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Emergencies
DSE / Workstation Policy Documents Further Information Last Updated: 29th October 2003 [back] |
First Aid ProvisionThe following document is based on the college policy arrangements for the provision of first aid as devised by Dr. Elizabeth Clark of the Occupational Health Service (May 1997). The department of Computer Science accepts and abides by them in full. Aims Of These Arrangements
In the context of the Regulations "first aid" means
Objectives
Assessment of Requirements Assessment of requirements should be by location, either by Departments, or by co-operation between Departments where buildings are occupied by more than one Department. Assessment must take account of the nature of the work being carried out, and the hazards and risks of that work. Attention should be paid to the location of first aid materials and equipment, so that they are readily available when needed. In some locations it may be appropriate to designate a first aid room. The numbers of first aid personnel required (see below) are based on HSE Guidance for organisations, and it is important when looking at provision for locations within the College not to lose sight of overall provision. For this reason the Lead Safety Officer must be involved in defining "locations" for the purpose of assessing requirements. Arrangements must cover the normal working day and also any out-of-hours occupation of premises. Similar provision, appropriate to the activities taking place, must be made for sports facilities and halls of residence. Provision must also be made for field work and expeditions. Advice about assessment of requirements can be obtained from the Occupational Health Physician or the Lead Safety Officer. On the whole, organisational enquiries and enquiries about training courses should be addressed to the Lead Safety Officer, and enquiries about provision and treatment should be addressed to the Occupational Health Physician. First Aid Equipment All locations must have a first aid box, and some will require more than one to ensure easy access. They should be of a suitable material to protect the contents from damp and dust, preferably wall mounted and located near a basin for hand washing. They should be labelled with a white cross on a green background in accordance with the Safety Signs Regulations 1980. They should contain first aid items only, and not tablets or medication. Quantities of first aid items may vary according to assessment of need, but as a general guide a minimum stock would normally be:
First aid materials must be replaced as soon as possible after use, and boxes must be checked regularly by the person in charge of the box to ensure that all items are in date. Where assessment indicates the need for additional materials or equipment these may be kept in the first aid box if there is enough room, or stored separately so long as they are readily accessible if needed. If they are not kept in the First Aid box, the box must contain directions where to find them. Where assessment indicates the need for eye irrigation facilities, if mains tap water is not readily available a minimum of 900mls sterile normal saline 0.9% in sealed disposable containers must be available as close as possible to the place where the need might arise. Once the seal is broken they should not be kept for reuse, and they should not be used after the expiry date. The designated local appointed person/first aider must check containers on a regular basis. For field trips and sports events, assessments should include the need for mobile communication equipment (e.g. mobile telephone). There must be a first aid book in which all treatments are recorded. First aid equipment in the department of computer science is located in the following areas:
First Aid Personnel Appointed Person This is a person who is appointed by an employer to take charge of an emergency situation and call appropriate help, and to be responsible for the maintenance of the first aid box and its contents. Appointed persons should be trained in emergency first aid, for which the College currently runs a one day course. First Aider First aiders must undertake a four day course, with an examination, approved by the Health and Safety Executive for the purposes of first aid at work. Certificates are valid for three years and in order to maintain certification it is essential to take a two day re-qualification course, with exam, within the three years. The courses are intensive and require revision from the course book in the evenings. Other qualifications Doctors registered with the General Medical Council, and nurses whose names are registered in part 1, 2, 10, or 11 of the Single Professional Register maintained by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting can act as first aiders. They must confirm that their professional insurance covers acting as first aiders at work. First Aiders in the department of computer science are:
Appointed persons in the department of computer science are:
Selection of First Aid Personnel In selecting first aid personnel the following factors must be taken into account:
Numbers Of First Aid Personnel Required The following are minimum numbers of first aid personnel that should be available in any College location: In laboratories, workshops, kitchens, or any other locations where hazardous work is carried out:
Other College locations:
Field work: When field work takes place in remote areas there should be at least two first aiders irrespective of numbers in the party. Sports Grounds: When sporting activities are taking place minimum provision for participants should be one first aider, and when spectators are present provision should take their anticipated numbers into account. Training Of First Aid Personnel The UCL Safety Office is responsible for providing training courses for first aiders and appointed persons. The following courses are provided: First aid at work course This is a course approved by the HSE for first aid at work, leading to certification, which is valid for three years. Courses all follow the same syllabus, as recommended in HSE Guidance, but staff may be asked to attend specific courses where there is an emphasis on their particular circumstances, e.g. courses designated for staff involved in field work. Courses should last at least 24 contact hours, including the final assessment, and are usually run on four consecutive days. Re-qualification course This is a course approved by the HSE to renew the certificate for first aid at work. It must be completed within three years of the last certificate, in order to renew the certificate for a further three years. Courses should last at least 12 contact hours, including the final assessment, and are usually run on two consecutive days. Emergency first aid course for appointed persons This is a short course designed to appraise appointed persons of their responsibilities and instruct them in the principles of handling medical emergencies. It usually lasts one day. Annual half day course All first aid personnel must attend a refresher course annually. This applies to appointed persons, first aiders, and doctors and nurses acting as first aiders. Additional training Additional training to cover less common risks is in addition to the basic training for first aid at work. Records After any treatment the following must be recorded in the local first aid book:
All accidents and work related incidents must be notified to the College Safety Office on a College Accident/Incident Report Form. Information for Staff and Students In all locations information must be prominently displayed, including:
Authorisation Head of Department: Prof. A. Finkelstein Signature: Date: 29th October 2004 |
The Safety Officer is Dave Twisleton Room 4.18, Malet Place Engineering Building 020 7679 3667 / ext 33667 |