1.3 - Role of the Health, Safety and Environment Adviser

The University employs a full-time Health Safety and Environment Adviser reporting through a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, on issues concerning, that as far as is "reasonably practicable" the institution is fulfilling it's statutory obligations towards safety. It should therefore, be clearly understood that the existence of this post does not discharge the safety responsibility of any person who is responsible for any person, area or process within The University.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations specifically clarify a requirement for at least one person who has sufficient training, knowledge and experience of the employers business and other qualities to advise on health, safety and fire issues, to be in post. Their role is specifically to assist the employer to undertake the measures they need to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon him by or under the relevant statutory provisions set out in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and by Part 2 of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. Where no such person is in post, it is expected that such a person be appointed from within the organization, rather than employed from outside.

Staff are welcome to consult the Health, Safety and Environment Adviser about issues for which they have cause for concern. However, once advice has been obtained it should be clearly appreciated that it is their line manager's responsibility to take corrective action.

Regular Safety Inspections and Emergency Evacuation Practices are organized by Area Safety Managers, to which events the Health, Safety and Environment Adviser should be invited to attend, as an independent expert observer. By such attendance, the HSEA will be able to assist the lead safety person to identify significant hazards or limitations which should be mentioned in the written report. Subsequently, the HSEA is likely to be involved in discussions to advise as to what measures need to be put in place to rectify the shortcoming. In extreme circumstances the HSEA will prohibit the continuation of an activity or process, if in his professional opinion, the risk is too significant for the activity or process to continue. Should such a situation arise the HSEA will submit in writing to the Area Safety Manager precisely what activity or process should be discontinued. A meeting would normally then be convened, to decide what remedial action is necessary and possible.

The Health, Safety and Environment Adviser is an ex-officio member of the Health and Safety Committee which is responsible for monitoring safety performance throughout the University. The HSEA also maintains contact with outside enforcement agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Fire and Rescue Service as well as other agencies concerned with safety such as St.John Ambulance who provide training for BSU First Aid staff.