Consultation

There are currently no policies under consultation.

----------------------------------------------------

Recent 'closed' Consultations can be found below:

----------------------------------------------------

 

Review of the University Health and Safety Policy Statement (December 2018 - January 2019) - The Health and Safety Committee approved the new Policy Statement (link)

Every three years the University’s General Statement of Health and Safety is reviewed to ensure its continued suitability and effectiveness in setting the scene for health and safety standards across the institution, and in promoting a sensible health and safety approach.

A draft revised  Policy Statement is currently being consulted upon and is available below, with text changes highlighted.

The intention is for the revised Policy Statement to be considered and agreed at the next Health and Safety Committee on the 30th January, and thereafter by the University Council.

I would be grateful if you can consider the above linked draft Policy Statement and the highlighted changes, advising on any observations or making suggestions to us by the  14th January 2019.

Note: The Policy Statement is supported by a more detailed Responsibilities & Arrangements document (to be reviewed in 2019) and numerous technical Policy Standards.

----------------------------------------------------

The University鈥檚 Health and Safety Committee is currently seeking comments from colleagues on two new health and safety Policy Standards, namely:

There is also a proposal to replace the current Alcohol and Drugs Related Problems Policy with:


Your views and comments on the above would be appreciated. Comments should be sent to healthandsafety@bangor.ac.uk before 26th April 2018.

Following these dates the amended Policy Standards and Information Sheets will be presented to the Health and Safety Committee for final consideration and approval. Core Policies and Guides will be translated once approved.


Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Policy Standard - The Health and Safety Committee approved the new Policy Standard (link)

EMF is a form of non-ionising radiation which occurs both naturally and anthropogenic, for example the earth鈥檚 natural magnetic field and everyday items of electrical equipment used at home and at work will create low EMF levels and therefore pose no risk.

For most, EMF field strengths are at level that will cause no harm. However, although no proven causal link between EMFs and long-term health effects, in some workplaces field strengths may present a risk. As such, the Control of Electromagnetic Fields Regulations (CEMFAWR) came into effect in 2016 to address short-term health and sensory effects arising from exposure to EMF (0 鈥� 300 Gigahertz) in the workplace with specific consideration given to Persons at Particular Risk.

The University鈥檚 Electromagnetic Fields Policy Standard ensures compliance with the CEMFAWR and requires each College and Professional Service to identify potentially significant sources of EMF and, if identified, apply management arrangements to ensure no person is harmed as a result of exposure to high levels of EMFs within their areas of control.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Policy Standard

The Policy is also supported by an Information Sheet and Case Studies:


Safe Use of Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR) Policy Standard (excludes lasers) - The Health and Safety Committee approved the new Policy Standard (link)

Artificial optical radiation (AOR) is another term for light, covering ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light and infrared radiation. Any man-made source of light, whether visible or invisible, is considered to be artificial optical radiation, existing in most environments: at work and at home.

The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations came into effect on 27th April 2010. The Regulations require employers to protect the eyes and skin of workers exposed to hazardous sources of artificial optical radiation.

One of the challenges is to ensure sources that may present an exposure risk in excess of the stated Exposure Limit Values are adequately assessed without the burden of having to assess the majority of so-called 鈥榮afe light鈥� sources that do not present a risk under reasonably foreseeable circumstances.

The University鈥檚 Safe Use of Artificial Optical Radiation Policy Standard ensures compliance with the Regulations and requires each College and Professional Service to identify hazardous sources of artificial optical radiation within their area of control and, only if hazardous sources are identified, introduce management arrangements to reduce the risk of harm to the eyes and skin from such sources.

Safe Use of Artificial Optical Radiation (AOR) Policy Standard

The Policy is also supported by an Information Sheet:

 

Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy Standard - the Health and Safety Committee did not approve the proposed changes

The original Policy, which this will replace, was produced and approved in 1997. The key changes to the updated Policy are:

  • A change in terminology. The previous Policy referred to 鈥榙rug abuse鈥�, the newer Policy now uses the term 鈥榮ubstance misuse鈥�, which could include over-the-counter medication, legal or illegal highs or any other physical matter, such as solvents, that are causing an impairment to a person鈥檚 physical or mental health or indeed be a risk to others.
  • The old Policy referred to an Occupational Health Physician, we now appoint an Occupational Health Practitioner.
  • The new Policy is considered to be a clearer document with regards to responsibilities of Colleges and Service Departments, Staff and Health and Safety Services.
  • The removal of the specific Procedure from Policy itself, and the creation of two associated Information Sheets; designed to provide a framework for staff, managers and others when dealing with suspected or actual alcohol or substance misuse and identifying Safety Critical Roles/Tasks.
  • It highlights the requirements for Colleges and Departments to implement their own arrangements with regards to safety critical activities.
  • Overall, the same level of reassurance is still given to a staff member that they will be supported by the University wherever possible.

Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy Standard

The Policy is also supported by two new Information Sheets:

 

Equality Impact Assessments: