Sources of risks in universities
Sources of risks in universities **Sources of Risks in Universities**
The sources of risks in universities and their associated faculties vary depending on the nature of the institution and even the types of faculties. There are theoretical faculties where risks and their sources are minimal, and there are scientific faculties that contain chemical and physical laboratories, where occupational safety must be carefully observed, and all necessary measures must be taken to prevent accidents.
Sources of risks in universities can be categorized based on the nature of the faculty and the areas of study. Some of the sources of risks in universities include:
1. **Structural Risks:** These arise from the failure to implement safety and security measures during the construction of the educational institution. This includes the creation and provision of emergency exits, as well as safety preparations and equipment.
2. **Personal Risks:** These result from negative behaviors of some individuals due to negligence in applying safety procedures, measures, instructions, and guidelines within the institution.
3. **Fire Risks:** These pose a threat to human life and property in the institution due to the absence of safety requirements or the lack of fire alarms and firefighting equipment.
4. **Physical Risks:** These include temperature extremes (hot and cold), noise and vibrations, lighting disturbances, harmful and dangerous radiation, static and dynamic electricity, and explosion hazards. These risks can result from the unsuitable environment in classrooms, laboratories, workshops, or administrative buildings in terms of lighting, ventilation, and temperature.
5. **Engineering Risks:** These involve risks associated with electrical connections and equipment, such as machines, tools in workshops, electrical rooms, sub-panels, and lighting columns, among others.
6. **Mechanical Risks:** These arise from the exposure of individuals to the dangers of machines and equipment in workshops and laboratories due to the absence of occupational health and safety measures. This can lead to incidents such as collisions between a person’s body and a solid object.
7. **Chemical Risks:** These sources include liquids, gases, fumes, vapors, and dust that individuals encounter in scientific laboratories during practical experiments, or during the transportation, handling, and storage of these materials.
8. **Health Risks:** These may affect individuals with diseases caused by the presence of germs or microbes in their surrounding environment due to the lack of proper sanitation facilities or poor waste management in both the internal and external environments. Additionally, risks can arise from dealing with infected animals.
