Hazard

• Exposure to cold surfaces and materials
• Asphyxiation
• Explosion of pressure systems
• Embrittlement of materials

Roles affected

• Staff
• Contractors
• Research Scientists
• Persons working in the area.

Training

Many of the safety precautions observed for compressed gases also apply to cryogenic liquids with the addition of extremely low temperatures and vapourisation of the cryogens.  Probably the most insidious risk is from asphyxiation since most of the cryogens used are colourless, odourless, and heavier than air and where 1 litre of liquid cryogen can produce hundreds of litres of gas.

Many of the large experimental facilities operated by the STFC involve the use of cryogenic materials and therefore can affect many people in the vicinity. A key component of reducing the risks posed by cryogenic materials is through the documented risk assessment process and the requirement for well maintained oxygen depletion systems where they are required. Example calculations for both sudden release and normal evaporation of a cryogen are provided as an aid to determining reduction in oxygen levels. The requirement for good ventilation should also not be overlooked. Adequate information, instruction and training as to the hazards associated with cryogenic materials must be given to those working with such materials and those in the vicinity of such hazards. Documented emergency procedures must be in place in the event of a cryogenic liquid spillage.

Although there is no specific safety legislation relating to cryogenic materials many of the risks are addressed through other COSHH, PUWER, DSEAR, Confined Space Regulations and the Pressure Systems (Safety) Regulations

Hazard

• Driving long distances
• Travel to High Altitude

Roles affected

• STFC professional drivers
• Staff visiting JAC or ING

Training |

This code is important for managers of staff and staff travelling as part of their work. Travelling, especially driving, is in general the most hazardous activity that staff undertake while working for the STFC. The code requires that consideration is given to undertaking a documented risk assessment for 'unusual' journeys/trips that do not fall within the following examples where template risk assessments exist:

Driving in the UK, Conventional Western Europe (CWE) and North America

Overseas travel to outside of CWE and North America

Specific requirements highlighted include: need for defensive driver training if you drive >3000miles/year on business; banning the use of hands free mobile phones when driving; need for high altitude medicals when visiting sites above 10,000'; and the need to have a breaks every 2.5hours when driving and avoiding driving at the end of long working days (12hours);

It does not apply to travel from your home to normal place of work

Hazards

• Working on roofs
• Working on any raised platform

Roles affected

• Maintenance staff
• Estates inspection staff
• Staff in area of 'work at height'

Training |

Falls from height, any height, is an easily recognised hazard that can result in serious injury. This code is relevant to anyone working or managing others, including contractors, where falls are possible.

Where possible working at height should be avoided eliminating the hazard. Where it can not consideration should be given to undertaking a documented Risk Assessment considering those undertaking the work, the provision of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for example harnesses, rescue plans, and importantly those that may be affected by it – passers by.

Work on roofs is a particular example of working at height for which special care should be taken – the code introduces for roofs that do not have safety barriers the need to undertake the work under a Permit to Work. The code includes guidance on the use of and working from ladders.

Hazards

• Asphyxiation
• Explosive atmospheres

Roles affected

• Maintenance staff
• Estates inspection staff

Training

A confined space, spaces where getting in and out is a problem and where hazardous or toxic atmospheres can build up, is an easily overlooked hazards. STFC examples could include large sample chambers or detectors, drains, sewers, and tunnels. This code is relevant to all managers who are responsible for activities that take place in confined spaces.

Where ever possible it is best to avoid entering such spaces – where it can not - a prior Risk Assessment must be carried out before agreeing a written method statement or system of work. These must consider how a rescue might be undertaken - without endangering rescuers. Because of the nature of this hazard all work in confined spaces must be carried out under a 'Permit to Work​' issued by an Authorised Issuer. This equally applies to contractors working for us.  

Hazards

• Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting, twisting or repetative tasks

Roles affected

• All staff

Training

This code is important for everyone, particularly managers of those involved in lifting heavy objects by hand. Bad backs resulting from poor lifting technique, repetitive tasks, or lifting heavy objects are common in the UK's workforce - resulting lost time and long lasting restrictions to mobility.

The code does not require documented Risk Assessments are conducted for every object lifted or moved but encourages managers to review the work that their staff undertake identifying particularly difficult or repetitive lifts. By documenting a manual handling risk assessment for these managers and staff can consider how to eliminate the need to lift or move objects or minimise the risks by using specialist lifting tools/equipment and correct – kinetic lifting techniques.

Hazards

• All hazards associated with construction projects.
• Design of items used in any construction projects.

