Estates Services

The University is entering into an exciting phase of redevelopment. We, in the Estates Division, are playing a key role in making the vision of the 'Campus of the Future' a reality.

We continue to undertake our duties in a proficient and professional way. Our teams keep the power on, the systems safe and maintain the functioning of over 180 buildings and over 190 acres of grounds to meet the expectations of all who work within and visit our estate. The staff who carry out these vital tasks are highly valued members who are encouraged and supported in furthering their natural abilities and professional skills, and in enhancing their personal development.

We are passionate about our daily responsibility to our customers - present and future - in ensuring that the University estate is a safe, functioning, pleasant environment in which to live, work, study and visit.

Responsibilities

Building maintenance responsibilities

The building maintenance team look after buildings, roofs and hard landscape areas within the University, undertaking installations, responsive repairs and planned maintenance; ensuring statutory compliance. They maintain the day to day condition of the buildings to facilitate teaching and research.

The building maintenance team are responsible for the following:

Painting, decorating and carpentry work
Building external and internal fabric, including brickwork, doors and windows
Asbestos
Fencing, paving and flooring including minor carpet repairs
Surface water drainage, roofing, guttering and down-pipes

Electrical maintenance responsibilities

The electrical maintenance team look after electrical building services utilised within the University, undertaking installations, responsive repairs and planned maintenance; ensuring statutory compliance. They maintain the day to day running of the systems to facilitate teaching and research.

The electrical team are responsible for the following:

Fire alarm systems and lifts
Lighting and power systems, installation and maintenance
Lighting protection
Security lighting
Emergency lightings
Electrical testing and inspections

Downloads

Grounds maintenance responsibilities

The grounds maintenance team look after all the grounds and gardens, currently over 190 acres of our campus. We ensure the presentation and upkeep of the grounds, making our University a beautiful environment in which to study, work and live.

The grounds maintenance team are responsible for the following:

Grass and hedge cutting including field and lawn areas
Landscaping including flower beds and shrubberies
Tree, wildlife and habitat preservation
Sports maintenance including cricket square and golf course
Adverse weather response

Mechanical maintenance responsibilities

The mechanical maintenance team look after all mechanical systems utilised within the University, undertaking installations, responsive repairs and planned maintenance; ensuring statutory compliance. They maintain the day to day running of the systems to facilitate teaching and research.

The mechanical maintenance team are responsible for the following;

Heating systems, including boilers, pumps and radiators
Plumbing and water systems including showers, toilets and drainage
Fire extinguishers, dry risers and fire hydrants
Gas appliances including, testing, leak detection and certification
Water quality, including control of legionella

Systems maintenance responsibilities

The systems maintenance team undertake installations, responsive repairs and planned maintenance; ensuring statutory compliance. They maintain the day to day running of the building services systems to facilitate teaching and research.

The systems maintenance team are responsible for the following:

Air-conditioning and ventilation
Building management systems
CCTV
Energy monitoring and conservation.

Health and safety

The purpose of the role is to ensure compliance as far as reasonable practicable, with legislation applying to the built-estate. To develop and implement policies and procedures and to provide pragmatic advice to Estates & Campus Services staff, consultants, contractors and other building occupants that ensure compliance with legislation.

Driving

Many of the Directorate's staff drive as part of their role. The Driving policy gives us guidance for safe driving both on University sites and on public highways. Staff who drive University vehicles are required to inform their line manager of any endorsements. Licenses will be checked at least annually.

Driving Safely Policy and Drivers Handbook PDF

Snow and ice

The Grounds Team, along with members of the Estates and Campus Services teams clear snow and ice to keep walkways reasonably safe, to minimise the risk of injuries due to people slipping and tripping.

Snow, ice and leaves clearing policy PDF

Permits

Permits to Work are issued to University Staff and contractors who intend to carry out potentially hazardous operations such as roof work, hot work and work in confined spaces. The permits set out precautions to be taken and specify the times at which these operations may take place. Permits are to be authorised by either the University or ECS Safety Officer.

Contractors

Estates Division Contractor Partnering Information Pack sets out relevant procedures, including health and safety requirements for the departments contractors.

Downloads

Construction design and management (CDM)

This policy is to ensure compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

CDM regulations apply to all construction projects.

CDM regulations PDF

Lifts through examinations

To comply with LOLER Regulations through examinations of the University's lift and lifting equipment are carried out by competent persons every six months. Records of inspections are maintained and repairs or modifications are arranged as necessary.

Fire alarm testing

To comply with relevant British Standard a programme of weekly fire alarm testing is carried out across all sites.

Training

Various types of health and safety training is arranged for ECS staff. Topics such as fire marshalling, manual handling, COSHH and noise awareness are delivered by internal staff, training in the use of MEWPs, tower scaffold etc are delivered by external trainers. Staff health and safety training is monitored and record of training is maintained.

Health and safety committee

The ECS Safety Officer is one of the representatives of the University Health & Safety Committee which meets four times per year.

Accidents and incidents

Accidents or incidents occurring on University sites in relation to University activities should be reported to the University Safety Officer, copied to the ECS Safety Officer for those occurring within the Directorate.

COSHH

The ECS Safety Officer provides guidance to carry out assessments for hazardous substance and maintains record of their assessments.

Risk Assessments

The ECS Safety Officer provides guidance to carry out assessments for hazardous operations and activities and maintains records of their assessments.

Business Continuity Plans

Together with Financial Systems and Support Services Manager, the Estates Services Manager reviews and updates, as necessary, the Directorates Business Continuity Plans.

Tree Policies

The University has over 2500 trees on its sites. Policies are in place to maintain these trees in good condition by suitable arboriculture and management of grounds during construction works, so as to minimise the risk of injury to persons and property caused by falling branches or trees during adverse weather conditions.

Asbestos Policy

Estates and Campus Services, in conjunction with the University Safety Officer shall be responsible for ensuring the facilities are properly surveyed to identify the presence, or otherwise, of asbestos and to implement appropriate control measures.

Asbestos Policy PDF

Confined Spaces Policy

This procedure applies to all confined spaces on University premises that pose a risk to employees, students, contractors and other visitors.

The objective is to set out the procedures to be followed in order for Oxford Brookes University to comply with regulations related to working in confined spaces.

These procedures apply to both Oxford Brookes University personnel and any contractors or sub- contractors carrying out work at Oxford Brookes University premises.

Confined Spaces Policy PDF