Health and Safety Update 7 April 2011

Health and Safety Update7 April 2011John Sutherland; Sarah Watson; Ann Hallam

Colin Rowe; Martin Dellar/David Chambers-Asman; Pam Thompson

Exhibitors

ARCO & ARC AssociatesPPE, work wear and equipmentTraining services

PosturiteErgonomic equipment of workstations

SciQuestChemical Inventory ManagementSSO Update April 2011H&S Themes/PlansDSE eye testsFirst Aid Changes RoofworkWellbeing at WorkPersonal Emergency Evacuation Plans Placements - revised guidance Fieldwork Safe Working with Nanoparticles Electronic Lab Book LEV Q&A Regulatory EnvironmentHSEBe Part of the Solution StrategyGuidance and promotion of self-Leadership, competence, workforce involvement, user-friendly support/guidance/toolsRisk-based approach to targeting inspection/enforcementConsultation on Minor RIDDOR ChangesSingle Regulatory Framework for Biological Agents possible for April 2012.Fire AuthorityProgramme of compliance visits (19 Buildings in 2010)NF&RS has copies of Building Fire Risk Assessments (also now on Concept Evolution)Programme of operational visitsSSOs might be involved to supply information contacted via Bob ArmstrongHazmat Officer to review information for operational crews.EA (Radioactive Substances)Intention to visit at one site per year.PoliceAnnual radiological and biohazard security review. Drug Precursor changes.

HE Sector StrategyUCEA has signed up to HSE Pledge for the SectorAlign sector and institutional objects with HSEUCEA identifies key strands for SectorPlan 2011-15Aligns UCEAs objectives with HSEs Be Part of the SolutionNational objectives and summation of local initiativesIncident and ill health absence benchmarking/reductionPromote communication; leadership and competencePromote good absence/stress management and wellbeing initiatives2011 Fieldwork, Placements, H&S management guidance.Annual ReportHESH Forum (Higher Education Safety & Health)UCEA, the HSE, USHA and the Trade Unionsintroduction of the fit note, HSE stress management standards, HSE guidance on the risk-management of carbon nanotubes, Supporting the University Strategic Plan 2010-15ThemesInter-disciplinary research and teachingDeveloping activities at International CampusesIncreased international mobility of staff and studentsNew teaching methods/approachesTechnology and ways of workingCapital Works ProgrammeEnvironmental InitiativesCarbon ReductionSustainabilityProcurement strategiesWidening Participation ActivitiesHealthy Campus and health and wellbeing initiativesAnnual Incident Statistics 201020102009Total number of incidents:582602 Staff incidents: 313325 Student incidents: 211233

Number of RIDDORs: 2226 Staff RIDDORs:1520Student RIDDORs:55SSO Update June 2010Incident Data 2010Russell Group BenchmarkingCauses of Reportable InjuriesUniversityHE SectorPersonal Emergency Egress PlansDraft revised policy and guidance developed under consultationExtended/clarified policy sectionExtended guidance to describe approaches for a range of situationsRevised form and examples.

Further work required to simplify and clarify the process, for example around multiple buildings.

Meanwhile:Increased awareness of PEEPS process has occurred.Increased experience of DLOs in developing PEEPS60 PEEPS since October 2010 (14 in 2009/10)Training and support available from Bob ArmstrongOngoing Evac Chair Training - remember refresher training.

Wellbeing at WorkManagement Standards ElementsDemands this includes issues such as workload, work patterns and the work environment.Control how much say the person has in the way they do their work.Support (by Peers or Line Manager) this includes the encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues.Relationships this includes promoting positive working to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour.Role whether people understand their role within the organisation and whether the organisation ensures that they do not have conflicting roles.Change how organisational change (large or small) is managed and communicated in the organisation

Summary of Results

Wellbeing at WorkSurvey 2010Results published on Survey Section of HR WebsiteUnit Specific Reports CirculatedResponse by end of Academic YearReview and reportHR Advisors discussing/supportingWorkspace resource for Senior ManagersAreas for improvement identifiedRole, demands and managers support relevant to APR ReviewHarassment to be addressed through Dignity in the Workplace Initiatives

