Senior Staff Safety Presentation 18/12/08 SHE code 20 Controlling Explosive and Flammable Gases and Dusts

Section 4.1 Defines what action the GROUP LEADER must do.. Not too surprisingly this means… 4.1.1) Making sure that relevant Risk Assessments are undertaken ) Determine if any activities involve cylinders of flammable gas or quantities of flammable liquids or aerosols. There are more and you need to read the code.,

Section 4.2 Supervisors and Line Managers must ) Carry out Risk Assessments for all activities involving dangerous substances. lots to read and do especially if you consider that W.R.T. this code you have any hazardous areas.

Section A2.4 talks about storage for laboratories.. Must be in lockable, purpose built, fire resistant steel cupboards. Any old cupboard will not do! Minimise quantities. Use wash bottles that are clearly marked or even antistatic bottles.

Minimise the risks of a fire by removing one of the following, oxygen, flammable material or sources of ignition. For most of us this is not difficult BUT watch out for labs with integral workshops! (Drills with electric motors, cutting, filing) If refurbishing labs a good practice would be to go for antistatic floors and benches as it reduces the risk of a spark!

Specifically the Risk Assessment must include. The hazardous properties (eg Fire and Explosion). The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (done via COSHH I hope) The amount (less than 1 litre). Arrangement for storage. Likelihood of ignition sources (grinding, filing, drilling, some soldering irons are gas powered, static discharge.) Likelihood of explosive atmosphere (prevented by good ventilation or use of only small quantities of liquid)

If you do think that you have an explosive atmosphere then you MUST talk to the SHE group who will provide a specialist DSEAR person to come and assess the problem BEFORE you start.

Debris from work on Asbestos containing wall Could this happen to you ? 1. What Instances have been reported where building work has been undertaken without knowledge of whether the structure or area contains asbestos. This has resulted in the potential for uncontrolled release of asbestos containing materials. 2. Why Undisturbed asbestos contained within the structure of buildings does not pose significant hazards. Asbestos locations on STFC sites is detailed in Estates Group’s ‘Asbestos Registers’. Poor management awareness of the recently launched building work SHE code and location of asbestos in their areas. 3. Learning Inform Estates Group prior to undertaking any building work – see STFC SHE code 19. Confirm with Estates Group whether structures being modified contain asbestos. Report any instances where there is or thought to be exposed and/or damaged asbestos containing material. Further detail can be obtained from your local SHE Group Issued Dec 08 Damaged Asbestos building cladding Loose/damaged Asbestos floor tile

This couldn’t happen here ? 1. What An item of portable electrical equipment provided by an STFC contractor when plugged in flashed and tripped the power. Examination of the plug revealed an unusual gap between the body of the plug and its cover, and a cracked cover, see 1 2. Why When examined internally the gap and broken pug cover were found to have arisen because the fuse had been replaced with a bolt!, see 2. The cable was also damaged. 3. Learning Always check portable electrical equipment for signs of damage prior to use -including that provided by contractors. Ensure that all portable electrical equipment has a current test label. Report untested or faulty portable electrical equipment to local Estates teams. Further detail can be obtained from your local SHE Group Issued Dec 08 ! 1 2

Could this happen in your area? 1. What A cleaning contractor tripped over a pallet left outside a building and fell, breaking their wrist. They were absent from work for three weeks. An STFC employee tripped on an Aluminium plate and fell, breaking their wrist. They were absent from work for four weeks. Both these incidents were reported to the HSE under the RIDDOR regulations. 2. Why Used pallets and materials lying about were not routinely tidied away or disposed of. When you’re busy being tidy drops down the priority list. Not everyone is aware of the appropriate disposal route for waste material. 3. Learning Slips, trips and falls are common STFC injuries - are your workshops/laboratories tidy? Do you and your staff regularly remove waste materials and items? Do you and your staff know how to dispose of big items or waste that you no longer want? Further detail can be obtained from your local SHE Group Issued Dec 08