Department of Chemistry and Department of Biology and Biochemistry
The assessor should assign values for (a) the level of harm (hazard severity) that could result from using the hazard, and (b)
the likelihood of it occurring (taking into account the frequency and duration of exposure) on a scale of 1 to 5, then multiply them together to
give the rating band:
Degree of Harm
(A)
Likelihood of Occurrence
1 – Trivial
(eg discomfort, irritation, slight bruising, self-help recovery)
2 – Minor
(eg small cut, burn or abrasion, basic first aid need)
3 – Moderate (eg strain, sprain, infection, poisoning, incapacitation > 3 days, fire)
4 – Serious (eg fracture, hospitalisation >24 hrs, incapacitation >4 weeks, severe
damage to building)
5 – Fatal
(single or multiple)
1 – Remote
2 – Unlikely
3 – Possible
4 – Likely
5 – Very likely
(B)
(almost never, not expected at all)
(foreseeable, but only occurring rarely)
(could occur, but uncommon)
(recurrent but not frequent)
(could occur frequently)
The risk rating (high, medium or low) indicates the level of response required to be taken when designing the action plan.
Risk Assessment Matrix
Risk Rating Bands (A x B)
(B)
(A)
Trivial
Minor
Remote
1
2
3
4
5
Unlikely
2
4
6
8
10
Possible
3
6
9
12
15
Likely
4
8
12
16
20
Very likely
5
10
15
20
25
Moderate Serious
Fatal
LOW RISK
(1 – 8)
MEDIUM RISK
(9 - 12)
Continue,
but review
periodically to
ensure
controls
remain
effective
Continue,
but implement
additional
reasonably
practicable controls
where possible and
monitor regularly
HIGH RISK
(15 - 25)
STOP THE ACTIVITY
Identify new controls.
Activity must not
proceed until risks are
reduced to a low or
medium level
Risk Assessment of: Working in the Biology &
Biochemistry Teaching Labs
Overview of activity / location / equipment /
conditions being assessed:
Assessor(s):
Marianne Harkins & Robyn Bott
Work Authorised by:
Date:
July 2015
A risk assessment of work in the Biology & Biochemistry Department teaching laboratories, covering the
types of general hazards that may be encountered as part of teaching practicals.
Good Laboratory Practice
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Anyone working in the teaching laboratories will have a health and safety induction.
Instructions should be listened to and followed.
Avoid hand to mouth/eye/face contact and thoroughly wash your hands before leaving the lab.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or manipulate contact lenses in the laboratories.
There are eye washes available in the labs.
All work with hazardous substances must have a risk assessment; this may be a short COSHH version.
Students must be aware of their own limitations, and seek assistance from another member of staff/ technical expert if required (preferably before
commencing work).
All staff and students are responsible for their own and others safety (either directly, or though acts of omission), and all have the authority to stop work they
perceive as unsafe.
Individuals must be aware of the limitations of the disposable nitrile gloves with solvents, as in some cases the gloves afford only splash protection.
Any accidents must be reported to academic staff, the technical team or demonstrators as soon as possible.
In the event of a fire, experiments will be stopped and/ or made safe if there is time to do so without endangering life and staff will follow instructions.
Spills will be cleared as soon as possible, while the contaminant is known, and not allowed to accumulate. This is particularly important when using biological
agents.
Individuals are responsible for clearing up experiments, preventing the build-up of rubbish/ cardboard, and for keeping exits clear.
Waste generated by lab users must be properly contained, labelled, and with a clean exterior before being transferred to the waste consignor for disposal by
the technical team.
Personal Protective Equipment
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Any PPE specified should be worn/ used at all times.
Closed footwear with good grip will be worn in the lab, (i.e., no exposed skin/ socks, no open-toed footwear/ sandals).
Loose clothing (e.g. scarves, ties) must be securely tucked behind lab coats or removed.
Long hair must be tied back.
Hazard
Who could be
harmed?
Control measures needed to minimise risk
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Biological Agents
May have the potential to
cause disease/ infection by
inhalation, ingestion or
contact with wounds/
mucous membranes. P
May cause allergic
reactions.
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Exposure to Chemicals
Depending on the hazard
category, there are a wide
range of possible effects
from exposure to
chemicals: skin and eye
irritation/ corrosion/
permeation. Tissue
damage of mucous
membranes/ respiratory
tract, dermatitis from
prolonged or repeated
skin exposure and in
severe cases central
nervous system
depression or organ
effects. Unconsciousness
Laboratory users,
staff, support staff,
PG and UG
students,
contractors and/
or visitors to the
laboratory.
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Follow any instructions given carefully.
Let staff or demonstrators know if a spill occurs.
Clear up all spillages of biological agents as soon as possible if the spill is small using the right
decontaminant.
