Contractors

Contractors are deemed to be an 'input' to the campus.

See also the Permit to Work/Authorisation to Work system

Departments/Schools will frequently employ or have visiting them many kinds of contractors. The current legal position is that the University must provide information of dangers to any employee including any contractor, to ensure that they are not put at risk. The same applies conversely, that activities of contractors must not endanger employees of the University.

The extent of any necessary dialogue between the University and contractors will of course depend on the nature of the work being undertaken and the hazards it brings. In cases where a risk to an employee or student of the University may exist, a copy of the contractor's Risk Assessment should be requested for scrutiny.

The University also has a duty to ensure that contractors engaged are competent to carry out the type of work for which they are to be engaged. For example, for gas installation or maintenance work contractors and their employees must be CORGI registered. Estates & Development (E & D) maintains a list of suggested gas contractors.

E & D has long experience in dealing with contractors and has devised an excellent booklet 'Code of Safe Working Practices for Contractors Employed by Keele University". That document is given to contractors as part of the information duty referred to earlier. The Department also has much experience in implementing the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). In cases where E & D is not taking the lead it is recommended that contractors are given a copy of the Code, which should be obtained from E & D. This will ensure that the current edition is provided. A record of receipt will be kept by E & D to ensure that the department or contractor always has an up-to-date edition of the Code.

If you need further advice please contact Estates and Development the Department of Occupational Health and Safety.