Studio Safety
Working space in the studio
You will be allocated a working space within the studios, the space may be your own or a shared space and it is your responsibility to maintain that space in a condition that;
- Enables you to work
- Does not contravene safety regulations
- Does not inhibit the work of others
Your work should be carried out in your allocated studio space. During normal working hours this will provide you with access to appropriate equipment, tools, technical advice and supervision. It also means that the tutor will be aware of how your work is developing and can offer advice. You will also benefit from the assistance of other students and from an awareness of their working procedures
Emergency arrangements for studios
Fire evacuation
Familiarise yourself with the evacuation routes from your studio before you need to use them. Always keep the exits clear. Check out the nearest fire alarm bell to your space and in the event of fire break the glass.
First aid
First aid is available during normal working hours, names and telephone numbers of the local first aiders are on the corridors near the studios and next to the lift on each floor. Do not work in the studio if you are unwell.
Reporting of accidents, Incidents and near misses
Any accident incident or near miss should be reported immediately to the tutor or technical staff in the area.
Hazards in the Studio
Chemicals, solvents and aerosols
Chemicals solvents and aerosols not purchased by the Faculty present unknown hazards. Please seek permission from the tutor and undertake an assessment with the tutor before bringing any chemicals solvents or aerosols to the studio.
Electrical Hazards
The use of mains extension cables should be avoided. If their use is unavoidable they must be secured and kept away from walkways. All University equipment is checked for safety on an annual basis and a pass sticker issued. Please do not bring any electrical equipment from outside the faculty to the studio until they have been checked for safety by the University electricians this will be organized by the tutor or technical staff.
Important Studio guidelines
Children on the premises
University buildings are not designed for use by young children. You are advised to consult the University guidance notes for further information at http://www.mmu.ac.uk/humanresources/health/policy/ChildrenonCampus.pdf
Eating and Drinking and smoking.
Are forbidden in all workshops and studios in the Faculty.
Installations your attention is drawn to the following
http://www.mmu.ac.uk/humanresources/health/policy/display1.pdf document which describes the guidelines for preparation of installations and exhibitions in the University. A risk assessment is required for all installation work.
Out-of-Hours Working
There will be no access to workshops, including photography darkrooms, outside normal working hours. Outside these times work may continue in studios provided that all matters of safety are observed under local arrangements which must be sanctioned by the programme leaders. Students are advised not to work in the studios alone to protect against accidents and other risks to personal safety.
Walkways and Exits
Do not put, work, materials, tools, equipment, personal belongings etc however temporarily. In walkways or exits. This is to ensure that the studios can be walked through in safety and in the event of an emergency there is free access for evacuation and access to the emergency services.
Working at height
Any requirement for working at height must be discussed first with the tutor, after approval a risk assessment will be necessary. The Faculty has its own scaffold and a qualified person to erect the scaffold. Students will only be allowed on the scaffold when it is safely erected and only when technical staff or tutors are present. The University has guidance notes on tower scaffolding http://www.mmu.ac.uk/humanresources/health/policy/towscaf1.PDF Please refer to these guidelines.