This section aims to inform you about the rules that must be observed while on the University campus, as well as to prepare you for unexpected situations that may occur during your stay in Hungary.

Please take the time to read through these pages!

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Directorate of Safety through one of the options listed below.

Emergency contacts

Reporting Crimes
24-hour English-language hotline:
+36-1-438-8080

Lost passports
Budapest and Pest County for Immigration and Citizenship
Address: 1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 60.
Tel.: +36-1-463-9165, +36-1-463-9181
Open: 24 hours

Embassies and Missions
Complete, official list, on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Environmental Protection
Fire Safety and Prevention
Personal and Property Protection
Work Safety

Environmental Protection

The creation of waste materials affects all students, whether in the course of their practical studies or their daily lives. It is expected that everyone at the University will show a responsible attitude to waste collection.

Due to its physical and/or chemical impacts, special attention must be given to the collection of hazardous waste – both at home and in the workplace – so as to ensure that neither our environment nor people’s health is put at risk.

As a health institution, the University naturally generates potentially infectious biohazard waste through patient care and diagnostics.

The following fall into the category of biohazard waste:

• Used sharp, pointed instruments;
• Blood and blood products, unidentified human body parts and organs, discharges, laboratory, pathology examination material;
• All waste from infectious units and isolation wards;
• Microbiological filters from air-filtration systems;
• Corpses of experimental animals containing infectious pathogens, as well as their waste and litter;
• Genetic and microbiological waste;
• Material and instruments infected with cytostatic agents.

These types of hazardous waste are collected in special containers, which can be polythene bags, paper boxes or plastic containers. They are all clearly marked with the yellow colour code, script indicating they are hazardous waste, as well as the international biohazard signage. It is dangerous and strictly forbidden to reach into these containers or take anything out of them.

Hazardous chemical waste (e.g. acids, formalin, organic solvents, developer and fixing agents) and expired pharmaceutical products are collected separately at every University department. The department staff provide information on the exact procedures to be followed.

You may want to dispose of dry cell batteries, telephone batteries or long-life bulbs: these items, classified as hazardous waste, can be disposed of in several places around the University.

Some University departments also have arrangements for selective non-hazardous waste collection. Furthermore, there are selective waste collection points in public areas.

Fire and Safety Protection

Students at Semmelweis University are required to learn about, be aware of and observe all the basic fire prevention provisions related to their activities, as detailed in the University’s regulation on fire prevention. These are as follows:

1. Fire prevention
The emphasis must be placed on the prevention of fires; therefore

• Electrical equipment, machinery and apparatus must be switched off when they are not used and must be unplugged at the end of the working day;
• Heat-generating apparatuses should be used on inflammable surfaces. When used on a flammable surface, they must be separated by an insulating sheet and used only in a location only be used on a flammable surface when it is separated with an insulating sheet and in a location designated for such activity;
• It is forbidden to operate faulty electrical equipment;
• Flammable material must be kept away from electrical equipment;
• It is forbidden to carry out activities involving naked flames at the University, except strictly in connection with educational activities;
• Corridors, exits and access to fire extinguishers and other fire fighting apparatus in the University’s buildings and rooms must be kept clear at all times;
• Electrical fires (i.e. fires occurring within electrical equipment, such as computers) must not be extinguished with water until it has been safely disconnected from the power supply;
• In the event of fire, fire extinguishers located on the walls of corridors must be used to extinguish it;
• It is forbidden to use the elevators in the event of a fire; take the stairs instead;
• Smoking is strictly forbidden on University property, except in areas specifically designated for this purpose.

2. Fire alarms
Every student, staff member and/or visitor who sees a fire or conditions that constitute an imminent danger of fire is required to pull the fire alarm and alert the fire service (tel. no. 105) immediately. Please note that pulling a false fire alarm is strictly forbidden and carries the risk of monetary fines and/or legal action.

3. Use of fire fighting apparatus
Hand-held fire extinguishers are located throughout the University. Two types of fire extinguishers are available:

A) Powder-filled extinguishers
Used for extinguishing fires with a maximum coverage of 1.4 square metres. To use:
Pull out the safety pin
Squeeze the upper lever downwards
Aim the hose at the base of the fire (from a distance of 1.5-2 metres)

B) Carbon dioxide-filled extinguisher
Operates at a temperature of -90º C, therefore you must not touch the canister and cone on the older type of extinguishers because this can lead to serious freeze burns.

