and educational visits such as visits to museums, art galleries, theatres, concert performances, factory tours, farms etc. It is based primarily upon the University's legislative duties identified from statute and case law, sector best practice and guidance from advisory bodies such as the Health & Safety Executive, Universities UK, Department for Education, etc. Specific guidance for overseas field trips is available separately. The field trip management system follows a step-by-step process covering: Legislative requirements; Risk assessing field trips, including staff/students fitness to work, disabilities, young persons and COSHH assessments; Responsibilities of Heads of School/Service, field trip leaders, supervisors and students; Supervision ratios; Field trip insurance requirements; Training implications and provision of information; Various transport issues, notification of routes and schedules; Addressing catering dietary issues; Requirements for immunisation and/or vaccinations; Procedures regarding provision and use of equipment; Development of emergency procedures, first aid, accident reporting, personal safety etc.; Lone working and non-University staff on field trips; Gaining permission from landowners and issues regarding leisure time/activities. The health and safety of staff and students engaged in fieldwork is paramount and overrides all other considerations, including those which are academic related. Procedural Guidance for the Management of Health & Safety on UK Based Field Trips, Fieldwork & Educational Visits 1. Introduction High standards of health and safety in fieldwork are paramount, they are the result of thorough planning, care and common sense and override all other considerations, including academic. Definitions: Field trip – a University organised visit into the traditional ‘field’ setting for instance open countryside, coastal shorelines, high ground, urban environments etc. Fieldwork – practical work carried out in the field by staff, students or researchers of the University for the purpose of teaching or research, in environments that are not under the direct managerial control of the University, for instance biological or environmental sampling work, archaeological or forensic digs, street surveys, location filming or video work etc. Educational visit – University organised trips to, for instance, museums, art galleries, theatres, concert performances, factory/farm tours, etc. For the interpretation of this procedure, unless otherwise stated, the term ‘field trip’ shall cover all of the above headings. 2. Scope
Personal medication needs Pre-existing medical condition or disability made worse by travel and/or fieldtrip activities UCLan staff and students Staff/student advised to ensure personal needs are met. Staff/students to declare any relevant pre-existing medical condition or disability that could be potentially worsened by the proposed travel/activity; Reasonable adjustments to be put in place as required for persons with significant pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities. Procedural Guidance for Risk Assessing Disabled Staff & Students Specific risk assessment as required for persons with pre-existing medical conditions which may be worsened by travel or the fieldtrip activities. Low General safety issues at locations being visited Injury resulting from safety failings of activity provider e.g. lack of competency, unsafe equipment, premises, persons not following safety instructions, etc. UCLan staff and students Ensure where activities are being provided to UCLan staff/students by a third party that relevant checks have been made on the competency of the provider consummate to the risk those activities may pose. If there are any concerns prior to or during the activity of the providers competency to undertake the activity, their safety arrangements, premises or equipment safety then the fieldtrip leader should stop the activity immediately. Premises/site/activity safety procedures/instructions to be followed at all times; Any safety equipment provided by staff at premises must be used as directed; Persons to familiarise themselves with the location of fire escape routes particularly in overnight accommodation; Supervision by UCLan staff; Field Trip ‘Code of Conduct’; University & providers Public Liability Insurance; & providers / premises accident reporting procedures. Any activities that are undertaken as an addition to those outlined before the start of the trip, must be assessed prior to commencement. Low
Personal safety (general) Physical and/or verbal assault, leisure time activities UCLan staff and students Research area to be visited if unfamiliar including areas/locations you should avoid., identify safest travel form, routes, location of stations, car parks, etc.; Carry a mobile phone to raise the alarm if necessary; Carry a personal alarm (available from Harrington Security Lodge). Out of Hours: (24-hour security lodge) holds a cascade list of senior staff within the University: 01772 892068. Low Manual handling (luggage) Injuries arising from incorrect manual handling techniques UCLan staff and students Manual handling assessments, trolley available, provision, training available through SHE Section; Maintain good posture when lifting or lowering equipment; Avoid twisting or bending to reduce the chance of back injury. Manual handling training can be booked via iTrent. Low Slips trips and falls UCLan staff and students Wear footwear suitable for the conditions; Particular care should be used when crossing unfamiliar/dimly lit areas, car parks, etc. Low Environmental conditions (weather) UCLan staff and students Consult daily weather forecast for the area before setting out; Wear clothing suitable for the expected weather conditions, be prepared for sudden changes. Low Excessive consumption of alcohol, or use of drugs Risk – personal injury, attack / abuse. UCLan staff and students Ensure the consumption of excessive alcohol or a drug does not endanger their own or others safety or personal security. University disciplinary procedures. Adherence to University . Low If the trip has inherent risks not covered above you must identify those risks and suitable control measure to mitigate those risks and record them here.