Disability Health and Safety

Health and Safety has prepared a document 'Getting Around Bangor' which we hope will enable staff / students to familiarise themselves with the layout of the Campus, facilities etc. 

Health and Safety is often seen as the ‘stick’ or the excuse to stop people doing something.  Unfortunately, this can also be the case with disabled students, especially where well-placed but misguided concern for the student’s health and safety emanates from a lack of understanding of a person’s abilities and how these interact with academic needs.

Often our own limited experiences can cloud our judgement, resulting in over-bearing restrictions, when none are actually required.

The appended booklet is all about providing easy to understand information and advice, to help both the disabled student and the College / School.  It also gives examples of adjustments which have previously been made to ensure the student could participate fully and did not miss out on any part of their course.

It is also very important that Colleges and Departments consider accessibility issues when planning events, trips, field trips etc to ensure locations, venues and vehicle providers are suitable, meeting the needs of all participants wherever possible.

Inclusive Design Guide

It is important that anybody with responsibility for designing and / or altering facilities and buildings considers inclusivity to ensure refurbishments to existing facilities and new ‘builds’ are accessible and usable by all people. This to ensure all persons are treated fairly and equally, reducing the need for subsequent adaptations. The draft Inclusive Design Guide (adapted from a Liverpool University document) is a useful tool to help direct with regards to specific requirements of relevant legislation and British Standards.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans - Staff and Students

In addition, Health and Safety prepare Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for staff and students. 

PEEPS are a requirement of the University's Fire Safety Policy and are needed for those students, staff and visitors who may experience difficulities evacuating in an emergency.  Disability Services will inform Suzanne Barnes, Health and Safety Officer that a PEEP is needed for a student.  Human Resources or Colleges / Departments should inform Health and Safety if a member of staff requires a PEEP.

When a student requires a PEEP, Suzanne Barnes will provide information to the student to identify what arrangements are in place for the areas the student will visit as part of their studies and / or their Halls of Residence.  Once agreed with the student, a copy of the PEEP is uploaded to the Disability Services System who share information as required.

If a member of staff requires a PEEP, Suzanne can meet with the member of staff and relevant College / Department staff eg Line Manager to discuss appropriate arrangements and prepare a PEEP if required.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans - Visitors

Staff should ensure that relevant information is passed to their visitors who are unable to evacuate via the stairs in an emergency - lifts should not be used if the fire alarm is sounding.  A  template document is available which staff can complete for their visitors. See below for Refuge Point systems.

Refuge Points

Refuge Points are designed to hold occupants during a fire alarm or other emergency. Refuge Points have communication systems which link to Security which allow the occupant to wait for further advice knowing their location is known. Also use them, if for example, the lift is broken and you are stuck on a floor.  The Getting Around Bangor document details where refuge points are located.