Health and Safety Committee Meeting
Tuesday 24th September 2013
Chair: Roger Buckle [RB]
Minutes: Rachel Harrington [RH]
Committee: Robin Ball [HoD], Julie Brannon [JB], Bob Bridgland [BB], Sue Burrows [SB], Jeanette
Chattaway [JC], Bob Day [RD], Robert Johnston [RJ], Mohammed Saghir [MS], David Walker [DW],
Steve York [SY]
Apologies: Jon Duffy [JD]
1. Minutes of the meeting of 2nd July 2013
The minutes from the last meeting were approved
2. Review of actions from the last meeting [2nd July 2013]
1.1 Delegated responsibility
The committee agreed that a named person(s) responsible for health and safety in their own
lab/office is important and should be pursued further. If this is launched in Physics, JB will also
issue guidance information.
Action – JB to speak to Caroline Farren in Engineering regarding pursuing this in Physics
1.2 Radiation orders on Opera
The procedure for radiation orders on Opera is as follows. When JD is alerted to an opera order
for radiation, he should inform Mike Smith before the order goes through.
1.3 Online testing
RB reported the online testing is working well and has a meeting with IT Services this week
regarding the tracking of online tests and results.
Action – RB to follow up the feedback and analysis of results online
5.1 Audit and trial filtering for hazardous materials
JB carried out an audit of 21 physics opera orders. Of these, 10 were identified as hazardous,
while the rest went straight through the system without being identified, although a number
were low risk. It was reported that although Opera is compliant with health and safety
guidelines, there needs to be a more effective system of managing the orders. The system of
identifying hazards on Opera is an issue, as the option to change the hazard level is not clear
and can be easily missed.
Action – JB to compile a briefing pack with clear guidance on how to identify hazardous
materials and the correct ordering procedure.
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It was noted that staff and students (especially new starters) should be reminded at least
annually about the procedure for ordering hazardous materials on Opera.
Action – SB to mention the procedure for ordering hazardous materials on Opera in the
Chemicals presentation for new starters.
6.1 Hoist in Millburn House
JC reported the hoist has been installed and is working well.
Action – JC to email Richard Howard to register the hoist for testing on estates annual
maintenance list.
6.2 Lab fire doors
The lab fire doors are working better although one of the doors is stiff and should be kept an
eye on.
3. Chair’s business
3.1 Accidents/Incidents
One accident reported – John Halpin was cutting microscopy slides and something accidentally
hit his face, although no injuries were reported. In addition, an incident was reported from a
vacation project student (undergraduate) who was concerned about laser exposure through
their work. It was concluded that the student was not completely familiar with the equipment
and were being overcautious as a result.
The committee are concerned about whether vacation project students are adequately
prepared and trained in health and safety for their work. It was suggested that the students
should receive a health and safety briefing before the summer vacation, similar to that received
by 3rd and 4th year project students. There were also concerns raised about students working
alone and unsupervised.
Action – RB to follow these two issues up
3.2 Changes to H&S management
It is suspected that the DSO role (Department Safety Officer) will disappear, with academics
taking responsibility for the health and safety of their research groups in their own work areas,
and reporting any problems to the department chair. The health and safety committee will
continue. RB is keen to have a health and safety representative at the science faculty meeting in
future.
4 Items
4.1 Online testing
A number of tests are now available online with more to follow soon. The website also requires
further modification to create a website similar to the old site. This is on-going and will be
followed up by RB, RH and IT Services.
4.2 Open days/public events
RB reported that he conducts risk assessments for open days, public events and outreach.
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4.3 Lab rules
As part of the hazard mapping exercise, JB has created a lab rules notice which should be
placed outside every lab or space containing hazardous materials. This provides information on
fire risk information, gas cylinders, chemicals etc. in case of an emergency and for information
for the fire brigade, visitors and security.
5
Specialist areas
5.1 COSHH
The HF workstation is installed and is working well. Several new research groups have joined
the department, specialising in Biosciences. It was recommended that there should be
representation from these research areas on the committee, e.g. Vasily Kantsler.
5.2 Radiation
An inspection took place recently by the Environment Agency. Mike Smith has a number of
points to discuss with JD as a result.
5.3 Lasers – A number of lasers have been installed at Millburn House recently and are in the
process of being tested.
5.4 Safety Department
Nothing to report
6
AOB
6.1 Roof permits
SB raised the issue of accessing the roof safely. BB is to start issuing roof permits for specific
times or dates to anyone who requests them.
6.2 Mechanical workshop
Lone workers require guidance on what equipment and machinery can be used safely.
Action – RB to draft this out for approval
6.3 Yard signage
A new no smoking sign is required for the hydrogen tank in the yard as the old sign is no longer
readable.
Action – JB to send information on signage to RB
The next meeting is on Tuesday 10th December, 10-11am in MAS 2.04/2.05
Signed ___________________________________________________________
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Roger Buckle, DHSA