/ JOB DESCRIPTION / HR191

NOTES

·  Forms must be downloaded from the UCT website: http://www.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/forms.htm

·  This form serves as a template for the writing of job descriptions

·  A copy of this should be kept on file in your office

·  For re-evaluations, this form must be sent to your relevant HR Advisor/Officer

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title / Chemical Safety Officer
Status of Post / New Post / Ö / Re-evaluation
Job Grade / 11
Faculty / Science
Department / Chemistry (80%) and Chemical Engineering (20%)
Section
Date of Compilation / September 2012
FOR OFFICE USE
Job Title
Date of Grading
Grading Result

ORGANOGRAM

PURPOSE

Research laboratories differ from those in industrial environments in the number and range of different chemicals in use at any time. Chemical risks include incorrect handling, storage, use and disposal. The main purpose of this position is to provide policy, management and training support services relating to the use of hazardous chemicals to the Faculty of Science. Advice and training support will also be provided to the Department of Chemical Engineering. The incumbent will be required to work with members of the University Health & Safety team, but the post is specifically focused on all aspects of safety relating to hazardous chemicals. This position is therefore a highly specialized professional post, intended to ensure that UCT meets all legal and ethical obligations with respect to the acquisition, storage, management, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals. The incumbent must have extensive experience in a scientific (preferably research) environment. The Chemical Safety Officer will be required to advise Heads of Department, Deans, Academic staff, researchers, Scientific and Technical Officers and students on matters of chemical safety, and should be equipped with the knowledge, responsibility and authority to develop and enforce an effective chemical safety management system.

September 2012 HR191

Key Performance Areas / % of time spent / Activities / Tasks / Results / Outcomes / Competencies /
1)  General Research support / 25 / ·  Plan, organise and record meetings and communications with departmental HODs, UCT H&S representatives including setting up systems and processes to efficiently manage risks associated with chemicals in research laboratories.
·  Establish continuous H&S education and training of staff and post-graduate students with respect to chemical safety.
·  Provide relevant H&S training service in support of HR induction of new staff and post graduate students
·  Provide literature and resource materials pertinent to specific research areas.
·  Conduct regular chemical safety checks in all areas where chemicals are stored or used.
·  Prepare and distribute reports. Present safety reviews.
·  Develop and implement policy and management guides with respect to chemical risk control and management . / ·  Measure the level of safety compliance and improvement in relation to best practices
·  Distribute reports on safety practices with respect to chemical usage and storage.
·  Develop and display Hazard communication materials in key research areas
·  H&S training materials relating to safe operation in chemical laboratories. / ·  Planning & organizing chemical safety review meetings
·  Building interpersonal relationships
·  Communication: synthesizes information from relevant sources and selects effective ways of structuring this information to suit the purpose.
·  Adaptability
·  Developing others
·  Quality commitment
·  Client/student service
·  Technical/professional knowledge and skill
·  Has the expertise to find and assess non-standard resources
·  Continuous learning
·  Creativity & innovation
·  Safety awareness
·  Formal presentation
·  Training skills
·  sets standards, demands high performance, quality or resources
·  Knowledge of database software and implementation
·  Offers constructive alternatives to ineffective/ inefficient processes
·  Knowledge of International std. HAZCOM symbols.
·  Prioritises objectives and schedules work to make the best use of time and resources
·  Overcome obstacles to address problems quickly and effectively
2) Chemical risk management and compliance / 30 / ·  Monitor Workshop/Laboratory Safety (teaching and research laboratories) with respect to use and storage of solvents and other chemicals.
·  Responsible for organizing and purchasing of laboratory safety equipment
·  Purchase and use safety monitoring equipment.
·  Develop protocols for hazardous chemical waste disposal and monitor implementation.
·  Educate and train staff & students in safe hazardous waste disposal.
·  Establish and train response team(s) to address hazards eg. spills or odours
·  Scope and implement appropriate chemicals databases and ensure these are maintained according to Chase system
·  Monitor chemical stock expiration dates
·  Perform routine checks on instruments/equipment. SOPs for safe use.
·  Continuous monitoring of Hazard communication requirements across Faculty of Science buildings / ·  Laboratory/workshop fully equipped with required H&S resources and Hazcom material.
·  Airflow optimal and routine service inspection schedules (logs) of fume hoods, fire extinguishers, safety showers and eyewash stations maintained
·  Hazardous waste stored and disposed of safely and timeously.
·  Faulty equipment/instrument lockout.
·  Instruments/equipment appropriately and safely used
·  Dynamic, up to date database for chemical stock control and auditing
·  Legally compliant and occupational risk of injury minimized
3) Resource management: People / 10 / ·  Attend regular H&S meetings with research group representatives to address chemical compliance in laboratories.
·  Provide input into job descriptions and placement
·  Take responsibility for staff induction & safety training in handling and using hazardous chemicals.
·  Provide input into safety training for postgraduate students.
·  Provide input into lab staff performance agreements and management
·  Evaluate routine operational risk and ensure that after hours and overnight operational activities are monitored. / ·  Well informed staff and student body
·  Training schedules of staff and students documented
·  Relevant reports timeously prepared, presented and made available to appropriate role players
·  Staff are well trained and equipped to meet the safety performance standard expected
·  Positive working relationships
·  Motivated staff
·  Culture of Safe practices
4) Education & training / 20 / ·  Provide students, academics and technical staff with specialist training in the use, storage, and waste disposal of chemicals, including minimization of waste.
·  Develop safety training procedures for use of equipment/instruments in laboratories where chemicals are used.
·  Provide training (to staff and students) in the safe operation of machinery, equipment and instruments
·  Implement safety training in under-graduate practical courses, including compilation of safety manuals and running of safety courses. / ·  Training needs analysis conducted
·  Training resources compiled
·  Training interventions implemented as per training schedule
·  Accurate and updated training records
5) Chemical safety management / 10 / ·  Ensure all aspects of chemical safety are observed in laboratories, workshops and stores.
·  Upgrade and maintain health and safety standards with respect to chemical safety.
·  Keep up to date on local, provincial and national H&S standards, in particular as these relate to chemical operations. These include, but are not limited to:
-  Occupational Health and Safety Act 85/1993, General Safety Regulations
-  Hazardous Substances Act (Act 5 of 1973)
-  Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004)
-  National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008)
·  Maintain working relations with Faculty and University H&S personnel.
·  Has authority to audit all areas where chemicals are stored or used.
·  Liaise with research group leaders regarding infringements. Help to set up and monitor improvement plans where necessary.
·  Advise HOD/Dean on need to close laboratories for safety reasons. / ·  100% safety record
·  Pro-active safety and health initiatives implemented
6) Ad-hoc duties / 5 / ·  Advises/liaises with Deans, Academics, Scientific & Technical Officers and students on chemical risks, including use, storage, disposal and minimization of waste.
·  Provide advice to other departments in the Faculty of Science, who make use of hazardous chemicals in teaching or research.
·  Member of Faculty Health & Safety Committee.
·  Undertake other ad hoc projects and duties in consultation with the Head of Department.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications / ·  A Master’s degree in Chemistry (or related chemical discipline) and 3-5 years relevant Health & Safety experience
Minimum Experience / ·  At least 10 years’ experience in industrial or academic laboratories which use hazardous chemicals, including some in a laboratory management position.
·  Experience in Health & Safety management in a chemical laboratory environment.
·  Computer literacy is required, at minimum working with MS Office spreadsheets and data base implementation.

AUTHORITY

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September 2012 HR191