SEDERUNT: M Bancroft D Sinclair I M Murray S N Hunter S McMorland V Jones V Stewart N Robertson D Gillespie T Waddell T Mellon G McPherson P Quill J Brannigan H Gardner B McInroy G P Lamond P J Colquhon K Lloyd R Edwards M Johnstone L Young L Sneddon J Adamson J Hepburn J Cordiner J Green L Johnson T Sayer R Walker D Cawkwell P Mainka L Crichton R Thomson R Hunter P Veitch R Innes B Davies N Doherty A Green T Ambler A Martin A G Dick A James R Lovering H Fraser Wood

APOLOGIES: Julian Davies, Jim McCraith, Bob Bertram, Alan Curran, Bob Stainton, Chris White, Roddy McLean, Martin Scott-Smith

1.0 CHAIR: Richard Lovering took the Chair and outlined the arrangements for Safety, Parking, and Attendance Certificates.

2.0 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS (October 2003)

2.1 Receipt: Those expecting them had received them.

2.2 Accuracy: Proposed by Liz Young, Seconded by Ron Hunter.

3.1 HQ: European H&S Week: Poster Competition for Children – names of the Branch winners and their posters were now on the website and were also on display at the meeting. Daniel Green of Murieston who won the 14-17 year section in our area went on to be third at the national level.

3.2 November Transport Seminar: Corn Exchange

The Branch Executive had reviewed it. Evaluation forms were overwhelmingly positive and it seems to have provided a useful service to our members (and others). A few things went wrong – Lothian & Borders Police reaction time machine broke down & had to go back to the makers; the sound wasn’t too good to start with and the catering could have been better. However, the contributions from the speakers had been excellent and it had been a very good day overall. There had been 104 delegates plus 10 speakers/supporters.

Richard thanked the speakers for their contributions and also to the Branch Executive for their hard work in organizing it. Once accounts were settled there should be a small profit for the Branch.

4.1 HQ: Membership: National: 26944 Branch: 761 of which Corporate 337; Associate 222; Tech SP 95

Construction: 180 Public Services: 149 Environmental: 90 Offshore: 46 Healthcare 37

Fire risk management: 21 Consultancy: 18 Education: 18. 29 still suspended for non-payment.

4.4 Scottish Borders Safety Forum: details of Borders Construction Industry Forum which includes a website at www.bcif.org.uk.

4.5 Fife Chamber of Safety: Agenda & Minutes – also reports that Scottish Chamber of Safety has its own website – link to be found on Edinburgh IOSH Branch website.

4.6 Lloyds British Training Services: interested in speaking to self employed consultants who would like to deliver training on their behalf round the country: email [email protected]     Please send a c.v. with a list of credentials and the subjects you are competent to deliver.

4.7 Scottish Energy & Environment Conference 2004: 3 February Glasgow.

4.8 Safety Manager: field based + HQ in south of England. Via a recruitment agency – details on website.

4.9 Laura Cameron of McGrigors – minutes of Sept meeting were not quite right. A new version has been posted on website. The correction is:

"The Case - Facts

It is alleged by the Crown that a 10 inch ductile iron gas main being used to supply gas to 42 Carlisle Road, Larkhall, was extensively corroded and not in good repair or working order, such that quantities of gas migrated under the ground and under the floor void forming an explosive atmosphere which ignited and exploded.

The house was completely destroyed, adjoining properties were damaged and four people (Andrew Findlay 34yrs, Janette Findlay 37 yrs, Stacey Findlay 13 yrs and Daryl Findlay 11 yrs) received injuries from which they died there and then.

The Crown also allege that several instances of leaks had been reported by members of the public relating to the main in question over the preceding 11 years which were not actioned fully."

5.0 BRANCH EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR - Liz Young. Nothing to report.

6.1 PUBLIC SERVICES – Marion Johnstone:

The PS SG had produced its work plan for 2004. HSE would soon be publishing guidance on Working at Height in Education. The next National Symposium would be in Portsmouth. Marion further reported that she would represent PS SG on the IOSH Specialist Group Management Committee from Jan 2004.

6.2 CONSTRUCTION - Roddy McLean. Nothing to report.

6.3 FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT - Dave Sinclair:

Dave reported that the "Everyone out – safely" Seminar held at Manchester had been very successful. As well as covering the DDA, types of disability and how to ensure safe evacuation, the seminar had been updated on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. The speaker’s papers will be available on the FRM SG website soon.

The Networking Meetings have proved to be a great success. Four more will be held next year. Format will be the same – FRMSG Committee in the morning followed by networking – speakers then open forum.

The current timetable for the Regulatory Reform Order was:

• Order commences parliamentary scrutiny Jan 2004
• Scrutiny (including redrafting where necessary) complete August 2004
• Order made Oct 2004
• Order to come into force Jan 2005

There would be a series of guides to cover all premises except single private dwellings.

