It is essential that you read this section. You have a legal responsibility for the health and safety of yourself and of all other persons who may be affected by your actions.
The University's Health and Safety Code of Practice for Undergraduate Students is issued to all undergraduates at first registration, and it is important that you read and learn the contents. If you have not received this code, copies are available from the Undergraduate Office, Room C102. Students carrying out a laboratory project in the Department will also receive information on the Departmental Code of Practice for Health and Safety, which outlines the procedures appropriate to the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. In order to ensure a safe environment for all who work in the Department, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with this code. The Departmental Safety Officer is Ruth Roberts (Room G4; r.roberts@sheffield.ac.uk).
The Individual Role
By law, everyone has a safety responsibility. It is important that all persons appreciate the extent of this responsibility. Every person has the responsibility for the health and safety of himself/herself and of all other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions.
Laboratories
All laboratories are potentially dangerous. It is essential that you follow the safety instructions given to you. You must always wear a lab coat. You will not be allowed to carry out laboratory work if you are not wearing a lab coat. If you forget to bring your lab coat to a practical class, you will be able to borrow one, but we will expect you to make a donation to the charity collecting box in the teaching laboratory. As well as your lab coat, you must wear shoes which cover your feet, ie no flip-flops or sandals. Long hair should be tied up and headscarves tucked into your lab coat. At certain times, you may also be asked to wear gloves, face goggles,etc, and these MUST be worn. Eating and drinking in laboratory areas is strictly forbidden at all times.
Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures
Fire drills are held throughout the University during the first part of the first semester, so that you may become aware of the evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency. The fire alarm consists of a distinctive high-pitched sound. Please note that the fire alarms are tested at 10:55 am every Tuesday; but on these occasions the alarm sounds intermittently and no action is required.
A continuous sounding alarm warns you to leave the building immediately.
Evacuate the building by the nearest exit.
Get well away from the building: windows may blow out causing injury to anyone in the vicinity.
Do not obstruct entrances.
Go to the designated fire evacuation assembly point for the building. For MBB this is under the Concourse Bridge.
Anyone discovering a fire must:
Warn others by shouting "Fire".
Raise the alarm by breaking a glass call point.
Call the Fire Service by telephoning 4444 on a University internal telephone. Give details slowly and clearly with the building and room number. Do not leave the telephone until told to do so by the operator.
If it is safe to do so AND you have received training AND there are others present, tackle the fire with an appropriate extinguisher.
If you are leaving the fire, close all doors to prevent its spread.
Accident Procedure
In the event of illness or injury where medical attention is required, arrangements should be made for the injured person to be sent directly to a hospital Accident and Emergency Department. This can be done by dialling 4444 on any internal telephone (24 hour service). (Do not dial 999 from a University telephone.) Where possible, a qualified First Aider should be called to take charge of the situation and give appropriate treatment until the person receives medical help. Names of First Aiders are in the First Aid Boxes in Teaching Laboratories and elsewhere in the Department. An incident report must always be completed; the First Aider or Teaching Lab Staff can help you with this.
The Northern General Hospital Accident and Emergency Department is open seven days a week around the clock. The Royal Hallamshire Hospital only has a minor injuries unit.
First Aid
For minor injuries where first aid is all that is required, First Aid Boxes are situated in Teaching Laboratories and elsewhere in the Department, and appointed First Aiders can be contacted for assistance.
Working Hours
The normal working hours of the Department are Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 6.00 p.m. Access to the Department is restricted at other times, and the doors to the building are locked at evenings and weekends. Work outside normal working hours is not permitted except by arrangement with an academic staff supervisor, when a permit will be required. The supervisor must also be present in the area when out of hours work is being carried out.
Smoking
The University is a no smoking area. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.