Health and Safety Committee Roles and Responsibilities

Chemical Handling and COSHH

• When ordering new chemicals, a COSHH risk assessment must be submitted with the Department Requisition form.
• Previously assessed chemicals must be indicated as such, with the group COSHH reference number inserted.
• A record of COSHH assessments must be available in every laboratory, and all personnel must be aware of its location and operation.

Radiochemical Safety

• Radiochemical experiments must comply with an approved scheme of work, relating to the ordering, use, and disposal of radiochemicals.
• The scheme of work must be approved by the Department's Radiation Protection Supervisor before ordering radioactive material.
• Training of research personnel in the safe use, storage, and disposal of radiochemicals is the responsibility of the research supervisor.

Manual Handling Operations

• The need to move a load by hand should be minimized, and mechanical aids should be used whenever possible.
• If intending to lift or move bulky or very heavy loads, a risk assessment must be carried out by one of the Department's assessors before the load is lifted or moved.

Fume Cupboards

• Fume cupboards are essential for chemical vapour containment and must be used to handle toxic and noxious chemicals.
• Fume cupboards are inspected and tested annually by the Estates and Facilities Directorate, following consultation with the Department Health and Safety Co-ordinator.

Microbiological Safety Cabinets

• Microbiological Safety Cabinets (MSCs) are classified according to their function.
• Individuals must attend a university training course on the function and safe use of MSCs before using them.
• The Microbiological Safety Cabinets are inspected and tested annually by the Estates and Facilities Directorate.

Laboratory Safety

• The BioScience Department is responsible for the health and safety of laboratories in the Chemistry Building.
• Any infrastructure concerns should be raised with the Chemistry Department H&S Coordinator.

Accident/Incident Reporting

• The Accident/Incident Reporting Officer is responsible for reporting all accidents, fires, and incidents that resulted, or could have resulted, in injury.

Health and Safety Committee

• The Health and Safety Committee advises the Chair and Board of Studies on arrangements to meet statutory obligations for effective planning, organising, control, monitoring, and review of the Department's risk management measures.
• The Committee membership includes the Administration Representative, Technical Representative, Radiation Protection Supervisor, University Biological Safety Adviser, Biological Safety Coordinator, Research Laboratory Representative, and GM Safety Coordinator.

Health and Safety Policy

• The Department health and safety policy outlines arrangements for ensuring effective cooperation between all members of the Department in health and safety matters and promoting such cooperation.
• Strategies and plans for the implementation of the Department health and safety policy are outlined in the policy document.

Health and Safety Inspections

• All parts of the Department are inspected termly by members of the Safety Committee and department staff.
• Staff and students may be questioned about operating procedures, emergency procedures, risk assessments, and COSHH implementation during inspections.
• Deficiencies will be notified to the person responsible for these facilities, and remedial action will be checked within two weeks.
• A report of the inspection is forwarded to the Board of Studies and the University Safety Adviser.