Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) & Security Handbook

Singapore Polytechnic as a responsible institution will ensure a safe learning environment for her students and give safety induction and safety and health training appropriate to their field of study, so far as is reasonably practicable.

In SP, we want everyone to be SAFE regardless of whether they are an employee, a student or a visitor.

We are committed to:

• Support & engage students on safety & health issues in campus.
  
• Act on four main focus area which includes Risk Management, Incident-Accident Report, Training & Education, Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan.
  
• Facilitate emergency drill, in-house training/workshops and outreach programme.
  
• Educate all our students and staff about safety and health awareness through a series of talk using WSH communication kit as well as online quizzes and safety modules.

General Safety Instructions

• Students must abide by the Workplace Safety & Health Regulations and Procedures at Singapore Polytechnic
  
• Clothing worn in laboratories must be appropriate, eg, no trailing scarves etc.
  
• Students should behave while in the laboratories and mediarooms, eg, no horse playing
  
• Students must put on covered footwear
  
• Students should not undertake any experiment without proper guidance, instruction and approval from academic or technical staff
  
• In-house rules and regulations must be observed
  
• Standard safety signs must be obeyed.

Basic Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Rules

Emergency Procedures

In the event of emergency and incident reporting call Campus Security at 6772-1234

• For Ambulance call 995
  
• For SCDF call 995
  
• For Police call 999

When making an emergency call, it is essential to give precise information as follows:

• Name of caller
  
• Location (block and room number)
  
• Nature of emergency e.g. fire, explosion, violent or abusive behaviour, etc.
  
• Direct the emergency vehicles to enter Singapore Polytechnic through Gate 1, along Dover Road.

First Aid & AED

• For minor first aid assistance, please contact your school’s general office. 
• For any serious injuries, please call Campus Security at 6772-1234 for assistance and if need be call 995 for ambulance service.
  
• The names and contact numbers of First Aiders are posted on/near First Aid Boxes and the School Notice Boards within the laboratory or workshop in all schools and departmental office. 
  
• For use of AEDs, please see your SP mobile App under the Emergency app or AED location map on lift lobbies and other strategic location within the campus.

Emergency Maintenance Service

In an emergency affecting water, light, power, air conditioning, lift and fire alarm services, call OCC at 6772-1411. After office-hours, the call will be redirected to Campus Security automatically.

Fire Discovery

When discover a FIRE

• RAISE the alarm
  
  • Shout "Fire! Fire!"
  • Call SCDF at 995 and direct to enter by Gate 1
  • Call Campus Security at 6772-1234
  • Activate nearest manual call point
• Use Fire Extinguisher or Fire Hose Reel to fight FIRE IF SAFE TO DO SO
  
• If FIRE is extinguished, proceed to safe area and await security and/or SCDF arrival
  
• If FIRE cannot be extinguished, EVACUATE
  
• Leave the building quickly and calmly by the nearest available exit, and go to your designated Assembly Area
  
• Do not use the lift 
  
• Do not re-enter building until you are told that is safe to do so

Incident/Accident Reporting

• Report all work-related injuries, no matter how minor, promptly to technical support staff or supervising staff.
  
• Contact the school or department general office or call Campus Security at 6772-1234 when treatment to injury is required. 
  
• Do not leave injury unattended or without treatment.

Risk Assessments

• Students must be aware of all potential hazards and risks associated with any activities that are conducted in the laboratories, studios or workshops.
  
• Students must observe all safe work practices and procedures for all activities and events organised within and outside campus.
  
• Report to your immediate supervisor or lecturer or technical support staff any unsafe conditions, unsafe practices or incidents and near misses that you are aware of.
  
• Report immediately to the immediate supervisor all conditions that could result in serious injury so that corrective action can be taken without delay.

Safety Equipment and Tools

• Always ensure that all required safety equipment and tools are available before you start work. 
  
• Make sure that all safety equipment or tools issued are in good condition and fit for use. 
  
• If you discover any defects, do not use it and inform your immediate supervisor or the technical support staff.
  
