JOB HAZARD INFORMATION
Contents
1.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ............................................................................................................................. 1
FIELDWORK ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.
MANUAL HANDLING....................................................................................................................................... 1
3.
HUMAN TISSUE AND BODY FLUIDS ............................................................................................................. 2
4.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO) .......................................................................................... 3
5.
NOISE >80DbA ................................................................................................................................................. 3
6.
NIGHT WORKING (between 2200hrs and 0600hrs)................................................................................ 4
7.
DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................................... 4
8.
REPETITIVE TASKS ........................................................................................................................................ 4
9.
IONISING/NON-IONISING RADIATION/LASERS/ UV RADIATION ......................................................... 5
Ionising radiation .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Non-ionising radiation and lasers .............................................................................................................. 5
UV radiation.............................................................................................................................................................................5
10.
ASBESTOS AND LEAD ........................................................................................................................ 6
11.
DRIVING ............................................................................................................................................... 6
12.
FOOD HANDLING ............................................................................................................................... 6
13.
SUBSTANCES TO WHICH THE CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH
REGULATIONS (2002)(COSHH) APPLY .......................................................................................... 7
14.
WORKING AT HEIGHT ....................................................................................................................... 7
15.
WORKING WITH SEWAGE, DRAINS, RIVER OR CANAL WATER ................................................ 8
16.
CONFINED SPACES ............................................................................................................................. 8
17.
VIBRATING TOOLS............................................................................................................................. 8
18.
DIVING ................................................................................................................................................. 8
19.
COMPRESSED GASES ......................................................................................................................... 9
20.
SMALL PRINT / COLOUR CODING (ELECTRICAL) ........................................................................ 9
21.
CONTAMINATED SOIL / BIOAEROSOLS ......................................................................................... 9
22.
NANOMATERIALS .............................................................................................................................. 9
23.
STRESS ................................................................................................................................................. 9
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1.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Where there is an identified need for employees to travel out of the UK in the course of their work for
the University, the individual and their Manager must follow the Overseas Travel procedures.
It is recommended that all employees travelling abroad on University Business are up to date with
vaccinations for life in the UK, so that in the event of having to travel on University business at short
notice only specific vaccinations will be required. If there are concerns regarding existing or past
health issues which may be relevant to overseas travel, advice from Occupational Health should be
sought. Please arrange or request a referral to Occupational Health:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
FIELDWORK
All staff involved in or running field trips should consider the effect of any health conditions they have
such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma that may impact their ability to carry out this work safely.
For definitions of Fieldwork, Risk Assessment forms, Health Questionnaires and to see Health & Safety
policy on this please see Health & Safety Fieldwork information.
If you are concerned about the effect of any health condition, on ability to participate in a field trip
safely, please refer to Occupational Health on:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
2.
MANUAL HANDLING
There are roles within the University of Portsmouth that will require, at times, objects, loads or people
to be moved in a safe way. Examples of where this should be considered are; Caretakers, other Estates
workers, some IS workers, technicians and some roles in Marketing. In order to ensure that staff are
able to safely fulfil this part of their role, attendance at manual handling training and updates where
necessary, will be required.
Relevant Legislation
Please see Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992)
Further Guidance
Getting to grips with Manual Handling: A Short Guide
Further information regarding the training available and the dates of future courses can be found on
the Health & Safety training pages
Should there be any health concerns relating to this aspect of a role, e.g. musculo-skeletal problems,
cardiac or eye problems please arrange or request a referral to Occupational Health:
Ext 3187 / occuaptionalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
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3.
HUMAN TISSUE AND BODY FLUIDS
The Department of Health considers various occupational groups to be at increased risk of exposure to
blood-borne viruses (BBV) and recommends immunisation where appropriate. Staff who work with or
who may be exposed to human tissue and or body fluids, should be referred to the Occupational
Health Service to discuss immunisations and vaccinations such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and Tetanus
that may be required or advised due to the risks involved in this work. This may include:
Laboratory workers handling biological material that may be virally contaminated
First Aiders who will be advised of potential health risks on commencement of training and Hepatitis
B vaccination offered routinely.
Hall Porters/Domestic Assistants/Nursery workers whose duties may involve exposure to
body fluids
Healthcare workers/Exposure Prone Procedure (EPP) workers/Administrative staff
with potential exposure to blood borne viruses
All new starters in the Dental Academy will routinely be sent an Occupational Health appointment to
discuss immunisation requirements to ensure compliance with Department of Health clearance
procedures for healthcare workers.