Sickness Absence DataStandardised absence classification system introducedMost significant causes identified:Stress/Depression/Mental Health/FatigueMusculoskeletalBack and neckFurther analysis being doneSchool/Unit; Job FamilyWellbeingPromotion of Personal WellbeingNew induction workspaceHealthy U Students Union PD Wellbeing Days run for individual Schools/UnitsContact Jo Bramham see PD Website for detailsHealthy Lifestyles Fitness and General Wellbeing activities offered by Physical RecreationDSE Eye Test UpdateFebruary 2011 Boots Corporate DSE Eye Testing introduced following consultation with University Safety Committees

Existing procedure using OH ceased with the exception of screening tests carried out up to end of Feb 2011

DSE Eye Test UpdateSummary of DSE Regulations requirements Appoint DSE assessor (s) - (next training 8th June 2011)Identify DSE users (employees)Ensure DSE assessment carried out for all users proactive!Instigate actions to comply with minimum requirementsProvide information and training to usersProvide information on users right to an eye test and DSE-specific corrective lenses if required Have Boots Eye Test Forms available (request from Safety Office) Issue authorised Eye Test Forms to users upon request

STATE ARRANGEMENTS IN SAFETY POLICYDSE Eye Test UpdateSummary of Boots inputUser takes form to Boots/D&A outlet of their choiceEye test carried outIf DSE-only part to prescription, user has option to have corrective lenses with a set of frames from the Boots Corporate Eye Care rangeUser has option to choose a combination set of lenses (bi-, varifocal) with more expensive frame at their own expenseUniversity invoiced for cost of eye test and DSE-only corrective lenses/frame (currently covered by a central budget)First Aid UpdateThe Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 guidance revised 2009.

First Aider TrainingThe following certificated courses are available for those appointed to beFirst Aiders :First Aid at Work (FAW): 3-day course to achieve certification level (HSE approved). Valid for 3 years. First Aid at Work Refresher training to maintain certification: 2-day course to be attended within 3 years of certificate date being awarded. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): 1-day course (HSE approved). Valid for 3 years at which point the course has to be re-attended. Interim first aid refresher: non-mandatory three-hour basic skills update for those that would like to refresh their knowledge and skills in between the mandatory refresher courses.

First Aid UpdateContent of an Emergency First Aid at Work (1-day) Course

On completion of training, successful candidates should be able to:understand the role of the first-aider including reference to:(i) the importance of preventing cross-infection;(ii) the need for recording incidents and actions;(iii) use of available equipment;

(b) assess the situation and circumstances in order to act safely, promptly and effectively in an emergency;

(c) administer first aid to a casualty who is:unconscious (including seizure);choking;wounded and bleeding;suffering from shock;suffering minor injuries

(d) Be able to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

First Aid UpdateContent of a First Aid at Work (3-day) course On completion of training, successful candidates should be able to:

provide emergency first aid at work (as above);

administer first aid to a casualty with:(i) injuries to bones, muscles and joints, including suspected spinal injuries;(ii) chest injuries;(iii) burns and scalds;(iv) eye injuries;(v) sudden poisoning;(vi) anaphylactic shock;

recognise the presence of major illness and provide appropriate first aid.

First aid UpdateCertificated First Aid Courses - Suitability and Content The choice of course depends on the risks within the area and the types of situation/injury likely to arise. Generally EFAW appropriate for those in lower risk teaching and office environmentsFAW more applicable for higher risk laboratory and workshop environments, and fieldwork or remote working.

EFAW training enables first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work. FAW training includes EFAW and also equips the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illness.

First Aid UpdateOther First Aid-Related CoursesThe following non-certificated courses are available: Special Hazards: Additional training to deal with hydrofluoric acid or cyanide first aid First Aid Awareness [2 hours - talk to groups such as students embarking on certain field trips - on request for specific departments/schools] First Aid Essentials [3-4 hours to include a lecture plus practical to supplement first aid cover - on request for specific departments/schools] Infection Risks Skin Care

These are outside the scope of the statutory Approved Code of Practice and are a supplementary provision. The courses are run according to demand. Please contact Occupational Health if you are interested in a course being arranged.

