Health, Safety & Wellbeing

The School of History and Politics is committed to upholding the University's Policy on Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S). All staff and students have a legal responsibility to act in the interests of themselves and others with respect to OH&S. To assist the School and to comply with your responsibilities you are asked to become informed about the following arrangements and personnel.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HSW) Training Plan

• Accident & incident reporting
• Campus Security Services
• Evacuation areas
• Emergency procedures
• Evacuation procedures
• Guidelines for people with disabilities
• Health & Safety Personnel
• Important phone numbers
• Medical emergencies & first aid
• Safe steps when leaving campus
• Workstation Ergonomics

Evacuation Areas

The evacuation assembly areas for the Napier Tower and Ligertwood Building are the Goodman Crescent lawns in front of Elder Hall. For lower ground Napier Building assemble in the Hughes Plaza which is outside Security and for the Education Building precinct it is North Terrace.

Evacuation Procedures

Staff and students must leave the building via the fire stairs once the notice to evacuate has been raised. The lifts should not be used. Those experiencing difficulties leaving need to notify the floor warden. Staff and students may return only after the Warden has granted permission.

Medical Emergencies & First Aid

In life threatening situations (only) ring 35444.

Contact a First Aid Officer (see below). A First Aid kit is kept in Napier Room 423. Please record any usage in the notebooks provided. Your nearest sick bay/rest room is to be found on 1st Floor Ligertwood Building, Room 103B.

Accident & Incident Reporting

OH&S legislation demands that all accidents and near-miss incidents be reported to the School Manager or Head of School. An Accident/Incident Report and Investigation Form must be completed (preferably within 48 hours) by the person involved and the supervisor and a copy given to the Health & Safety Officer (HSO). Copies are available from the School office.

Emergency Procedures

In Case of an Emergency

• Listen to any messages on the Public Address system
• Obey wardens or the Fire Brigade
• Assist people with disabilities
• Evacuate the Building and surrounding stairs. The evacuation assembly areas for the Napier Tower and Ligertwood Building are the Goodman Crescent lawns in front of Elder Hall. For lower ground Napier Building assemble in the Hughes Plaza outside Security and for the Education Building precinct it is North Terrace.

Do Not

• Use the lifts
• Enter the Napier Building

Know Your Wardens

• Chief Warden - White helmet
• Deputy Chief Warden - White helmet
• Warden - Red helmet

Alert Tone
When you hear the Alert tone (a series of long beeps), collect your belongings, prepare to evacuate, and await further instructions.

Evacuation Tone
The evacuation tone follows the Alert tone. A message will be announced on the Public Address system. Leave by the nearest exit, as directed by the floor wardens.

After Hours
The system will immediately go into evacuation mode. Leave the building by the nearest exit. Do not use the lift.

Users with Disabilities
Users whose disability may make it difficult to use the emergency exits should notify the History Office of their presence in the building, and of their likely movements within the building. This will aid in your speedy evacuation in an emergency.

Reporting an Emergency
If you see or hear a potential hazard in the Napier Building please report the nature and location of the problem immediately to the History Office.

In Case of Minor Injury
First Aid Box in the History Office and First Aider available Security Staff.

Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for People with Disabilities

Follow the guidelines on "Emergency Procedures" above.

• Become familiar with alternate evacuation routes in buildings you use frequently.
• Learn what may constitute a safe area in buildings you use frequently.
  

If you are unable to follow the "Emergency Procedure" guidelines, develop other strategies for your protection. For example, if you use a wheelchair and cannot duck and cover under a table in the event of an earthquake or similar emergency:

• Protect your head as much as possible.
• Move away from windows, filing cabinets, bookcases, light fixtures, and heavy objects that could shatter, fall, or tip over.
• Engage the electronic brake or wheel locks on your wheelchair.

Consider various disaster scenarios and decide ahead of time what you would do in different emergencies. For example, people with power wheelchairs should consider the following:

• In evacuations, it is standard practice to evacuate disabled people without their wheelchairs. Where should you be located while waiting for your wheelchair?
• Are there certain medications or support systems that you need?
• Do you have access to another wheelchair if yours cannot be evacuated?
• Know your limitations and be aware of your needs in different emergencies. If you need assistance, ask for it. People may not be aware of your circumstances or know how they can help.
• Consider how people will give you emergency information and how you will communicate your needs if you have impaired speaking, hearing, or sight.
• Consider arranging a buddy system with friends or colleagues so that someone will check with you, alert you as necessary, and see whether you need any assistance.
• If you need to be evacuated, help yourself and rescuers by providing them with information about your needs and the best ways to assist you.
  

Safe steps when leaving campus

The Safe Steps campaign aims to make you aware of the potential dangers of walking alone when leaving the campus and encourages you to take actions to ensure you travel safely to your car, bus, train or taxi.

Follow these Safe Steps at all times:

• Follow the most open and well-lit public path.
• Whenever possible, walk with a friend or in a group or contact Security to arrange an escort if you are walking alone after dusk.
• If alone, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings - confidence deters attackers.
• Carry a personal alarm or whistle and be prepared to call for help.
• Avoid undergrowth and be wary of strangers.
• Move your car closer to buildings during the day if you are planning on staying on campus after dark.

Campus Security Services

Escort service (free & after-hours)
If you have to walk to a parked car or near-campus residence after dark, a Security staff member will provide an escort up to 2.5km from the University. Contact the Security Office before you leave your building to arrange a time and place to meet.

Shuttle bus service (free & after-hours)
During term, an air-conditioned shuttle bus service runs hourly from the Security Office in Hughes Plaza between 5:15pm-10:15pm to take students and staff up to 2.5km from the University. A map of the bus route is located in the Security Office.

Important phone numbers

Campus Security - Emergency 08 8303 6044
Campus Security - Escort 08 8303 5990