New Delhi: A University Grants Commission (UGC) expert committee has suggested that committees in universities must be set up for the purpose of reviewing the safety measure undertaken while handling and disposing of radioactive as ell as other hazardous substances by at institutions.

The decision was taken by UGC in order to ensure that the guidelines stipulated by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules are being strictly implemented at varsities.

According to the panel constituted after the Cobalt-60 mishap of Delhi University, the University Safety Committee that will be set up for the purpose would help in ensuring that all institutions are implementing the safety guidelines issued to them for the management and disposal of toxic or hazardous substances.

The expert committee has presented its interim report to the UGC and has recommended that an apex committee at the level of the UGC must be formed in order to monitor the safety committees at university levels.

The apex committee at the UGC level would consist of experts from the fields of radiation safety, radioactive waste management and hazardous materials management. Safety committees of universities will be required to send their annual reports on the safety measures undertaken by varsities to the apex committee.

Universities would also be encouraged by the UGC to promote refresher courses for students as well as staff members. The syllabus for new entrants to the varsity would have to include courses on safety.

Also, according to the recommendations of the expert committee, it would be necessary for laboratories at universities to prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which would have to be displayed prominently in both English as well as the vernacular languages in laboratories.

UGC has also been asked to ensure that reports in the prescribes format are received from all universities and institution and have been signed by their Vice Chancellors or other head of institution.

The expert committee revealed that it had asked for information regarding storage and handling of hazardous substances used by students from over 500 universities but only 21 had responded back.