4. Fire safety signage

The University uses the following fire safety signage:

Emergency exit	The direction of emergency exits
No smoking	Area designated for smoking
Fire extinguishers

Personal and Property Protection

You should always pay particular attention to protecting personal items and equipment at the university while travelling on public transport and in public areas. Such items include:

• Cash, bank cards, credit cards, cheques;
• Personal and vehicle documents, car keys;
• Portable electronics (e.g. mobile phones, laptops, cameras, camcorders, mp3 players);
• Valuable clothing, jewellery
• Other small, valuable items

Some practical advice on preventing robbery and theft

• Don’t carry around anything that you will not use for your day-to-day studies;
• Only keep a small amount of cash in your wallet.
• Don’t keep your bank card/credit card together with your personal documents or in your wallet. Store them separately, preferably in an inside pocket;
• Never leave your bag, laptop or other technical equipment unattended even for a short time. If you do have to leave them, make sure you ask someone you know personally to look after them;
• Be careful about making new acquaintances in clubs, on the street or in other public places. Avoid pushy groups who want to get to know you at all costs.
• Although there may be pickpockets anywhere in the city, the danger is greater on public transport and at the market. Always keep your bag close to you on trams, the metro and buses, and never carry valuables, cash or wallets in outside pockets.
• Only exchange foreign currency at banks or official bureaux de change. Avoid illegal money changers (on the streets, railway stations, underpasses).

If you fall victim to a crime (e.g. theft, robbery, harassment, physical injury, rape, or attempts at any of these), follow the following advice:

• If you are the victim of a crime you can make a report to any police body, although it is most practical to do this at the district police station where the crime was committed. You can ask for an English or German interpreter at the police station.
• If you are injured, call the ambulance service (tel. no. 104)  immediately. Do not leave the location until the ambulance service arrives, and if you need to, ask for help from passers-by.
• If you have suffered not only an injury but material damage as well, notify the police (tel. no. 107). Do not leave the location until the police arrive.
• Make a report to the police about the type of equipment stolen, its serial number, IMEI number, characteristics as soon as possible.
• If you are a victim of a crime at the University, notify the head of the department and the security service. If necessary, ask the department head to  arrange for interpretation;
• If your mobile phone or bank card is stolen, take immediate steps to block its use.

Work Safety

In the course of practical teaching conducted at the university, students may only carry out activities that the head of practical training has authorised. Furthermore,  students must be in possession of the work safety know-how necessary to carry out the assigned task. You will find this information below.

Our goal is to supply students of Semmelweis University with a summary document

• Reviewing currently valid legal regulatory requirements in Hungary;
• Containing information necessary to ensure the professional provision of work safety activities.

Accordingly, every student is required to,

• In the interests of health and physical wellbeing, appear in a state and in clothing suitable for conducting the tasks in practical training. It is strictly forbidden to appear in classes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Observe the prevailing rules and discipline established for work areas in the course of practical training;
• Properly use the protective equipment made available, and to ensure their correct maintenance and condition; it is strictly forbidden to switch off, remove, or in any way alter the safety equipment.
• Report the slightest injury, nausea, or illness to the head of practical training immediately in the course of practical training;
• Where possible, stop, or take steps towards stopping, any hazard or impending danger noticed in the course of practical work;
• Refuse to obey issued work instructions if these in any way put at risk their own lives or physical wellbeing, or that of their fellow students, or the University’s property.
• Ensure they are in possession of the information necessary for carrying out the work required of them, and to be given the opportunity to learn such information.

No student can be censured for acting in the interest of safety, or for making a report in good faith due to alleged negligence by the University. Inasmuch as the student experiences such instances, or has any questions or comments related to other work safety issues, these should be directed to the Directorate of Safety.

Personal and Property Protection

You should always pay particular attention to protecting personal items and equipment at the university while travelling on public transport and in public areas. Such items include:

• Cash, bank cards, credit cards, cheques;
• Personal and vehicle documents, car keys;
• Portable electronics (e.g. mobile phones, laptops, cameras, camcorders, mp3 players);
• Valuable clothing, jewellery
• Other small, valuable items

Some practical advice on preventing robbery and theft

• Don’t carry around anything that you will not use for your day-to-day studies;
• Only keep a small amount of cash in your wallet.
• Don’t keep your bank card/credit card together with your personal documents or in your wallet. Store them separately, preferably in an inside pocket;
• Never leave your bag, laptop or other technical equipment unattended even for a short time. If you do have to leave them, make sure you ask someone you know personally to look after them;
• Be careful about making new acquaintances in clubs, on the street or in other public places. Avoid pushy groups who want to get to know you at all costs.
• Although there may be pickpockets anywhere in the city, the danger is greater on public transport and at the market. Always keep your bag close to you on trams, the metro and buses, and never carry valuables, cash or wallets in outside pockets.
• Only exchange foreign currency at banks or official bureaux de change. Avoid illegal money changers (on the streets, railway stations, underpasses).

