The Buildings and Estates Department plays a key role in ensuring the Health and Safety of the Campus Community in accordance with the University's obligations under current safety legislation - the principal items being:
- Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act (2005)
- Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act (Construction) Regulations 2013
Departmental Health and Safety (internal):
The department maintains a "Departmental Safety Statement" which outlines policy and procedures relating to internal safety issues including Duties and Responsibilities, Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification, etc. Buildings and Estates Department Safety, Health & Welfare Policy Statement
Construction Projects:
The Buildings and Estates Department discharges the role of the “Client” on behalf of the University in appointing Project Supervisors for the Design Process (PSDP) and the Construction Stage (PSCS) of all construction projects in accordance with statutory requirements. On completion of a project the Department of Buildings and Estates formally takes over responsibility for the particular building/area together with the project safety files and manuals.
Campus Community:
The Buildings and Estates Department plays a major role in ensuring the day-to-day safety and welfare of the campus community, visitors, etc. This is achieved through a combination of resources, procedures, and systems. Examples of some of the major safety systems include:
- Fire Alarm
- Gas Detection
- Auto Fire Extinguishing Systems
- Emergency Lighting
- Smoke Ventilation Systems
- Smoke Curtains
- Fire Rated Doors
- Magnetic Door Releases
- Automatic Fire Doors
- Fire Extinguishers
- Sprinkler System
- Fire Hydrants
- Fire Hose Reels
- Dry Risers
- Lighting Protection Equipment
- Gas Distribution Network - Internal
- Gas Distribution Network - External
- Electrical Distribution Systems
- Water Sterilization
- Statutory inspections of plant and equipment by insurance company representatives
- Liaising with emergency services (Local Authority, Fire Brigade, and Gardai)
The Buildings and Estates Department plays a pivotal role in the University's Executive Crisis Management Plan.
Contractor Health & Safety
Management and Control of Service Providers*
It is the policy and expectation of the B&E Department that all Service Providers (regardless of works undertaken) will carry out their work in a safe manner. Service Providers must ensure the safety of their own workers but also the safety of all others on University of Limerick(UL) property such as UL staff, students and members of the public who may be affected by the Service Providers acts or omissions. The B&E Department further expects that all Service Providers will co-operate with us in the management of safety to ensure a safe working environment for all.
Prior to undertaking any work on UL property, all Service Providers must be approved by the B&E Department in accordance with our Service Provider/Contractor Management System. All Service Providers must undergo the B&E Service Provider Approval Process, which includes competency assessments where the Service Provider is engaged in Construction Works. The following minimum information must be supplied in order to be pre-approved:
- Signed copy of their Company Safety Statement
- Evidence of Insurances (All insurances must include an indemnity to University of Limerick)
- Acceptance of B&E Minimum H&S Standards
- Complete B&E Induction
- Copy of staff training records
A Permit to Work must be issued to all Service Providers undertaking work on campus for or on behalf of the B&E Department.
If you require further information, please contact the Buildings and Estates Team at buildingsmaintenance@ul.ie
*Service Provider: The term Service Provider is used to describe any company, organisation, contractor, or individual engaged by the B&E Dept. to undertake work on campus. It includes those completing construction and non-construction type work.