School of Biological Sciences
Science Rd Cottage A10
NSW 2006 AUSTRALIA
Telephone +61 2 9351-3499
Facsimile +61 2 9351-4771
E-mail office@bio.usyd.edu.au
Risk Assessment for hazardous procedure
Process
Date
Oxygen Electrode in AV lab
Assessor’s Name: Bill Allaway
12/08/08
Phone: 93513499
Reviewed by A-L Markovina & Michael Joseph
Chemical(s):
HEPES in 5% sea water; MgCO3, 90% Acetone, 40 mM
DIURON; 1M NaHCO3
Quantity used (mass/volume)
Area of use:
1L; 20g; 200ml, 5ml; 100ml
Ashby AV lab (room 207) A12
Risk assessment classification
4 = likely rating (-), severity rating (!!)
See below for classifications
Found a hazard? Think about:
How severely could it hurt someone? 
How likely is it to hurt someone?

very likely ++
could happen regularly
!!! kill or disable
!! several days
off work
! first aid
1
2
3
likely +
could happen occasionally
2
3
4
unlikely could happen, but only rarely
3
4
5
very unlikely -could happen, but probably never will
4
5
6
The numbers show how important it is to do something:
1 - do something immediately
6 - do something when possible.
_____________________________________________________________________________
1
Is the procedure hazardous?
Yes
If yes please list details of substances or hazardous aspects of procedure;
1. Electrical equipment & water on same bench
2. 90% Acetone – flammable & toxic
3. DIURON is potentially toxic
4. Sharp blades used for cutting
5. Sharp syringe needles
6. Nitrogen gas cylinders - high pressure gas
Are the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available in the work area
Yes
Please attach MSDS to hard copy of this form for your records
If there is a likelihood of exposure, please state probable route
Yes
Skin contact or inhalation of acetone vapour
Is it necessary to perform this procedure in a fumehood or with local exhaust
No
Are special storage, transport or disposal procedures required?
Yes
Acetone waste should be collected in a labelled 5 L plastic waste bottle and placed in a
chemical bunker for collection.
Sharps should be discarded into appropriate Sharps containers.
What personal protective equipment is required?
N/A
Is an eye wash/safety shower located near the work area?
No
Are first aid facilities nearby?
Yes
Is fire equipment nearby?
Yes
What steps have been taken to control the risks associated with this procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Earth leakage circuit breakers and warnings in manual/web pages
Small volumes of acetone only, no flames, adequately labelled
Very small volumes of Diuron used, adequately labelled
Sharps containers, warnings in manual/web pages
Sharps containers, warnings in manual/web pages
Cylinders restrained, operated under direct supervision, weakest link in tube adjacent to
cylinder to avoid possible projectile effect if pressure allowed to rise too high
Warnings are announced during practical and notices used & info in student materials.
MSDS available in yellow folder in AV lab.
What is the level of proficiency of the users of this procedure
undergraduate
i.e undergraduate, researcher, post graduate etc.
Staff are highly trained and will assist with the procedure.
Do the intended users have adequate training/experience
Yes
If no, what training is required?
Any other relevant information
One demonstrator will be present for 32 students
Revision number.
Date
12/08/08
Signature
2