1.2 Arrangements To Implement The University Health And Safety Policy

Management Responsibilities

The Vice-Chancellor, as Chief Executive of the University, is responsible, together with the Board of Governors, for all health, safety and welfare matters within the University and as such is directly culpable in law for any negligence or offences under any of the relevant statutory provisions.

The responsibility for health, safety and welfare matters are delegated to the Heads of Schools and Departments. Area Safety Managers are appointed to take charge of the direct day to day implementation of the University Health and Safety Policy within the areas of the institution which are specifically allocated to their area/department/school. The duties of Area Safety Managers are in section 1.5.

Area Safety Managers are required to appoint Safety Teams where appropriate and Fire Wardens. The duties of these appointees are presented in section 1.5. Nominees must be given appropriate training and written guidance as to what is expected of them. A copy of their duties must be available in the School/Department.

Staff And Student Responsibilities

All employees of the University are legally obliged to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. They need to cooperate with management as regards any duty or requirements imposed on the University.

Students are non-employees of the University but are expected to fulfil the same obligations as that of employees.

All persons are legally required not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare. For example, it is a criminal offence to move a fire extinguisher away from its fire point. Such interference or misuse is a disciplinary matter.

Health Safety and Environment Advisor

The Health Safety and Environment Advisor is responsible for the operation of the SHE Office, which provides a support service to the University in respect to advising and documenting the health and safety standards and also monitoring and auditing health and safety performance. The role of the Health Safety and Environment Advisor is detailed in Section 1.3.

The Health Safety and Environment Advisor is Warren Cole and the Safety Office is located at Unit 10 Riverside Court, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3DZ.

Organisation

Health And Safety Committee

The Health and Safety Committee is made up of University Officers with responsibilities for managing Health and Safety issues within their various Schools / Departments. Trade Union representatives (Safety Representatives) and University personnel represent the various staff groups. The Health and Safety Committee reports to the Directorate.

The terms of reference of the Health and Safety Committee are set out in Section 1.7 and the membership is listed in Section 1.8.

School / Department Safety Team

Area Safety Managers are recommended to appoint appropriate members of their School / Department into a Safety Team to assist with the implementation of BSU Safety Policy at "local level".

January 2008