Health and Safety on Campus

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: pay attention to your environment, both on and off-campus. Knowing what's normal in your surroundings can help you recognise when something is amiss.

Use Campus Security Resources: familiarise yourself with the campus security services, such as emergency call boxes, campus security, safety escorts, and any other safety schemes run by your Students’ Union. Don't hesitate to use these resources if you feel unsafe.

Lock Your Doors: whether you live in halls of residence or in off-campus housing, always lock your doors and windows when you leave or go to sleep. This includes your car as well.

Secure Your Personal Belongings: keep valuable items like laptops, phones, and wallets secure. Use locks on your backpack or invest in a small safe for your room.

Travel in Groups: when going out at night or in unfamiliar areas, travel with friends or in a group. There's safety in numbers, and it can also be more enjoyable.

Share Your Plans: let a friend or family member know your whereabouts and plans, especially if you're going on a date with someone new or heading to a less-frequented area.

Trust Your Instincts: if something doesn't feel right or you sense danger, trust your gut and take action. This might mean leaving a situation, seeking help, or calling the authorities.

Be Cautious Online: protect your online identity and personal information. Be wary of sharing too much on social media, and use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.

Know Emergency Procedures: familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures on campus, including evacuation plans, and know the locations of fire exits and first-aid kits.

Remember, safety is a priority, and it's essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself while enjoying your university experience. Additionally, universities often provide safety orientations or workshops, so take advantage of these resources to enhance your knowledge of safety on campus.

While involved in University activities on or off campus it is the responsibility of students:

• To take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions
• To comply with University policies and procedures and with arrangements the University has in place to control health and safety risks, including any information, instruction or training provided to them
• To co-operate and comply with University policies and procedures, so far as is necessary, to enable any duty or requirement imposed upon the University by relevant statutory provisions to be performed or complied with
• To not, without the consent of the member of staff in charge of the area or activity, introduce any equipment for use on University premises, alter any fixed installations, alter or remove health and safety notices or equipment, or otherwise take any action which may create hazards for employees of the University or for persons using the premises
• Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions
• To use any protective equipment provided and work in accordance with any safety procedures provided by the University in connection with any of its activities; and
• To report any incidents, accidents, near misses or unsafe conditions to healthandsafety@cumbria.ac.uk or the Service Desk

Students are not permitted to have barbeques on University premises. Barbeques are only permitted as part of an official University sponsored or run event in agreement with the University H&S Manager.

Students are not allowed to let off any form of fireworks on University premises.

The possession or use of rifles, air pistols or other types of firearm or offensive weapon is strictly forbidden anywhere on University property.

All University electrical wiring and equipment is tested and checked at regular intervals. Any repairs or modifications must only be made by designated University staff or contractors tasked to do so. Students should not undertake any modifications or repairs themselves as this may constitute a serious  risk of electrocution or fire. All faulty equipment should be reported immediately to the IT & Estates Service Desk or call the Service Desk 01228 888 888.

Students are responsible for the electrical safety of any equipment you bring to the University and for any harm which may occur to anyone as a result of these items. Any equipment must be safe and comply with current electrical safety standards. The University retains the right of inspection and confiscation of equipment found to be unsafe or specifically prohibited under University rules.

Must only be used as a pointing device for presentation purposes. Misuse, or use with malicious intent, has the potential for serious injury.

The University Fire Safety policy has specific prohibitions in respect of smoking in and around its buildings which must be complied with at all times. Smokers can only smoke in designated areas on campus, and vapers may not vape within three metres of campus buildings.

The Health and Safety policy confirms the University's commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment and sets out how this will be achieved.

Covers the general fire precautions and safety duties required. Explains that smoking is prohibited in any University building or in any vehicle used on University business, including e-cigarettes.