Health and Safety
- See Also Electrical Equipment
Fire Safety
The University takes a very serious view on fire safety and general health and safety both in the residences and the academic buildings. Improper use of fire safety equipment is a criminal offence for which the culprit could be fined/and or imprisoned. It is also a serious breach of your accommodation agreement which could lead to it being terminated and further action being taken under the University’s disciplinary regulations. You could find yourself dismissed from the residences and excluded from the University as a result of your actions.
Students with a disability who may require assistance during fire evacuations should ensure that they speak with their Housing Officer when they arrive at UEL so that a Personal Evacuation Plan can be drawn up.
Whenever the alarm sounds or in the event of fire you should:
- West buildings - leave the round buildings immediately, closing all doors behind you and congregate on the Dockside away from the building.
- East buildings - the alarm will only sound on your corridor/floor level. Do not use the lifts, close doors and proceed to the assembly point which is the Dockside away from the building.
Students Responsibilities:
- To attend fire safety awareness training which is provided to residents during the academic year. Attendance at this session is mandatory.
- You must not tamper with any fire safety equipment. Any resident who is found responsible for tampering with fire safety equipment will be subject to disciplinary proceedings and may be dismissed from the residences.
- Fire blankets are located in the kitchens; instuctions for their use can be found on the containers and should be studied. Residents should only ever fight a fire if they feel they can do so with safety.
- Doors are fitted with door closers to ensure they shut after use. Under no circumstance should these doors be propped or wedged open, or the door closers tampered with. All residents are held responsible for the fire safety practice within their accommodation. (See Disciplinary Action).
- Fire blankets and fire extinguishers should not be used unless to tackle a fire. (See Disciplinary Action).
- Ensure that all corridors and stairways are clear and not used for storage of any kind.
- To advise the staff in the Residential Services office immediately if they suspect any item of safety equipment has been used or is defective.
- To treat all fire alarms seriously.
- To evacuate the building when the fire alarm sounds.
- To familiarise yourself with the evacuation procedure – information is displayed in each bedroom.
- No smoking, the use of any naked flame appliance or consumable, such as candles, incense sticks, fireworks, lanterns, halogen bulbs & deep fat frying etc. is strictly prohibited anywhere in the residences. Anyone found using these items will be subject to strict disciplinary action (see page 18 of the Residents Handbook).
- Not to use any cooking or electrical appliances in your bedrooms.
- Not to leave cooking unattended at any time. Disciplinary action will be instigated against any person contravening these rules, and offenders may be dismissed from the residences.
Disciplinary action will be instigated against any person contravening these rules, and offenders may be dismissed from the residences.
Electrical Equipment
All electrical appliances which are brought into the residences must be PAT tested to ensure they are safe for use within halls. During term time University contractors will be on site to test your appliances. You will be notified of the date that contractors will be on site and you should arrange for all your electrical items to be put in an accessible place in your bedroom so they can be tested. Once each item has been tested a label will be placed on it confirming that it has met the required standard. Any items that fail the PAT test will be confiscated and only given back when the resident is moving out
***Please note that items that have passed Electrical Safety tests overseas may still fail UK safety regulations. European / International 2 prong plugs CANNOT be used directly into a UK socket without an earthed adaptor. Using these plugs in this way is extremely dangerous as there is no earth, leaving the appliance live. Any items found like this will also be confiscated.***
If during routine inspections residents are found to have items in their rooms and kitchens which do not display a PAT label, the item/s will be removed from halls and placed into storage. Any PAT testing undertaken at a later date will be charged at a higher rate.
All electrical items which are brought into the residences must meet electrical and safety standards and be PAT tested, be of a safe design and carry a BSI kite mark.
Please note that the use of halogen bulb desk and table lamps is not permitted in university accommodation as they pose a serious risk of fire. If found, the item will be confiscated and removed for safekeeping.
The use of kettles, fridges, irons, microwaves, cooking equipment and heaters in the bedrooms (except studio flats) is strictly prohibited as it poses a serious health and safety risk, particularly from fire. Fridges required for use in bedrooms for storage of medical items must be authorised by Residential Services.
All appliances used must be plugged directly into the electric socket. Each appliance must be fitted with the correct fuse (max. fuse rating 5 amps) and only one appliance wired to one plug. Faulty fittings and dangerous wiring will be removed and it is possible that a charge will be made. Holes must not be made in furniture or fabric to accommodate wiring.
Useful Documents
- Accommodation Agreement
- Handbook for Residents
- Conference & Events
- Download Brochure
For disabled access information for the halls of resisdence see DisabledGo
