Unattended apparatus can be affected by inadvertent isolation or failures of equipment, power and services. This can lead to, for example, build-up of pressure or temperature leading to explosion or fire, release of hazardous substances into the air or the drains, or simple flooding. This is likely to have detrimental effects on the local area and possibly also on those dealing with the emergency. The effects could reach the rest of the building, or in extreme cases elsewhere on campus or the University's neighbours.
Although this code is most likely to be relevant to apparatus in laboratories or workshops, it may also apply to some maintenance activities by staff or contractors. It is intended for apparatus which has unattended running only on specific occasions. Apparatus that is continuously running, such as fridges or air conditioning units, could be permanently labelled if there is a risk of accidental disconnection. A simple notice such as "Do not switch off" may be sufficient.
Risk assessments for all work activities should consider the timing of the work and in particular the availability of assistance in the event of an emergency, for example colleagues to take actions or to provide information to the emergency services, or first aiders to help with any casualties.
Work processes should be scheduled to be completed during normal hours if at all possible. If working outside normal hours is unavoidable, for example the process continues for much longer than a normal working day, arrangements should be made for competent local staff to supervise the process throughout if possible. Where unattended running of apparatus is unavoidable, for example overnight, it is particularly important that adequate information has been given, in advance, to key personnel who may need to take action or give advice.
For all unattended running of apparatus outside normal working hours, information on the work and emergency actions must be available at all times both within the Faculty/Office and to key groups such as the Campus Estates & Facilities Management Office and Security.
Basic information on the process, emergency actions and emergency contact details should be notified to the Campus Estates & Facilities Management Office and Security using the University form 'Notification to Facilities Management/Campus Security of work in progress'. The notification form should be completed by the person conducting the process and countersigned by their Manager or Supervisor. A copy of the form should be displayed prominently on or near the apparatus. Copies should also be provided to the Campus Estates & Facilities Management Office and the Campus Security.
Full details of all processes left unattended outside normal hours should be accessible at all times from elsewhere on or off campus in case of an emergency. Written details should be kept in a different building on Campus or ideally stored on a local Intranet or server drive accessible from elsewhere on or off campus. The University H&S Policy includes codes of practice for out of hours and lone working, and for high impact processes. Both of these are relevant to the safe operation of unattended apparatus outside normal hours.
Original - May 2007
Review – February 2018