August 2015

1. Introduction: about this guide and how to use it ................................................................ 1
2. Department documentation ............................................................................................... 2
3. Requirements for science labs .......................................................................................... 4
4. Preparation and store rooms ............................................................................................. 6
Appendix 1. Example H&S Audit Forms ..................................................................................... 7
© CLEAPSS 2015
Strictly Confidential
Circulate to members and associates only
As with all CLEAPSS materials, members and associates are free to copy all or part of this guide for use in their own establishments.
CLEAPSS
Brunel Science Park
Kingston Lane
Uxbridge
UB8 3PQ
Tel: 01895 251496
Fax : 01895 814372
E-mail: science@cleapss.org.uk
Web Site: www.cleapss.org.uk

This guide will help a head of science to ensure that the department is running effectively and safely. It will also be useful to an H&S officer visiting the department on behalf of the employer.
There will always be some element of risk when carrying practical work in science. The aim of risk assessment is to reduce that risk to as low as is acceptably possible. An audit of teaching, preparation and store rooms, and the equipment within them, will help identify the nature of hazards, and risks which result from using equipment and rooms. The audit will help pinpoint where action is needed to reduce the risk and it follows that the outcomes of any audit cannot be ignored.
The Management of health and safety at work regulations (1999) require employers to “ensure that employees are provided with adequate training”. An audit and record of staff training can be used to check on training needs and to ensure that refresher training has been carried out where required.
It should be noted that the employer has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring and implementing appropriate health and safety measures. For maintained schools the employer will be the local authority. For other state schools, including voluntary aided, foundation and academies, and independent schools, the employer will be the governors, owner or trustees. In any event, the employer may set their own guidelines which must be followed.
For the effective management of health and safety in a science department, there is also a need to produce or have easy access to a range of documents. A list of such documents is given in section 2.
This guide has four further sections:
• Section 2 outlines the documents that should be available in science departments and why.
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Section 3 outlines what CLEAPSS believes, is required for healthy and safe practice in teaching rooms of the various sorts found in a science department.
Section 4 outlines what CLEAPSS believes, is required for healthy and safe practice in science preparation and storage rooms.
In addition:
• Appendix 1 contains forms that can be used in an audit of rooms and equipment.
The forms in the appendix are also available electronically on the CLEAPSS website in a customisable form for users to download and use (CLEAPSS Guide DL271).
This audit is most effectively carried out in conjunction with the senior technician or technician(s).
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Employers are required by law to have a health and safety policy. In practice, in schools this generally means the school has its own policy and this will frequently form part of the staff handbook. It is recommended that a science department also has its own health and safety policy and this should reflect what is stated in the school policy.
A science department health and safety policy should contain the following :
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An outline of who the policy is for and what it is intended to achieve
General aims of the policy
Health and safety roles of staff in the department
Health and safety training policy (including new staff)
Procedures for risk assessment
Storage, security and maintenance of equipment and resources
Activities and procedures
Emergency procedures
Lab rules for pupils
Staff roles and emergency contacts
CLEAPSS has produced a model health and safety policy for science departments (guides G223 and
DL233, the customisable equivalent).
The key question when reviewing the policy is whether practice in labs, preparation and storage rooms matches what the policy states should be happening.
It is good practice to maintain an up-to-date list of chemicals used in the department, their amounts, location and hazard classification. Such a list would cover the requirements, implicit or explicit, in various regulations to do with chemicals and their hazards.
The chemicals stocklist will also support risk assessment procedures in the department.
CLEAPSS provides a chemical stocklist (E233) for science that can be downloaded from the CLEAPSS web site and can be customised by individual departments for their own use.
The employer is required to provide risk assessments for all materials and activities that involve any hazard. Department staff need to have easy access to these risk assessments. In practice, educational employers provide model risk assessments, such as those available in CLEAPSS Guides and
Hazcards. Employees are required to consult such model risk assessments and adjust them to meet specific needs of local circumstances. The significant outcomes of adjustments need also to be recorded. We suggest this is best done wherever staff write their lesson plans, to show evidence of planning.
G271 ME – 08/15 © CLEAPSS®, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PQ
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In essence, a risk assessment needs to be consulted by the teacher for every practical lesson. The teacher should bear in mind the following sequence:
Identify the hazards; this information is likely to already exist in the schools scheme of work.
Assess the likelihood of harm from these hazards that may result from the planned activity.
• Put in place control measures to remove, or reduce to an acceptable level, the likelihood of harm - eg wear eye protection.
CLEAPSS advises that the ‘point-of-use texts’ used for lesson planning should have a short note with each practical activity that identifies the main hazards along with a specific reference to the appropriate
CLEAPSS model risk assessment.
