s   length   away   from   your   eyes  with  the  top  of  the  screen  aligned  with  your  eyes        

Keep   elbows   close   to   your  sides    

Adjust  the  back  of  the  chair  so  that  the   curve   of   the   chair   supports  your  lower  back    

Keep  your  feet  flat  on  the  floor    

Ensure  you  have  a  gap  between  the   edge   of  chair   and   the  back  of  your  knees    

Keep   your  mouse   close   to   you  and   hold   it   lightly.   Keep   your  wrists   straight   and   flat   with  your  arms,  wrists  and   forearms  parallel  to  the  floor    

DO  NOT   Slump  or  lean  over  your  desk   Put  prolonged  or  

unnecessary  pressure  on  the  underside  of  your  thighs/back  of  your  knees  

 

    10  

 Spot  the  Hazards    See  how  many  accidents  are  waiting  to  happen…  (Answers  below)  

 

                   

   

         

ANSWERS  1.Broken  smoke  detector  /  2.Broken  window  pane  /  3.Mouldy  Food  /  4.Hot  drink  on  edge  of  table  /    5.  Coat  covering  lamp  /  6.Loose  handle  on  door  /  7.Clothes  piled  on  floor  /  8.  Overloaded  plug  socket  9.Broken  floorboard  /  10.Hair  Straighteners  on  rug  /  11.Wires  all  over  the  floor  /  12.Coat  close  to  electric  fire    13.Papers  close  to  the  electric  fire  /  14.Mouse  chewing  the  mouse  wire!  /  15.Nail  varnish  remover  near  open  flame  

 

     

       EMERGENCY  NUMBERS     CALL 999 for immediate help from the police, fire and ambulance services Other important numbers to add…

Out-of-hours number for your place of study: ___________________________

Accommodation/homestay emergency contact: __________________________

On-site nurse/doctors’ surgery: ______________________________________

GP surgery: ______________________________________________________

GP our-of-hours service: ___________________________________________

Site security contact: _______________________________________________ Other useful numbers you want to keep…

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

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Useful  Websites  The  following  websites  provide  comprehensive  information  and  advice  on  road  safety  and  the  Highway  Code:  www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk  

www.rospa.com  www.highwaycode.gov.uk    

There  are  Apps  for  staying  safe  in  a  whole  range  of  situations,  such  as:  www.alert5.co.uk    www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-­‐safety-­‐tips/app-­‐directory/live-­‐life-­‐safe-­‐app/  

www.getbsafe.com    Childcare  is  a  confidential  service  for  young  people  (up  to  19)  covering  many  issues  

including  online  bullying,  self-­‐harm,  stress  and  relationships:  www.childline.org.uk  or  0800  1111