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Student Health and Safety Policy

Prospective students should take into account when selecting a course of study the inherent risks of their chosen career. These may be a physical risk such as found on a construction site, a farm, or during field study, or an adverse reaction to a chemical agent or animal. These risks may be encountered not only during careers after qualification but also during undergraduate studies.

It is the intention of the University to maintain and to improve the health and safety while at work of all its members. To this end it applies and enforces all current legal requirements together with other appropriate safety measures where reasonably applicable.

The University needs the co-operation of all members – staff and students - in meeting these obligations.

This policy by the University is necessarily extended to all students whilst engaged in University activities. All students are therefore reminded of the obligations of all members of the University:

  • To take reasonable care for the health and safety of him/herself and of other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions.
  • To seek medical advice from a General Practitioner if he/she suspects any medical condition that may be study / course related.
  • To co-operate with the University to enable it to comply with any relevant statutory provisions.
  • To not interfere with or misuse equipment provided for safety purposes.
  • To co-operate with the University in the use of such Personal Protective Equipment as may be required to be worn as a result of a 'safety risk assessment' carried out on activity during practical classes and project work.

On arrival at the University, students are required to make known to their supervisor or tutor any circumstances or conditions that may affect their health and safety (such as disabilities, allergies or similar conditions). This will enable the student and the University to discuss and agree appropriate health and safety procedures.

Student Health and Safety

Students are reminded of their duties to other members of the University including visitors referred to in the Faculty Introduction in the undergraduate prospectus.

It is foreseeable, based on national statistics for workers in this discipline, that some members of this course may experience allergenic reactions to the exposure to animals / chemical agents.

It is essential that, as soon as it is known, any student who has an existing or who develops any medical condition that may affect their ability to participate fully in the course of study should inform their supervisor. This will enable the student and the University to discuss and agree appropriate health and safety procedures to facilitate continued study.

Further Points to consider in the department

  • Areas where animals are kept should be clearly signed with the species present.
  • Provision of 'Epipens' and any other specialist equipment in high-risk areas in association with trained personnel.
  • The provision of local rules emphasising the above and the consequences to all concerned (in the case of acquired infections) should these guidelines be ignored.

The Safety Office has identified training in the use of 'Epipens' and will arrange this as required by departments on a paying basis.