Posted By Merv Newman Ian I think that most people responding to questions here will either give hard, technical advice, with links to sources, or opinions. It is usually fairly easy to see the difference. And sometimes we get arguments between different opinions before someone, usually a third party, comes up with good technical info. Or it just peters out. I'm no longer into the technical side of HSE but I used to be. And I no longer bother to keep up much with H or E. But I do have my opinions, H, S or E, which I often qualify with "it seems that ..." or "it may be ..." I do actively try to avoid the moses syndrome. Which reminds me that I must look out the 10 safety commandments : "Thou shalt not commit ...." and so on. oh yes "covet not thy neighbours statistics nor the commitment of his management nor his budget without end" What were the others ? Any suggestions ? So yes. I consider this chat show to be a bottomless source of advice, of technical info, of discussion and of support. If someone asks for help and I can give it, then I will do my best. Often a qualified best, see above. Although sometimes, for various reasons, I e-mail direct to the poster. My decision. Accepting whatever advice is given is always a personal choice. That's life. You pays your money and you takes your choice. (but the chat show is free innit ?) I may offer a dozen recommendations to a Board. If they accept 1 or 10 then we can make a start. Their choice. You'r waffling again merv. Enough. The tree is now firewood and it's beouf bourgignon tonight. That's just got to be a burgundy. Goodnight children Merv

Posted By Andrew Cartridge Hang on Dave............ Merv is quite willing to let you have carol's mum's recipe for lemon and walnut cake for free, what more can you ask for? Andy

Posted By Philosophical Has anybody ever considered their personal liability if the advice they give is followed and something goes wrong as a result? It is fine being big and clever on here but shouldn't some stop to consider the "what if" scenario? Some of the so called advice proferred on here on occasions is rather scary to say the least and sometimes I have wondered if it is the blind leading the blind! At least consultants generally have personal liability insurance. Do the moderators moderate and remove the clearly spurious?

Posted By Heather Collins Philosophical - tell me you're kidding right? If I give advice to anyone on here - it's just that - informal advice on an online forum given to the best of my knowledge. I don't believe giving advice on here implies any sort of contractual obligation and therefore the giver of the advice has no responsibility whatsoever to anyone who might take it.... especially as many people on here choose to remain anonymous.

Posted By Popoola David I did really like to know what the roles and programmes of safety company/department

Posted By Philosophical Jay, I have visited the area you mention, what you are talking about relates to the website as a whole, there is a seperate section on the Chat Forum and I reproduce the relevant part here for your ease of reference. The discussion forums are intended for professional discussion and debate on a variety of issues relating to health and safety in the workplace. By using the discussion forums, users are deemed to have agreed to the acceptable use guidelines and the terms of use that cover the whole of the Site. IOSH members are reminded that they must comply with the Code of Conduct. Users must not antagonise other users of this service or post any information that could be considered defamatory, obscene, abusive or unlawful. You may be held liable for the content you post. I suggest the last sentence is particularly relevant to my earlier comments.

Posted By Heather Collins I suggest that "you may be liable for the content you post" relates to the possible libellous or inflammatory nature of the language used - as is the case with any other type of written communication including internet postings and has nothing to do with the professional liability issues you were previously referring to. I am not in any way liable for advice I give on this site if it is given to the best of my knowledge and ability since I have no control over how you or anyone else uses that advice and furthermore there is no contractual relationship between us. I can't believe that you're actually serious about this point....

Posted By Philosophical Heather, The Captain of the Titanic didn't think the iceberg would sink his ship either. All I can say is the legal system works in mysterious ways, particulalrly where money and reputation are at stake. Whether I am serious or not is open to debate, but it is worth consideration in relation to the initial thread. Maybe we can be provided with the definitive steer by our learned friends at IOSH?