The safety of students, faculty and staff comes before every other consideration in the university’s classrooms and laboratories. This page sets out the general rules; each laboratory’s own instructions are explained by its supervisor before work begins.
Laboratory and workshop safety
- No laboratory work without a supervisor present, and only after learning the lab’s rules and emergency exits.
- Wear the right protective equipment: lab coat, gloves, safety glasses and closed shoes.
- In laser labs: eyewear rated for the wavelength in use, and never direct a beam towards eyes or reflective surfaces.
- Treat biological samples as potentially infectious, and dispose of them and of chemicals in the designated containers.
- Follow radiation-protection principles: minimum time, maximum distance, appropriate shielding.
- Report any accident, injury or fault at once, however minor.
In an emergency
- Follow the evacuation instructions and exit signs, and go to the assembly point.
- Do not use lifts in a fire.
- Alert the nearest member of staff, and call civil defence or an ambulance if needed.
Health and wellbeing
- Health awareness is part of the university’s student and community activities.
- Confidential psychological support is available from the University Psychological Counselling Division.
- Smoking is not permitted in classrooms, laboratories or the library.
Last updated: 18 Oct 2026