6.4 HEALTHCARE - Martin Scott-Smith. Nothing to report.

6.5 ENVIRONMENT – Julian Davis.

In his absence, a report from the SG Committee meeting in Leicester 29th Oct 2003.

Due to the ongoing building work at The Grange, the meeting took place at Devonshire Place in the centre of Leicester - which was a little disappointing as it was going to be my first visit to HQ.

There were several new faces at the meeting so Steve Blackburn (Chair) explained the SG Management structure and moves to produce "Terms of Reference" for all the SGs. It was noted that following the addition of 2 new SGs, there are now 14 in total and a number are still being considered.

The focus of the Environmnetal SG for the next 12 months will be on WASTE

* waste streams and what they are

* case law

* tools and resources

The highest priority is to improve the communication of the SG to

a) help and support members whose job has or is developing an enviromental element

b) develop our profession for the future - linking the boundaries between OSH and the environment

Information packs should be in use by the Branch Environmental Champions. ESG propose to hold a conference in April 2005

There are 17 pieces of environmental legislation passing through the European Parliament. Any update on legislation will be passed on to BECs and I will distribute to all who require it. Dates of future meetings: Feb 5, April 28, July 22, Oct 27. There is a move to start at 10.00 am - which may make it difficult to make from Edinburgh without an overnight stay.

6.6 OFFSHORE - Tam Boyd. Nothing to report.

6.7 RAILWAYS - Need a representative

6.8 CONSULTANCY - Derek Cawkwell:

Derek reported that this SG now had 1000 members. The group was considering holding networking meetings. Would one in Edinburgh attract interest? A Working party had been set up to look at competence standards for consultants. The SG was willing to send a member along to Branch meetings to explain about its work.

6.9 SAFETY SCIENCES - Steve Boucher: Nothing to report.

6.10 TELECOMMUNICATIONS – Graeme Lyall been nominated to represent Edinburgh on this SG and his appointment had been confirmed by the Branch Exec.

6.11 EDUCATION - need a representative

7. FORTH and TAY DISTRICT

The last meeting in November had had an attendance of 16 and the District Exec were looking at ways to encourage more members to attend. Plans were in hand for the AGM in February. The District will be visiting Perth Fire Services Training Facility for Site Visit in June.

8.0 MEMBERS ITEMS

8.1 Presentations:

Paul Veitch: Corporate Membership

Kevin Lloyd: Pair of engraved tumblers for his services to the Branch on the Executive Committee.

8.2 IOSH Branch Officials Conference: attended by Max and Graeme:

The Exec usually sends the Secretary and a member of the Exec who has not attended before. District was invited to send a rep but did not manage this year.

Graeme writes: This was an excellent opportunity to meet other Branch Officials and from their conversation, the Edinburgh Branch is doing very well indeed. Head Office had arranged a full programme of talks, designed to bring us up to date on IOSH, its workings and initiatives. As things turned out, the programme was too full, leaving little time for interaction with our UK Colleagues and two guests from Hong Kong. The event really came alive for me when we went off into workshops on how we saw the new IOSH Website and databases going. This turned into a review of all our events in our branches nationwide, and all our problems in organising them.

There did seem to be a view that the Branch Official's Conference had turned into an education event from IOSH somewhat and many attending did suggest more time next year for more interaction, such as a "Secretaries Workshop" or "Treasurers Workshop" etc.

The social highlight of course, was the Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation. Despite a slight failing of pre-meal entertainment, when we were treated to a display of Indian Dancing, unfortunately lit by a Miner's Safety Lamp which prevented actually being able to see it, the meal allowed more interaction not only around the tables, but between them. Due to a bad packet of crisps, both Max's and my head seemed to have had some pneumatic tools installed above the first action level overnight, but restoratives were applied and the morning's programme took place. The address by our new President was very informative, the most important fact which I took from it was to get moving along the professional development route now before a more rigorous regime comes in with our Chartered Status.

Thanks again for this opportunity. I would recommend attending this to any members who are able to take the chance.

Max added further that there had been reports on how the national website could be expanded further to enable members to interact with each other. There had been discussion on the new membership structure (Hazel Harvey would deal with this in detail in February). The governance of IOSH was being reviewed – one issue would be the role of non-Corporate members who at the moment had no vote within IOSH and could not sit on Council who were the trustees of IOSH.

8.2 Deathh of Member: Ray Carroll. This was noted with regret.

8.3 Fraser Wood enquired if any members had any experience in Safety Representatives being granted special leave and support to undertake the third level of the TUC course which would qualify them to become TechSPs. Some employers would only grant absence to undertake levels 1 and 2 which fulfilled the minimum requirements for training of Safety Reps.

Liz Young briefly introduced Liz Sneddon to the group, as she has been a previous speaker to the group on a number of occasions, some of which were during employment with a previous organization such that she is no stranger to the Branch members.