If you fall victim to a crime (e.g. theft, robbery, harassment, physical injury, rape, or attempts at any of these), follow the following advice:

• If you are the victim of a crime you can make a report to any police body, although it is most practical to do this at the district police station where the crime was committed. You can ask for an English or German interpreter at the police station.
• If you are injured, call the ambulance service (tel. no. 104)  immediately. Do not leave the location until the ambulance service arrives, and if you need to, ask for help from passers-by.
• If you have suffered not only an injury but material damage as well, notify the police (tel. no. 107). Do not leave the location until the police arrive.
• Make a report to the police about the type of equipment stolen, its serial number, IMEI number, characteristics as soon as possible.
• If you are a victim of a crime at the University, notify the head of the department and the security service. If necessary, ask the department head to  arrange for interpretation;
• If your mobile phone or bank card is stolen, take immediate steps to block its use.

Work Safety

In the course of practical teaching conducted at the university, students may only carry out activities that the head of practical training has authorised. Furthermore,  students must be in possession of the work safety know-how necessary to carry out the assigned task. You will find this information below.

Our goal is to supply students of Semmelweis University with a summary document

• Reviewing currently valid legal regulatory requirements in Hungary;
• Containing information necessary to ensure the professional provision of work safety activities.

Accordingly, every student is required to,

• In the interests of health and physical wellbeing, appear in a state and in clothing suitable for conducting the tasks in practical training. It is strictly forbidden to appear in classes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Observe the prevailing rules and discipline established for work areas in the course of practical training;
• Properly use the protective equipment made available, and to ensure their correct maintenance and condition; it is strictly forbidden to switch off, remove, or in any way alter the safety equipment.
• Report the slightest injury, nausea, or illness to the head of practical training immediately in the course of practical training;
• Where possible, stop, or take steps towards stopping, any hazard or impending danger noticed in the course of practical work;
• Refuse to obey issued work instructions if these in any way put at risk their own lives or physical wellbeing, or that of their fellow students, or the University’s property.
• Ensure they are in possession of the information necessary for carrying out the work required of them, and to be given the opportunity to learn such information.

No student can be censured for acting in the interest of safety, or for making a report in good faith due to alleged negligence by the University. Inasmuch as the student experiences such instances, or has any questions or comments related to other work safety issues, these should be directed to the Directorate of Safety.

You should always pay particular attention to protecting personal items and equipment at the University, while travelling on public transport and in public areas. Such items include:

• Cash, bank cards, credit cards, cheques;
• Personal and vehicle documents, car keys;
• Portable electronics (e.g. mobile phones, laptops, cameras, camcorders, mp3 players);
• Valuable clothing, jewellery
• Other small, valuable items

Some practical advice on preventing robbery and theft

• Don’t carry around anything that you will not use for your day-to-day studies;
• Only keep a small amount of cash in your wallet.
• Don’t keep your bank card/credit card together with your personal documents or in your wallet. Store them separately, preferably in an inside pocket;
• Never leave your bag, laptop or other technical equipment unattended even for a short time. If you do have to leave them, make sure you ask someone you know personally to look after them;
• Be careful about making new acquaintances in clubs, on the street or in other public places. Avoid pushy groups who want to get to know you at all costs.
• Although there may be pickpockets anywhere in the city, the danger is greater on public transport and at the market. Always keep your bag close to you on trams, the metro and buses, and never carry valuables, cash or wallets in outside pockets.
• Only exchange foreign currency at banks or official bureaux de change. Avoid illegal money changers (on the streets, railway stations, underpasses).

If you fall victim to a crime (e.g. theft, robbery, harassment, physical injury, rape, or attempts at any of these), follow the following advice:

• If you are the victim of a crime you can make a report to any police body, although it is most practical to do this at the district police station where the crime was committed. You can ask for an English or German interpreter at the police station.
• If you are injured, call the ambulance service (tel. no. 104) immediately. Do not leave the location until the ambulance service arrives, and if you need to, ask for help from passers-by.
• If you have suffered not only an injury, but material damage as well, notify the police (tel. no. 107). Do not leave the location until the police arrive.
• Make a report to the police about the type of equipment stolen, its serial number, IMEI number, characteristics as soon as possible.
• If you are a victim of a crime at the University, notify the head of the department and the security service. If necessary, ask the department head to arrange for interpretation;
• If your mobile phone or bank card is stolen, take immediate steps to block its use.

Using Taxis

• If possible, always pre-book your taxi by phone from one of the bigger companies. Most taxi companies have dispatchers who speak English.
• If you have to hail a taxi on the street, try to get one from a recognised taxi firm and always ask to see the valid tariff before you start off.