• It is an offence to interfere with any equipment and tools intended for either your own safety, or the safety of others.

Electricity Safety

• Do not overload plugs, sockets or extension cords.
  
• Use of multi-plug or block adapter are not allowed.
  
• Use only 1 plug or 1 extension cord on one socket.
  
• The maximum current loading for each power socket outlet should not exceed the socket amperage (eg. 13A or 15A).
  
• Use only electrical products that are affixed with the approval "Safety Mark" label regulated by Enterprise Singapore.
  
• Three-prong plugs shall be inserted into a three-prong socket outlet. Do not attempt to alter or rewired a three-prong plug to fit into a two-prong outlet.

Hazardous and Flammable Substances

• Students must understand the risks involved in handling hazardous materials in the laboratories.
  
• Students must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, face shields, overalls, aprons, gloves or equivalent when working in labs where chemical, biohazard or radiation work are being carried out.
  
• Students must be trained in the use of all required personal protective equipment.
  
• Chemical containers should be properly labelled and covered when not in use to prevent evaporation and accumulation of harmful vapours in the storage area.
  
• Flammable liquids should be stored in a fire-retardant cabinet which has a proper warning label.
  
• Waste chemicals must be properly disposed in designated bins.
  
• Practise good personal hygiene. Wash hands before eating or drinking.

Work at Heights

• Use of any ladders is restricted to no more than 2 metres in height.
  
• Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
  
• Do not work on the top rung of the ladder.
  
• Use a working platform instead of ladder when the height exceeds 2 metres.
  
• Visual inspections on ladders should be conducted before each use to ensure that they are safe for use.

Contractors

• Many contractors on campus are undertaking building or renovation or maintenance works under the responsibility of the Estates and Development Department (ED). If you observe any unsafe practices or unsafe working conditions with contractors, please contact Campus Security at 6772-1234.
  
• Students must observe at all times any warning signs and barriers put up by contractors and must not try to walk through contractors’ sites without seeking prior permission.

Working after Office Hours

• Only authorised entry after office hours is allowed.
  
• If your work involves an activity that could represent a significant risk to you or others, please inform your supervisor. 
  
• Students are to ensure that all light are switch OFF and the door locked before they leave the studio, laboratory or workshop.
  
• Be familiar with the Campus Security Contact Number at 6772-1234 & Emergency Evacuation Route displayed in the workplace.

Roads and Traffic

• The roads running through the Polytechnic campus are considered to be part of the public highway and as such are subject to enforcement under the Road Traffic Act. 

• All road markings and traffic signs must be observed with priority being given to pedestrians using the marked crossing points throughout the campus. 

• Parking is allowed only in designated car parks.

• Cars that are found to be illegally parked will be wheel clamped and/or issued with a penalty notice.

• Students are to observe the following rules on the use of Bicycle, Personal Mobility Device (PMD) and Personal Mobility Aid (PMA) in campus.

Computers

• Prolonged and continuous use of computing equipment may lead to impaired vision or repetitive strain injury.
  
• All students are advised to take a 10-minute break after using a computer for a maximum period of 120 minutes.

Smoking

• SP is a non-smoking campus. Strictly no smoking on campus.

Disability

• Students with special needs can pursue their intellectual and personal development with appropriate support.
  
• If you have special needs, please inform the Student Service Center.

Safety and Health Message

• Students should always ask “Is it safe?” and have the safety mindset wherever they are. 
  
• Students must ensure their own safety at work and also ensure no action or inaction by them causes harm to any other person. 
  
• Students can help identify and report hazards around the workplace to school/department representatives; participate and support WSH related activities that have been organised to increase awareness.
  
• Don’t leave safety to chance. Take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of others. 
  
• We are ALL responsible for Safety and Health at Work.
  
• If you have any safety and health queries that have not been included in this handbook please contact SP WSH Committee.
  
• If you are feeling unwell, please seek medical attention and inform your personal tutor.  

