copyright © the school of applied sciences the robert gordon university important please note that...

Copyright © The School of Applied Sciences The Robert Gordon University

Important

Please note that the Safety Passport should only beused as an introduction to the Health and Safety processes and procedures that are currently in place within the Robert Gordon University.

Staff and Students must also complete all relevantlaboratory induction programmes within eachSchool.


Role of the Supervisor


2/1Role of the Supervisor



Of all the people in the Health and Safety managementchain the one with the most important role is the Supervisor.

Supervisors are themselves normally well versed in the activities being carried out. This makes it even more disappointing whenthey do not realise their responsibilities.

When dealing with health and safety issues common sense is nosubstitute for well thought out safe working practices.

Management with help from safety advisors and specialistslay down a heath and safety policy.

It then falls to the Supervisor to implement this policy.





To implement a health and safety policy supervisors must ACT

A - ADVISE Specify the approved working practices.

C - COMMUNICATE Ensure the procedures involved are known tothose under their supervision.

T - TRAIN Make sure individuals know how tofollow the required procedures

Then as their title implies they must SUPERVISE





It is also vital that rules are not being seen to be brokenby those people entrusted to enforce them - Supervisors

“This is a waste of time I could be getting on with my own work” - a common cry from Supervisors

But if they become involved in a prosecution / litigation as theresult of an accident, to someone under their supervision thetime spent dealing with this far outweighs the time that shouldhave been spent on supervision.



Accidents:Causes and Examples

2/5Accidents:

Causes and Examples


Accidents

What is an Accident ?

It is an unplanned and uncontrolled event whichcould, or has, led to people being injured, damageto plant or other loss.

Accidents are not mysterious events.

There is always a reason for them and they can be prevented.

We can plan and control activities in the workplaceto ensure accidents do not occur.

2/6Accidents:

Causes and Examples


Accidents

Accidents can be seen as being affected by 3 factors:

Equipment and Materials

Environment

People

2/7Accidents:

Causes and Examples


Accidents

Endless research has been carried out, using data gathered from submitted accident reports, to seehow accidents can be prevented.

From this it was noted that for every 330 reported accidents:

1 results in a major injury

29 result in a minor injury

300 result in no injury.

Bird’s Research

2/8Accidents:

Causes and Examples


Accidents“A porter cut his hand on a broken pipette which wasin a waste bag”

“Toe was broken when gas cylinder fell on it”

“Strained stomach muscles when lifting photocopier”

“A small quantity of ether was stored in a refrigeratorcausing an explosion. The refrigerator had not beenmodified to remove sources of ignition”

“Explosion in a fumecupboard occurred when a studentwas subliming tetrazole at atmospheric pressure.His supervisor had failed to check chemical properties,method or quantity”

“2 molar solution of caustic soda solution splashed intothe eyes of a student whilst removing a stuck stopper.Safety specs were provided but the lecturer in charge ofthe lab had told students it was not necessary to wearthem”

2/9Accidents:

Causes and Examples


Accidents

Summary

Accidents are caused they don’t just happen.

We can take actions to prevent accidents.

Negative attitudes towards health and safety and not followinglaid down systems, rules and procedures may lead to accidents.

The University must report accidents that stop a personworking for 3 days or more to the enforcement agencies.

Some accidents and work related diseases must be reportedimmediately.

2/10Accidents:

Causes and Examples


Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse- R.G.U. Policy

2/11 Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse

- R.G.U. Policy


Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse

People under the influenceof alcohol or drugs at workare not only a hazard tothemselves but also to thosepeople who work with them.

Universities now regard drug abuse and alcoholismas a health problem and encourage Staff and Students withsuch problems to seek help and advice.

Warnings associated with prescribed drugs and drugsbought over the counter must be heeded as these canoften lead to lethargy and drowsiness.

2/12Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse

- R.G.U. Policy



Alcohol and Drugs related problems

It is the aim of the University to provide support, encouragement and assistance to employees or students who suspect or know that they may have an alcohol or drugs-related problem.

Further advice is available, in confidence, from the Human Resources Department and Student Health Services.

Smoking

A No Smoking Policy is in force in all non-residential buildings of the University.


- R.G.U. Policy



In common with all employers RGU is committed toa rigid policy on smoking, alcohol and drug abuse.

But within this policy there is a built in procedureto help staff and students, whose activities are beingadversely effected by such abuse, recognise that there isa problem and to offer counselling.

