It is the policy of Merrion Fertility Clinic, in so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide a safe and healthy environment for all patients, employees, contractors and visitors who may visit the premises. This will be facilitated through the provision and maintenance of a safe place of work, safe plant machinery and equipment, and safe systems of work.
General Health and Safety Guidelines at MFC
The following general rules are intended to focus attention on basic safety requirements:
- Fire prevention and safety equipment must not be damaged or interfered with and must always be accessible. Emergency exits must be kept clear and free of obstruction.
- Do not place obstructions on stairs or in passageways.
- Goods must be stored in designated storage areas.
- Do not run while on clinic grounds. Please use handrails provided and obey all safety signs and information provided.
- Rubbish must not be allowed to accumulate in premises and storage areas.
- Combustible rubbish should be stored in non-combustible bins and as far as possible be emptied daily.
- Cables of telephones, portable electrical appliances etc. must be placed where they do not cause people to trip and/or fall.
- Where standard operating procedures or clinic rules require personal protective equipment, it must be worn.
- All injuries, dangerous occurrences, near misses, unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, unsafe equipment, and unsafe procedures must be reported to the Department Manager and/or General Manager.
- Everyone has the responsibility to maintain their work area and that will include housekeeping as part of their job.
- All employees are required to familiarise themselves with the clinic’s emergency evacuation plan (QS1.6) and are required to attend annual fire training.
- Smoking is not permitted in or around the outside of the clinic.
- Needles are to be disposed of in appropriate manner at time of use.
- The ‘Dignity at Work’ policy must be strictly adhered to by all employees.
- Only authorised employees may enter restricted areas such as roof tops, theatre, laboratory.
- All staff must adhere to all clinic safety, health and welfare policies, procedures, and risk assessments relevant to their work area.
- All spillages must be cleaned up immediately and/or the area restricted until the hazard has been removed.
- Safety signs and notices must not be interfered with and must be obeyed.
Visitors
- Visitors are obliged to sign in and out at reception (Visitor’s book).
- Visitors are obliged to observe the Clinic Safety Rules
- Visitors are obliged to follow any instructions given by Clinic Staff.
- Visitors should not enter “Restricted” Areas without permission.
- Business essential visitors are required to complete a COVID-19 triage questionnaire (QF1.82) in advance of arrival to MFC.
Contractors
- All contractors must report to the Departmental Manager in the area in which they are working, when entering or leaving the premises.
- Managers who appoint or manage contractors or outside staff are required to ensure that the fire safety precautions are brought to their attention and receive assurance that they will be respected and complied with.
- Contractors must agree to MFC health and safety guidelines.
Contractors Health and Safety Guidelines:
- Contractors are obliged to sign in and out at reception (Visitor’s book)
- Contractors and business essential visitors are required to complete a COVID-19 triage questionnaire (QF1.82) in advance of arrival to MFC.
- Contractors must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 2005, the Construction Regulations 2013 and any other statutory provisions and common law duties. Observance of this document does not relieve the contractor of their contractual obligations.
- The contractor must ensure that their employees or sub-contractors are competent with adequate training to perform the task they are required to do in a safe and competent manner.
- Contractors will provide their workers with appropriate personal protective equipment suitable for the task in hand. PPE must comply with Irish standards, British standards, and EC standards.
- Appropriate clothing to the specific area must be worn. Hearing protection must be worn in areas were the occasion warrants it.
- Safety glasses and gloves must be worn where required as per the contractor’s risk assessment and method statement.
- All contractors are expected to carry out the work for Merrion Fertility Clinic in a clean and orderly manner and to maintain the site safely.
- It is the contractor’s responsibility to ascertain the existence and whereabouts of electrical cables, drains, air lines, gas, and water mains.
- Contractors must not connect into or interfere with the compressed air, electrical, gas or other services of Merrion Fertility Clinic without prior permission from the Facilities Manager.
- Where the operations of the contractor are likely to put any person at risk, the contractor must advise the MSFM Manager/General Manager and agree safe work procedures (e.g. work permit, safety method statement, risk assessment method statements (RAMS)).
- Waste generated as part of the work activities to be removed off-site.
- Materials, common goods, or equipment should not be left obstructing walkways or aisles, entrances or exits, especially fire exits. Nor should they obstruct access to any fire extinguisher or hose.
- Storage of flammable substances must be agreed with the General Manager or delegate of Merrion Fertility Clinic.
- Contractors arriving on site should familiarise themselves with all fire exits and emergency escape routes. If the Fire Alarm sounds, contractors should switch off any equipment they are using and proceed without delay to the MFC assembly point at The Arch, Grant’s Row, Lower Mount Street., through the nearest emergency exit. No person shall re-enter the evacuated building until the General Manager or Delegate has given the all clear.
- All contractors’ machinery, plant and equipment on site must comply with regulations relating to that type of equipment and must, where appropriate, be securely guarded or fenced.
- Materials must be carefully moved and not thrown or dropped form a height.
- Contractors are responsible for providing first aid arrangements for their employees.
- In addition to a contractor’s own procedure in the event of an accident, a dangerous occurrence, a fire, occupation illness, property loss or damage, the contractor will report this event to Merrion Fertility Clinic. Where appropriate a copy of the form of notice of accident will be supplied to the Health and Safety Authority by the contractor.
Failure to comply with these requests may terminate contractual agreements with MFC.
