INTRODUCTION AND POLICY STATEMENT
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT’S STATEMENT
SECTION 1: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1.1 Fire Safety
1.2 First Aid
1.3 Accident and Incident Reporting
1.4 Oxygen Depletion
1.5 Action in Case of Significant Chemical Spill
SECTION 2: MANAGERIAL ORGANISATION FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE DEPARTMENT
2.1 Persons Responsible
2.2 Department of Chemistry Health & Safety Committee Membership
SECTION 3: LOCAL SAFETY RULES FOR LABORATORY WORK
3.1 Treatment of Chemical Contamination of the Person
3.2 Lone Working
3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
3.4 Suitable Clothing
3.5 Chemical Risk Assessment
3.6 Additional Fire Precautions
3.7 High Magnetic Fields
3.8 Fume Cupboard Failure
3.9 Action in Case of Minor Chemical Spill
3.10 Gas Cylinders
3.11 Ionising Radiation
3.12 Non-ionising Radiation
3.13 Lasers
3.14 X-Ray Crystallography
3.15 NMR
3.16 Pressure Vessels and Dewars
3.17 Equipment Requiring Statutory Inspection
3.18 Natural Gas leaks.
3.19 Eating and Drinking
3.20 Control of Legionella
3.21 Disposal of Chemical Wastes
3.22 Unattended Overnight Experiments
3.23 Manifolds
3.24 Passenger and Goods Lifts
3.25 Solvent Stores
3.26 Needles
3.27 Solvent Purification System
3.28 Broken glassware
3.29 Prescription Safety Spectacles
3.30 Safety Concerns
SECTION 4: GENERAL INFORMATION, GUIDANCE AND RULES
4.1 Reporting of Work Related Ill Health
4.2 Personal Health Issues, New and Expectant Mothers
4.3 Building Opening Times
4.4 Access Arrangements
4.5 Application for ID and Access Cards
4.6 Staff and Postgraduate (research) Student Access
4.7 Undergraduate, MChem, MSc and Postgraduate (taught) Students
4.8 Out-of-Hours Working.
4.9 Risk Assessment
4.10 Working at Height
4.11 Manual Handling
4.12 Display Screen Equipment and Risk Assessment
4.13 Electrical Safety Policy and Faulty Equipment
4.14 General Welfare Information
4.15 Waste Disposal and Recycling
4.16 Portable Appliance Testing
4.17 Staff Working Across Organisational Boundaries
4.18 Contractors
4.19 Visitors
4.20 Children
4.21 Personal Audio Systems
4.22 The Occupational Health Service
4.23 Collaborative Researchers
4.24 Visitors to the Chemistry Building
4.25 Reporting of Thefts or Other Suspicious/Criminal Activity
4.26 Building Faults
INTRODUCTION AND POLICY STATEMENT
The University is required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and subordinate legislation to ensure the health and safety of all who can be affected by its activities. Its general policy in this matter is laid down in the University Health & Safety Policy Statement which is available at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=654
The Department of Chemistry Safety Committee, in consultation with the University of Manchester Health and Safety Central Services has produced this Health and Safety Policy and Manual document for your guidance.
However, it cannot cover every aspect concerning safety matters. If a dangerous practice is not mentioned in the manual, that omission cannot be used as an excuse to remove liability from the individual who carried out that dangerous practice.If anyone wishes to carry out a task and is not certain about any of the safety aspects or the risks to be assessed they should consult the member of staff responsible for that work area and, if necessary the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) or a member of the Department Safety Committee.
The Department is spread over split sites, (the Chemistry Building, the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) the Photon Science Institute (PSI) and the Dalton Cumbria Facility (DCF)). The health and safety policies and procedures that must be followed by members of the Department of Chemistry based in the MIB, PSI and DCF are outlined in the safety manuals for those buildings.
Head of Department’s Statement
This statement has been prepared in the context of the Manchester University Health and Safety Statement and is specific to the Department of Chemistry.
As Head of Department I commit to the provision of a safe and healthy working environment.
