University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory Minutes of the 88th Health and Safety Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 20th February 2002 in GC22 Present: P Brooks (Chairman), C Bean, K Crofts, M Kuhn, M A Levitt, P Neaves, K Wheddon (Secretary) Apologies: P J L Crofts, G Titmus 1. Items for Any Other Business None 2. Any Corrections to Previous Minutes None 3. Accidents and matters arising from Accident Reports NR010: A member of the Kitchen staff cut her finger when cleaning the baked potato machine on a very sharp edge. A first aider treated her for shock. NR011: A member of Cambridge Vending cut her finger with a knife while trying to fix a broken coffee caddy. A first aider attended, a plaster was applied and she was treated for shock. 4. Personnel and Workplace Assessment Referral Forms None 5. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes 5.1(5.2) VDU Workstation Assessment Training course for Assessors PJLC apologised for still not completing this and will find the VDU Document and pass it on to someone else who can forward it as a revised version of the proposed University Document. Action PJLC 5.2(6.2) Replacement of Health and Safety Committee Members A member from the Cafeteria is still being sought to join the Committee. Action PJLC 6. Any Other Business 6.1 (6.2) Risk Assessment Forms KW contacted the Safety Office and they sent through a Risk Assessment Book. PB looked through and decided which sheets to copy and use if people needed. They are currently in GC05 for people to fill in if required. 6.2 Whittle The sighting of the Whittle Laboratory sign, South side, North of the car park restricts visibility and is spelt wrong. PJLC said it is part of the main building project and is due to be replaced. There is also no obvious right of way on the cycle path/pavement that crosses the access road into the Department/Microsoft's car park. PJLC will contact Peter Taylor (EMBS, Project Manager). Action: PJLC It was also said that after discussion with Nanofabrications about the Marconi plot there will be a new road to access Marconi and Microsoft. A haul road will be used during construction and will be blocked off for motor vehicles but will still have access for bicycles. 6.3 Personal Attack Call Points PJLC contacted CHUBB. They have now made a sign which was agreed by the committee and will now be put up where ever the red attack buttons are. (After note: PAN Done). 7. Correspondence 7.1(7.3) Fire PAN is still to arrange a Fire Wardens Course to be held in our building by Darren Franks (University Fire Office) (After note: PAN Done). They are currently waiting for the certificates to be approved. MK looked through various catalogues for some sort of visual marker to be put on the bottom 2-3 steps for people with visual difficulties. After looking on the web it was thought that the British Standards didn't specify anything in particular. MK also went and looked in the Lecture Theatres and said that the steps in there were marked ok. Action: MK, PAN PAN reported he is still waiting for Darren (Fire Office). PB and PAN walked round the building with a member of the fire brigade and University Safety Officer last week. Certain things were pointed out. The department doesn't need to have Fire Doors at the ends of the corridors, all fire alarmed doors should not rely on automatic unlocking they should have a green break glass over-ride box, there should be an alternative exit route on the far west end of the street and any user supplied furniture over 10 years old need to have special inspection. Action: PAN 7.2 Lifts Lift engineers from Engineering came to give the lift winding course on the 24th January. It was found that the phone in the lift doesn't actually work. It was thought that maybe the phone could be reprogrammed to go straight through to security or PJLC could get a normal phone line installed. Action: PJLC 7.3 Office Ventilation There is still a problem with the lack of air flow on the first floor. After discussion with the committee it was decided that the vents need measuring and we need vices for rooms. RMJM need to check we are getting atleast 6 litres per second per person. It was thought that EMBS are dealing with the problem at present. 7.4 Sharp Metal Edges MK said the railing that goes up the stairs to the entrance door in Lecture Theatre 1 is very sharp and needs rubbing down. He cut his finger. MK also mentioned the silver edge on the other side of the door is very sharp and another member of the department ripped his jumper on the corner. 7.5 Disposable Fluorescent Tubes Stores have asked if there is anywhere for disposal of fluorescent tubes. PB has asked J Blunt from Physics if they have any disposable places on site. (After note: Done) 7.6 There have been sighting of mice in the courtyards. The committee have decided to action this with the rats. PJLC is to talk to EMBS to see who is to pay for the rat catcher to come in every 3 months. Action: PJLC 7.7 It has been confirmed that all water in the building is drinking water. 7.8 Pigeons - Rentakill came in for the last time with the Falcon and has asked us to keep an eye out for nesting pigeons above the main entrance. If anything to report please contact falconralph@aol.com 7.9 There have been changes made in the Machine Room. Several cabinets have multiple electrical phases, so the room doors now have large "415v" stickers, and the individual cabinets have small ones. 7.10 A user mentioned the glare from the window. A second anti glare set of blinds have been fitted in certain rooms. Another 10 are on order. 7.11 There is a company coming in on 26th February to clean computer keyboards and screens of those who requested it. Agreeing to this should mean this could be a yearly thing. 7.12 PB had a comment back from the MPhil RSI Student. He said the department doesn't need to worry as he has his keyboard and is able to carry it around with him. 7.13 Marconi - Kate Crofts mentioned that they have a group wide Health and Safety policy document. When the document is complete she will give KW a copy for the files. Action: KC 7.14 Due to a bad accident that happened in Engineering involving Laboratory equipment which was modified, the Safety Office/Engineering have circulated a guidance form to be used if we modify such machinery. We do not expect to do so. 7.15 After further discussion with Tony Palmer, EMBS the department now have Green Recycling bins coming on the 21st February to Stores. There will be bins scattered around the building in areas where most needed. This is purely for paper. 10. Date for future Meetings Meeting will take place at 14:15 in GC22 on the third Wednesday of every month unless stated otherwise:- 17th April, 15th May, 19th June, 17th July, 21st August, 18th September, 16th October, 20th November and 18th December 2002 19th June the Health and Safety meeting will be in GS13 PB/KW 9th April 2002