If after such an offer the problem still exists there isthen a series of disciplinary steps to go through.

If these steps are then ignored the ultimate penalties ofdismissal or expulsion are brought in to play.


- R.G.U. Policy


Reporting of Accidents

2/15Reporting of Accidents




RIDDOR ‘95

This is the abbreviation for the Reporting of injuries,Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995

RIDDOR ‘95 requires the reporting of work-related accidents,diseases and dangerous occurrences. It applies to all workactivities, but not to all incidents.

Reporting of accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement.

The information obtained allows the enforcing authoritiesto identify where and how risks arise.

Advice can then be given on preventative action to help reduceinjury, ill health and accidental loss.




What needs to be reported:

Death or major injury:

If there is an accident on University premises and a member of Staff, Student, Visitor or Contracted Workeris killed or suffers a major injury and is taken to hospitalthe enforcing authority (H.S.E.) must be notified, by telephone,without delay.

When contacted the H.S.E. will ask for brief, concisedetails regarding the injured person and the accident.

This initial contact must the be followed up, within ten days,with a completed accident form.




Reportable major injuries:

Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes. Amputation. Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine. Loss of sight (temporary or permanent) Chemical or hot metal burn to the eye. Any penetrating injury to the eye. Injury from an electric shock or electrical burn. Any injury leading to unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation. Unconsciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to harmful substance or biological agent. Acute illness requiring medical treatment, or loss of consciousness arising from absorption of any substance by inhalation. Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this has resulted from exposure to a biological agent or its toxins or infected material




Over-three-day injury:

An over-three-day injury is one which is not deemed majorbut results in the person being away from work or unable todo their normal work for more than three days.

If there is an accident on University premises and a member of Staff, Student, Visitor or Contracted Workersuffers an over-three-day injury a completed accident formmust be sent to the enforcing authority within ten days.

Disease:

If a doctor notifies the University that a person, who hadbeen carrying out work activities on University premises, is suffering from a reportable work-related disease a completeddiseases report form must be sent to the enforcing authority.




Reportable diseases include:

Certain poisonings. Some skin diseases such as occupational dermatitis, skin cancer, chrome ulcer, oil folliculitis / acne. Lung diseases including occupational asthma, farmers lung, pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma. Infections such as leptospirosis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, anthrax, legionellosis and tetanus. Other conditions such as occupational cancer, certain musculoskeletal disorders, decompression illness and hand-arm vibration syndrome.




Dangerous Occurrence:

If something happens which does not result in areportable injury, but which clearly could have done,then it may a dangerous occurrence which must be reportedimmediately to the enforcing authority.

Within ten days this must be followed up with a completedaccident report form.

Reportable Dangerous Occurrences:

These are far to numerous to list.

Again from the description given all such occurrences mustbe reported so as ensure all risk is eliminated and theoccurrence does not happen again




Keeping records:

Records must be kept of any reportable injury, disease ordangerous occurrence.

The record must include:

• the date and method of reporting• the date, time and place of the event.• personal details of those involved• a brief description of the nature of the event or disease.

The record can be kept in any format:

• Filed report forms• Computer database• Hand-written log




Summary

RIDDOR requires that all notifiable incidents are reported to the H.S.E.

If an incident occurs and a person involved in that incidentis required, after being given first aid as felt appropriate,to go to hospital H.S.E. must be informed straight away.

HSE Incident Contact Centre : 0845 3009923

Only after contact with the HSE should the R.G.U.Health and Safety Office be informed.

RGU Health and Safety Office : 01224 262088

In all cases, whether it is a reportable injury, reportable diseaseor a dangerous occurrence an R.G.U. Incident Form must becompleted and forwarded appropriately.


Risk Assessment

2/24Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Hazard:

A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. This can include substances ormachinery, methods of work and other aspectsof work organisation.

Risk:

Risk expresses the likelihood that the harm froma particular hazard is realised

2/25Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

H.S.E. Booklet available, free of charge, outliningthe recognised Five Steps to Risk Assessment

Covers all aspects of Risk Assessmentfor all activities likely to be carried out

on University premises or whilst carryingUniversity work.

2/26Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Five Steps to Risk Assessment

Step 1 : Look for the hazards.

Step 2 : Decide who might be harmed and how.

Step 3 : Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done.

Step 4 : Record your findings.

Step 5 : Review your assessment and revise if necessary.