In the field of Health and Safety, as in teaching and research, we seek to achieve the highest standards. We pursue this to comply with current legislation, and because it is in our best interests.
The effective management of Health and Safety, leading to fewer accidents involving injury and time off work, is an investment that helps us achieve our purposes in respect of excellence in our endeavours.
The Department accepts the philosophy that all accidents are preventable and that nothing is so urgent or important that it is worth risking injury to any employee, contractor, visitor or member of the public.
We will encourage all staff to set a high standard of safety by personal example so that students and other researchers accept good safety practice as normal and desirable.
Control of Health and Safety within the Department is to be achieved through informed individual responsibility and cooperative effort at all levels of the Department and indeed the University.
Specific Health and Safety responsibilities within the Department and the interaction with the central University Health and Safety Services are allocated as described in Part 2 of this policy document. The Department will plan for and promote continuous improvement in Health and Safety performance to meet all relevant laws and regulations.
This process will be led by the Health and Safety Committee, which meets six times a year, and includes representatives from all staff groups and postgraduate students and is chaired by the Head of Department and reports directly to the Department Management Team.
The Department will allocate sufficient human and financial resources to ensure that all its members are provided with sufficient information, training and support in respect of Health and Safety.
The Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually - and more frequently if required – to take into account changes in the law, activities and personnel. It is available to all members of the Department of Chemistry on the Department intranet and a copy is posted on the Health and Safety noticeboard by the main Stores.
As Head of Department I accept responsibility for the implementation of this Health and Safety Policy.
Professor N. Kaltsoyannis
Head of Department
Date: July 2018
SECTION 1: Emergency Procedures
1.1 Fire Safety
Do not put yourself at risk in an emergency situation.
Please familiarise yourself with the location of the emergency exits from the building. These are clearly signposted and also indicated on maps which are posted in all the lift lobbies throughout the building.
If you have a personal health issue which might affect your ability to leave the building promptly in an emergency situation then you should contact the Health and Safety Office (60577/57851) so that a suitable personal emergency evacuation plan can be discussed and drawn up.
If it is safe to do so the Fire and Rescue Service may be called at 9999 from any internal telephone.
If you discover a fire and the fire alarm has not activated you can raise the alarm by pressing one of the red break alarms located throughout the building.
The Chemistry Building has a two-stage alarm system composed of an intermittent (stand-by) alarm and a continuous (evacuation) alarm.
On activation of the intermittent alarm you should prepare to leave by making sure that your work is in a safe condition. You do not have to leave the building during an intermittent alarm.
On activation of the continuous alarm you must vacate the building immediately via the nearest exit. The assembly area is the grassed area in front of the Zochonis Building.
Do not use lifts during an emergency evacuation.
There are a number of Fire Marshals who will wear hi-vis vests during an evacuation. Please follow any instructions given by these persons.
1.2 First Aid
In case of injury or sudden illness at work:
- Call your nearest first aider.
- If an ambulance is required call 9999 from any Chemistry Building phone. After calling an ambulance contact University Security on 69966 (external 0161 306 9966) so that they can co-ordinate with the Emergency Services.
- If First Aid is required outside of normal hours call Security on 69966 (external 0161 306 9966).
- An Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) is kept opposite Reception in the clearly labelled box.
A list of the locations and telephone numbers of current First Aiders is displayed on green and white notices throughout the building and in every laboratory.
First Aid boxes are located at reception and at clearly marked locations in the corridors and specific laboratories throughout the building.
All First aiders are trained to an accredited standard.
First Aid kit provision and stock maintenance is co-ordinated by the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) via the Health and Safety Office.
1.3 Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents and incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Office.
The appropriate forms are available via the links at: http://www.healthandsafety.manchester.ac.uk/
1.4 Oxygen Depletion
In areas of the building where it is foreseeable that there could be a release of asphyxiant gases in quantity that could reduce the oxygen levels in the area to a hazardous level the Department has installed oxygen depletion alarm systems.
