Health and Safety Bulletin
April 2002
BECTU Safety Reps accreditation
BECTU policy is to ask all Safety Reps to undertake a Stage 1 training course (see below) in order to be officially accredited as a BECTU Safety Rep.
The union maintains a central database of Safety Reps and training undertaken. This requires constant updating. Letters seeking confirmation of current Safety Reps and their training have been sent out in the Laboratories, Arts and Entertainment and Independent Broadcasting Divisions. A further circular will shortly be sent out in the BBC Division.
If you receive such a letter, please respond. If you are aware of changes of Safety Rep or of new training required/undertaken, please inform Head Office.
Safety Reps' Stage 1 Courses
As indicated, all BECTU Safety Reps are advised to undertake a Stage 1 training course. Such courses are generally run through your Regional TUC on a 1 day a week basis over 11 weeks. As a Safety Rep you have a legal right to paid time-off. BECTU can help you arrange this if necessary.
We can provide details of courses being run in your area. They are typically run by the TUC three times a year - in autumn, spring and summer. Contact Head Office for the relevant leaflets for your area.
NB: Not every member can undertake these standard training courses. If there are other Stage 1 training 'models' that might suit you better - eg taking the course in larger blocks - let us know. We may be able to provide a more customised approach. If you have any such requests or ideas on undertaking Stage 1 training, please contact Andy Egan or Tracey Hunt at Head Office.
Broadcasting & Performing Arts Joint Advisory Committee (BJAC)
BJAC is the HSE's advisory committee for our industry. At the recent meeting held on March 6th, there was some discussion as to whether BJAC should split into separate Committees for the audiovisual and live entertainment sectors.
It was concluded that there were enough common issues to justify the continuation of BJAC in its current form. However, more work will in future be delegated to smaller Working Groups to deal with specific issues.
Relevant recent HSE publications include those on Asbestos; Company Directors' Responsibilities; 'The Absolutely Essential H&S Toolkit'; Occupational Exposure Limits; Stress; and H&S Training. Further details from BECTU Head Office.
Studio smoke effects
A meeting was held between BECTU and HSE to express members' concerns on this new and growing problem.
Many light entertainment television programmes - eg The Weakest Link - now use moving lights which require smoke effects to make the light beams visible. Studio crews may be directly exposed to smoke for the whole of a lengthy working day (or several days) and are concerned about the potential long-term effects of exposure.
HSE gave notice of new research being undertaken by them with a report to be published in due course. In the meantime, any examples of bad practice by employers were to be referred to the relevant HSE Inspectors.
HSE Inspectors for entertainment sector
BECTU has an up to date list of Principal Inspectors with specific responsibilities for the Food and Entertainment Sector.
The list, with telephone numbers, includes named contacts in the following areas: Wales and West; Home Counties; London & SE; Midlands; Yorkshire & NE; North West; Scotland. Copies are available from Head Office.
Portable gas heaters on TV/film locations
Following a complaint from a walk-on member concerned at the use of portable gas heaters in a double-decker bus operating as a waiting and rest area, the union has received clarification from HSE on the recommended safety precautions and standards. A copy is available from Head Office.
The HSE fully supports this concern and points out that there have been a number of fatalities in the past year arising from the misuse of portable gas heaters.
Health and safety passport scheme
The union has been successful in the application for funding from the Scottish Union Learning Fund.
The scheme will fund a project worker and will focus on the need for health and safety training and portable accreditation for freelance media workers in Scotland.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
HSE has issued a consultation document on this subject - which may be of particular relevance to Special Effects members.
Proposal to remove safety legislation on celluloid and cinematograph film
The HSE is proposing to remove all legislation in this area. It believes more recent legislation and regulations provide adequate protection.
BECTU has sought assurances that safety will not be compromised in respect of the storage and transport of nitrate film stock - which is notorious for its inflammability. The main holdings of such stock are now in film libraries and archives.
BECTU First Aid Course
The union is hosting another First Aid 'Appointed Persons' course provided by the British Red Cross.
The course is scheduled for June 27th at BECTU Head Office. It is already fully subscribed - but with a reserve list for cancellations or future courses.
updated 1 May 2002