Process Owner:

Vice Chancellor – Academics

Prepared by:

Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability Officer

Reviewed by:

QA&IE Department

Approved by:

Board of Trustees

First Issue Date:

September 2023 

Last Review Date:

03/11/2025

Modification History

Relevant to:

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

Purpose and Scope

This policy ensures that Dubai Medical University complies with UAE Federal and Emirate-level health, safety, and environmental legislation. It provides a clear framework for establishing, implementing, and maintaining programs that promote the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, students, and stakeholders.

It outlines the responsibilities of all individuals within the University, defines procedures for hazard identification, risk management, emergency response, and incident reporting, and promotes an organizational culture that values safety, sustainability, and well-being.

Policy

Dubai Medical University is fully committed to maintaining a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment for its community. The University shall ensure that all operations are carried out in compliance with UAE legal requirements and best international practices in health, safety, and environmental management.

DMU shall:

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

1. Addressing Health and Safety Concerns

• 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.

2. Campus Facility Safety and Compliance Protocol

• 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.

3. Health and Safety Training and Emergency Evacuation Protocol

• 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.

4. Ensuring Safe and Accessible Facilities

• 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.

5. Safety Equipment in Classrooms and Laboratories

• 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.

6. Safe Storage, Distribution, and Usage of Materials

Office Stores:

• 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.

Laboratory Chemical Stores:

• 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.

7. Disposal of Hazardous

• 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.

8. Safety Signage

• 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.

9. First Aid Training

• 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.

10. Designation of HSES Officer

• 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 departments, regulatory agencies, and the HSES Committee.

11. Vaccination and Infectious Disease Testing

• 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.

12. No Smoking Policy

• 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.