Safety Executive Group Guidance Notes

This sets out the agreed operating principles for the Safety Executive Group (SEG). The purpose of SEG is to provide effective leadership for the safety management system and safety culture.

The agreed organisation and operating principles operationalise the governance and reporting structure proposed following the Health and Safety Review. GN01 presents the principles under 10 headings, including the purpose of SEG, its membership, decision-making and delegation, the frequency of meetings, agenda themes and the safety management system at five levels.

SEG Guidance Note GN01

This builds on the information in S2/13 – Safety Representatives and sets out the role of the Consultative Committee for Health and Safety (CCHS) in supporting the safety management system and culture.

It describes how the terms of reference for CCHS will work in practice, outlining four important contributions to the health and safety arrangements. GN02 also clarifies the role of Trade Unions in CCHS, as well as what support is available to the Committee.

SEG Guidance Note GN02

This sets out what the Safety Network is, how it will function and how it links with the Safety Executive Group (SEG) and Consultative Committee for Health and Safety (CCHS).

It outlines the work undertaken by the Safety Network, the systems that are key to its success and how you can get involved as a member. It helps clarify how work is commissioned into the Network, in support of the EveryDaySafe programme, and how assigned work will be collaborated and communicated to relevant members of the Network.

A one-page summary encapsulates the main learnings of GN03.

SEG Guidance Note GN03

This sets out the principles underpinning an emphasis on everyone taking appropriate action to keep themselves and others safe.

It is expected to improve the overall effectiveness of the University’s safety arrangements, leading to higher levels of compliance. It will also be a key driver of our evolution from a passive safety culture to one that is action-oriented, in line with the EveryDaySafe mission, vision and values.

A series of checklists setting out actions for individuals, supervisors/managers and health and safety advisers is available here.

SEG Guidance Note GN04

This sets out the role of existing University Committees (e.g. Building and Estates Subcommittee, Personnel Committee, Research Committee etc.) in contributing to the safety management system and safety culture.

It helps clarify the governance and reporting structure of safety decisions, where the agendas of these ‘aligned committees’ include relevant issues impacting on health, safety or environmental issues.

SEG Guidance Note GN05

This sets out the actions for those managing safety of high containment facilities. It describes the inspection regimes and training requirements for work in these facilities. It builds upon actions described in Biorisk Management safety policy statement S5/09.

High containment facilities are ACDP & DEFRA Containment Level 3 laboratories. They are also laboratories where SAPO licensed work takes place. It includes more information on these terms, linking to the HSE’s Biosafety guidance.

SEG Guidance Note GN08

 This sets out the responsibilities and actions required for the use and charging of Electric Powered Personal Vehicles (EPPVs) in University buildings. It aims to manage the fire-related risks to the University, reducing the risk of injury, loss of life and damage or loss of property and research.

Its scope covers:

• the storage and charging of privately-owned EPPVs used by University staff, students, visitors, contractors, and agency workers inside University buildings
• the storage and charging of department-owned EPPVs used by University staff, inside University buildings

This policy is accompanied by the following guidance documents:

• Guidance 1 - departments that own and operate EPPVs
• Guidance 2 - EPPV users that live, work or study in University buildings
• Guidance 3 - security of Charge:Safe facilities

SEG Guidance Note GN09

Find further details about the risks that EPPVs pose and the Safety Office's advice to mitigate this risk in this recorded presentation:

Electric Powered Personal Vehicles: Net Zero opportunity vs fire concerns