Biological/ contaminated waste is to be placed in designated autoclave bags.
All waste to be autoclaved is to be taken to the 4 South autoclave room (bags transported
within the boxes).
Avoid hand to mouth/eye/face contact and thoroughly wash your hands before leaving the lab.
Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or manipulate contact lenses in the laboratories.
Do not mouth pipette or use mouth-operated suction devices to transfer culture media or any
fluids. Any exceptions (for example fruit fly mouth syphoning) must have a specific Risk
Assessment.
Please disclose any allergies and phobias.
All chemicals must be COSHH assessed prior to starting work.
Students should clearly follow the COSHH assessment in their lab manual and follow verbal
instructions clearly.
Chemicals are to be clearly labelled and stored in a well ventilated area away from direct
sunlight and heat, in accordance with the supplier’s recommendations, and returned to
storage after use. Decanted materials must not be returned to the bulk container.
Staff should ensure that chemicals should be listed and boxed and moved to the hazardous
waste compound on a regular basis.
Dispense flammable liquids and chemicals, and use them, in a place where there is good
ventilation and no source of ignition.
Keep containers closed when not in use.
Keep some non-flammable absorbent material handy to mop up spills.
Keep the working area from contamination of chemicals, dusts and biological agents by
regular cleaning, and dealing with spillages as they occur.
Staff are to store flammable liquids and chemicals in a flammables cupboard.
Risk after
controls
implemented
A
B AxB
and even death can result
from exposure to some
hazardous chemicals.
Exposure to acids and
bases
Skin and eye irritation/
corrosion/ permeation.
Tissue damage of mucous
membranes/ respiratory
tract, dermatitis from
prolonged or repeated
skin exposure and in
severe cases central
nervous system
depression or organ
effects.
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Exposure to solvents
Irritation of eyes/
respiratory system/skin.
Headache, nausea,
dizziness. Co-ordination
may become impaired,
which may increase your
chance of having an
accident.
Unconsciousness and
even death can result
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Avoid breathing the gas or fumes from acid or base solutions. If COSHH assessment specifies
use a fume cupboard.
Ensure that you know the location of a spill kit before working with corrosive materials.
Ensure that you know the location of your nearest eyewash station.
Always add the acid to the water (and not vice versa, as a violent reaction may result).
Emergency procedures:
Flush affected area with copious water and summon medical attention immediately (x666)
Eye Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Cold water may be used. Check for and remove (if possible) any contact lenses.
Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cold water may be used. Wash
clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration (using bag
and mask, or first aider will also suffer inhalation effects). If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
WARNING: It may be hazardous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation when the inhaled material is toxic, infectious or corrosive.
Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar,
tie, belt or waistband.
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Make the most of natural ventilation, where appropriate, by opening doors and windows and
use fume hoods where appropriate.
Prevent unnecessary evaporation of solvents by using the minimum amount for the job,
keeping lids on containers and using sealed containers for solvent-contaminated waste.
Do not leave solvent-contaminated rags/ blue roll/ tissue lying around. Dispose of them in
waste containers.
from exposure to high
concentrations of solvent
vapours.
Spills
Exposure to any of the
chemicals/ biological
agents used in labs.
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Inform an academic, demonstrator or member of the technical team that you have had a spill.
Spills are to be cleaned up as a priority, wearing the correct PPE.
Spill kits are available.
Eye washes and running water are available in the laboratories for any bodily contact.
Sharps
Puncture wounds/
scrapes/ infection.
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Avoid the use of sharp objects or implements where possible.
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Dispose of broken glass in designated glass bins.
Always use a dustpan and brush to clear up any breakages.
Let the technical team know of any breakages.
Re-sheathing of hypodermic needles is prohibited.
If hypodermic needles are contaminated with hazardous materials extreme care must be
taken during usage.
Used sharps must be disposed of in designated sharps bins immediately after use.
No sharps will be left uncontained when not in use, e.g., store covered, or in holder.
When handling blades, the correct handles/ attachments will be used at all times.
Training/ mentoring will be given for working with sharps.
Analytical syringe needles that are routinely re-used must be stoppered on the end when not
in use, e.g., stuck in cork ring or similar.
Instrumentation
Puncture wounds/ trap
wounds/ scrapes/
infection/ electric shock/
burns.
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All instrumentation will be PAT tested.
Always follow instructions carefully.
Do not remove any of the safety guards on instrumentation.
If in doubt, ask your demonstrator for assistance.
Always use the correct consumables.
If defect or damages are observed, do not use the instrument and inform a member of staff.
Electrical equipment/
installations
Electric shock
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All portable electrical equipment must be tested at for electrical safety at correct intervals
Electrical cables and plugs should be regularly visually inspected by the user for damage.