2/27Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Step 1 - Look for the hazards

Look around the workplace and decide whatcould be reasonably expected to cause harm.

Concentrate on significant hazards - those whichcould cause serious harm - those which could affect several people.

Ask others what they think -especially those who use that workplace.

Refer to manufacturers’ operating instructions,safety data sheets, accident reports and ill-healthrecords.

2/28Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Step 2 - Decide who might be harmed

• Students, Staff, Support Staff

• Cleaners, visitors, contractors etc.

• People who share your workplace but are not involved in the same activity.

2/29Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Step 3 - Evaluate the risks - are existing controls adequate ? - should more be done ?

Consider how likely it is that each hazard couldcause harm.

Categorise the hazards as high, medium or low.

Are all legal requirements being met with regardsto PPE, Machine Guards etc. ?

If not is everything reasonably practicable being done to keep the workplace safe.

The aim is to make all risks small.

2/30Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Step 3 contd.

If something needs done draw up an action list.

Make a priorities list aimed at those risks deemedhigh and those which will affect most people.

Can the hazard be removed altogether ?

If not can the risk be controlled so that harm is unlikely.

Controlling the risk

• Try a less risky option• Prevent access to the hazard.• Organise tasks to avoid exposure to the hazard• Issue appropriate PPE• Provide welfare facilities

2/31Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Step 4 - Record your findings

If five or more people are employed the significantfindings of the risk assessment must be recorded.

All people affected must be informed of the findings

Risk Assessments must be suitable and sufficient.

It must be shown that:

• a suitable check was made

• you asked who might be affected

• the obvious significant hazards were dealt with

• precautions taken are reasonable and the remaining risk is low.

2/32Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Step 5 - Review and revise

At some time new equipment and new workprocedures will be introduced which could leadto new hazards being introduced to the workplace.

If changes are significant, or completely new, complete a new risk assessment.

It should be standard practice to review all riskassessments from time to time to ensure thatprecautions put in place are working effectively.

2/33Risk Assessment


Identify Hazards

Can hazardsbe removed?

Estimate/Evaluateconsequence of use

Is consequenceand risk

acceptable?

Review periodically

Introducecontrol measures

Has newhazard been

created?

Stop Assessment

Estimate/Evaluaterisk of use

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Risk Assessment

2/34Risk Assessment

Copyright© The School of Applied Sciences The Robert Gordon University


Risk Assessment

R.G.U. Policy

There is a requirement for all staff to perform suitable riskassessments for all activities being carried out onUniversity premises as well as for those being carriedout outwith University premises ( field trips, industrialvisits etc.)

Responsibility for the completion of these risk assessmentslies with Line Managers, Laboratory Supervisors andResearch Supervisors.

The procedures to be followed are as laid down on theprevious slides (5 Steps to Risk Assessment)

From these Consequence, Probability and Risk canbe calculated.

2/35Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Consequence

There is now a requirement to quantify the harm which could occur due to the hazards identified. The guidelines given are as follows.

Fatal = 3 Fatality / Loss Time Injury (LTI). Extensive asset damage. HSE involvement probable.

Major = 2 Medical Treatment Case (MTC). Asset damage > £10K. Dealt with by local HSO.

Minor = 1 First Aid Case. Asset damage <£10K. Dealt with by School Line Manager.

Probability

Required now to quantify the probability of the identified hazards causing harm.The guidelines are as follows.

Likely / Probable = 3 Likely / probable something will happen.

Possible = 2 Could be expected to happen occasionally

Unlikely = 1 Almost never happen

2/36Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

R.G.U. Policy

Risk

Now for each hazard identified need to quantify the risk by:

Consequence x Probability = Risk

Likely / Probable Possible Unlikely (x3) (x2) (x1)

Fatal (x3) 9 6 3Major (x2) 6 4 2Minor (x1) 3 2 1

High Risk = 6 to 9 Medium Risk = 4 Low Risk = 1 to 3

Action

High Risk - Avoid if possible. Task must not begin. Further analysis required. Discuss with Line Manager

Medium Risk - Task may begin provided all control measures are in place. However close supervision may be required to ensure compliance with controls.

Low Risk - Acceptable risk providing all controls are in place.

2/37Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Codes of Practiceand

Standard Operating Procedures

These can be used to help standardise the risk assessment process

Inexperienced people may perceive an activityor piece of equipment to be extremely hazardouswhereas in reality if carried out properly or used in the correct prescribed manner, are in fact perfectly safe.

