HSC 3-12 (13-14)
[Health and Safety Committee, 15 July 2014]
Item 9
Flammable Gases Audit
Summary: recommendations and a proposed UCL Standard
Action proposed to the Committee: approve the proposals in this document
Author/Proponent: Steve Tidmarsh
Background:
Flammable Gases Audit Executive Summary
An audit of how UCL departments manage their use of flammable gases was conducted using a
number of departments selected as the result of earlier management systems reviews.
Failure to manage flammable gases could result in formation and detonation of an explosive
atmosphere with the potential for loss of life, destruction of property and reputational damage that
could be associated. There is also the risk that an enforcing agency could use failure to comply
with the DSEAR regulations as evidence that UCL and its departments are in breach of Section
2.2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) which would result in enforcement action.
It was found that of the departments inspected only one was managing its use of flammable
gases in a way that was not in breach of regulations, a second department had the physical
equipment and infrastructure, but had not trained or instructed their staff in the necessary
procedures so they were working in breach of regulations. Recommendations have been made to
the departments involved.
Proposals:
Flammable Gases Strategic Action Plan
As a result of analysing the recommendations to departments, a number of key improvements to
the management of work with flammable gases at UCL are required to bring UCL departments to
legal compliance. These have been formulated into a strategic action plan. The proposed
changes are designed to improve UCL compliance with regulatory requirements but also to
provide better overarching management control of the procedures and systems required for safe
working with flammable gases at UCL.
A number of requirements are proposed in Annex 1.
The proposals and improvements will put UCL in a much stronger position with respect both to
legislative requirements and overall management control. Safety Services will monitor the
implementation of the action plan and report back to the Health and Safety Committee.
Steve Tidmarsh, Safety Adviser
4 July 2014
ANNEX 1
Strategic Action Plan – Flammable Gases
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Recommendation
Each department using flammable gases must appoint a person to be responsible for
the management of flammable gases. This person must ensure that the use of
flammable gases is covered by risk assessment, that the people carrying out the work
are competent (as below) and that the area the gas is to be used in is suitable.
Procurement Services, with the advice of Safety Services should review the UCL BOC
contract to make it explicit what services are agreed and how UCL departments can
access the services
UCL to adopt a standard ‘safe to connect form’ that departments must complete,
stating that risk assessment has been completed and signed by an authoriser where
cylinders are to be connected.
BOC to only deliver or connect cylinders of flammable gases where a ‘safe to connect
form’ has been completed.
A risk assessment for the use of the flammable gas must be in place before any the
purchase of any flammable gas ordered. This must take into account the area and
other substances / sources of ignition in the area.
The responsible person must maintain an inventory of the flammable gases held and
their location.
Persons using flammable gases must be competent to do so and have received
training and instruction. This must be recorded, even if the training is given at the
bench.
The cylinders must be stored in an area which has good ventilation, away from any
sources of ignition and have appropriate signage. If it is not possible to store cylinders
away from sources of ignition appropriate enclosures must be used.
Responsibility
UCL Heads of
Department
Date
Sept 14
Procurement
Services
Sept 14
UCL Departments
Sept 14
BOC
Sept 14
UCL Departments
Sept 14
UCL Departments –
Appointed person
UCL Departments
Sept 14
UCL Departments
Where explosive atmospheres might occur, sensors and alarms must be fitted and
appropriate signs and instructions posted.
Where it is foreseeable that an explosive atmosphere could occur, the area must be
appropriately zoned (in accordance to DSEAR) and only equipment rated for the
specific zone may be used in that area.
UCL Departments
Immediate for all new
installations, within 12
months for existing
installations where
enclosures are required
unless exceptional
circumstances
Dec 14
UCL Departments
Sept 14
Immediate for all new
installations, within 12
months for existing
installations
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12
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14
Recommendations for BOC and UCL cooperation.
Reports of annual regulator inspections by BOC to be provided to the department concerned and to the UCL contract manager.
Training in the safe use of gases (including flammable gases) should be requested by departments from BOC where a need has been identified.
BOC should provide safety data sheets to departments.
Departments should display Safety data sheets at point of use or storage.