GTA:Safety Guidelines - Computer Science

GTA Safety Guidelines - University of Manchester

Relevant Resources

• GTA Hub: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/fse/teaching-college/teaching-academy/gtahub/
• Current Staff GTAs: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/gtas/
• Health and Safety: https://www.healthandsafety.manchester.ac.uk/
• Student Safety Support: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/student-life/campus/safety-support/
• SafeZone App: https://www.welcome.manchester.ac.uk/get-ready/health-wellbeing-safety/safezone/
• First Aid Toolkit: https://www.healthandsafety.manchester.ac.uk/toolkits/firstaid/

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Safety

Emergency Contact Procedures

• In case of emergency, contact Campus Security immediately on 0161 306 9966 and/or utilise the SafeZone application.
• For life-threatening emergencies requiring Emergency Services, dial 99999 (internal telephone network) or 999 (external/mobile network).

First Aid Facilities

• The designated First Aid and Mother Baby room is located on the top floor of Kilburn Building on the Oxford Road Corridor.
• First aid facilities should be accessed for any medical incidents requiring immediate attention, including but not limited to:
  • Minor injuries (cuts, bruises, sprains)
  • Sudden illness or medical emergencies
  • Incidents requiring assessment before determining whether Emergency Services are necessary
• GTAs should familiarise themselves with the location of first aid equipment and trained first aiders within their designated teaching spaces.
• For comprehensive first aid guidance, including incident reporting procedures and first aider contact details, consult the First Aid Toolkit at https://www.healthandsafety.manchester.ac.uk/toolkits/firstaid/

Campus Security Support

• Campus Security operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and should be contacted on 0161 306 9966 for:
  • Any emergency situation requiring immediate assistance
  • Security concerns within University buildings or on campus grounds
  • Incidents involving threatening or aggressive behaviour
  • Suspected criminal activity or theft
  • Medical emergencies where first aid is insufficient
  • Situations requiring building lockdown or controlled access
  • Lost property or security breaches
• Campus Security can coordinate with Emergency Services and provide immediate on-site support whilst awaiting their arrival.
• GTAs should not attempt to manage serious security or welfare situations independently—always escalate to Campus Security or appropriate academic staff immediately.

SafeZone Application

• All GTAs are required to download and configure the SafeZone application on their personal mobile devices.
• The SafeZone app provides:
  • One-touch emergency contact to Campus Security
  • GPS location sharing to enable rapid response from security personnel
  • Silent alarm functionality for discrete emergency notifications
  • Access to emergency procedures and campus safety information
• In teaching sessions, if a GTA feels unsafe or requires immediate assistance, they should:
  1. Exit to the corridor if safe to do so
  2. Verbally call out "I need some help here" to alert nearby staff
  3. Activate the SafeZone application emergency function
  4. Contact Campus Security on 0161 306 9966
• The SafeZone app should be tested periodically to ensure familiarity with its operation during genuine emergencies.
• Further information regarding SafeZone configuration and usage is available at https://www.welcome.manchester.ac.uk/get-ready/health-wellbeing-safety/safezone/

Fire Safety Protocols

• All GTAs are mandated to respond promptly to all fire alarm activations, excluding the weekly scheduled alarm tests.
• Should you discover a fire and the building alarm system is not sounding, immediately activate the nearest manual call point (break glass unit) situated on your designated escape route.

Fire Alarm Systems

Kilburn Building - Two-Stage System

• Stage 1 (Intermittent alarm): Standby mode—prepare for potential evacuation of the building.
• Stage 2 (Continuous alarm): Immediate evacuation required—evacuate the building without delay.

IT Building - Single-Stage System

• A continuous alarm indicates immediate evacuation is required.

Evacuation Procedures

• Upon hearing the fire alarm, all occupants must evacuate the building immediately via the nearest available exit route.
• Do not use lifts during evacuation procedures.
• Do not return to offices or workspaces to collect personal belongings.
• Proceed directly to the designated Building Assembly Point.
• Fire action notices are displayed throughout all buildings on campus for reference.

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Additional Safety Considerations

All GTAs should familiarise themselves with:

• The location of emergency exits in their allocated teaching spaces
• The position of fire extinguishers and break glass call points
• The designated assembly points for each building
• The SafeZone application functionality and emergency features

For comprehensive health and safety information, consult the University's Health and Safety Policy Statement and related guidance available via the links provided above.