These are programmed to go into alarm before the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere becomes fatal to human life. The alarms are both audible (warning siren) and visual (red flashing light) outside the rooms.
There is a control panel situated outside the room which works on the traffic light principle:
- Red – unsafe to enter,
- Amber – tell the person in charge of the area or the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry)
- Green – safe to enter.
1.5 Action in Case of Significant Chemical Spill
In the event of a major spill evacuate the laboratory at once,
Prevent anyone re-entering the room and notify the Health and Safety Office (60577/57851) immediately.
Outside of normal working hours immediately contact Security (69966).
2. ORGANISATION FOR HEALTH & SAFETY IN THE DEPARTMENT
2.1 Persons Responsible
|
Head of Department and Chair of the Department Health and Safety Committee |
Prof. Nikolas Kaltsoyannis
|
|
School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) |
Mr. Simon Holden |
|
Deputy School Operations Manager |
Mrs. Sarah Ross |
|
Technical Services Manager |
Mr. Michael Carroll |
|
Secretary to the Department of Chemistry Health and Safety Committee |
Mr. Gareth Smith
|
|
Department Laser Safety Adviser |
Dr. Ilya Strashnov |
|
Department Radiological Supervisor |
Prof. Francis Livens |
|
Radiation Protection Supervisor |
Prof. Francis Livens |
|
Deputy School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) |
|
The Head of Department has overall and final responsibility for all Health and Safety matters within the Department of Chemistry and has a duty to ensure that all staff and students receive a comprehensive Health and Safety induction, and understands the information received.
The School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) is responsible for providing Health and Safety guidance. This role is the first point of contact within the Department providing Health and Safety advice and support to staff and students.
The Deputy School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) supports the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) and is also available to provide Health and Safety advice and support to staff and students.
All PI’s are responsible for the Health and Safety management of their research groups, and have specific duties with regards to risk assessments for the work carried out, implementation of control measures and identification of training needs.
In addition to these specific responsibilities, all members of the Department have personal responsibilities laid down in law. These include taking reasonable care of your own Health and Safety and that of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions, not to interfere with or misuse equipment provided for the purposes of Health and Safety. Also to co-operate with Department staff to comply with relevant legislation, report all defects promptly and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
Safe operation can only be achieved with the full co-operation of all concerned. It is the policy of the Department to do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the requirements of the Department and University Health and Safety policy are met. It is your responsibility to read and ensure you understand the information provided.
All laboratory areas will be inspected on an annual basis by members of the Health and Safety Committee in co-operation with the local users, and more frequently if appropriate given the outcomes of previous inspections and the hazards and work practices in the area concerned. Research groups are encouraged to carry out self-inspection at an appropriate frequency. Offices are subject to a self-inspection regime.
2.2 Department of Chemistry Health & Safety Committee Membership
|
Name |
Role |
|
Prof. Nik Kaltsoyannis |
Chair and Head of Department |
|
Mrs. Sarah Ross |
Deputy School Operations Manager |
|
Mr. Simon Holden |
School Safety Adviser (Department of Chemistry) |
|
|
Deputy School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) |
|
Mr. Gareth Smith |
Secretary |
|
Prof. Francis Livens |
Radiation Protection Supervisor |
|
Dr. Lu-Shin Wong |
MIB representative and CBBC |
|
Dr. Martin Attfield |
Materials research section representative |
|
Dr. Ralph Adams |
AMP representative |
|
Dr. Peter Quayle |
Organic research section representative |
|
Dr. Tanya Aspinall |
MIB representative |
|
Dr. Daniel Tetlow |
Postdoctoral researcher representative |
|
Dr. Jenny Slaughter |
Teaching laboratories representative |
|
Dr. Karen Theis |
Institute Safety Advisor (Photon Science Institute) |
|
Miss Julia Cheung |
Faculty Safety, Compliance and Risk Manager |
|
Mr. Ben Reant |
Postgraduate student representative |
| Mr. Mark Mullin | Stores representative |
| Dr. Pavel Mocilac | Radiation Technical Advisor, Compliance and Risk (in attendance) |
|
Miss Catherine Davidge |
University Safety Co-ordinator (in attendance) |
|
Mr. Michael Carroll |
Technical Services Manager |
Health and Safety Committee Terms of Reference
To review, and make recommendations on, the specific aspects and overall direction and of the Department Health and Safety programme, to provide specialist advice on its implementation and to monitor that programme.
