HSC 3-11 (13-14)
[Health and Safety Committee, 15 July 2014]
Item 8
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
LABORATORY ANIMAL ALLERGEN ACTION PLAN: UPDATE AND
UCL STANDARD “MANAGING THE RISK FROM EXPOSURE TO
LABORATORY ANIMAL ALLERGENS
Summary: Update on progress with UCL action plan to prevent occupational disease
through the control of laboratory animal allergens; this includes consideration of the new
UCL standard.
Action proposed to the Committee: To note progress with action plan and to approve the
proposed UCL standard
Author/Proponent: Jillian Deans
Background
1.
When they met in January 2013, the HSC considered a plan detailing the actions
required to ensure UCL has appropriate measures in place to prevent work-related ill health
through effective control of exposure to laboratory animal allergens (LAA).
2.
This plan had been developed following a detailed review of UCL’s current approach
to control as well as the actions already taken in response to the enforcement action taken
by the Health and Safety Executive following a report of occupational asthma in 2012.
Actions to date
3.
HSC has received regular progress to date; a final update is detailed in the table in
Annex 1. The only significant outstanding item is the e-learning module and it is planned
that this will be available by the end of the year.
UCL standard
4.
A new UCL standard has been prepared to replace the previous UCL Approved
Code of Practice (Annex 2). The standard aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of
those involved and sets out the measures necessary to control exposure to LAA in both
Biological Services Units and Departmental Home Office registered areas.
5.
The draft standard has already been discussed and agreed with Biological Services
and Occupational Health. A wider consultation with departmental staff with registered rooms
in their areas and Biological Services staff responsible for the care and welfare of animals in
these departmental areas has been undertaken; a verbal update will be given at today’s
meeting.
HSC 3-11 (13-14)
[Health and Safety Committee, 15 July 2014]
Item 8
Annex 1
Issue
Progress
Ventilation
1. Develop programme to identify and test general ventilation systems and
establish arrangements on-going testing (frequency/provider etc).
Estates Engineering, Maintenance and Infrastructure currently tendering for service
providers
2. Provision of monitoring equipment to monitor pressure differential
between rooms and corridors
This will be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with planned
refurbishment/upgrade of units.
3. Identify all LEV and ensure that all equipment is tested every 14 months
To be followed up as part of routine Safety Services interventions.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and Personal Protective equipment (PPE)
4. Investigate best means of provision of FFP3 masks to ensure appropriate
use/storage - consider provision of single type of mask. Need to
determine whether masks should be single use or re-usable
FFP2 masks currently being supplied at entry to all units. Plans for migration to P3
masks are to be discussed with Faculty Managers (joint Biological Services/Safety
Services approach) as this will involve additional costs for departments.
5. Establish face-fit testing programme for all RPE users
Service currently being rolled out to existing users.
Information, instruction and training
6. Prepare joint (Biological Service, Occupational Health and Safety
Services) information leaflet covering key points and consider provision
of more detailed on-line training to be completed in advance of
attendance at HO training
E-learning module in development. First draft of script (for narrated PowerPoint
presentation), filming and photography has been completed. Work about to restart
following pending completion the revised UCL Standard (see item 7)
7. Review/revise UCL guidance to reflect current HSE advice and best
practice in the sector.
To be discussed/agreed at HSC 15/7/14
8. Educate staff on the risks to themselves and others and enforce the
correct use of PPE and RPE as appropriate
See comment against 6
Management of designated departmental space
HSC 3-11 (13-14)
[Health and Safety Committee, 15 July 2014]
Item 8
Issue
Progress
9. A baseline inspection programme will be carried out to establish current
practices in departmental designated rooms and inform the planned
revision to the UCL guidance.
Inspections carried out and information used to inform the new UCL Standard. Safety
Services now assess rooms against criteria in UCL standard as part of the process of
Home Office registration
10. Revised UCL guidance will clarify the requirements for departmental
designated space; both in terms of the risks, physical requirements and
working practices to ensure better understanding and better control of
allergen, including the use of RPE.
See comment against 7
Health surveillance
11. BSU staff are able to restrict access to the units until statutory health
surveillance is undertaken. Managers to restrict work that involves
potential exposure to laboratory allergens until health surveillance is
undertaken
Process agreed with OHS and BS and now in place.
12. Monitor the maintenance of records as part of the inspection process
To be followed up as part of routine Safety Services interventions following publication
of new UCL Standard