Health and safety

The Faculty of Humanities' primary functions are research and teaching, but these aims must be achieved, so far as is reasonably practicable, with no adverse effect on the health and safety of any member of staff, student or third party. It is the policy of the Faculty to pursue the highest standards of Health and Safety in all of its activities. 

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the arrangements for implementing the policy are set out in the Faculty’s Health & Safety Policy. 

Your health and safety responsibilities 

All new postgraduate research students in Schools across the Faculty of Humanities are required to complete mandatory health and safety induction training. Training is delivered via the University's e-learning environment and covers basic information about how health and safety is managed at the University. All new PGRs are automatically enrolled onto the relevant course units. PGRs in AMBS, SALC and SOSSare required to complete modules 1 and 5. PGRs in SEED are required to complete all modules.  

PGRs are expected to complete these courses within the one month of starting. 

First Aid 

A list of the names of authorised first aiders can be found by the main entrances and lifts in every University building - you will need to scan a QR code for the latest list. The list can also be accessed via the First Aid webpage.Schools have first aid kits available in kitchen and reception areas. 

If you oversee lectures or laboratory classes, you must take responsibility for the orderly evacuation of your class without delay.  

Do not enter a building while the alarm is sounding, and do not re-enter until a Campus Support and Security Officer or a Fire Evacuation Marshall (wearing a green vest) gives permission.  

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to equipment used in the workplace such as laptops, screens and PCs. We want to ensure that you are working in a safe and comfortable environment which is why we require you to complete a DSE self-assessment. 

You can find guidance on how to set up your workspace and a self-assessment form here.  You can also find further information on the HSE website. 

Schools assess the risks associated with using DSE equipment by carrying out DSE surveys. For a DSE assessment or to report any issues you might have with your workstation set up please contact your School Safety Advisor by using the relevant email address below: 

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) 

Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) help students and members of staff who might need to have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). Additionally, if you require support evacuating a university building during an alarm but are not registered with DASS (e.g. due to having a temporary injury), please consider filling in a PEEP. For further information please see PEEPs webpage. 

For queries on PEEPs please contact your School Safety Advisor by using the relevant email address below: 

Lone Working 

Lone working may occur at the normal place of work/study or it may be in off-site locations, either as part of field work, overseas trips, community-based working, etc. You can find our University guidance on Lone Working in the Lone Working toolkit. 

Risk Assessment Training 

PGRs are encouraged to familiarise themselves with HSE guidance on risk assessments and complete these two short online training courses as a minimum: 

Accident/Incident Near miss reporting 

All accidents, incidents or near-misses on School premises or arising out of University business must be notified via email to Safety Services in the first instance and ideally within 24 hours. Incidents result in damage to property only with no injuries, and near-misses are incidents with a potential for personal injury or physical damage but no actual injury or damage. Please see Accident Reporting information and notification form. 

Out of Hours access to buildings 

To arrange out of hours contact please contact your School by using the below email address: 

Reporting Building Faults and Issues 

Please report these issues via Estates Helpdesk or email estates@manchester.ac.uk or call 0161 275 2424. Estates Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm.

In case of emergency and outside these times you should report any problems to the Main Security Office on 52728 01613069966 or use the SafeZone App.