Legislation which may apply:
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (2002)
Management of Health & Safety at Work (MOHASAW) Regulations
Health & Safety at Work Act (HASAW) (1974)
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992)
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (1992)
Further Guidance which may apply:
Working with substances hazardous to health
Biological agents: Managing the risks in labs and healthcare premises
Safe Working and the prevention of infection in clinical labs and similar facilities HSAC
The Management, Design & Operation of microbiological containment labs
BBV in the Workplace; guidance for employers and employees
General Guidance on BBV in the workplace
Further information relating to mainly laboratory and healthcare work
Good hand washing technique
University Guidance is available from:
Health & Safety Office:
Health & Safety Technical Guidance Note on Microbiological Safety in a Non-Laboratory Setting
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Occupational Health Service:
Individuals/managers should refer to the Occupational Health Service where it appears that health is
being affected by this work:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
4.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO)
Relevant Legislation
The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations (2000)
Amended (2005)
Further Guidance
Information and advice on working with/work involving genetically modified organisms
Should there be any health concerns regarding working with the above, please request or arrange a
referral to Occupational Health:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
5.
NOISE >80DbA
This decibel level (>80DbA) is slightly louder than the noise of a vacuum cleaner. If you think there is a
possibility you or your workforce are being exposed to noise at this level please contact the Health &
Safety team (see below) to arrange for a noise survey to be carried out.
Relevant Legislation
Control of Noise at Work Regs (2005)
Further Guidance
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm
Managers should refer individuals to the Occupational Health Service where the need for Health
Surveillance under the above Regulations has been identified.
Any concerns individuals have should be discussed with management and any health related issues
reported to the Occupational Health Service for further advice or guidance. Individuals should
consider whether they have had any problems with their ear canals or any history of noise induced
hearing problems such as tinnitus. Appropriate hearing protection should be worn in any identified
areas.
Managers should also identify whether their area of work would be considered for hearing
conservation under a lower action level.
The Health & Safety team can be contacted directly for further information and advice.
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
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6.
NIGHT WORKING (between 2200hrs and 0600hrs)
There are health considerations for people classed as night workers.
Where employees are identified as night workers as new starters a health assessment will be offered
(usually a questionnaire) before night work commences and on a regular basis thereafter (usually
annually). Managers should refer individuals to Occupational Health where job roles change to include
night working.
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
7.
DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT
Relevant Legislation
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 ( Revised 2002)
Further Guidance
All DSE users should complete, as part of their induction, the on-line training “Britsafe” available via
Health and Safety, who can also be contacted for advice re eye sight testing
For good working practice information see the DSE leaflets on the Occupational Health webpages.
The above recommendations also apply to those DSE workers who access computers from home,
either permanently or on a temporary basis, as part of their work.
Where health conditions may affect or be affected by DSE use a referral should be requested or
arranged to Occupational Health:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
All other issues concerning DSE use should be dealt with by either Management or Health & Safety as
appropriate.
8.
REPETITIVE TASKS
See link: NHS Choices - Repetitive Strain Injury information
Any repetitive tasks such as regular use of a pipette in the laboratory, sensitisation of books in the
Library, mouse and keyboard work in DSE users etc. can give rise to musculo-skeletal problems.
Previous history of upper limb disorders or pain affecting any part of the body involved in the
repetitive task can highlight the need for adjustments/additional equipment to reduce the
stress/strain and prevent problems developing or worsening.
Please see guidance for employees and employers from the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM)
Occupational Health can be contacted for advice, functional assessments and monitoring via referral
from management:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
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9.
IONISING/NON-IONISING RADIATION/LASERS/ UV RADIATION
Ionising radiation
Relevant Legislation
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
Further Guidance
Please see the Health & Safety office web pages for information on University procedures for working
with ionising radiation. These contain information and guidance for those working in the School of
Biological Sciences and a list of relevant staff contacts including the Radiation Protection Officer.
The Health & Safety team can also be contacted for further support and guidance
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) also has information on ionising radiation
This includes the main legal requirements enforced by them i.e. Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
and the Approved Code of Practice & Guidance. Where there is a requirement for staff to wear
individual dose-meter badges all readings should be routinely copied to Occupational Health for
recording.
Managers are advised to refer to Occupational Health should they consider health surveillance to be
required:
Ext 3187, occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk Occupational Health Referral Information
Non-ionising radiation and lasers
Information, guidance and advice for workers is available from Health & Safety on Non-ionising
radiation and lasers.