Roles affected

• Staff involved in building/ construction projects.
• Designers of scientific equipment

Training

Construction is one of the most hazardous activities undertaken and consequently is increasingly the focus of legislative controls. This code is relevant to anyone responsible for managing construction or demolition projects, though not generally to the construction of experimental equipment.

This code implements the Construction (Design and Management) [CDM] regulations which define the roles and responsibilities of the 4 key duty holder involved in any construction project: the Client; the Designer; the Principal Contractor (contractors and workers ) and the CDM Co-ordinator. Within the STFC staff may fulfil all 4 roles or some may be provided by external specialists. Some CDM projects must be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prior to commencement – those lasting more than 30 days or involving more than 500 person days, and those worth more than £300K require the generation of a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP).

Hazards

• Exposure to ionising radiations

Roles affected

• Research scientists
• Scientific support staff
• Contractors

This code is likely to affect you only if you work with sealed radioisotope sources — sources in which the active radioactive material is completely isolated inside a sealed container (often double-walled).  Sealed sources can be used for many purposes, but in STFC are likely to be used mostly for calibrating health physics radiation dose rate monitors or for checking particle counters (e.g. neutron detectors on ISIS). 

The code addresses all aspects of sealed source management, their: purchase; storage; use; movement and transport; and disposal. All sealed sources must be purchased through the site Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA). At the heart of the code is the appointment of Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPSs), trained people who are made responsible for the safe use and safe keeping of a defined set of sealed radioisotope sources by implementing 'Local Rules' for their management. The whereabouts of all sealed sources at all times must be recorded in radiation accountancy systems such as ISOSTOCK software.

Hazards

• Falling objects
• Slips, trips and falls
• Dust

Roles affected

• All staff
• Contract supervising officers

Training

Contractors undertake much work on behalf of the STFC from specialist equipment engineers through gardeners and catering staff to builders. This code applies to anyone responsible for such staff – Contract Supervising Officers (CSOs). The STFC, and CSOs, have specific safety responsibilities to the contractors that work for us – most important being that we give them all the information they need to undertake their work safely on our sites.

The code outlines how these responsibilities can be exercised by CSOs - reviewing the documented risk assessments contractors undertake for the work they are planning and that their work Method Statements include the controls identified in the risk assessment and the hazards that we know about. Once work commences the CSOs should monitor the progress of work to ensure that contractors following the agreed method statement and that their safety behaviour is acceptable. Documented Risk Assessments and Method Statements are not required for all activities but are increasingly the standard approach to managing contractor safety.   

Hazards

• Hazardous substances
• Allergens
• GMOs

Roles affected

• Research scientists
• Scientific support staff
• Contractors

Bio hazards are a relatively new hazard for the STFC, which like radiation it is generally invisible and can have significant health implications. Relevant to anyone working with bio hazardous materials including Genetically Modified (GM) materials, and human tissues. The code covers the secure handling and disposal of such materials. Sites where biological hazards are present need to:

• establish Biological Safety (GM Safety ) Committees to consider biological work planned and their risk assessments; and
• seek the advice of a competent Biological Safety Officer for work planned documented in risk assessments

Hazards

• Contact with electicity from faulty tools and equipment

Roles affected

• All staff

Training

Hazards

• Noise induced hearing loss
• tinnitus

Roles affected

• Staff using heavy machinery
• Staff in the vicinity of heavy machinery

Training

Noise induced hearing loss and 'ringing in the ears' (Tinnitus) are common symptoms that arise when someone is exposed to prolonged and loud noise. As a rule of thumb a noise hazard may exist when two people need to raise their voices to hold a normal conversation when 2m apart. This code is relevant to all managers responsible for areas where noise is a hazard to staff, contractors and others.

The code establishes the role of a Noise Assessor who will undertake a noise assessment for managers responsible for noisy areas recommending remedial action and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as determined by the legally defined Lower and Upper Action Values, 80 and 85 dB(A) respectively. Where staff work in such areas regular hearing tests may be necessary, undertaken by local Occupational Health teams, to identify the early sign of damage to hearing.

Hazards

• Exposure to electricity (concealed services)
• Exposure to asbestos
• Incorrect installation (load bearing etc.)

Roles affected

• Maintenance staff
• All staff through incorrect installation or disturbance of asbestos

Training

Relevant to anyone wishing to modify the fabric of the buildings in which they work from drilling holes into walls, through to knocking walls down or new buildings, to re-wiring or plumbing in services. The fabrics of buildings are the responsibility of site estates teams who understand through their experience of the site and site drawings the hazards they contain. Typical examples include - concealed electric cables, water pipes, gas lines, and asbestos through to the load bearing capacity of floors and walls, to fire management equipment – fire escapes, fire doors, alarm systems etc.