Any defective equipment should be reported to the technician-in-charge and taken out of use
until the repair has been effected.
Electrical equipment must always be operated in accordance with manufacturers'
instructions
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Unauthorised access to
facility
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Undergraduates are not permitted to work alone.
Access to the laboratories is restricted.
Visitors should be accompanied by an authorised person.
All doors should be locked when personnel are not present in the facility.
Gas cylinders
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Undergraduate students are not permitted to use gas cylinders.
Staff must have received Gas Safety Training before using gas cylinders. Contact the technical
team to arrange training.
Fire/ Explosion
Burns/ smoke inhalation
or death. Damage or loss
of infrastructure.
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Flammable materials are stored in the flammables cupboard in the back store.
Benching is to be kept free of clutter.
Fire extinguisher are available in the laboratory. There is also one available outside. Only
trained personnel should use the extinguishers.
All unnecessary ignition sources must be removed.
Call security on 666 (internal) or 01225 383999 (external) in an emergency.
Slips and Trips
Slipping on floors/
tripping on hazards
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See housekeeping practices below.
Floors are regularly swept top keep them clean.
Good house-keeping means that clutter is removed.
A waste management technician is employed to ensure best practice.
Manual Handling
Musculoskeletal
problems.
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Do not lift heavy and bulky loads.
If you do not feel able to lift safely, please let a technician, demonstrator or member of
academic staff know.
The University Manual Handling Procedures must be followed by staff who undertake the
lifting of heavy loads.
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Emergency Procedures
In the event of a fire evacuate the lab as quickly as possible and set off the fire alarm (to ensure the rest of the building is also evacuated). Call the security team
(666 internal and 0.1125 383999 external) and ensure that the fire services are aware that there is a fire in a chemical laboratory.
Housekeeping Practices
General lab cleaning (benches and floors): Will be completed using commercially available cleaning products, and undertaken only in areas where lab-work is not
in progress. A floor buffer or mop and bucket may be used for floor cleaning, and the floor must be as dry as reasonably practicable during and after the cleaning
process. Warning signs must be posted at entrances to the lab when the floor is being cleaned.
Glass-washers: Glassware must be rinsed by the user (washings into a waste bottle) before being put through the glass-washer. Items too large or fragile to go
through the machine must be washed by hand. Items will usually be cleaned using detergent, rinsing with water and/ or rinsing with solvent where appropriate.
Larger items will be wiped down using the above process. For some items of apparatus (especially glassware), an acid rinse (e.g., dilute nitric acid) may be required
if the water, detergent and solvent are ineffective.
Fume Cupboards: Where the fume cupboard is to be cleaned prior to maintenance work, the interior of the cupboard (including the sash) will be washed down
with detergent (e.g., Decon 90, diluted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions) and rinsed with water. Any smears may be removed using a solvent (e.g.,
isopropanol). Spraying equipment or tubing attached to the water supply may be used to wash down behind the baffles at the back of the cupboard.
Equipment for Servicing/ Calibration/ Disposal: Lab equipment is to be cleaned as far as possible, wiping over with detergent and water, and solvent, although
the electronics/ internal workings will not be cleaned. The equipment is left to air to minimise any vapour hazard that may be in areas impossible to decontaminate
with solution.
Good Microbiological Practice
 Avoid working with a viable pathogenic organism where possible or use the organism of least hazard consistent with the proposed work.
 Biological agents be assigned a hazard group (ACDP1 to 4). Work can only be carried out in laboratories or rooms with the containment level and measures
appropriate for that hazard group.
 Appropriate storage, use, disposal and emergency procedures will be established before ordering any hazardous biological agent.
 Minimise the production of aerosols and contain any that are produced in a microbiological safety cabinet.
 Certain pathogenic micro-organisms cannot be used without Home Office notification or DEFRA approval
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc208.pdf
 Decontaminate benches and other surfaces that may be contaminated after laboratory set-up, after laboratory sessions and whenever a spill may have occurred.
 Keep freshly-made stocks of suitable disinfectant available within the laboratory.
 On a frequent basis, routinely replace the water in, and clean, water baths.
 Place all infectious or contaminated microbiological waste in suitable containers (red bins) for autoclaving or for soaking in decontaminant solutions. Human
or animal wastes for incineration must be securely stored frozen in colour-coded plastic bags prior to despatch.
 Do not remove infectious, contaminated material or absorbent materials from the laboratory to another area unless they are suitably packaged (double
contained) in a sealed and labelled container. Disposable waste should be transported to the decontamination autoclave in closed bags inside the plastic holders
designed for the purpose.
 Infectious materials may be centrifuged in the open laboratory if sealed rotors or sealed buckets are used and if these are opened only in a functioning
microbiological safety cabinet.
 All GM work must be registered with the GM Safety Committee.