Safety, Prevention and Health

Basic principles

EPFL promotes an exemplary occupational safety and security culture based on honesty and social responsibility. Beyond compliance with regulatory security, prevention and health requirements, this commitment also implies a responsible approach to risk and respect for others.

At EPFL, the experts of the Security and Operations department (DSE) advise all EPFL members on matters related to safety, security, prevention and health protection. These specialists also provide support in enforcing the necessary measures. These activities are taken care of by two DSE services: the Security and Intervention Service (SIS) and the Occupational Health and Safety Service (OHS). The DSE regularly holds courses and workshops to train the EPFL community in these areas.

The Director of the DSE is the guarantor of the EPFL’s overall security concept. Additional responsibilities in this field (fire safety, security, biosafety, etc.) are assigned to various specialists in the DSE team, within the SIS and OHS units. The Director has the authority to prohibit access to the campus and to take legal action.

The DSE represents EPFL in discussions related to safety, security and hazard prevention with the relevant authorities (police, fire brigade, cantonal and federal offices), in close cooperation with the EPFL Legal Affairs.

Responsabilities 

All employees and members of teaching staff, particularly Heads of Unit (professors, section directors, senior scientists (MER), heads of central services or workshop managers) must be aware of and comply with the legal provisions applicable to their work activity in terms of safety, prevention and health. All employees and members of teaching staff must observe the recommendations and directives issued by EPFL in order to avoid occupational accidents and workplace health hazards. Heads of Unit ensure that their teams are trained and that the specified measures on occupational health and safety are enforced.

Legal basis

• LEX 1.1.1 “Ordinance on the organisation of the EPFL”
• LEX 1.5.1 “Directive concerning occupational health and safety (DSST)”
• “Ordonnance 3 relative à la loi sur le travail”
• “Ordonnance 4 relative à la loi sur le travail”

Further informations

• DSPS homepage
• Training available from DSPS

Advice for day-to-day business

Define the particular dangers within your area of responsibility and make sure that you are familiar with the legal provisions that apply with regards to occupational health and safety.

Appoint a safety delegate (COSEC) for each research group and appoint a delegate for radiation protection or biosafety if your research covers these areas.

Clarify with the relevant service of the DSE whether any authorisation is required for your group’s activities.

Take advantage of the basic or specialist training pro- vided by the DSE in the fields of occupational health and safety.

Be aware of and apply the appropriate waste disposal procedures, particularly in the fields of chemistry and biology.

Adopt appropriate behaviour in an emergency:

• Save the emergency number 115 or +41 21 693 3000 (on your mobile phone);
• Locate the security features on your premises (evacuation plan, emergency exits, eye wash, shower, etc.);
• Be aware of the evacuation instructions on the SIS website and ensure that your staff are also familiar with these;
• Do not leave valuables unattended and carefully lock windows and doors when leaving to reduce the risk of theft;
• Lock your computer when you leave your workstation;
• Keep your Camipro card with you at all times;
• Consult the SST website for advice on occupational health (e.g. workstation ergonomics);
• Heed the information in the DSE and Point Santé leaflets;

In case of a conflict or problem, employees or members of teaching staff should request advice and assistance from the Human Resources department (see “Human Resources” chapter). In case of a threat or violence, please consult the Safety, Prevention and Health (DSPS) website to find the procedure to be followed.