Your safety
What do you need to do?
You have responsibility for undertaking the following assessments and training:
- A work station - Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment
- Fire Awareness training and Fire Warden training
- If you require assistance to leave the building in the event of a fire, complete a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
Workstation Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessment
When you start work you will be required to undertake a DSE assessment, this is to ensure that you protected from the health risks associated with working with display screen equipment.
You will be expected to undertake an assessment when you start; when a new workstation is set up; or when a substantial change is made to an existing workstation.
Once the assessment is completed, if there are any additional requirements or issues, then you must discuss these with your line manager. You will have a report to identify what the issues are so that you know what you need to do. There may be need to purchase additional equipment identified by undertaking the DSE assessment, depending on what is required additional support may be available through Access to Work, here is the information that explains what the scheme is and how to access it.
Managers can obtain additional advice and support from the Occupational Health and Health and Safety Team.
Fire Awareness and Fire Warden training
You will need to undertake fire awareness training so that you know what to do in the event of a fire when in the office. This will involve understanding the role of fire wardens on each floor and when you should assist in ensuring that everyone on the floor you are working on leaves the area if the fire alarm sounds. The training is provided by watching and understanding a video. If you have not seen it please see below.
Remember to use the north and south stairwells which are clearly identified as emergency exists and do not use the lifts or central stairwell.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) – if you are unable to use the stairs
If you are unable to use the stairs when the fire alarm sounds, you will need to complete with your line manager a personal evacuation plan (PEEP).
Your PEEP will be recorded against your details, so when you book a room or when you book in at reception when working in the Civic, the facilities management staff will know that you require assistance to vacate the building.
If the alarm sounds, you should make your way to the north or south stairwells and wait just outside the stairwells at the door before you enter the stairwell, ensuring that other people can pass while you wait. When your plan is completed you should ensure that you’re aware where to wait and the Senior Facilities Officer will be able to show you if required. The Building Superintendents will then ensure that you are evacuated safely.
How do you get an ID card?
There are different types of ID cards, you may need one just to access the building or because your role requires you to have photo ID such as a Social Worker.
To get an ID card, your manager will need complete the ID Access Card Request Form and email it together with a JPEG photograph to mailroom@torfaen.gov.uk. If you are unable to take a photograph, facilities are available to do that for you, please contact the mailroom to arrange. Once the ID card is produced you will be contacted to arrange collection.
Accident Reporting
If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident whilst working within the Civic Centre, or entering or exiting the building, please report the matter as soon as possible to the on-site Senior Facilities Officer on ext. 6290 or email fm@torfaen.gov.uk
You will be asked to complete an Accident Report Form and the Senior Facilities Officer will be responsible for capturing all relevant information before submitting the form to Health and Safety. Incidents and near misses are reportable in the same way and it’s important to do so to increase the safety awareness of staff and leads to best practice.
Click here to report Accident, Incidents and Near Misses
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