The provision of a safe working environment for everyone within the Department of Biology relies on effective Health and Safety management. As part of the ongoing process of improving safety standards, the Department of Biology has appointed Safety monitors (PDF , 120kb) for specific areas throughout the Department. These individuals take responsibility for monitoring safety standards within their own designated area, as well as taking action in emergency situations such as a fire or accident.
The role is not intended occupy a significant amount of time each week or be prescriptive. Fulfilment of responsibilities will be largely up to the individual to manage and integrate within their main activities. Guidance, training and advice will be provided where required.
It is recognised that the specific role will vary depending on the designated area within the Department. The role can be divided into the following categories:
These individuals already have ultimate responsibility for managing and monitoring safety standards within their own specific area. For these individuals there will be little or no change to their current responsibilities.
Some areas within the Department of Biology require appointed individuals to take day to day responsibility for checking that high standards of safety are maintained in designated areas. These areas include laboratory facilities used by an individual group, or shared laboratory facilities (including the traditional 'research corridor' that may be used for some laboratory activities).
Safety Monitors will assist Area Managers / Academic Supervisors in the maintenance of a safe working environment for all individuals in the area they cover. However, it is emphasised that the Area Managers / Academic Supervisors will continue to accept full responsibility for all aspects of safety management in their area.
Safety monitors will report to:
Monitoring safety standards and provisions does not require specialist knowledge and experience in health and safety. What is required is the ability to recognise and record unsafe situations and practices in their working environment. This will be aided by a checklist of items to consider when monitoring. Individuals will be given appropriate guidance on what the role entails and how to go about it. Specific training will be provided where identified and required.
A number of generic responsibilities for Safety Monitors will exist for all areas within the Department. However, some differences will arise if the appointed person manages the area and therefore has ultimate responsibility for that area.
The following sets out the general responsibilities for appointed Safety Monitors: