Building power circuits testing
Facilities have to test 25% of the electrical power supply circuits to maintain compliance with safety regulations and this testing is taking place over the next week.
We will check all areas before the test is done to ensure nothing is obviously running. The test is of short duration, approximately 15 minutes for each circuit but the circuit has to powered down
If you have equipment that cannot be powered down please let me know it’s location (room number) as soon as you can.
Shonah Ion
Emergency light testing
Emergency Lighting Testing in The Physics Building will take place week commencing 10th of January 2022 from 9am daily.
Every month there is a quick test to ensure all Emergency Lighting fittings are operational. This involves a quick visual test. In residences, this applies to corridors and kitchens. There are longer, more involved tests at 6 month and 12 month intervals.
Shonah Ion
The Dolphin Pod for health research is opening across the University
We are delighted to announce the opening of the Health Research “Dolphin Pod” to all health related researchers across the University.
The Dolphin Pod is safe space to get support with any health related research ideas or grant applications. We have been running this for a while in DHR but we are opening it up across the Uni due to popular demand and to encourage more inter-disciplinary working. The Dolphin Pod is a monthly event (first Wednesday of the month 1-2pm).
Each month, we would like to see 3 “Dolphins” sign up to offer feedback and suggestions on the research ideas presented by 3 “fish” swimming towards research success. All research active staff are welcome to sign up as a fish to get support – but are also encouraged to have a go at signing up as a Dolphin to offer their support to others. I am signed up as a Dolphin for all sessions so would be delighted for you to join me.
Each fish is allocated 20 mins to swim with the Dolphins and can use the time as they wish. Fish may have a very early broad idea you want to help shape, or find potential collaborators, or identify appropriate funding, or address feedback on a rejected application. You can visit the pod as many times as you like, and even book a double slot (40 mins) if you need it. The only rule is that the Dolphins will not be asked to do any reading in advance or have any homework tasks. The Dolphins commit for the whole hour, and talk to 3 fish, but nothing more.
For more info and to sign up please go to
(It has been pointed out that Dolphin eat fish, but this was meant to be a friendly version of a Dragon’s Den and I promise it is very supportive!)
If you have any queries please do not hesitate get in touch with me.
Philip Simpson / Fiona Lobban
New Research Ethics Application Management System (REAMS) Launch
The process of applying for research ethics approval for staff and PhD researchers is changing. The new online ethics application system ‘REAMS’ (Research Ethics Application Management System) which was launched initially for FASS and LUMS on 23rd August 2021 will launch for all Faculties from 1 November 2021. REAMS aims to streamline the ethical approval process for applicants.
The REAMS platform introduces a new process of ethical self-review where applicants complete a series of questions to identify the risk level of their proposed research project. The interactive programme leads applicants from one question to the next, so that only tailored questions which follow previous answers will appear. The system can determine if your project is low-risk and thus able to receive ethical approval without a review by your Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC). Answers that indicate a more complex project will be guided through the full form and to FREC review.
Further information regarding the REAMS system can be found here together with user guidance, video tutorials and access to the REAMS system.
If you have any questions, please contact REAMS-Support@lancaster.ac.uk.
NB. Paper based research ethics applications will not be accepted after 31 January 2021 therefore applicants are encouraged to consider using REAMS at the earliest opportunity.
Philip Simpson / Claire O’Donell
Useful Tip – The New Global Protect VPN
If you’re a user of the new Global Protect VPN service to access university resources from home and then come onto campus, it’s best to switch it off while you’re here.
On WIFI you can now access things like LUNA and Printing from Eduroam (and also the Ethernet of course) without VPN thanks to changes to the WIFI network.
So if you turn off the VPN while on site, then this should hopefully make your connection on campus quicker and free up a bit more speed for those off site.
Lastly if you’re using Remote Desktop from home then you don’t need the VPN either as it comes in a different route.
Physics IT
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) declaration
It’s that time of year when we need to gather the records for the declarations under the Chemical Weapons Act to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
We are legally required to submit a declaration for CWC if we
- produce, process, consume (i.e. use), import or export any quantity of CWC Schedule 2 chemicals
- produce, import or export any quantity of CWC Schedule 3 chemicals
- produce above 200 tonnes of discrete organic chemicals (DOC), or above 30 tonnes of any DOC containing the elements phosphorus, sulphur or flourine (DOC/PSF)
The CWC schedules are on the Departmental safety SharePoint site.
I don’t think we have anything in schedule 1 but please let me know as soon as possible if we do!
Shonah Ion
Dept Safety handbook 2021/2022 edition
It’s that time again to read, mark, learn & inwardly digest the latest edition of the Dept. safety handbook. As always, it’s full of useful links and guidance to keep us all safe.
It can be found on the Dept. SharePoint site in the Departmental safety area under “General”.
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/information/staff/#safety-472462-3
Once read please confirm you have read and understood the contents by either signing the cover sheet and putting it in Grainne Wilkinson’s pigeon hole or by sending an electronic signed version to her. If you spot any typos or errors please let me know (and claim your prize!).
Shonah Ion