UCSF met in July 2008 in Birmingham where the key themes were REACh and Nano-safety. In January 2009 UCSF met in Manchester where the main topic for discussion was fume extraction systems. Both of these meeting were well supported with over 35 delegates and self financing. Furthermore, it was agreed at the Manchester meeting that the general guidance on in-situ testing and maintenance of fume extraction systems was lacking; the last definitive text from the HE sector was written over 25 years ago! The Chairs of USHA and UCSF have discussed the matter and UCSF hopes to facilitate USHA request. UCSF proposes to form a working group and provide draft guidance for 2010/11.

A draft on “Chemical Security” has been produced and is in discussion with the UCSF ‘Chemical Security’ working group. UCSF has taken the view that a reasonable and proportionate approach should be applied. Views by UCSF members have been expressed at meetings and it is generally agreed that a practical policy based on reasonable risk assessment, in cooperation of the authorities, should be adopted. We are keen to avoid a wholesale adoption of over stringent, and sometimes draconian, auditing practices such as those employed for radionuclides. The philosophy of UCSF’s method has been discussed with the Home Office agencies, and through the University of Cardiff, UCSF has been able to further establish general working principles and understanding. UCSF will ensure that existing channels of communication with sister groups, such as USHA and AUCSO, are employed to provide adequate consultation. Working with USHA we would hope to achieve HE sector wide acceptance with UCEA.

UCSF has been negotiating with the Health and Safety Executive Explosives Division who have proposed that consideration will be given for an exemption to HOBT (hydroxybenzotriazole) when amendments to the Control of Explosives Regulations ‘91 are presented in June/July 2009 owing to an EU directive on explosive traceability and labelling. UCSF hopes to announce confirmation of the exemption of HOBT at the summer meeting in July 09 in Cambridge. This is a considerable achievement for UCSF born out of applying reasonable argument and demonstrating the clear inconsistencies in regulations with the competent authority. We believe that our common sense approach and potential agreement with HSE will benefit all HE institutions where HOBT is employed and remove burdensome controls.

UCSF greatly appreciates the support of its sponsors, especially the generous donation from USHA. We look forward to working together and improving standards within the sector and support fellow health & safety practitioners.

Chair of UCSF

May 2009