Health and Safety Committee
Wednesday 16th of March 2016
Minutes and Report
Chair: Tom Hase [TPH]
Minutes: Rosalind Johnstone [RJ]
Present: Katherine Branch [KB], Julie Brannon [JB], Alan Burton [AB], Bob Day [RD], Steve York [SY],
Jon Duffy [JD], David Leadley [DRL], David Walker [DW], Rob Johnston [Rob J], Jeanette Chattaway
[JC], Sue Burrows [SB]
1. Apologies
None received
2. Minutes of the meeting 9th of December 2015
Change made to 5.2-Radiation
3. Matters Arising (Not on Agenda)
3.1 H&S Mini Meeting
TH advised that mini meetings take place monthly between himself KB, Rob J and JB. Minutes from
the last 2 meetings were presented at the meeting and briefly discussed. The mini meetings will
continue to be discussed at the Committee meeting. Departmental self-inspection of office space
will be implemented over the next few months.
Action: RJ and TH to update webpage and inform all staff.
3.2 Departmental support from H&S Office
ARC meeting for the new H&S post in the department took place on the 15 th of March. The
proposed role will include providing support for QuEMIS and staff training as well as support record
keeping.
4. Chair’s Business
4.1 Terms of reference for H&S committee
TH discussed the terms of reference for members of the H&S committee.
Action: RJ to update document and add to H&S website.
4.2 Accident/incidents-report
JB provided handout of recorded incidents within the department, she advised that more people
are reporting incidents which is positive. JB advised that all incidents are now sent to the
appropriate line manager for them to review. TH asked if a box could be added on the form to show
the line managers response. JB advised that an online incident reporting system is being developed.
Action: JB to add box on form to show line managers response.
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4.3 Chemical safety
Chemical disposal
Benzoyl peroxide, 70% with water as stabilizer was found in fridge in Milburn house. Nobody has
yet claimed responsibility for this. Rob J trying to find out who has put it there and then organise
disposal.
Chemical checking
Still outstanding, only 2 chemical inventories have been received to date which is not acceptable. A
revised date of the 18th April was decided as the last possible return date. After this, enforcement
notices will be issued by H&S office.
Action: RJ to send further email to chase this up
5. Items
5.1 Risk assessments
TH advised as part of PhD students doctoral training skills, they will be required to upload a risk
assessment.
JB advised that John Philips is working on a risk assessment package which will be available shortly.
JB also advised that risk assessments will be uploaded to QuEMIS in the future. An online audit of
risk assessments is to be completed by TH and Rob J
5.2 On-line training and testing
Nothing new to report
5.3 Safety inspections
Ongoing
5.4 QuEMIS
Ongoing. The new H&S officer will be working on QuEMIS as part of their role.
5.5 Regulators
Ongoing, regulator log is being updated.
5.6 Dewars
Ongoing
5.7 Ladders
Ladder inspection done.
5.8 Fire wardens
In progress
Action: KB and JB to define a job description for role
5.9 First aiders
Done
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6. Specialist Areas
6.1 COSHH
Nothing to report
6.2 Radiation
Nothing to report
6.3 Lasers
Nothing to report
6.4 HF
Nothing to report
6.5 Safety office
JB advised that following the incident in chemistry, Moodle packages in chemical safety have been
developed and should be open for review in the next few weeks.
DSEAR webpages being developed. JB is going to send around for feedback.
7. AOB
Nothing to report
The next meeting will be 16th of June 2016
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