Overview Report on Site Safety Issues at West Cambridge

 

This report has been sent to Dr T. Mead and Professor A. Minson only.

(distributed more widely 2006/05/05 and published 2006/05/16)

 

There are already two main existing liaison groups which consider site safety:

 

(i)                  West Cambridge Site Liaison group, convened and recorded by Andrew Gordon, which considers all user issues: safety, security, environmental and developmental.

 

(ii)                West Cambridge Safety, convened and recorded by Piete Brooks.

 

Both of these groups have consistently identified issues, several of which have been resolved.  Lack of funding for remedial work does not seem to be a limiting factor in resolving problems; the issues are predominantly people–oriented.  This Overview Report does not attempt to refute any of these issues, nor to deal in detail with specifics.  Rather, it aims to comment on the situation as found and, where appropriate, to suggest alternative approaches in principle.  As Safety and Security are closely related subjects, the views of the Chief Security Adviser are relevant.

 

Acting at the behest of the Health and Safety Executive Committee, a brief walk-round of the site, paying particular attention to the area around the Cavendish, was conducted on 25th November 2005. 

 

  1. Cycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Routes : Particularly JJ Thomson Avenue

 

Segregation of cycle and pedestrian routes is not obvious.  Whilst there is ample width overall, there is no clear demarcation on the paved areas for cyclists and pedestrians.  In addition, spur road entrances crossing these routes create extra hazards.  Some possible options are

·        more clearly demarcate cycle and pedestrian areas eg using coloured markings, strips and kerbs

·        introduce physical barriers to encourage both cyclists and pedestrians to stop or halt at junctions

·        use textured sections for pedestrian only areas

·        install rumble strips on roadways and chicanes to slow traffic

·        discourage unauthorised vehicle waiting

·        relocate cycle racks if required and install textured areas to encourage cyclists to the Cavendish to dismount and leave bicycles on the ‘outer’ perimeter

·        use low kerbing to demarcate the edges of cycleways

 

  1. Cavendish Laboratory – Access Arrangements

(text removed as not relevant to West Cambridge Safety Committee)

  1. Access to Vet School.

(text removed as not relevant to West Cambridge Safety Committee)

  1. Accident and Incident Reporting/First Aid Provision

 

A review of the departmentally recorded accidents and incidents occurring over the last 10 months shows that 59 were reported to HSD, of which 12 were site issues not related to any specific department.  It is likely that other accidents have occurred but not been reported.  The records are difficult to access from the database if the site of occurrence is not clear.  Almost certainly some accidents go unreported.

 

The first aider leader for the group which includes the Cavendish does not indicate that first aiders are dealing with many incidents.  It could, in any case, be regarded as valuable practice welcomed by first aiders.  It is suggested however that

 

  • Security should compile a summary report of incidents regularly for both existing network groups
  • that the First Aid leader similarly reports to the networking groups

 

These reports could be reconciled yearly with HSD’s records. 

 

 

  1. Future Developments

 

(i)                  Assurances were given by Mr Gordon that there are no plans to build more residential accommodation anywhere on the site.

 

(ii)                The Safety Adviser for the Cavendish site, Dr Blunt, should be fully consulted about the proposed Medical Physics facility and concerns reported via the Site Liaison Group to the B & E Committee.  It may be particularly important to consider adequate access for mobility impaired individuals, and to rigorously segregate cycle, pedestrian and vehicular routes.

 

(iii)               Bids for infrastructure funds have been included in the site development planning, and should remain on agenda.

 

(iv)              Signs for the whole site need regular review as work progresses and on a pro-active basis.

 

(v)                It should be noted that this site is especially dynamic i.e. regularly changing from plan (depending on funding), and incorporates non-University site occupants such as Microsoft, BAS and Aveva who should be consulted.  Their plans are not necessarily always communicated to the University, so two-way communication is vital.

 

 

 

 

 

23/12/05                                                                                                          (sjc91)