(1) The Western Sydney University is committed to the health and safety of its staff, students and visitors. (2) The Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy sets out the University's commitment to health and safety, and its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. That policy also sets out the distinct responsibilities of staff holding certain positions, and other staff, students and visitors. (3) The University recognises that staff and students may require access to campus and facilities after hours. This document sets out the University's policy on after-hours access, and the procedures to be followed. (4) For the purposes of this policy: (5) It is the policy of the University to establish a safe place of work, safe working methods and to provide safe plant, machinery and equipment and adequate training and support systems. All members of the University community are required to consider the safety, health factors and risk of all the activities they are involved in at the University and will plan such activities in such a manner as to reduce the risk of accidents. Managers, supervisors and lecturers at all levels will ensure that prompt action is taken to correct unsafe conditions and practices in their area of responsibility and activity. (6) Students are integral members of the University community and as such are required to consider the safety, health factors and risk of the academic and non-academic activities with which they are involved at the University. (7) All students are required to observe all rules regarding safe practice and conduct, as well as complying with reasonable requests that are made to ensure their safety and health or that of others. (8) All staff, students and visitors need to be aware of their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to work in a safe manner and to report any hazardous areas or incidents to their direct supervisor. (9) It is recognised that research postgraduate and honours students may have a requirement to pursue their studies and research outside of the University's normal business hours, during which period the University functions with minimum staffing levels, therefore the procedures for after hours access and safety at each campus must be complied with. Details can be obtained from Campus Safety and Security. (10) Students who breach this policy may have their after-hours access privileges denied, and action may be taken under the Student Misconduct Rule. (11) Staff who breach this policy may have their after-hours access privileges denied and disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the relevant staff enterprise agreement. (12) Staff will be provided with the means to gain after hours access to relevant areas of University premises as authorised by the relevant unit head. (13) All higher degree research & honours students will be provided with after hours access to relevant areas of University premises as authorised by the relevant unit head (or delegate) on the conditions set out below: (14) Undergraduate and coursework postgraduate students will not be issued with means of access to areas after hours, except those facilities that operate after hours as student resources, such as computer laboratories and the Library. In special circumstances, where undergraduate or coursework postgraduates require after hours access, a unit head (or delegate) must provide prior authorisation to Campus Safety and Security. An authorisation form must be filled out. (15) Each academic and administrative unit must provide their students and staff with a code of practice relating to after hours use. A copy of each code must be supplied to Campus Safety and Security. (16) Children are not to be in laboratories after hours, except where authorised in the Children on University Premises Policy. (17) Normal laboratory (hazardous area) hours are defined as: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Some laboratories may vary from these times, for example during teaching periods. Workshops or laboratories will not be considered to be after hours if they are under the control and supervision of authorised staff. (18) Staff, students and visitors should refer to the University's Laboratory Safety Guidelines and the Work Health and Safety Unit's webpage in relation to laboratory safety.After Hours Access and Safety Policy
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Top of PageSection 3 - Policy Statement
Section 4 - Procedures
Access to Buildings After Hours
After Hours Safety on Campus
After Hours Access to Laboratories
Top of Page
Section 5 - Guidelines
Laboratory Safety Guidelines
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