Defib Update4 additional defibsSB Sports Centre ReceptionMedical School foyer, A floorMaths & Physics BldgLaw & Social Sciences Bldg120 defib operatorsAnnual refresher training continuing Regular equipment checks continuing

Roof WorkGuidance on Roof Access on University Premises published 2010

Responsibilities for:Contractors under the jurisdiction of EstatesContractors not under the jurisdiction of EstatesSchool/Departmental staff wishing to gain access/work on roofs

Roof WorkSchool/Departmental ResponsibilitiesRoof work proposals drawn up (discussed with SSO / Estates / Safety Office as required)Risk assessment and safe operating procedures (approved by PI)Roof Permit initiated Estates / Building Occupier consultedRoof Permit issued by PI / Manager / Estates Roof access given to Permit Acceptor by Security / Building OccupierOnce work completed, permit cancelled (possible to extend permit if required)

Roof WorkRisk AssessmentFalls of persons or materials/tools from roofRisk of injury whilst on the roof (slips/trips/restricted space)Risk from hazardous fume emissions (fume cupboards)Fragile roofsIncompatibility with other roof workEmergency within the building affecting evacuation from roofConsultation with Building Occupier / Estates

New Placement Guidance Nov 2010Safety Office

Employment of students as part of University Course/Study

Review and approval of prospective placementsRisk factors [App I]Risk assessment [App II]

Clarify Universitys expectations with Placement Providers [App III]

Preparation of students ahead of going onto placement Provide written information [App IV] Specific training/ briefing sessions where appropriateMonitor PlacementStudent feedback -during placementContact visits by tutor to providerProvider feedback during placementReviewPost placementProblems identifiedUse to inform risk assessment & suitability of PP for future use

FieldworkSafety Office

New guidance from UCEA Sector guidance imminent, UoN under revision

New & wider definitionAny work carried out by staff or students for the purposes of teaching research or other activities whilst representing the University off-site.

Includes Offsite visits on university businessAttendance at conferences and recruitment fairs

group visits to industrial or architectural sites home visits by medical or social workers, street surveys

Archaeological digsBiology field studiesConstruction projects Expeditions to remote locationsFieldwork revision to policy & guidanceSafety Office

Aims

Risk based filter out low risk activities minimal requirements provided arranged/booked in accordance with UoN Travel PolicyOffsite visits on university businessAttendance at conferences and recruitment fairs

Concentrate effort and scrutiny on Medium & High Risk activities

Authorisation & Approval ProcessAuthorisation level to reflect degree of riskAdvance planning to allow thorough risk evaluation and scrutiny = TIMESCALESIf residual risks are of unacceptable level to the University approval will not be given

Review of LEV SystemsReview HSE Guidance Controlling airborne contaminants at work - A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV) HSG258PrinciplesDesign; Installation; Commissioning; Use Maintenance and testingExploratory issuesAvailability of commissioning data for systemsUser information correct use; limitationsThorough Examinations under COSHH

Local Exhaust Ventilation and Moves to Low Flow Fume cupboardsMr Martin Dellar(Chemistry)LEV is an engineering control system to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants such as dust, mist, vapour or gas in the workplace.

HSG258 Controlling Airborne contaminants at work

Most systems have some of (but not all) the following:

Hood Where contaminant enters LEVDucting Takes air/contaminant from hood to dischargeAir Cleaner/Arrestor Filters/cleans extracted airAir mover The engine (usually a fan)Discharge Releases the extracted air to a safe placeWhat is Local Exhaust Ventilation?

What LEVs do Chemistry useChemistrys currently has 240 fume cupboards, with 640 University wide.

This is a partial enclosure, low velocity type LEV currently with 0.5 m/s face velocity.

This is a containment device, reduces the exposure to airborne contaminants and provides a physical barrier protecting persons from projectiles or splashes.

Other types of LEV exist within the University but we will be concentrating on this type.

.

Nederman Welding fume extraction system.