The code establishes the role of approved "Building Work Co-ordinators" (BWCs) – the only staff permitted to manage work affecting the fabric of the building. BWCs will be competent to understand the hazards in the building and manage work on them, ensure that site drawings are maintained, and that work affecting fire safety is reviewed by SHE Group so that the implications of work undertaken on Fire Risk Assessment is considered.

Hazards

• Exposure explosions/heat

Roles affected

• Research scientists.
• Scientific support staff.
• Persons working in area.

Training

Hazards

• Exposure to ionising radiations

Roles affected

• Research scientists
• Scientific support staff.
• Logistics staff
• Waste managers

Relevant to anyone working with radioactive materials or equipment generating radiation. Addresses radioactive wastes in all forms: solid, liquid and gaseous and cover their storage, control, security and disposal. Most importantly the option to avoid creating radioactive waste is stressed avoiding the need for its time consuming and costly disposal.

It defines the roles of Radioactive Waste Consignors, to identify and consign radioactive wastes to the control of a site Radioactive Waste Manager who ensures it is suitably characterised, consolidated, labelled and disposed through Environment Agency approved disposal channels.

Hazards

• Eye damage
• Skin damage/burns

Roles affected

• Research scientists
• Scientific support staff.

Training

Working with Lasers Lasers, in particular the powerful lasers employed in the STFC – infra-red and ultra-violet - class 3B and 4, and pulsed lasers, can result in thermal and photochemical burns to skin, and eyes in particular, the latter resulting in permanent visual impairment.  This code is relevant to managers of staff and staff working with lasers of any type.

The code establishes a hierarchy of responsibilities for laser management, these are:

Overall Laser Responsible Officer (OLRO) – advising LROs and staff on laser safety, investigating laser incidents, controlling changes in laser use; and undertaking laser inspections;

Laser Responsible Officer (LRO) – appointing and training LNPs to work with lasers, approving and supervising  the proposed work of LNPs, and maintaining laser documentation; and

Laser Nominated Person (LNP) – approved to follow laser standing orders.

A range of practical advice is included defining expected standards of laser safety.

Hazards

• Head-aches
• Disorientation
• Persons with pacemakers

Roles affected

• Resarch scientists
• Scientific support staff
• Persons in close proximity to equipment.

Training

Hazards

Head-aches
Backache
Upper limb pain and disorders

Roles affected

Virtually all STFC staff, temproary workers and tenants

Training 

 The widespread use of computers in the STFC means that hazards arising from the incorrect set up of DSE and workstations can apply to virtually everyone.

The code describes the appointment of DSE Advisors, to provide advice to managers and staff, and gives line managers the responsibility for ensuring that all their staff undertake:

• DSE user training – now available on-line; and
• a DSE Self Assessment of their workstation – also on line in SHE e​nterprise (link opens in a new window) – when setting up a new workstation, when the workstation changes significantly or when a problem is suspected

Hazards

Exposure to ionising radiation.

Roles affected

Anyone working with ionising radiation
Research Scientist
Scientific support staff
Contractors
Anyone entering an area where work with ionising radiation takes place
Cleaners
Maintenance staff and contractors
Visitors

This code is relevant to anyone who works with ionising radiation or anyone who enters an area where work with ionising radiation takes place. The code sets out the principle of keeping personnel doses as low as reasonably practicable and provides a framework for the management of radiation hazards underpinning the related radiation codes for the Management of Radioactive Sealed Sources, Management of Radioactive Waste and Management of Radioactive Open sources (in draft).

The code outlines the appointment of Radiation Protection Adviser (RPAs), Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPSs), appointed doctors to provide health surveillance and an approved dosimetry service. It also requires that areas, where work with ionising radiation take place, are designated and that people who work within those areas are suitably classified. A documented prior risk assessment and local rules are also required for work with ionising radiation.

Prior to any new work involving ionising radiation hazards or changes to existing radiation hazards or their controls the advice of the RPA should be sought.

Hazard

• Nuisance caused by waste escaping from STFC sites
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Damage to the environment through spillage of hazardous material

Roles Affected

Waste Disposal Officers

Staff or contractors generating waste

Training (link opens in a new window) 

The STFC Environment Policy makes it clear that the disposal of waste should be considered to be an act of last resort and that, in priority order, alternatives such as avoiding the creation or minimising the generation of wastes and re-using or recycling waste should be considered when planning work or projects.