Liz then remaindered the group that her background of some 20 years involved with asbestos (having started at a very early age of course) had included sampling, monitoring, investigations, training and advice and now that she was with OHSAS it was perhaps more closely associated with the correct control and management of the substance.

During 2002 new regulations relating to asbestos came onto the Statute books and the major implication of regulation 4 is that as and from May of 2004 the duty to manage asbestos in all non-domestic premises would be enforceable and therefore a management strategy and action plan was needed. This should entail =

• Nominated Responsible Person/Asbestos Manager – and this is in many cases being left to the H&S Manager/Adviser
• Asbestos Policy – including details of asking contractors what they have in place to deal with emergencies etc and how to inform the Fire Service of where asbestos is located in case of fires.
• Asbestos Register – and these can be small files, through several lever arch files to exceptionally large databases.
• Information, instruction & training - Asbestos awareness for all concerned employees and not forgetting in particular Estates personnel and other depts. Who may be exposed to asbestos (carpenters, electricians, builders, etc)
• Emergency Procedure – what should click into action when asbestos is "found" where it was not expected.
• Proposed Refurbishment/demolition – this will probably entail a very detailed destructive sampling requirement to identify all asbestos locations.
• Risk Assessment – more than just the risk assessment for working at the site, it must consider who is at risk and what condition the asbestos is in etc.
• Review - Progress/incidents/issues

Whoever actually takes on this role – be it the H&S person or an Estates person, they must be -

• Experienced & knowledgeable of :-
• organisation/company
• building(s)
• asbestos
• Qualified
• BOHS S301, P402, P405
• competent/experienced person
• With sufficient time, availability and authority to do the job

This is likely to entail training of the following:-

• Estates personnel – including Tradesmen and Project managers
• Personnel from other sites
• Contractors

And the breadth of topics is likely to include:-

• Legislation
• Types & forms of asbestos
• Health hazards
• Asbestos in buildings
• Prevention/control of exposure
• Managing asbestos
• Asbestos policy & code(s) of practice

External training qualifications to BOHS proficiency modules include –

• legislation
• types & uses of asbestos in buildings
• surveying buildings
• risk assessment
• managing asbestos in buildings
• sampling materials

• legislation
• asbestos in buildings
• managing asbestos removal
• removal procedures
• enclosures
• decontamination
• transit
• air monitoring/clearance testing

There is a specific need to ensure that all persons who may be affected by exposure to asbestos have a part to play and this is likely to include -

• Maintenance staff (builders, carpenters, electricians, lift engineers, painters, etc)
• Contractors covering all Trades
• Tenants of buildings where you as the landlord have knowledge of asbestos in the site

In developing your Action Plan you will need to consider the following:-

Is the building of asbestos bearing age? If it has been constructed after 2000 that is a fair assumption, but be aware of the likelihood of asbestos presence before that date of build.

Then the Action Plan will include

• A policy for asbestos and what the Company intend to do where it is found
• A training policy to ensure all who may be affected are trained and instructed
• Consider plans of the buildings and undertaking the level of survey deemed necessary in order to generate the form of data and records necessary
• Put in place systems to control any work done in the areas where asbestos is found and have a system for re-inspection and auditing of record and conditions as necessary

Liz then illustrated some of the potential pit-falls within any asbestos Action Plan and Management Control strategy where aspects could very easily be missed by using a series of slides showing –

• Christmas decorations – as these are installed or removed, asbestos may well be disturbed
• Extensions to original installations may well break through fire retardant materials and this often contains asbestos due to its exceptional properties in this line
• Pipe insulation in service ducts is often missed when clearing out all known asbestos from a property
• During asbestos stripping activities, ensure that ALL of the disturbed pieces are removed and not left having fallen into an inaccessible position during it being broken up
• When labeling is undertaken, ensure it is actually located on the asbestos bearing material – not on a wall by the side of the material as this is not acceptable
• Beware of under floor areas in particular. A number of these areas are often used for air-circulation purposes and if they contain loose asbestos the air-circulation system will spread the asbestos throughout the building
• Consider all removable panels – do they provide access to asbestos areas and if so is that an advantage in defining what is asbestos by the labeling installed on the rear of the panels.
• Consider items held in stock by some of the tradesmen and estates personnel – brake linings, pipe gaskets, sealing compounds for fire compartmentation may well include asbestos within the product.

10. DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS

10.1 Branch: 8 January 2004: Coping with disaster: What you need to do in building emergencies. How you relate this to business needs: Albert Thomson BA MICDDS MEPS, Team Leader Rubicon Response

10.2 District: 5 February 2004: AGM and Managing Health and Safety in Forestry: Mr Jim Dewar - Safety Officer: Forestry Commission Free Buffet from 6.30pm

11. CLOSURE

Richard closed the meeting and wished members a safe and prosperous New Year.