The Health & Safety team can also be contacted for further support and guidance.
The HSE also has information on non-ionising radiation.
If there are health concerns regarding working with radiation these should be discussed with
management and a referral made to the Occupational Health Service:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
UV radiation
If there is a requirement for work to be carried out outdoors the effects of exposure to the sun or
ultraviolet radiation should be considered. Please see the following recommendations for employees
from the Health & Safety Executive:
Keep your top on – Health risks from working in the sun
and for employers:
Sun Protection – Advice for employers of outdoor workers
It is also recommended that all staff with any skin changes or moles that they are concerned about see
their GP for assessment or attend an appointment in one of the Occupational Health run Specialist
Dermatology Nurse clinics. These clinics are usually held two or three times a year and notification of
these will be sent out via all staff email. Please contact Occupational Health for more information if
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required:
Ext 3187/ occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
10.
ASBESTOS AND LEAD
There is a specialist advice and legislation pertaining to working with either asbestos or lead:
HSE re asbestos
HSE re lead
University of Portsmouth Health & Safety Office re Asbestos
If contact with either of the above is likely or where there is concern regarding an exposure incident
please either request or arrange for a referral to the Occupational Health Service:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
The Health & Safety office should be advised of all exposure incidents Accident Report (HS1 form)
11.
DRIVING
There are job roles within the University which require staff to drive either a van, mini-bus, bus or a
pedestrian/fork lift truck.
In order to comply with current DVLA legislation and/or the University’s insurance policy, Health &
Safety policy and Occupational Health procedures, staff will be required to attend the Occupational
Health Service for a driver’s health assessment to assess fitness regarding driving a vehicle on
University business
Where driving is identified as part of a new starters role, Occupational Health will routinely send an
appointment for health assessment.
In addition, if a member of staff will be driving mini-buses, they will also be required to undertake a
practical driving assessment which can be arranged by contacting the Transport & Mobility Coordinator on Ext 2805 / transport.bookings@port.ac.uk
If any questions arise regarding the above information or about any aspect of a member of staff’s
health in relation to their driving role, please contact the Occupational Health Service:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
12.
FOOD HANDLING
Some staff roles within the University of Portsmouth involve working with food and its preparation and
those involved should be aware of effective hand washing technique
Should staff become unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting further guidance for employees and
employers is available.
In order to comply with the Department of Health’s recommendations regarding food handlers all staff
will be screened by Occupational Health on commencement of employment. It is important that staff
advise their manager and a referral to Occupational Health to be made where there are concerns
about fitness to carry out this type of work e.g. if returning from holiday with gastric problems or
during an acute exacerbation of dermatitis affecting the hands etc.
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
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13. SUBSTANCES TO WHICH THE CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO
HEALTH REGULATIONS (2002)(COSHH) APPLY
Where the COSHH Regulations has been identified as pertaining to work, management are required to
inform Occupational Health if health surveillance is likely to be required so that appropriate
arrangements can be made. These Regulations apply to staff working with identified substances e.g.
dusts, fumes or chemicals.
Respiratory or skin irritation or sensitisation (such as asthma, eczema or dermatitis) may occur if the
correct controls have not been put into place before working with these substances.
Further information can be obtained by visiting the COSHH section of the Health & Safety
Department’s web pages
Additional guidance is available by visiting the HSE website
Working with substances hazardous to health - What you need to know about COSHH
Occupational Health should be advised of any allergies, chest problems or skin conditions which may
be affected by working with substances. This could include rhinitis, hay fever, asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, repeated chest infections, shortness of breath, dermatitis, eczema etc.
All staff working in Bioresources or the Dental Academy will routinely be seen by Occupational Health
on starting work for base line tests and to ascertain immunisation status where appropriate.
Existing staff whose work may evolve to include exposure to COSHH substances, including Laboratory
Animal Allergens (LAAs), should be referred to OH if management risk assess that health surveillance is
required.
Referral should be made to Occupational Health if health concerns or medical conditions are identified
which may affect an individual’s work with COSHH substances or where an exposure incident has
occurred:
Ext
3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
The Health & Safety office should be advised of all exposure incidents under COSHH via the Accident
Report (HS1 form)
14.
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Relevant legislation
The Work at Height Regulations 2005
Further guidance
Falls from height in the workplace
Health & Safety web pages
Information on risk assessment and to book working at height training
If there are any concerns regarding health issues which may affect the above, please request/arrange
referral to Occupational Health:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
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15.