CLEAPSS currently provides clear guidance on what to do in emergencies in science in section E of guide GL120 About Hazcards . An up-to-date copy of this should be easily accessible in each lab / prep room. Note that guide GL120 is subject to regular updates, so refer to the CLEAPSS website to ensure you are using the current version.
Regular checking of some science equipment is required by various regulations. Where such checks, inspections or tests are made, the department should hold copies of the certificates which attest that the equipment is in good order and functioning correctly. Such certificates should be held of the following:
• Annual (technically every 14 months) checks of fume cupboards. For filter fume cupboards this should include a test of the filter efficiency.
• Inspection of pressure vessels (autoclaves, pressure cookers and/or steam engines), where these apply.
In addition, there should be a 5-yearly check of fixed electrical and gas installations. These are usually arranged by the employer but, in the case of local authority schools, this may be delegated to individual schools.
Portable electrical equipment has to be maintained in good condition. In most schools this is facilitated by a programme of inspection and test. The frequency and logistics of this will be determined by the employer, whose systems must be followed. Most have a policy that requires inspection and testing annually. However, HSE guidance suggests that different types of equipment and the way it is used should determine the frequency and detail of any inspection and/or test regime.
G271 ME – 08/15 © CLEAPSS®, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PQ
Page 3 of 8 Tel: 01895 251496; Fax: 01895 814372; E-mail: science@cleapss.org.uk; Web site: www.cleapss.org.uk

There are a number of checks that are common to all science teaching rooms. These are:
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A clean and tidy lab.
Labs should be kept free of clutter, pupils’ work, materials, etc. There are further special requirements for the cleaning of rooms used for microbiology.
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Appropriate heating and ventilation.
The temperature of the room should be maintained at a comfortable level throughout the year. This includes keeping the room cool in summer through the use of blinds, opening windows or suitable cooling systems. Labs should be ventilated at a rate of at least 5 ach (air changes per hour) when in use. To achieve this airflow rate generally requires a mechanical system.
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Light levels, natural and/or artificial, should be sufficient.
Guidance on lighting is given in DfE
Building Bulletin 90. Science rooms should be treated as any other room and should have an illuminance of not less than 300 lux on the work surface (350 lux in Northern Ireland). The section on science work and laboratories stresses a need for “adjustable bench lights where directional lighting is appropriate”, i.e. portable lighting. Usually, special lighting for microscopes and physics activities would be provided using portable lamps. Particular attention should be paid to glare from white boards, projection screens and computer monitors and from benches with pale colours.
Lighting over a demonstration area or projection screen should be separately switchable. Diffusers should be fitted over fluorescent tubes.
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Electrical shut off (or isolator) switch.
The shut off switch should be accessible and operational at all times.
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RCD protection for socket outlets.
It is a good idea, although not a requirement, to have all outlet sockets used by pupils protected by a residual current device. Whether or not an RCD is fitted, mains sockets should be in a safe condition and each with an on/off switch.
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Gas and water shut off valves.
These should be accessible and working at all times, and that the off position is clearly indicated. Ideally, these valves should be situated so that they are not easily interfered with by pupils. In labs it is good practice for the gas valve to be shut at the end of the school day or at the end of the last lesson of the day or if the equipment is not to be used. The water shut-off valve (or stop-cock) may not be in the lab, in which case there should be a sign indicating where the valve is located.
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Gas taps should be in good condition, with no broken tap handles nor blocked outlets
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Security It should be possible to secure these rooms, generally by means of a lockable door. Doors should be locked when no member of staff is present.
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First aid.
Provision of first aid materials may depend on the requirements of the employer. There is no requirement for a first aid box in every lab but it may be a good idea to have any equipment and materials needed for immediate remedial measures, easily available (see the CLEAPSS guidance leaflet GL120).
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Firefighting equipment.
Provision of firefighting equipment will depend on the outcomes of the employer’s fire risk assessment. Where provided any fire-fighting equipment should be accessible and should be checked every 12 months. Normally you would expect to see a fire blanket and a
CO
2
extinguisher in each lab. Note powder ones are acceptable, but are not recommended due to the mess they create when used.
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Fire exit signs if necessary.
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Flooring in sound condition. No missing tiles or damaged covering causing trip hazards.
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A room of sufficient size. The size of the room needed is obviously related to the number of pupils to be taught there. For a fuller discussion, see the CLEAPSS leaflet PS 09 Science Class Sizes,
Laboratory Sizes and Possible Effects on Safety. In Safety in Science Education the DfEE stated:
There are no regulations controlling the size of individual laboratories but adequate space is clearly needed for safe practical work. For 30 pupils at key stages 3 and 4, 85 m
2
is recommended; below
70 m
2
a laboratory will be appropriate for groups of 25 or fewer. In Northern Ireland, 90 m
2 is required for 20 pupils. In Science Accommodation for Secondary Schools the DfEE suggests 83 to
99 m
2 is needed for a class of 30 pupils below age16, and 20 post-16 students.