The STFC has a 'Duty of Care' to ensure that any waste it generates - Controlled Wastes - is stored safely and securely on any STFC site and that it is disposed of only through licensed disposal routes and carried by licensed waste carriers. Ensuring such is are the duties of the Waste Disposal Officers (WDOs) and Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors (DGSAs).

Some STFC wastes are also classified as Hazardous Wastes ( or Special Waste in Scotland), for example chemical wastes, and this is subject to more stringent disposal requirements.

There are also specific requirement to separate certain types of waste from the general waste: Batteries; Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment; and Fluorescent Tubes. This code does not address asbestos waste or radioactive waste which are covered by separate codes.

Hazard

• Fire
• Hot Work
• Site Emergencies

Roles Affected

• All staff, tenants, contractors
• Directors
• Building Fire Managers
• Fire Safety Advisors
• Building Wardens
• Estates Teams

Training

Fires and emergencies present a risk to everyone, and the ability to respond effectively and rapidly to them is a major factor in preventing injury and loss.

This code addresses at a high level site emergency planning requiring each site documents, tests and routinely reviews the content of emergency plans.

The code addresses all aspects of Fire Management at STFC sites: installation and maintenance of fire detection systems; provision of competent advice by Fire Safety Advisors and SHE Group; management of changes to the building fabric; the management of hot work; and most importantly the response expected of everyone in the event of a fire alarm. The code also outline10 basic rules for fire Safety in the STFC - keeping you and everyone else safe.

The code also provides very specific technical guidance for those involved with building construction or renovation work.

Hazards

• Pollution of controlled water courses
• Land
• Site Emergencies

Roles Affected

• All staff, tenants, Contractors
• Directors
• Estates Teams

Training

This code establishes procedures to ensure discharges to air, land or water comply with Environmental Permitting and other regulations.

STFC sites require authorisation to carry out certain operations which may have detrimental effects on the environment. These include: discharging hazardous substances to air; storing, treating, disposing or transporting of other peoples wastes (including that of its tenants); discharging trade waste to public sewers; and nuisance activities for instance: noise; odour; or visual ‘pollution’, including light pollution.

This code encourages the minimisation of liquid or gaseous discharges by explicitly asking that environmental issues are included in the standard risk assessment process identifying controls to reduce hazardous discharges as far as reasonably practicable.

The code establishes the assumption that all liquids stored out side of buildings must be stored in bunded areas unless risk assessment determines otherwise. Oil in quantities greater than 200L must be doubly bunded in all circumstances.

Where discharge of hazardous materials to air or drain is necessary the STFC Environment Officer/SHE Group should be consulted in advance to see if regulatory authorisation is required.

NEVER discharge hazardous waste to surface water drains.

All use of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases, for example HFCs, PFCs, SF6, should be listed in site F-Gas registers managed by Estates teams.

All Environmental incidents should be reported in SHE enterprise.

   SHE Management processes

 5   Incident Reporting and Investigation

Training

 6   Risk Management

Training

 7   SHE Improvement Planning

Training

 10   Provision of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Training

Training |

This code is relevant to all staff and temporary or part time staff where they work greater than 2 days a week for a 3 month period at STFC sites. The knowledge and experience – competence - of staff established by training and instruction provide a fundamental basis for ensuring that work is conducted safely.

The code defines a programme of mandatory SHE training for all managers and staff, and prompts managers to consider the 'job specific' SHE training requirements of their staff, in particular during APRs/ASR's, based on the hazards they face in their work. All SHE codes include an appendix that defines the training required, see links in adjacent column. 

 30   SHE Auditing and Inspection

 Training

Relevant to those undertaking safety tours or SHE audits.

Safety tours assess the adequacy of the physical working environment in which staff and others work – tour checklists are provided to assist those undertaking them. Departmental safety tour programmes should visit all locations on at least a 2 year frequency and are generally undertaken by staff within the Department.

The STFC SHE committee approves the corporate compliance audit programme ensuring all codes are audited every 3 years. The aim of compliance auditing is to consider "Are we following the codes and can they be improved?" Compliance audits are conducted by independent trained auditors.

Both tours and audits are recorded in Evotix Assure through which their recommendations and actions are managed.

Hazards

N/A

Roles Affected

Directors
First Aiders
Managers

Training

First Aid can save life in the event of heart attacks, and can prevent minor injuries becoming more serious. This code outlines how STFC staff, and others working on STFC sites (including contractors), get access to immediate First Aid if they are injured or taken ill at work.

The code describes the process for appointing and training sufficient first aiders and the provision of first aid facilities and equipment, for example first aid boxes, oxygen cylinders and defibrillators, at STFC sites.

 24   Health Surveillance

 Training​