Health and Safety

Covid-19 Health & Safety resources

See the health and safety arrangements in place as continue to live with Covid-19.

Accessing LFD tests

LFD tests can be purchased from the on campus Pharmacy

As part of the Universities cost of living crisis response staff are able to claim 2 packs of LFD's (typically containing around 7 individual tests) on expenses via the Unit 4 finance system.

The Department of Health and Social care previously provided LFDs for Universities to distribute to their members. This Scheme has ended and the University is no longer distributing LFD kits.

How to take an LFD test

Details of how to conduct an LFD test appear in the video below. It is important to check the instructions in your kit as these may very from this video

Why should you submit negative results?
You submit negative results as these results helps inform local public health teams of current case rate and helps to keep services open.
What to do if your test is positive?

This reporting form can be completed by staff and students who develop symptoms associated with Covid-19 or are self isolating on campus.

A majority of the guidance documents have been moved to the archived drop down below as they are no longer applicable to current work practices.

The winter guidance is still applicable as it relates to both ventilation of spaces and thermal comfort

Winter Ventilation and Temperature Guidance

Thermal Comfort Assessment Template for line managers

UoS Winter Wellness Guidelines

For access to previous guidance documents that can be used to review best practice please see the archived guidance drop down below

As of 24 Feburary 2022, the UK government is no longer enforcing mandatory isolations for those that have tested positive for Covid-19.

The University recomends that, in the interest of campus health, staff and students isolate for five days from the date of the first positive test.

More details on isolations are available from the NHS and the UK government, including what to do if symptoms persist.

Guidance


Pre covid travel arrangements have been resinstated please see the Health and Safety A-Z under "Travel on University Buisness and of Campus working"

As part of the phased re-opening of our campus, risk assessments have been updated regularly.

Given that the control strategy is shifting to being focused on testing and vaccination a single campus risk assessment is now appropriate rather than building by building assessments. RIsk assessments can be found in the Sussex Box Folder below. Previous building risk assessments are no longer applicable but are still available for reference.

Risk assessments have been completed using a standard 5 by 5 grid which is used to consider the residual risk. This is a recommended approach from the Health & Safety Executive; an example of the grid used by the University is shown below in figure 1.

The severity of risk from a covid infection has been lowered from a 5 to a 3 for vaccinated people. Consideration has been given to unvaccinated cohorts (under 18s), individuals that may be immune supressed and the voluntarily unvaccinated.

The University has taken the decision to maintain existing enhanced ventilation protocols in all University managed buildings. This maximises external air being brought into buildings, this will be reviewed in November with reference to the current risk from covid, University climate and energy use targets and temperature inside buildings.

For School or Divisional activities which go beyond general teaching or office work activity, such as field trips, overseas travel or some research activity, specific risk assessments may be required.

Guidance for specific activities can be found above under ’Guidance for Specific Activities’ drop-down option.

Risk assessment link

 

Figure 1

RA MATRIX

The University has taken the decision to maintain existing advanced ventilation protocols in all University-managed buildings. This maximises external air being brought into buildings. It will be reviewed in November with reference to the current risk from Covid, University climate and energy-use targets and the temperature inside buildings.

SEF engineers have rigorously applied all of the available guidance from the government and from authorities on ventilation about how to control the risks of Covid-19 and other airborne diseases. The University are following the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) ventilation standards. See the University’s information about the measures that have been implemented on ventilation systems in campus buildings.

Prior to the return to campus working a member of the Health & Safety Team physically assessed any accessible room that is marked on the space plans as holding 7 or more people and does not have external mechanical ventilation (discounting cupboards and other similar areas). This is being done with reference to step 2 of the Health and Safety Executive guidance on ventilation and Covid-19.

If having reviewed this information you have specific queries with regards to ventilation within your work area these can be raised with the University by completing the form available below. By completing this form you will enable us to efficiently address any specific areas of concern

FAQs for Managers

Please see below for responses to potential questions

1. Staff are asking me if they need to wear face coverings on campus and in the office. What should I tell them?

Face coverings are encouraged, but not enforced, in enclosed, high footfall areas as per government guidance and policy.

Staff with specific concerns such as those with a medical condition, should speak to their line manager about what support is in place and arranging an occupational health review.

2. Can staff get LFD tests on campus?

LFD tests can be purchased from the on campus Pharmacy.

The Department of Health and Social care previously provided LFDs for Universities to distribute to their members. This Scheme has ended and the University is no longer distributing LFD kits.

3. Where can staff get a PCR test?

The provision of free PCR kits from the government has ended in a majority of cases. Details of how to check if you are eligible for a free kit are available here.

A number of private providers are offering PCR kits from pharmacies or online stores.

4. One of my team has been "pinged"/contacted by track and trace. What should I advise them to do? What do I need to do?

The legal requirement to self isolate has been lifted.

It is recommended to limit contact with people that may be vulnerable. For University staff this would apply in specific areas of the Medical School working with people

5. Staff are asking me about ventilation levels in our work space. What should I tell them?

In the first instance staff should read the information available here on the University approach to ventilation.

