F.4 — DMU Occupational Health and Safety Environment (OHSE)

Document Control Information

Policy Code

F.4

Standard

F.Learning Resources

Status

published

Version

1

Process Owner

Vice Chancellor – Academics

Prepared By

Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability Officer (HSES)

Reviewed By

QAIE

BOT Approval

approved

First Issue Date

22 Sept 2023

Last Review Date

04 Mar 2026

Relevant To

All colleges, administrative and academic departments, faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors within Dubai Medical University (DMU).

Used With

—

Modification History

Purpose and Scope

Policy Statement

1. Integrate Health and Safety into Planning: Ensure that health, safety, and environmental considerations are embedded in all stages of operational, academic, and clinical planning and implementation.
2. Maintain Safe Facilities: Ensure that all facilities provide a healthy, safe, and secure environment for the campus community and comply with all relevant UAE regulations.
3. Provide Training and Awareness: Conduct regular health and safety orientation and training programs for faculty, staff, students, and contractors, ensuring awareness of emergency procedures and evacuation protocols.
4. Ensure Accessibility and Safety: Maintain campus facilities that are accessible and safe for all users, including individuals with disabilities.
5. Provide Adequate Safety Equipment: Equip all classrooms, laboratories, and clinical areas with appropriate safety equipment and ensure these are regularly inspected and maintained.
6. Manage Hazardous Materials Safely: Establish safe procedures for the storage, handling, usage, and disposal of all hazardous materials used in laboratories and clinical areas.
7. Ensure Proper Signage: Install and maintain adequate warning signs in all areas where hazards exist, in compliance with UAE legal requirements.
8. Provide First Aid Training and Resources: Ensure that sufficient first-aid facilities and trained personnel are available across the campus.
9. Appoint a Qualified HSE Officer: Designate a competent Health and Safety Officer responsible for implementing and monitoring all health, safety, and environmental policies.
10. Publish and Communicate Policies: Disseminate the University’s HSE Manual and related policies through official channels to all stakeholders.
11. Vaccination and Infection Control: Ensure that all students engaged in clinical practice are appropriately vaccinated and tested for infectious diseases as required by health authorities.
12. Implement a No-Smoking Policy: Enforce a comprehensive “No Smoking Policy” across all University facilities and grounds.

Procedures & Guidelines

• The University shall encourage all members of the campus community to promptly report any health, safety, or environmental concerns through a user-friendly reporting system available via the Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness (QA&IE) online portal.
• All incidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions shall be investigated thoroughly by the HSES team, and preventive measures shall be implemented promptly.
• The HSES Officer shall maintain a log of all reported concerns and ensure corrective actions are completed within the prescribed timeframe.

• DMU shall conduct comprehensive risk assessments of all campus facilities, identifying hazards such as fire, electrical faults, chemical exposure, ergonomics, and structural risks.
• The results of these assessments shall be reported to the HSE Committee Chair for review and action planning.
• Mitigation measures, including engineering controls, administrative measures, and training, shall be implemented based on the identified risks.

• DMU shall conduct mandatory annual health and safety training for all students, faculty, and staff, covering fire safety, laboratory protocols, and emergency response.
• Mock drills shall be organized annually in coordination with the emergency response team to ensure preparedness for evacuation and crisis management.
• Participation in emergency drills is mandatory for all members of the University community.

• The Facilities Department shall regularly inspect buildings, corridors, and outdoor areas to identify hazards such as slippery surfaces, obstructions, or damaged fixtures.
• Emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits shall be made easily accessible, clearly marked, and regularly maintained.
• All areas of the campus shall include ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.

• Each classroom shall be equipped with operational fire extinguishers, emergency exits, first-aid kits, and electrical safety devices.
• Each laboratory shall include safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and first-aid kits.
• Laboratory supervisors shall maintain inspection checklists for all safety equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Hazardous materials shall be properly labeled, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be available for all chemicals.

• All items must be stored on metal shelving, ensuring that heavy materials are placed at lower levels.
• Chemicals are not permitted in office storage areas.
• Step ladders with anti-slip pedals shall be used for high shelving access.

• Access to laboratory chemical storage areas shall be restricted to authorized personnel only.
• Chemicals shall be stored according to hazard classifications and separated appropriately in chemical cabinets.
• Laboratory in-charges shall ensure correct distribution and usage of chemicals, maintaining accurate logs of quantities issued and returned.

• Used chemicals must be stored in labeled containers for proper disposal by a licensed waste contractor.
• Disposal of chemicals via laboratory sinks or general drains is strictly prohibited.
• A third-party waste management company shall collect and dispose of infectious waste daily in accordance with Dubai Municipality and DHA regulations.

• All hazardous areas shall display clear and visible warning signs, written in English and including international safety pictograms.
• Signs shall indicate hazards such as biohazard, radiation, electrical risk, or chemical exposure and must comply with UAE safety standards.

• The University shall provide certified first aid training annually for faculty and staff and encourage student participation in first aid programs.
• Trained personnel and first aid kits shall be available in all departments, laboratories, and clinical areas.

• DMU shall appoint a qualified Health and Safety Officer responsible for implementing all HSES policies and promoting a culture of safety throughout the institution.
• The officer shall serve as liaison between university college and department, and regulatory agencies, and the HSES Committee.

• All students participating in clinical rotations or patient contact must complete mandatory vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B, Tetanus, MMR, Varicella) and undergo infectious disease screening (HIV, HCV, HBsAg).
• Records of immunizations and test results shall be maintained securely by the University’s Clinical Affairs Department.

• Smoking is strictly prohibited in all University buildings, facilities, and outdoor spaces, including parking lots and campus perimeters.
• Enforcement of the “No Smoking Policy” shall be continuous and supported by signage and disciplinary procedures in accordance with UAE Federal Law.

Responsibilities for Application

• Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability Officer (HSES)
• Faculty and staff