To organise prompt and thorough review of all accidents, incidents and occupational health trends within the Department which have a bearing on safety, and ensuring thorough dissemination of conclusions drawn.
To monitor and review workplace safety audits and inspections and the progress of implementation of any actions arising from these.
To consider University and enforcing authority reports and information releases and how they should be implemented at local level.
To liaise with the University Safety Co-ordinator and monitor compliance with statutory and University safety requirements.
To consider matters arising from previous safety committee meetings.
To provide assistance in the development of safety rules, systems of work and procedures.
To monitor safety training programmes and standards achieved.
To monitor the effectiveness of Health and Safety communications within the Department.
All University recognised Trades Unions, research groupings, undergraduate teaching activities, postgraduates and Post-Doctoral Research Associates will be represented on the Committee along with specialists (radiological protection etc.) and specific services within the Department when required (such as the University Fire Officer).
Information regarding the function and operation of Health and Safety Committees can be found at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=13895
SECTION 3: Local Safety Rules for Laboratory Working
3.1 Treatment of Chemical Contamination of the Person
In case of chemical contamination treat the affected area with Diphoterine at once. Diphoterine is kept in clearly marked containers in all areas where there is a foreseeable risk of contamination.
Diphoterine is not suitable for the treatment of HF burns.
When using HF the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) must be consulted regarding the precautions required for handling this material.
Treatment of self or other persons is demonstrated at every Chemist’s initial induction session and a yearly training course in the practical use of Diphoterine is held in Semester 1.
3.2 Lone Working
Lone working using hazardous materials and processes is strictly forbidden at all times.
Lone working is defined as being unable to be heard when calling for help and being out of the direct line-of-site of fellow workers.
Instrument work is defined as non-hazardous although each activity should be covered by a Risk Assessment.
If there is any doubt as to whether a particular activity is classified as hazardous please contact the Health and Safety Office.
Disciplinary sanctions may be taken against persons breaking this rule.
3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safety spectacles and a laboratory coat must be worn at all times in the laboratory environment.
Any requirement for further PPE stated on the Chemical Risk Assessment, operating procedure or local risk assessment must be adhered to.
Where it is necessary the Deparmtent operates a “one glove” policy – one gloved hand for chemical substances and one ungloved hand for opening doors etc.
University Safety Services guidance on correct selection, use and storage of PPE as well as material from the Health and Safety Executive regarding PPE is available at:
http://www.healthandsafety.manchester.ac.uk/toolkits/ppe/
3.4 Suitable Clothing
In addition to the mandatory PPE described above, laboratory workers should:
- Ensure long hair is tucked away
- Wear clothing that ensures that their legs are entirely covered (note - tights do not provide adequate protection).
- Wear flat, closed footwear.
3.5 Chemical Risk Assessment
A Chemical Risk Assessment must be carried out for each and every chemical reaction proposed and the appropriate form and guidance is available on the Department intranet at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/chemical-risk-assessment/
No experiment should be carried out until the Chemical Risk Assessment has been signed by the researcher and the appropriate Supervisor (or nominated individual), and where necessary the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) (see guidance) and a copy sent to CRA.chemistry@manchester.ac.uk.
Use of Hydrofluoric acid and cyanides must only be undertaken after discussion with the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) and following all precautions listed on the appropriate Procedures and Methods sheets (Nos. 13 and 14) available at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/procedure-and-methods/
3.6 Additional Fire Precautions
A major hazard in any laboratory is fire.
The Department runs a Safe Use of Fire Extinguishers training course in Semester 1 every year. Only persons who have attended this course should attempt to extinguish any fire and only then when it is safe to do so.
