Useful information

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General information

Bad weather closures

In the event of extreme weather conditions Orkney College will be mentioned separately on Radio Orkney and an update placed on the Orkney College UHI website and Twitter if possible. The same procedure applies to early closures.

Change of address

If you change your home or term time address during your time at College, please make sure that you advise Reception as soon as possible who will provide a change of address form for you to complete. Your certificate, if appropriate, will be sent to the address which you have given us.

Early leavers

If you decide to leave your course prior to completion discuss this with your Course Tutor. If it is still your decision to leave then you will be need to complete an early leaver form, return your student card and any materials on loan.

Equal opportunities and inclusiveness

Orkney College is committed to equality of opportunity and inclusive practice. Copies of the College’s Equal Opportunities Policies, Disability Equality Scheme and Inclusiveness Policies are available from Reception.

Fire procedures

In the event of a fire or fire drill exercise there will be an alarm signal. You will be asked to leave the building in an orderly manner by the shortest route to your assembly point. You must remain with your class until instructed that it is safe to reenter the building. There is a fire alarm test on Wednesday at 10:15am every week

First aid

Any accident should be reported to your Class Tutor or Reception. If required, you will then be assisted by one of our qualified first aiders. All accidents or near misses should be recorded in the Accident Book. Contact Reception if you need a First Aider or to record an incident.

Grievance procedure

This procedure is for students who feel they have a genuine complaint against the College or a member of staff which they feel cannot be dealt with through the appeals procedure. The Student Grievance Procedure is available from Reception.

Lockers

Lockers are situated at the foot of the main stairs, in the Hospitality Department and the Art and Design Department. They are available for rent at a cost of £5 plus a £5 deposit, which will be refunded on return of the key. Please contact Reception for further information.

Health and safety

It is the policy of Orkney College to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees, students, visitors and others who may be affected by the activities of the College. The College will comply fully with all relevant statutory requirements and codes of practice and will, so far as is reasonably practicable:

  • Provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from its work activities
  • Provide and maintain a safe working environment which is free from risks to health and adequate in facilities and arrangements for the welfare of those in College premises
  • Consult with employees and students on matters affecting their health and safety
  • Provide and maintain safe plant and equipment
  • Ensure safe handling and use of hazardous substances
  • Provide health and safety information, instruction and supervision for employees and students
  • Ensure that all employees and students are competent to carry out their duties and to provide them with adequate health and safety training
  • Prevent accidents and cases of work related ill health
  • Maintain safe and healthy working and training conditions
  • Ensure that protective clothing and equipment is either provided for students or they are informed when they need to supply such items themselves

Students, whilst engaged in any College activity within or outwith the College must take all reasonable steps to ensure their own safety and that of all others who may be affected by their activities. In particular, students shall:

  • Comply with all relevant safety rules and arrangements issued by the College and with all statutory provisions.Report unsafe conditions or activities to their supervisor or appropriate College officer
  • Make proper use of any necessary safety measures, protective clothing or equipment
  • Not interfere with or misuse anything that is provided in the interest of health and safety

Students will not be expected to carry out any tasks that they feel might be unsafe. All concerns regarding health and safety should be brought to the attention of relevant College staff. A copy of the College’s Health and Safety Policy can be obtained from the Reception.

Smoking policy

The College operates a no smoking policy on its premises. There is a designated area for smoking and this will be pointed out to you by your Course Tutor. Please note that there is no smoking at the main entrance or near to the building.