All employees who carry out manual handling as part of their job must complete manual handling training (and refresher training every 3 years). The scheduling and tracking of manual handling is coordinated by Health and safety and by individual depts. To arrange manual handling training please contact the Health and Safety Office.
Departments are to ensure a manual handling risk assessment is completed on manual handling tasks in particular high risk tasks such as lifting heavy items / handling hazardous substances.
A Guidance Document on Manual Handling within the University can be found under "University Safety Guidance Documents" on this link
Lone working involves working alone and unsupervised for a significant period in a separate building or in a segregated area of the university.
Lone workers may be exposed to additional hazards because of their location or the consequences of an incident or accident may be greater because they are alone.
Guidance on lone working can be found under "University Safety Guidance Documents" on this link
All work carried out by contractors is carried out in accordance with current Health & Safety and Construction Regulations and Standards.
The University outlines its requirements for contractors in ‘The Guidance Document for the carrying out of Maintenance and Small Works for Contractors on the University Campus’. This provides information on the Health and Safety provisions contractors are required to follow when performing work on Maynooth Campus.
The Guidance Document for the carrying out of Maintenance and Small Works for Contractors on the University Campus can be found under "University Safety Guidance Documents" on this link.
It is the policy of the University to eliminate all hazards where reasonably practicable and to assess what PPE is required only when further risk reduction is not reasonably practicable.
PPE required to be worn should be identified in safety documentation such as SOP's, Method Statements and Risk Assessments.
The University provide adequate welfare facilities for staff and students and these facilities are maintained by Campus Commercial Services.
Smoking (including vaping) are not permitted within any welfare facilities.
If there are any issues with any campus welfare facilities please report through the online helpdesk system here or email Maintenance Helpdesk on [email protected]
Good housekeeping must be maintained in all work areas as it is key in the prevention of accidents. This is the responsibility of each individual Department. The keeping of work areas and walkways in a safe and clean condition is managed by cleaning contractors through the Estates Office.
If there are any issues with any housekeeping please report through the online helpdesk system here or email Maintenance Helpdesk on [email protected]
The electrical installations in the University are inspected and maintained by the Estates Office. Regular Inspections of electrical equipment and machinery are carried out primarily by the Powerhouse team or an appointed electrical contractor.
Local Departments should schedule and maintain portable appliance testing on their portable equipment. All staff should take due care of cables and plug tops to ensure their safe use. In the event of loose cables or damaged plug tops these are to be reported immediately to the Maintenance Helpdesk. All electrical equipment should be visually inspected annually.
Staff should not bring in their own personal electrical equipment on campus.
If there are any issues with any electrical equipment please report through the online helpdesk system here or email Maintenance Helpdesk on [email protected]
It is the intention of the University to ensure that hazardous materials are used and stored safely, and that departmental policies, procedures and local rules are developed to support this process.
It is the intention of the University that the use and storage of hazardous materials is limited where possible.
Guidance on the safe use of chemical / hazardous substances can be found under "University Safety Guidance Documents" on this link
A number of major events are held in the University each year and include Conferring, Open Days etc Prior to each event a planning meeting is held between the Department concerned, the Safety Office, the Security Office, the Estates Office and an event management plan is developed.
Departments planning new events should consult with the relevant department as listed above.
The Maynooth Campus Conference and Accommodation Office manage other events on campus, and they liaise closely with the University in this regard.
All plant, equipment and appliances purchased or hired must comply with Maynooth University Purchasing Policy, current E.U. standards and regulations such as CE marking.
All work equipment is to be fit for purpose, inspected and certified.
Personnel using work equipment are to be trained in its safe use by and trained and competent person.
Risk assessments are to be developed for the use of work equipment.
Maynooth University values its staff and is committed to maintaining and enhancing a good working environment. It has in place a range of policies and services to support the wellbeing of staff and help them to achieve their work goals and to balance their work and other roles. Further information on Maynooth University Policies and the services available to staff can be obtained on the Human Resources webpage on the University website - https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/human-resources
HR policies and services include:
- Bullying, Harassment & Sexual Harassment
- Policy on the protection of dignity of staff and students
- Disability policies
Personnel who drive for work are required to hold an in date drivers licence and to have received training on the vehicle in use. Records of these are to be held by departments. Vehicles used for University Operations will be placed on the University Fleet List and are to have in date motor tax and insurance. Please the Estates Office to arrange this if required.
Personnel driving their own vehicle for work are to have business class insurance in place on their vehicle. This is to be arranged through your car insurance provider. This insurance is required if personnel are claiming for travel expenses through the Maynooth University System.
Clubs and Societies personnel are to follow stipulations for vehicle use identified in their Safety Statement.
Personnel are not to be under the influence of an intoxicant when undertaking work on behalf of Maynooth University. Alcohol is permitted to be provided at University approved events, however this is to be controlled as per the University Alcohol Policy. Personnel found to be under the influence of an intoxicant may be asked to vacate the campus. Alcohol is not permitted to be consumed in public areas and may only be consumed in licensed facilities or temporary approved areas.
Narcotics are not permitted on Maynooth University grounds and personnel found with narcotics will be subject to Maynooth University regulations.
Personnel required to take perscription medication should advise their Department and this may result in temporary or permanent restrictions being enforced (i.e. driving vehicles; operating plant and equipment) as per Maynooth University regulations.
A legionella management programme is in place within the University.
Regular water sampling testing for Legionnaires takes place across the University at regular times throughout the year.
An asbestos register is available for the University. Please contact the Health and Safety Office to request access.
