1. Important Please note that the Safety Passport should only be
used 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 relevant
laboratory induction programmes within each
School.

2. Role of the Supervisor 2/1 Role of the Supervisor
Copyright © The School of Applied Sciences
The Robert Gordon University

3. 2/2
Role of the Supervisor
Role of the Supervisor
Of all the people in the Health and Safety management
chain 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 when
they do not realise their responsibilities.
When dealing with health and safety issues common sense is no
substitute for well thought out safe working practices.
Management with help from safety advisors and specialists
lay down a heath and safety policy.
It then falls to the Supervisor to implement this policy.
Copyright © The School of Applied Sciences
The Robert Gordon University

4. To implement a health and safety policy
2/3
Role of the Supervisor
Role of the Supervisor
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 to
those under their supervision.
T - TRAIN
Make sure individuals know how to
follow the required procedures
Then as their title implies they must SUPERVISE
Copyright © The School of Applied Sciences
The Robert Gordon University

5. 2/4
Role of the Supervisor
Role of the Supervisor
It is also vital that rules are not being seen to be broken
by 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 the
result of an accident, to someone under their supervision the
time spent dealing with this far outweighs the time that should
have been spent on supervision.

6. Accidents: Causes and Examples
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Accidents:
Causes and Examples
Accidents:
Causes and Examples

7. Accidents What is an Accident ?
2/6
Accidents:
Causes and Examples
Accidents
What is an Accident ?
It is an unplanned and uncontrolled event which
could, or has, led to people being injured, damage
to 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 workplace
to ensure accidents do not occur.

8. Equipment and Materials Environment People
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Accidents:
Causes and Examples
Accidents
Accidents can be seen as being affected by 3 factors:
Equipment and Materials
Environment
People

9. 29 result in a minor injury 300 result in no injury.
2/8
Accidents:
Causes and Examples
Accidents
Endless research has been carried out, using data
gathered from submitted accident reports, to see
how accidents can be prevented.
Bird’s Research
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.

10. Accidents “A porter cut his hand on a broken pipette which was
2/9
Accidents:
Causes and Examples
Accidents
“A porter cut his hand on a broken pipette which was
in 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 refrigerator
causing an explosion. The refrigerator had not been
modified to remove sources of ignition”
“Explosion in a fumecupboard occurred when a student
was subliming tetrazole at atmospheric pressure.
His supervisor had failed to check chemical properties,
method or quantity”
“2 molar solution of caustic soda solution splashed into
the eyes of a student whilst removing a stuck stopper.
Safety specs were provided but the lecturer in charge of
the lab had told students it was not necessary to wear
them”

11. Summary Accidents Accidents are caused they don’t just happen.
2/10
Accidents:
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 following
laid down systems, rules and procedures may lead to accidents.
The University must report accidents that stop a person
working for 3 days or more to the enforcement agencies.
Some accidents and work related diseases must be reported
immediately.

12. Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
2/11
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
- R.G.U. Policy
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
- R.G.U. Policy

13. Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse
2/12
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
- R.G.U. Policy
Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse
People under the influence
of alcohol or drugs at work
are not only a hazard to
themselves but also to those
people who work with them.
Universities now regard drug abuse and alcoholism
as a health problem and encourage Staff and Students with
such problems to seek help and advice.
Warnings associated with prescribed drugs and drugs
bought over the counter must be heeded as these can
often lead to lethargy and drowsiness.

14. Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
2/13
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
- R.G.U. Policy
Smoking, 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.

15. Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
2/14
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
- R.G.U. Policy
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
- R.G.U. Policy
In common with all employers RGU is committed to
a rigid policy on smoking, alcohol and drug abuse.
But within this policy there is a built in procedure
to help staff and students, whose activities are being
adversely effected by such abuse, recognise that there is
a problem and to offer counselling.
If after such an offer the problem still exists there is
then a series of disciplinary steps to go through.
If these steps are then ignored the ultimate penalties of
dismissal or expulsion are brought in to play.