All incidences of fire – even when the fire has been extinguished and there is no damage must be reported to the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) and to University Security on 69966.
If any emergency equipment has been used then the Health and Safety Office (G.029D) should be informed immediately so that suitable replacement can be provided,
All of the hoods in the Chemistry Building are equipped with an automatic dry powder based fire suppression system which activates when a detector tube at the top of the hood is depressurised. This system must not be interfered with by any unauthorised Persons.
Please report any fault with systems and equipment provided for fire safety to the Department Safety Advisor as a matter of urgency.
Intermittent fire alarm activations are investigated by a team of responders - Simon Holden (School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry)), Chris Turnbull (Deputy Safety Advisor), Graham Booth (Teaching Laboratories Manager) and Mike Hughes (Teaching Laboratory Technician), who may, if the circumstances are suitable, silence (but not reset) the intermittent alarm.
University Security Officers are the only members of staff permitted to reset any fire alarm.
3.7 High Magnetic Fields
The supercooled magnets installed in the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers give off a strong magnetic field which may be harmful.
Persons with heart pacemakers or metallic implants must not enter the rooms containing these magnets – the field is strong enough to fatally interfere with the operation of pacemakers and to cause severe discomfort around the metallic implant area.
Electronic equipment (including magnetic strips on e.g. bank cards) must be kept away from the equipment as it may be damaged.
No magnetic objects should be used in the vicinity of this equipment as it may be pulled towards, and stuck against, the magnet.
Detailed guidance is available from Procedures and Methods sheet 17 at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/procedure-and-methods/
3.8 Fume Cupboard Failure
Any malfunction of a fume cupboard should be reported immediately to the Health and Safety Office (60577/57851).
A notice warning others of the failure must be posted immediately on the sash of the hood.
If a fume cupboard fails whilst in use, close the sash and discontinue using hazardous substances in it.
3.9 Action in Case of Minor Chemical Spill
Spill kits for cleaning up chemical spillages are located at reception and at clearly marked locations in the corridors and specific laboratories throughout the building.
If it is safe to do so, put on appropriate Personal Protective Equipment bearing in mind the hazards associated with the substance in question and clean up.
Where appropriate neutralise any residues and dispose of as chemical waste.
Any contaminated material should be placed in a yellow bag and arrangements made with the Health and Safety Office for its appropriate disposal, depending on the nature of the contaminating substance.
If in any doubt evacuate the area and notify the Health and Safety Office (60577/57851) immediately.
3.10 Gas Cylinders
These contain gas which may be stored at extremely high pressure creating a physical hazard in case of uncontrolled release.
They are also heavy giving rise to issues involving manual handling and physical injury if dropped.
Another hazard is the chemical nature of the gas which may be harmful, flammable or asphyxiating.
Cylinders must always be stored in an appropriate secure chain, clamp or stand even when not in use.
Cylinders should be fitted with the correct regulator and key, and should be closed when not in use.
Out-of-date regulators must not be used.
Cylinder trolleys are not suitable for the use or storage of cylinders.
Cylinders must always be transported using an appropriate cylinder trolley.
The number of cylinders kept within the building should be kept to a minimum.
Any intention to use flammable or toxic gases within the building should be reported to the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry).
There are special requirements for storage and use of acetylene – please contact the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) before ordering.
Detailed guidance is available from Procedures and Methods sheet 5 at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/procedure-and-methods/
In addition a Risk Assessment which should be completed for this activity can be found on the Department website at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/generic-risk-assessment/
3.11 Ionising Radiation
Use of radioactive material is strictly limited to the designated controlled and supervised areas within the Department.
All local rules for these areas must be strictly adhered to.
Please contact the School Safety Advisor at once if there is any suspicion that radioactive material is present outside these areas.
3.12 Non-ionising Radiation
Any use of open-source or high powered non-ionising radiation such as photochemical reactors etc. should be notified to the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) and the University Non-ionising Safety Advisor.