Other Types of LEV

LEV Fume Cupboard System

Supply Air Handling UnitFume Cupboard exhaust to Roof Offset AirEnergy Consumption; A single fume cupboard running 24/7 uses the same amount of energy as a detached house in a 12 month period.

What is the problem with our LEVs?A single FC on 24/7 a year with face velocity of 0.5m/s:165015.5 tonnes of CO259,400 kWhLowering face velocity to just 0.4m/s:122012.3 tonnes of CO246,500 kWhProgramme with Safety Office and Estates to reduce face velocity to 0.4 m/s.

Research labs need to run FCs 24/7.Under cupboard storage for chemicalsFume cupboards are 15+ years oldTraining is not considered essential and is hardly ever given!

What are Fume Cupboard issues?The Good, the BAD and the UGLY

Good

Bad

UGLY

What are the issues affecting containment?

Sash Management Fume Cupboard OverloadingWhy do we operate at a face velocity of 0.5m/s?This is not a set standardOther Universities have gone as low as 0.3m/sTests have shown minimum required UK containment levels = 0.005ppm static and 0.100ppm robustness are achievable

What factors influence the ability to lower velocity?Age of the equipmentType of operation within the unitTraining of usersInvestment!!!Can lowering face velocity be done Safely?Containment0.5m/s face velocity does not guarantee containment (it is only an indication that the fume cupboard is operating)

What is essential for containment?Air balance within roomFume cupboard management Fume cupboard Risk AssessmentSchool of Chemistry working in partnership with the safety office to develop a mechanism to risk assess activities

Face Velocity or Containment?Variable face velocity/flow 0.5m/s in use and 0.3m/s with lowered sashVariable Air Volume (VAV) SystemAutomatic sash closure with proximity detectors Isolated chemical storage

UtopiaReduced Flow FumecupboardsCarbon Management PlanEnvironmental targets for Carbon ReductionFumecupboardsPilot project in ChemistryManagement and technical operationFeasibility; performance; containmentEstates programme being developed from late June~ 600 fume cupboards (excludes high risk processes)reduced face velocity of 0.4m/sRisk assessment guidance in preparation.Working at a Fume CupboardUser Dos and Donts Is it working?Check the airflow indicator. Keep it Tidy Do not overload it150mm clear space at front Safety LineDo not obstruct the rear air extract slots at the base of the back.Do not use it for storageAlways lower the sash when not working at it.Dont leave or trail things over the sill this can cause leakage out.

Management issuesUser training and supervision.U-tube resourcesAnimated demonstration (6 minutes)Is the indicator calibrated?High risk processes routine interim anemometer checks to confirmCheck housekeepingBest way to indicate the safety line?Rationalise useUnnecessary storageDoes equipment need to be kept in it?

Electronic Laboratory NotebooksBeing rolled out by IS contact Grant HowardStores research data in a secure, traceable and compliant environment.Benefits to users include:Fully working electronic storage of all lab data Secure backup of data and intellectual property Fully searchable database of research No need for paper based lab booksTrials in Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesExtend to Chemistry and Biosciences; China and Malaysia?

Electronic Laboratory Notebooks:- an aid to safety?Colin Rowe - SSO Pharmacy46

47Simple NavigationWorkflowTasksSigning OffFormsSearches What tools are available to help us?

48The workflow involves:Creating or opening an existing experiment.Adding or Editing content (items, templates), customising experiment fonts or headers and footers.Saving the experiment (either as drafts or versions).Selecting items to sign off.Creating a task (e.g. having your experiment reviewed by your manager).Publishing your experiment and/or creating a PDF of your experiment.