• Person protective equipment (PPE).
All items of PPE should be stored carefully and easily available to users. Suitable eye protection should be provided in sufficient numbers for the maximum number of users. It should be clean and not excessively scratched so as to impair vision.
Normally you would expect each lab to have a class set of good quality safety specs (eye protection) in each lab and one / two class sets of goggles available for when the risk assessment requires them.
• Hand washing facilities.
hand washing.
A sink with hot and cold water, soap and towels should be provided for
• Eye wash point There should be at least one eye wash point per lab / prep room. A clean length of tubing (stored in a sealed bag) near a tap & sink, is CLEAPSS preferred method of eye wash provision.
G271 ME – 08/15 © CLEAPSS®, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PQ
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• Security.
It should be possible to secure these rooms, generally by means of a lockable door.
Doors should be locked when staff are not present.
• A clean and tidy room.
The rooms should be maintained in a clean and tidy condition, trying to keep clutter to a minimum. Preparation rooms should be included in the cleaning schedule.
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Appropriate heating and ventilation.
The temperature of the room should be maintained at a comfortable level throughout the year. This includes keeping the room cool in summer through the use of blinds, opening windows or suitable cooling systems. Prep rooms should be ventilated at a rate of at least 5 ach (air changes per hour) when in use. To achieve this airflow rate generally requires a mechanical system.
Storage.
Bulky and heavy items should be stored at low level. Ladders must be used to access high level storage. Staff should be trained in the safe use of ladders. The employer may place restrictions on the height at which items can be stored.
Ideally nothing should be stored above head height.
Fume cupboard(s). There should be at least one fume cupboard in a prep room, which would normally be a ducted type.
Chemical store. There should be a separate room (but not external) within the prep room which is the chemical store. This should be ventilated to a rate of 2ach (air changes per hour), and this should run 24hrs a day / 365 days a year. Signs of lack of ventilation are strong chemical smells and/or white powder on bottles / shelving, which can also occur in the prep room). Excessive levels of chemical stocks should not be kept. Check that only chemicals needed to teach the curriculum are being stored.
Fridges/Freezers. These should be clearly marked as not to be used for food for human consumption.
Radioactive storage. This should follow the guidance in latest edition of CLEAPSS Guide L93.
Gas cylinders.
Large cylinders should be stored upright and secured so that they cannot fall over.
No gas cylinders of any type should be stored in cupboards designed for the storage of flammable liquids or stock of corrosives.
G271 ME – 08/15 © CLEAPSS®, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PQ
Page 6 of 8 Tel: 01895 251496; Fax: 01895 814372; E-mail: science@cleapss.org.uk; Web site: www.cleapss.org.uk

Health and Safety Audit of Science
Please refer to the audit guidelines for assistance in completing this form.
Form 1. Overview checklist for use by head of science
Point to be checked Yes No
School health and safety policy in place and current
Hazcards in use and up to date
Department health and safety policy in place and current
Risk assessment process for teachers and technicians activities in place
Records of staff H&S training received and needed
Procedures and rules on H&S used with pupils
Annual check of fume cupboard(s)
Comments
Portable electrical appliance testing done
Record of checking of pressure vessels
Record of maintenance of gas cylinder valves and regulators
Record of leak tests for sealed radioactive sources
Name of school RPS
Name of school RPA / RPO
Further comments if needed and action required
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G271 ME – 08/15 © CLEAPSS®, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PQ
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Health and Safety Audit of Science
Please refer to the audit guidelines for assistance in completing these forms.
Form 2. Checklist for science labs, preparation and storage rooms
Room name or number:
Point to be checked
Room clean and tidy
Yes No
Heating / ventilation as required (5 ach)
Light levels sufficient, no missing tubes or diffusers
Electrical shut off switch in place, accessible, working and labelled
Shut off valve for gas and electricity supply accessible, working and labelled
Security of hazardous / valuable materials / equipment within the room
First aid provision as required
Appropriate firefighting equipment in place
Is the room of sufficient size for the average number in teaching groups
Floors, clean, no obvious dirt traps
Condition of worktops and seal with walls
Sufficient electric socket outlets for portable equipment – location, condition
Eye wash point identified, with length of clean tubing easily available.
Flooring in sound condition
Comments
Further comments on this room if needed and action required (continue on a separate sheet)
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G271 ME – 08/15 © CLEAPSS®, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PQ
Page 8 of 8 Tel: 01895 251496; Fax: 01895 814372; E-mail: science@cleapss.org.uk; Web site: www.cleapss.org.uk