All use of this equipment must be accompanied by an adequate Risk Assessment.
All users must have attended the University’s “Safe UV practice – a user’s guide” training before commencing any work.
3.13 Lasers
Any use of Class 3B lasers and above must be notified to the Department Safety Laser Advisor.
Risk Assessment should be carried out using the specified University laser spreadsheet.
All local rules for these areas must be strictly adhered to.
All users must have attended the University’s Laser Safety Training course before commencing any work.
The Department’s Procedures and Methods sheet No. 16 is available at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/procedure-and-methods/
3.14 X-Ray Crystallography
All local rules for this area must be strictly adhered to.
In-house training is provided for all users.
3.15 NMR
All local rules for this area must be strictly adhered to.
In-house training is provided for all users.
Further information is available in P&M sheet No.17 available at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/procedure-and-methods/
And Risk Assessments are available using the links at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/generic-risk-assessment/
3.16 Pressure Vessels and Dewars
All users must have completed the University “Cryogenic Gases e-training course” and then read and signed the Risk Assessment available at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/generic-risk-assessment/
Practical training for dispensing liquid nitrogen must be carried out by the store’s manager.
Any defects should be reported immediately to the Health and Safety Office.
A service contract is in place to ensure regulatory requirements are upheld.
3.17 Equipment Requiring Statutory Inspection
Many pieces of equipment used within the Chemistry Building are required by law to be periodically inspected by the building’s insurers.
This equipment includes, but is not limited to, pressurised Dewars, air receivers, gas manifolds, autoclaves and lifting equipment. The Health and Safety Office can advise whether any piece of equipment falls into this category.
Anyone bringing any such equipment into the building must notify the Health and Safety Office.
Any piece of equipment which passes the date of its statutory check must be taken out of service.
3.18 Natural Gas leaks
If a natural gas leak is suspected, turn off all gas appliances and naked flames if it is safe to do so and evacuate the area concerned, closing internal doors as you leave and contact the Health and Safety Office (60577/57851) and University Security (69966) at once.
3.19 Eating and Drinking
Eating, drinking or chewing gum is not permitted within any of the laboratory areas.
3.20 Control of Legionella
Control of Legionella bacteria (which can cause Legionnaires` disease which is a potentially fatal) is managed by ensuring that the safety showers and eyewash units are swilled through on a weekly basis.
This is carried out by the General Support Technician or by local users in controlled areas.
Groups using rotary evaporators, sonic baths etc. should change the water weekly.
3.21 Disposal of chemical wastes
These may be disposed of via Chemistry Stores or via direct collection by a licenced contractor.
Please enquire at the Health and Safety Office (G.029D) if further details are required.
3.22 Unattended Overnight Experiments
All unattended overnight forms must be accompanied by a Chemical Risk Assessment form.
3.23 Manifolds
All users must have attended the University “Gas Safety and Regulators” training course.
All defects must be reported the Health and Safety Office.
A service contract is in place to ensure regulatory requirements are upheld.
Out-of-date manifolds should not be used.
3.24 Passenger and Goods Lifts
All hazardous substances and equipment (solvents, gas cylinders, liquid nitrogen, dry ice etc.) must be transported UNACCOMPANIED in the goods lift and not in the passenger lifts.
If the goods lift is out-of-order please contact the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) or Technical Services Manager.
3.25 Solvent Stores
Fresh solvents can be obtained from the solvent stores
A Winchester carrier or other safe means of transporting solvent must be used.
Waste solvents and empty bottled must be returned free of any chemical contamination.
3.26 Needles
Needles used for transferring chemical substances must be disposed of immediately after use.
Needles that have been used to “bleed” air or inert gas may be re-used but must be stored safely.
3.27 Solvent Purification System
The building contains a dispensing system from which dry solvent can be obtained.
Please contact the Health and Safety Office (60577/57851) if you wish to use this system.
3.28 Broken glassware
All broken glassware must be taken out of use immediately and either sent for repair at the Glassblowing workshop or disposed of via the appropriate route.