General Process

49Suggested Hierarchy Where there are multiple experiments / folders use an identifiable folder.Copies can be dragged and dropped in to any document.Navigation

50Types of Tasks Available

51Note Edit rights are required to be able to sign forms! This is not the same as requesting an action.Workflow -Signing off

52Status always on your Home page,

Also information on sidebar

Workflow- Status Information

53Extra sections or parts of the form can be added at any point by simply dragging the relevant section from the repository and dropping it into the existing form.Adding extra fields

54Each form can consist of the following elements:

Form toolsElement Description Panel These are the building blocks of a form. Other elements can be added to a panel and each panel can contain any number of other panels within it. Label Displays textual information on a form (e.g. a data entry field name). Button Displays buttons on a form. These buttons can be used to perform a function (e.g. expand or collapse form panels, sign off data fields, etc.). Check Box Adds an option box in the form. Radio Button Defines a series of options of which one can be selected. List Box Restricts data entry by defining a field that only accepts a set of values from a drop down list. Text Box A data entry field that allows you to enter an alphanumerical text string, date or barcode to perform a mathematical function on the values of other text . Timer Times an activity through the use of a start and end button. A display of the expected duration, actual duration and the deviation is part of the element.E-WorkBook DictionarySpecifies an E-WorkBook catalog. Once specified, the field acts like a list box element by allowing valid entries to records in the catalog to be selected from a drop down list. 55The Forms Designer Window

56Forms can be made available from the Repository.Each form is built in an XML file making it easy to display each form in other applications (e.g. web browsers) and to transfer forms between users.

More About Forms

57Please note that only I.S. can add items to the e-workbook dictionary.Extract from the e-Workbook reference guide:http://workspace.nottingham.ac.uk/download/attachments/80877473/eWorkbook%20guide.pdfFurther Help local e-Workbook administratorLocal IT Support http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/is/help/contact/itsupportcontacts.aspxSafety Office (Safety templates only) IT Helpline Forms and Template Assistance58Extracting the Information

59Search ConditionsElementDescriptionEntity TypeThis element includes a list of queryable entity types, e.g., Group, Project, Experiment. The Root entity, entity types not defined a position in the Flexible Hierarchy, the device definition folder, device definitions and the root spreadsheet protocol group are not queryable. Entity Type AttributeThe includes all attributes for the entity type as well as various system attributes (e.g. Created, Last Modified, etc.). OperatorRefines your search further. The options depends on the selected entity type and attribute combination.OperandDepending on the selected entity type attribute and operator combination, an icon can be used to enter an operand. You can enter an operand in either upper or lower case as the search is not case sensitive. 60Values in forms can be searchedSearching Forms

61Example Search

62Results

63You can return results in terms of users rather than individual documentsYou can also search for the absence of Risk AssessmentsLevels of supervision set for tasksNew entries on training records (or the lack of)Specific or functional parts of chemical structuresNote however mathematical functions are not available with search.Other Searches64The searches provide a relatively quick way of ascertaining whether or not assessment and training are being recorded.However you still have to do remind, influence and cajole into compliance.Some academics have been slower to take up regular signing off of documents.

Does it work?65There are areas where the E-workbook is not appropriate or well-suited. However a possible alternative could be the use of workflow within a Schools or Research Divisions workspace.Currently University does not have a plug-in for workflow however if there was enough demand is could be looked into as a University wide facility.Is there an alternative?66The School would not have got this far except for:The ideas and input of Trevor Wigham (formerly CBS Safety Officer)And in particular, Ian Withers for taking our ideas and finding creative ways to achieve them using the provided tools within the E-workbook environment!AcknowledgementsNanotechnologySafety Office

Particle size 1 to 100nm

Nano substances will have different properties

Potentially more toxic /dangerous than conventional particles

Can reach parts that others cannot reach [ cross cell and blood boundaries].High surface area : mass ratio = ?? Increased toxicity

Consider explosion risk

Little is known about the safety of engineered nanoparticles but what is known is causing concern

Animal studies have shown

Increases pulmonary inflammationDecreased lung functionLung fibrosisLung cancerTranslocation around the body

Little information on engineered nanoparticles in humans until:

Song et al [ Eur Resp J, 2009; 34; 559-567] Exposure to nano particles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granulomaPolyacrylate particles of 30nm implicated 2 out of 7 worker died

MSDS unlikely to be relevant for a substance in nano form

So - Apply the precautionary principle

Safety OfficeControl strategiesSafety Office

Adopt precautionary approach due to uncertain toxicology

Full enclosure /FC with HEPA filter exhaustrecirc with HEPA for small quantity [