Community

Barry Site Community Advisory Panel 2007 Annual Report

The following provides a brief summary of the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) meetings in 2007.

January

The CAP reviewed the Helpline statistics for the year. The number of complaints and types of complaints were scrutinized.

February

The panel learned about the new Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.

March

The March meeting was held at Barry police station and a presentation about the policing of the area was provided.

April

April’s meeting focused on changes in regulations surrounding noise in the workplace (occupational noise). There was also an update on the external noise monitoring that is ongoing.

May

The CAP toured Cabot Carbon site and learned about Cabot’s operations and products.

June

For the June meeting the CAP heard about the risk assessments car drivers must undertake when driving for company business. The panel heard about Dow Corning’s occupation road risk standards.

September

In September, the panel heard how Cabot and Dow Corning were preparing for their major shutdowns. The panel were given detailed facts about how much work was involved and the safety programmes in place to ensure a safe activity period.

October

At the October CAP meeting the CAP were shown a simple way to risk assess an activity. They were also given time to work through a risk assessment for a basic household activity.

November

In November the CAP heard how companies operate a safety management system. It was explained how companies must manage the safety of employees and neighbors. Operational controls, documentation, training and policies all have a part to play within the safety management system.

Monthly

Calls to the Helpline were reviewed each month and CAP members reported on discussions they have had with other community members about the chemical complex.

Changes to the CAP membership in 2007

The student representatives stood down in late 2007 and new representatives were chosen to take their place. The CAP also welcomed another local resident who joined the panel in late 2007.