By getting experienced workers / practitioners to put downcorrect operating procedures and processes. By getting them tolist all risks and hazards and how these can be minimised andthen deeming these to be the approved standard for that particularworkplace can only be of benefit to he risk assessment process.

2/38Risk Assessment


Risk Assessment

Codes of Practiceand

Standard Operating Procedures

Standard Operating Procedures can be produced for specialistequipment such as centrifuges and autoclaves.

Codes of Practices can be produced for general activities suchworking in a general chemistry laboratory or using a cold store.

These could be accessed by all either by use of hard copy or on the internet for example.

A standard risk assessment form should still be used but theCOP and SOP eliminates any discrepancy and ensures correctpractice when planned activities are put into operation.

2/39Risk Assessment


Personal Protective Equipment

2/40Personal Protective Equipment



For some activities Staff and Students have to wear specialclothing and equipment to protect them from workplacehazards. This is known as PPE.

PPE is the last item to be suggested in the need for controlmeasures and should only be used as a last resort once allother means of hazard control have been exhausted.

PPE be relevant and sufficient for the activity being undertaken

Examples of types of PPE

Goggles and face screens to protect eyes and face Helmets to protect head Hearing defenders to protect against damage to hearing Safety shoes to protect feet and prevent slipping Face masks to protect against airborne particles Laboratory Coats




PPE will only provide protection if it is used and used properly

As well as the University’s legal requirement to provide PPE( safety specs, face masks, gloves)there is also a requirement to ensure that it is being used in a proper manner.

Disciplinary measures can be used if employees are foundnot to be using PPE when instructed to do so.

Legal Duty

Staff and Students have a legal duty to wear PPE if it:

• is suitable protection against the risk for which it is supplied• is cleaned and maintained properly• is replaced when worn and broken• is stored correctly• fits properly




Care and storage of PPE

• PPE must be kept clean and in good repair• Manufacturers recommended replacement time scales must be followed.• Replacements must be readily available• PPE must be stored in a clean dry and well ventilated place.

PPE must be made available to all visitors who have toenter hazardous areas.

Summary

PPE must only be used as a last resort. The University will provide certain articles of PPE.The University has a legal obligation to ensure PPE is used correctly. Staff and Students have a legal obligation to wear provided PPE. PPE must be kept clean and in good repair.



First Aid

2/44First Aid


First Aid

The University whilst doing all that is reasonably practicableto avoid accidents in the workplace must still be preparedfor them if they happen.

This is all part of good health and safety practice.

First Aid - RGU Policy

If a member of Staff of RGU, who is a certified First Aidpractitioner, is required to administer First Aid to someonethey are only required to:

• ensure the person is comfortable and not in distress• carry out only procedures shown to them on the ascribed RGU First Aid course.• use their own judgement as to what plan of action should be taken.• not hesitate in the slightest if he or she feels an ambulance should be called for - let the professional people take over.

2/45First Aid


First Aid

First Aid Provision

To comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid)Regulations 1981, the University has to make surethat they are prepared for an accident or emergency.

The cover required depends on the number of peopleemployed and the type of work they are involved in.

Low Risk Occupations

Work in offices and shops are deemed low risk. Inthese occupations there is no legal requirement fora trained first-aider unless there are more than 150employees. Despite this there should always be someonewho can take responsibility if an accident occurs or someone takes ill. This appointed person will have relevantphone numbers (doctor and or ambulance service) to ensuremedical assistance can be sought.

2/46First Aid


First Aid

High Risk Occupations

These are deemed to be in factories, building sites,hospitals, research labs, .............

Here if there are more than 50 employees there must be an appropriately trained first-aider.

If these high risk occupations involve the use chemicals andhazardous substances first-aiders will require more specialisttraining.

First Aid Kits

There is a minimum a first aid kit should include:

Individually wrapped plasters Sterile eye pads Triangular bandages Sterile dressings of various sizes Safety pins Sterile water It must not contain tablets or medicines !

2/47First Aid


Summary

The University has a legal duty to provide for an accident

or emergency.

The level of First Aid cover may include:

Trained first-aiders

Specialist trained first-aiders

Appointed persons

First Aid room

First Aid kits

Specific First Aid items

The location of First Aid boxes as well as individualfirst-aiders must notified to all Staff and Students.

2/48First Aid


First AidNotices such as this give name and contact details of RGU accredited First Aiders.

2/49First Aid

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