WORKING WITH SEWAGE, DRAINS, RIVER OR CANAL WATER
Where staff are identified as working with the above e.g. plumbers, maintenance staff and some
researchers in the Science and Technology faculties, an appointment will be required with
Occupational Health to discuss any appropriate precautions and necessary vaccinations such as
Hepatitis A/B and/or Tetanus.
Further Guidance
For information on Leptospirosis please see NHS re Leptospirosis and HSE web pages
For further information please see
Working with Sewage: The health hazards- A guide for employers
Working with sewage: The health hazards - A guide for employees
Good hand washing technique
If there are any concerns with regard to working with the above please request/arrange referral to
Occupational Health:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
16.
CONFINED SPACES
Relevant legislation and guidance can be found at:
Confined Spaces Regulations (1997)
Referral should be made to Occupational Health should there be any concerns about working in
confined spaces:
Ext 3187, occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
17.
VIBRATING TOOLS
Relevant legislation
Control of Vibrations at Work Regulations (2005)
Further Guidance
HSE
If monitoring shows possible health effects from working with the above a referral to Occupational
Health should be requested/arranged:
Ext 3187, occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
18.
DIVING
Relevant legislation
Diving at Work Regulations (1997)
Further Guidance
HSE re diving
8
If there are any concerns regarding health effects with regard to the above please request/arrange
referral to Occupational Health: Ext 3187, occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health
Referral Information
19.
COMPRESSED GASES
For relevant legislation and guidance please see information available from Health & Safety
If there are any concerns with regard to working with the above:
Ext 3187 / occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
20.
SMALL PRINT / COLOUR CODING (ELECTRICAL)
Should there be a requirement for individuals to work with particularly small print or colour coding and
there are concerns about an individual’s eyesight or colour vision with regard to this, then referral
should be made to Occupational Health:
Ext 3187 occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
21.
CONTAMINATED SOIL / BIOAEROSOLS
Some technicians within the Science and Technology Faculties may be exposed to hazards from
working with soil, manure or compost. These workers should ensure they are vaccinated against
Tetanus and take adequate precautions against other associated risks.
Further Guidance
Please see advice from:
The Royal Horticultural Society
To arrange vaccination and to discuss any health concerns with regard to the above please
request/arrange referral to Occupational Health: Ext 3187 occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk /
Occupational Health Referral Information
22.
NANOMATERIALS
It is recommended that a record is kept of all work activity for identified workers. No specific health
surveillance is currently required but may be under other legislation such as COSHH Regulations.
Further Guidance
The UK NanoSafety Partnership Group:
Working Safety with Nanomaterials in Research & Development
Referral should be made to Occupational Health where appropriate:
Ext 3187 occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
23.
STRESS
Stress at work
All Managers should be familiar with the Health & Safety Executive Management Standards for Stress.
Information can be found on this at:
HSE re stress
These standards will assist in gauging whether poor work design has the potential to contribute to
stress related illness.
9
Where there is a possibility that work is causing undue stress, it may be helpful to complete a
Workplace Stress Risk Assessment in order to identify the sources and causes of this. Guidance is also
provided on control measures which may help remedy the situation.
For information on stress and mental health issues specifically in relation to work, please see:
ACAS leaflet
and
British Occupational Health Research Foundation
The University has signed up to the Mindful Employer Charter for Employers who are positive about
mental health. Guides on mental health at work are available:
Keeping Well at Work (a practical guide for staff experiencing stress, anxiety or depression)
Mindful Employer: Line Manager’s Resource (a practical guide to supporting staff with a mental health
condition)
Training for Managers
From July 2014 regular Management Information Briefings will be run by the Occupational Health
team on Managing Stress in the Workplace. Please see the MSD Calendar for further information and
to book.
Personal Stress
Further information on dealing with personal stress is available.
Stress the Positive
This training event, run monthly by the Occupational Health Team, is available to all staff. It aims to
increase awareness of personal wellbeing, identify when stress may be an issue and encourage learned
coping strategies.
Please see our web pages or phone ext 3187 for more information.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Free, confidential support including on-line, telephone or face to face counselling is available from the
University’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP – Right Management) 24 hours a day:
Tel 0800 116 387
http://wellness.rightmanagement.co.uk/login Username UPuser (case sensitive)
Referral to the Occupational Health Service should be considered where it appears that health is being
affected by stress or other mental health conditions, whether or not work related. Referral should also
be made where health is impacting on an individual’s ability to do their job:
occupationalhealth@port.ac.uk / Occupational Health Referral Information
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