16. Reporting of Accidents
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Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents

17. Reporting of accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement.
2/16
Reporting of Accidents
Reporting 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 work
activities, but not to all incidents.
Reporting of accidents and ill health at work
is a legal requirement.
The information obtained allows the enforcing authorities
to identify where and how risks arise.
Advice can then be given on preventative action to help reduce
injury, ill health and accidental loss.

18. Reporting of Accidents
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Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents
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 Worker
is killed or suffers a major injury and is taken to hospital
the enforcing authority (H.S.E.) must be notified, by telephone,
without delay.
When contacted the H.S.E. will ask for brief, concise
details regarding the injured person and the accident.
This initial contact must the be followed up, within ten days,
with a completed accident form.

19. Reporting of Accidents
2/18
Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents
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

20. Reporting of Accidents
2/19
Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents
Over-three-day injury:
An over-three-day injury is one which is not deemed major
but results in the person being away from work or unable to
do 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 Worker
suffers an over-three-day injury a completed accident form
must be sent to the enforcing authority within ten days.
Disease:
If a doctor notifies the University that a person, who had
been carrying out work activities on University premises,
is suffering from a reportable work-related disease a completed
diseases report form must be sent to the enforcing authority.

21. Reporting of Accidents
2/20
Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents
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.

22. Reporting of Accidents
2/21
Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents
Dangerous Occurrence:
If something happens which does not result in a
reportable injury, but which clearly could have done,
then it may a dangerous occurrence which must be reported
immediately to the enforcing authority.
Within ten days this must be followed up with a completed
accident report form.
Reportable Dangerous Occurrences:
These are far to numerous to list.
Again from the description given all such occurrences must
be reported so as ensure all risk is eliminated and the
occurrence does not happen again

23. Reporting of Accidents
2/22
Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents
Keeping records:
Records must be kept of any reportable injury, disease or
dangerous 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

24. Reporting of Accidents
2/23
Reporting of Accidents
Reporting of Accidents
Summary
RIDDOR requires that all notifiable incidents are
reported to the H.S.E.
If an incident occurs and a person involved in that incident
is 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 :
Only after contact with the HSE should the R.G.U.
Health and Safety Office be informed.
RGU Health and Safety Office :
In all cases, whether it is a reportable injury, reportable disease
or a dangerous occurrence an R.G.U. Incident Form must be
completed and forwarded appropriately.

25. 2/24
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment

26. A hazard is something with the potential to
2/25
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Hazard:
A hazard is something with the potential to
cause harm. This can include substances or
machinery, methods of work and other aspects
of work organisation.
Risk:
Risk expresses the likelihood that the harm from
a particular hazard is realised

27. H.S.E. Booklet available, free of charge, outlining
2/26
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
H.S.E. Booklet available, free of charge, outlining
the recognised Five Steps to Risk Assessment
Covers all aspects of Risk Assessment
for all activities likely to be carried out
on University premises or whilst carrying
University work.

28. Five Steps to Risk Assessment
2/27
Risk 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.

29. Step 1 - Look for the hazards
2/28
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Step 1 - Look for the hazards
Look around the workplace and decide what
could be reasonably expected to cause harm.
Concentrate on significant hazards - those which
could 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-health
records.

30. Step 2 - Decide who might be harmed Students, Staff, Support Staff
2/29
Risk 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.

31. Step 3 - Evaluate the risks - are existing controls adequate ?
2/30
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Step 3 - Evaluate the risks
- are existing controls adequate ?
- should more be done ?
Consider how likely it is that each hazard could
cause harm.
Categorise the hazards as high, medium or low.
Are all legal requirements being met with regards
to 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.

32. Step 3 contd. Controlling the risk Risk Assessment
2/31
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Step 3 contd.
If something needs done draw up an action list.
Make a priorities list aimed at those risks deemed
high 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

33. Step 4 - Record your findings
2/32
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Step 4 - Record your findings
If five or more people are employed the significant
findings 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.