SG Secure

(Source: SGSecure website)

SGSecure is Singapore's community response to the threat of terrorism. SGSecure focuses on three core actions that every one of us can do in the fight against terrorism:

• Staying Alert to prevent a terrorist attack and to keep yourself safe in the event of an attack
• Staying United to help one another, especially after an attack
• Staying Strong to safeguard our social fabric and bounce back as one people 

The terrorism threat is real. We need to stay vigilant and be prepared for any security and terror threats. Look out for anything S.I.A.U.  If you see anything Strange, Irregular, Abnormal or Unusual, report it immediately. Examples of some indicators for suspicious articles, suspicious human behaviour and suspicious vehicles to look out for:

Involving Suspicious Articles

• Look out for suspicious articles
  • Unattended  
  • Emitting unusual odour
  • Wires sticking out 
    

If you notice any of the above, report to Campus Security at 6772-1234.

Involving Suspicious Human Behaviour 

• Look out for suspicious human behaviour
  
  • Loitering suspiciously 
  • Asking strange questions
  • Unusual photography/videography of security facilities (e.g. CCTV cameras)
  • Wearing oversized or bulky clothing 

If you notice any of the above, report to Campus Security at 6772-1234. 

Detect Signs of Radicalisation   

Individuals can be radicalised after exposure to extremist content. Radicalised persons do not come from any particular gender, age, ethnic or socio-economic groups. 

• Look out for these signs of radicalisation
  • Support the use of violence as a solution to achieve extremist political or religious agenda
  • Display a keen interest in people with violent extremist views
  • Intent to travel and participate in foreign conflict
  • Express low tolerance and resentment towards multiracial and multi-religious living 

If you notice any of the above, alert CEP Staff Ambassador in School/Department and Director.

Involving Suspicious Vehicles

• Look out for suspicious vehicles 
  
  • Heading towards a crowd and not slowing down
  • Circling around an area repeatedly
  • Overly laden
  • Suspicious items inside vehicle
    

If you notice any of the above, report to Campus Security at 6772-1234.  

In the event of a terrorist attack:

RUN >> HIDE >> TELL

RUN
Run away from danger.
Consider the safest route and move quickly and quietly to stay out of view of the attackers. Do not surrender or attempt to negotiate. Insist others leave with you. Leave your belongings behind.

HIDE
If you can’t escape, hide.
Hide and stay out of sight. Place heavy objects such as tables behind doors to prevent access by attackers. Move away from doors. Be very quiet and switch your phone to silent mode.

TELL
Inform the Police.
When it is safe to do so, call the Police at 999. SMS 71999 if it is not safe to talk. Provide details on your location and the attackers. Use the SGSecure app to provide more information, photos and videos to the Police.
And call Campus Security at 6772-1234.

Watch SGSecure: Run. Hide. Tell

While hiding, if you encounter any casualty who is bleeding profusely, apply Improvised First Aid Skills:

PRESS >> TIE >> TELL

PRESS
Press directly on the wound to stop the bleeding using items such as a handkerchief or cloth. If bleeding does not stop, proceed to tie.

TIE
Tie at least 5 cm above the wound using items such as a neck tie, belt or sling of a bag to stop excessive bleeding. This is only applicable for limbs. If bleeding still does not stop, apply the windlass technique.

TELL
Tell SCDF Emergency Responders about the injury and the time when you tied the wound.

Watch SGSecure: Press. Tie. Tell

Staying united to help one another, especially after an attack, is important.

KEEP CALM >> DO NOT SPREAD RUMOURS >> CARE FOR OTHERS

After an attack:

KEEP CALM
Keep calm. Stay informed.
Find out the latest information and advisories from official sources, such as the Police website, Facebook page, government press releases and the SGSecure app.

DO NOT SPREAD RUMOURS
Do not spread rumours. Do not speculate.
Do not post or share unverified videos or photos that can lead to panic and fear.

CARE FOR OTHERS
Care for others. Help others return to daily activities.
Encourage your family and friends to bounce back and return to their daily routines as soon as possible.

Watch SGSecure: Keep Calm, Do Not Spread Rumours, Care for Others