SOM006

RESEARCH SAFETY LOG – GUIDELINES

All postgraduate research students, undergraduate students conducting research projects, contract research staff, and anyone else wishing to carry out research, even if only for two weeks, must complete with their supervisor a “RESEARCH SAFETY LOG” before starting any practical work.

The Research Safety Log consists of two parts: (see Safety Flowchart for guidance)

PART 1: Identification of Hazards and Safety Induction

·  Part 1 - to be completed by researcher and the supervisor before any practical work commences.

·  Part 1 – records the Safety induction and reading and understanding of the School Safety Handbook.

·  Part 1 – records completion of the compulsory University Health and Safety Modules available either on ‘My Manchester’ or via Eprog.

·  Part 1 - identifies hazardous tasks / procedures / equipment / training etc to be used during research with the corresponding actions to take and by whom.

·  Signed by supervisor and researcher and a copy sent to Safety Advisor and supervisor within 2 weeks of start of practical research.

·  Signed again and submitted to the safety advisor and supervisor after specified intervals, namely

o  For researcher greater than 1 year, e.g. PhD’s, P.Doc’s, visitors, staff – 2 weeks, 6 months, one year then annually and finally at end of research.

o  For researcher less then 1 year, e.g. M.Sc’s, Project students, visitors – 2 weeks after start of research project then every 2 months and at the end of the project.

o  University Safety Modules complete on Blackboard or Eprog.

PART 2: Record of actions

·  Part 2 is a record of achieving tasks etc identified in Part 1, researcher responsible for completion of Research safety Log.

·  Researcher may contact Safety Advisor at any time to discuss any safety issue – this can be recorded on the safety log.

·  Records must be kept of authorisation for all risk assessments and associated safety assessments created by the individual or already exist for tasks to be done.

·  For tasks that already have valid safety assessments – The researcher must get authorisation (signature on their research safety log) from either their supervisor or an appropriate competent person, referencing the valid safety assessment. Indicating authorisation and understanding of the risks, hazards and control measures.

·  For tasks where safety assessments do not exist or cover the planned work – The researcher must complete the necessary safety assessments, which must be authorised by their supervisor or an appropriate competent person and seen by the safety advisor prior to commencement of the task.

·  Any other activity, e.g. training, health checks etc must be recorded in Part 2.

·  Part 1 and Part 2 to be continually updated as the research project develops.

·  Copies of Part 1 & Part 2 must be sent to the Safety Advisor and Supervisor at the appointed times.

·  At the end of the research period, the research safety log along with the ‘School of Materials Departure Form’ must be submitted to the safety advisor and supervisor.

(School Senior Safety Advisor) room C15 Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596