34. Step 5 - Review and revise
2/33
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Step 5 - Review and revise
At some time new equipment and new work
procedures will be introduced which could lead
to 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 risk
assessments from time to time to ensure that
precautions put in place are working effectively.

35. Risk Assessment Yes No No Yes No Yes Identify Hazards Can hazards
2/34
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Identify Hazards
Can hazards
be removed?
Yes
Stop Assessment No
Has new
hazard been
created? No
Yes
Estimate/Evaluate
consequence of use
Estimate/Evaluate
risk of use
Is consequence
and risk
acceptable? No
Introduce
control measures
Yes
Review periodically
Copyright© The School of Applied Sciences
The Robert Gordon University

36. Risk Assessment R.G.U. Policy
2/35
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
R.G.U. Policy
There is a requirement for all staff to perform suitable risk
assessments for all activities being carried out on
University premises as well as for those being carried
out outwith University premises ( field trips, industrial
visits etc.)
Responsibility for the completion of these risk assessments
lies with Line Managers, Laboratory Supervisors and
Research Supervisors.
The procedures to be followed are as laid down on the
previous slides (5 Steps to Risk Assessment)
From these Consequence, Probability and Risk can
be calculated.

37. Risk Assessment Consequence Probability
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Risk 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 = Almost never happen

38. Risk Assessment R.G.U. Policy Risk
2/37
Risk 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)
Major (x2)
Minor (x1)
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.

39. Standard Operating Procedures
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Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Codes of Practice
and
Standard Operating Procedures
These can be used to help standardise the risk assessment process
Inexperienced people may perceive an activity
or piece of equipment to be extremely hazardous
whereas 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 down
correct operating procedures and processes. By getting them to
list all risks and hazards and how these can be minimised and
then deeming these to be the approved standard for that particular
workplace can only be of benefit to he risk assessment process.

40. Standard Operating Procedures
2/39
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Codes of Practice
and
Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures can be produced for specialist
equipment such as centrifuges and autoclaves.
Codes of Practices can be produced for general activities such
working 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 the
COP and SOP eliminates any discrepancy and ensures correct
practice when planned activities are put into operation.

41. Personal Protective Equipment
2/40
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment

42. Personal Protective Equipment
2/41
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
For some activities Staff and Students have to wear special
clothing and equipment to protect them from workplace
hazards. This is known as PPE.
PPE is the last item to be suggested in the need for control
measures and should only be used as a last resort once all
other 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

43. Personal Protective Equipment
2/42
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
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 found
not 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

44. Personal Protective Equipment
2/43
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
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 to
enter 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.

45. 2/44
First Aid
First Aid

46. 2/45
First Aid
First Aid
The University whilst doing all that is reasonably practicable
to avoid accidents in the workplace must still be prepared
for 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 Aid
practitioner, is required to administer First Aid to someone
they 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.

47. First Aid First Aid Provision
2/46
First Aid
First Aid
First Aid Provision
To comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid)
Regulations 1981, the University has to make sure
that they are prepared for an accident or emergency.
The cover required depends on the number of people
employed and the type of work they are involved in.
Low Risk Occupations
Work in offices and shops are deemed low risk. In
these occupations there is no legal requirement for
a trained first-aider unless there are more than 150
employees. Despite this there should always be someone
who can take responsibility if an accident occurs or
someone takes ill. This appointed person will have relevant
phone numbers (doctor and or ambulance service) to ensure
medical assistance can be sought.

48. First Aid High Risk Occupations
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First 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 and
hazardous substances first-aiders will require more specialist
training.
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 !

49. Summary The University has a legal duty to provide for an accident
2/48
First 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 individual
first-aiders must notified to all Staff and Students.

50. First Aid Notices such as this give name and contact
2/49
First Aid
First Aid
Notices such as this give name and contact
details of RGU accredited First Aiders.