3.29 Prescription Safety Glasses
These may be obtained from a local optician or direct from the University.
See procedures and Methods sheet 24 at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/procedure-and-methods/
3.30 Safety Concerns
Any Health and Safety concerns should initially be raised with your line manager/supervisor.
Please contact the Health and Safety Office if any concerns remain unresolved or outstanding.
If necessary these concerns can be raised at the Health and Safety Committee on your behalf by the appropriate representative or with Central Safety Services.
SECTION 4: General Information, Guidance and Rules
4.1 Reporting of Work Related Ill Health
Any individual who believes that the substances, work practices or work environment are causing them to become ill should report this immediately to their line manager.
In this case further advice can be obtained by contacting the Health and Safety office (60577/57851).
4.2 Personal Health Issues, New and Expectant Mothers
The Department has a legal responsibility to carry out risk assessments for all staff and students who may have particular requirements regarding the chemical substances used and the procedures carried out in the building (including in emergency situations).
This would include all those who have unseen medical conditions (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes etc.) or those who have temporary health issues (e.g. broken limb etc.).
It would also include pregnancy as exposure to some chemical substances must be completely avoided in these circumstances.
It is appreciated that discretion may be necessary in some cases (e.g. the early stages of pregnancy) but it is important to carry out an individual risk assessment as soon as possible. This can be done confidentially by contacting the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry).
4.3 Building Opening Times
The entrance to the Chemistry Building is open 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
At all other times admittance is by swipe card.
Certain areas of the building are only accessible by swipe card at all times.
4.4 Access Arrangements
Authorisation of swipe cards is limited to staff and students of the Department of Chemistry who have attended the appropriate safety induction.
University staff will only be given swipe access where there is an operational requirement (i.e. Security, Estates and House Services etc.)
Members of other Departments will only be given access if working under the supervision of a Chemistry Principal Investigator.
4.5 Application for ID and Access Card
New staff will be given various forms which should be taken to Human Resources along with approved forms of identification. Human Resources will issue the member of staff with a staff card.
New Postgraduate students should obtain their card via Student Services.
4.6 Staff and Postgraduate (research) Student Access
New staff and Postgraduate students can have their cards temporarily activated by the Health and Safety Office.
This activation will be granted until the date of the next appropriate Health and Safety induction. After attendance at this induction the card will be validated until the expiry date shown.
4.7 Undergraduate, MChem, MSc and Postgraduate (taught) Student Access
These classes of students will not be granted swipe card access to any area of the building unless it is strictly necessary (e.g. for carrying out project work).
These students should be supervised at all times and should not be in the building outside normal hours.
4.8 Out-of-Hours Working
Anyone working in the building outside normal opening times must sign the out-of-hours book kept at reception. This is for your own safety in case of an emergency.
Anyone wishing to work “exceptional out-of-hours” – defined as 11.00 p.m. until 6.00 a.m. – must complete the form available on the Department intranet and deposit a signed copy at the Health and Safety office before 6.00 p.m. on the occasion of the work being carried out. A separate form is required for each time this happens.
Certain activities (use of HF, cyanides etc.) are forbidden out-of-hours. Please contact the Health and Safety Office for further details if required.
4.9 Risk Assessment
All hazardous activities must be accompanied by a suitable Risk Assessment carried out and authorised by competent individuals.
Advice regarding the requirement for and completion of Risk Assessments can be obtained from the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry) or Deputy Safety Advisor (Office G.029D).
The University’s generic form can be found at:
http://www.healthandsafety.manchester.ac.uk/toolkits/ra/
4.10 Working at Height
Untrained persons should not work at height.
Anyone whose role involves working at height must have attended the training course “Safe Use of Ladders and Steps” which can be applied for at:
https://app.manchester.ac.uk/training/profile.aspx?unitid=2323&parentId=4
In addition a Risk Assessment which should be completed for this activity can be found on the Department website at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/generic-risk-assessment/
4.11 Manual Handling
Using incorrect techniques when moving loads is the cause of many injuries within the workplace.
