The Chair welcomed members to the 19th PELG meeting.
Apologies were received from Phil Papard (HSE FOD), Steve Quick (LGA), Alison Edwards (LACOTS).
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted without discussion.
Moira Buchan gave an update on progress from the last meeting.
This item had been discharged.
This item had been discharged.
This item had been discharged.
This item had been discharged.
This item had been discharged.
It was agreed that Wendy Martin and Phil Thomas would obtain more information on DTI performance indicators and LAU would report back more fully on this at the next meeting.
Action: Wendy Martin
Phil Thomas
LAU
It was agreed that there should be further exploration of demarcation between environmental and safety issues at a strategic level with DEFRA. Local working arrangements with EPA/SEPA were very varied and it was agreed that those available should be circulated to members to determine whether it would be possible to distil best practice guidelines for PLAs in the form of a PETEL. It was suggested that a representative from the Environment Agency should be invited to the next meeting.
Action: Peter Sargent SPD
PELG members
LAU
Clarification of legal aspect with HSE Solicitor was being sought with a view to issuing a PETEL.
Action: Peter Sargent, SPD
LAU
This item had been discharged, with the exception of the appointment of a Petroleum licensing officer to LAU as a secondee. Members were asked to canvass regional group members for interest in this post. An update would be given at the next meeting.
Action: PELG members
LAU
The application of S18 guidance to petroleum licensing authorities would be clarified with HSE solicitor with a view to issuing a PETEL.
Action: LAU
This item was linked with the ongoing development of collection of relevant health and safety inspection and enforcement data from local authorities. Members expressed concerns about duplication of returns and were keen to ensure that there should be proper co-ordination of data collection and returns. Wendy Martin agreed to explore suggestions for best practice with colleagues. LAU would report on progress at the next meeting.
Action: Wendy Martin
LAU
Peter Sargent gave an update on this item. The Regulations will be in force by summer 2002. Consultative Documents CD180: Proposals for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations and CD 179: Proposals for new petrol legislation - Phase 1 - Changes to workplace controls are on the HSE website and consultation for both ends in May 2002. PELG members will be given a further update on the progress of petrol legislation at the next meeting.
Members welcomed the paper. Wendy Martin raised the question of S18 guidance and its direct application at present to only some PLAs. Brian Etheridge said that the current review of the Enforcing Authority Regulations might provide an opportunity to explore possible solutions to this anomaly.
Action: LAU
Roger Marris put forward a proposal to widen the remit of PELG to cover explosives licensing which at present has no formal liaison mechanism, and is often carried out by PLAs. Members were generally content with this suggestion. Wendy Martin agreed to consult more widely with LACOTS and other colleagues. LAU agreed to raise this suggestion with Explosives Section in HSE.
Action: Wendy Martin
LAU
Moira Buchan gave an update on the site (website address: www.trainingco-ord.org) and asked that members should access the site and assess its usefulness for PLAs. Members should contact Moira for a password to access the site.
Christian Olesen presented a proposal to members to transfer PETELS to the LAU page on the HSE Website and devise an easier route for PLAs to access all relevant material on petroleum matters. Members approved the proposal and it was agreed that a small working group should be convened in December to carry out a review of all older PETELS.
Action: LAU
Peter Sargent gave an update. Minutes of last meeting circulated to members.
None
15 MAY 2002 AND 10 OCTOBER 2002