If staff have further concerns they can report them using this form with regards to specific rooms. This form should be used for spaces that hold 7 or more people. For rooms occupied by less than 7 people it is expected that local arrangements with regards to the flexible working policy should resolve most concerns.

6. What should I do if one of my team appears to be showing symptoms of Covid?

Typically the most visible symptom is a cough. In the event that someone develops a cough they should be asked to go home and arrange for a test (see above). They can use public transport if required and are advised to wear a face covering when using it.

As of 24 Feburary 2022, the UK government is no longer enforcing mandatory isolations for those that have tested positive for Covid-19. The University recomends that, in the interest of campus health, staff and students isolate for five days from the date of the first positive test.

More details on isolations are available from the NHS and the UK government, including what to do if symptoms persist.

7. My staff are asking about the risk assessments that have been done on working spaces. What should I tell them?

A campus risk assessment has been completed and is available here

A single assessment rather than building specific is appropriate due to the shift in control strategy from social distancing to vaccination and testing which rely less on individual area setup.

With regards to the reviews that have taken place of ventilation, building-specific information is available here

8. Where can staff and students be vaccinated on campus?

On campus vaccination centres are run by the NHS but we provide them with support and a facility. When these are available the communication teams will make sure all staff are informed.

Outside of this a list of vaccination centres is available here from East Sussex council. This includes a list of walk in centres.

9. How will working spaces be kept clean?

SEF are maintaining their cleaning services. Cleaning individual desks should be viewed as a personal responsibility

10. Where will my team be able to find hand sanitiser stations on campus?

Hand sanitiser stations are available at the entrance and exit of buildings. Hand washing with soap is also an appropriate control.

11. As a manager if I have questions about Covid and safety on campus, who do I contact?

If you have questions relating to health and safety it is important to review the guidance available on the health and safety webpages. This includes guidance on specific activities under the A-Z and specific covid guidance for work in offices, teaching spaces, travel and laboratory areas.

If you have questions with regards to a specific individual’s medical concerns due to a medical vulnerability this can be raised with your HR Business Partner who may suggest a referral to occupational health which can be made here.

If students have questions with regards to academic disruption support is available from Student Experience.

12. Does it matter which vaccination someone has had?

Not from a line management perspective. The vaccinations that are approved in the UK are made available to each person, based on medical research and advice. As such, this is outside of our remit unless the University is instructed otherwise.

The health and safety team is weekly reviewing the World Health Organisation’s variants of interest list. At present vaccinations are providing a dramatic improvement in clinical outcomes for those exposed to Covid-19.

Guidance below is not current University of Sussex policy, but may be of use to specific members of the University.

Guidance for Teaching Spaces (Rescinded)

Guidance for Office Spaces (Rescinded)

Guidance for Performing Arts (Rescinded)

Guidance for Close Contact Work (Rescinded)

Guidance for Events (Rescinded)

Guidance for Laboratory Areas (Rescinded)

Guidance for Researchers on Face to Face work with Human Participants (Rescinded)

How do I wear a face covering correctly?

When wearing a face covering you should:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on
  • Avoid wearing on your neck or forehead
  • Avoid touching the part of the face covering in contact with your mouth and nose, as it could become contaminated with the virus
  • Change the face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it

This instructional video from the World Health Organisation tells you how to wear a face mask safely.

What is the difference between a facemask and a face covering?

A facemask is a form of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a fluid-resistant surgical mask, typically used in healthcare settings. A School or divisional risk assessment will identify circumstances in which facemasks are required to be worn as PPE. Face coverings are not a form of PPE and are typically cloth coverings for the nose and mouth.

Watch this video to find out more about the differences.

What face covering should I wear?

A face covering should:

  • Cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably
  • Fit comfortably but securely against the side of your face
  • Be secured to your head with ties or ear loops
  • Be made of a material that you find comfortable and breathable, such as cotton. Ideally it is made of at least two layers of fabric (the World Health Organisation recommends three depending on the fabric used). The face covering may include a clear panel to allow lip reading and facial clues to aid communication.

There are many types of face covering available and choosing one to suit you may be difficult. At present the World Health Organisation recommends masks that meet the criteria outlined in this video.

What to do with your face covering after wearing it?

Disposable face coverings should be disposed of as non-recyclable waste in a bin for general waste.

How should I wash my face covering?

  • Unless it is disposable, you should wash reusable a face covering after each time you wear it, at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric.
  • In the case of purchased covering, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Face coverings can be washed with other items of laundry according to the fabric washing instructions.

Where am I required to wear a face covering?

For a list of areas where face coverings are mandated, see UK government guidance.

 Mass testing and lateral flow devices.

Information for students

If you get queries from current students, direct them to the Coronavirus information on the Student Hub.

Prospective students who are thinking of studying at Sussex should be directed to our Coronavirus advice for applicants.

NHS contact-tracing app

The NHS contact-tracing application is available via Google Play and the Apple App Store.

This is one of the best things we can do as individuals to help control the spread of Covid-19. See more information and details of how to download it.

More information

You can see how we are responding to Covid-19 as a university.