Anyone whose work involves considerable manual handling must attend the course available at:
https://app.manchester.ac.uk/training/profile.aspx?unitid=2320&parentId=4
Assistance with any considerable manual handling task can be obtained by contacting the Health and Safety Office (60577/57851).
4.12 Display Screen Equipment and Risk Assessment
All managers must ensure that any staff who use a visual display unit for more than 30 minutes per day completes the Risk Assessment available at:
https://selectsurveys.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=7lK13n43
4.13 Electrical Safety Policy and Faulty Equipment
Only trained staff from the Electronic workshop are authorised to repair faulty electrical and electronic equipment.
Faulty equipment must be taken out of service immediately and repaired via the approved route (logging the work at the PC in room G.017 and following the on-screen instructions) and then handed in to stores for collection and repair.
4.14 General Welfare Information
There is a cafe adjacent to reception.
Welfare facilities are situated throughout the building. The Ross Rest Room is for the use of staff and there is a Postgraduate Common room.
Lavatories are situated in the foyer and at locations indicated on the building maps situated in the lift lobby on each floor.
The water in the lavatories and laboratories should not be used as drinking water.
4.15 Waste Disposal and Recycling
All procedures pertaining to disposal of wastes and recycling are available from Procedures and Methods sheet number 23 at:
http://www.ssnet.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/health-and-safety/procedure-and-methods/
4.16 Portable Appliance Testing
All electrical equipment is tested on a yearly (or in the case of office-based IT equipment, 4-yearly) by a competent tester.
When new electrical equipment is purchased please inform the Health and Safety Office so that PAT testing can be arranged.
4.17 Staff Working Across Organisational Boundaries
The fundamental principle of Health and Safety management in the University is that responsibility for Health and Safety lies with the line manager and those further up the “line of command”. Responsibility for managing may be delegated to others, but accountability for ensuring Health and Safety cannot.
All managers from other Departments or Directorates whose employees and/or students are carrying out work in the Chemistry Building must ensure that these persons attend an appropriate induction session and have clear guidance as to who is responsible for day-to-day management of themselves whilst they are in the Chemistry Building and where to seek advice and raise concerns regarding Health and Safety matters.
University guidance is available at:
http://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=13897
4.18 Contractors
All contractors working in the building are expected to adhere to the same Health and Safety standards as all other building occupants.
All contractors must have a suitable and sufficient safety induction before carrying out work in the building.
Please report any issues with contractor behaviour to the Technical Services Manager (57542).
4.19 Visitors
All visitors must sign in using the book kept at reception.
Unaccompanied visitors are not allowed outside building opening times (8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday).
4.20 Children
Minors are strictly not allowed to be present in the laboratories and instrument rooms at any time unless this is part of an arranged Department event.
Whenever minors are participating in arranged events the relevant Risk Assessment must be signed off by the School Safety Advisor (Department of Chemistry).
In all other areas minors must be accompanied by the adult responsible for them at all times.
4.21 Personal Audio Systems
Users of personal audio systems should only involve the use of one earpiece.
This is so the user is aware of any alarms or other necessary sounds.
4.22 The Occupational Health Service
The University has an Occupational Health Service. Any employee or student wishing to make use of its services should do so via their line manager or supervisor.
4.23 Collaborative Researchers
Researchers collaborating with members of the Department may be granted access if required to undertake research. All access requests should be made to the Health and Safety Office. The Department of Chemistry supervising academic is responsible for ensuring that the work is carried out safely.
4.24 Visitors to the Chemistry Building
The University has a duty to ensure the safety of all visitors on University premises. All visitors should be made aware of the hazards present in the areas that they are visiting. Children (under the age of 18) must be accompanied at all times.
4.25 Reporting of Thefts or Other Suspicious/criminal Activity.
Any issues should be reported immediately to Security (69966). Please also notify the Health and Safety Office.
4.26 Building Faults
Please report any building-related matters to the Technical Services Manager (57542).
+44 (0) 161 275 4614
