ANNUAL SAFETY TALK STAFF,
POST GRADUATE STUDENTS
AND RESEARCHERS
Jackie O Connor
October 2015
IMM
Prof Steven Bell, Director of Research
Ken Pringle (Secretary)
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Bell, S.E.J. Prof
de Silva, A.P. Prof.
Doherty, A.P. Dr.
Holbrey J. Dr.
Lane, I. Dr.
Nockemann P. Dr
Mangwandi C.Dr
Mills A. Prof
Poulidi , D. Dr
Themistou, E.Dr
Vyle, J. Dr.
Walsh, P Dr
Xiao, B, Dr
OB.124
LG.112
01.102
02.217
OG.123
01.411
LG437
01.401
LG438
LG440
LG.410
LG.431
LG439
4470
4422
4481
4836
5470/4458
4475
4378
4339
4065
4172
5485
5570
4463
s.bell@qub.ac.uk
a.desilva@qub.ac.uk
a.p.doherty@qub.ac.uk
j.holbrey@qub.ac.uk
i.lane@qub.ac.uk
p.nockemann@qub.ac.uk
c.mangwandi@qub.ac.uk
andrew.mills@qub.ac.uk
d.poulidi@qub.ac.uk
e.themistou@qub.ac.uk
j.vyle@qub.ac.uk
p.walsh@qub.ac.uk
b.xiao@qub.ac.uk
CenTACat
Prof David Rooney, Director of Research
Heather McDonald (Secretary)
Artoli, N, Dr
Blesic M,Dr
Abu- Darieh , J. Dr
Atkins, M Prof
Burch, R.Prof
Goguet, A Dr
Hardacre, C. Prof.
Holbrey, J. Dr
Hu, P. Professor
Jacquemin, J. Dr
James, S.L. Prof
Lagunas, C. Dr.
Manyar, H. Dr.
Marr A.C. Dr.
Muldoon, M. Dr
Robertson, P.Prof
Rooney, D.R. Prof.
Seddon, K.R. Prof.
Thompson, J. Dr
Lin Wen Feng Dr
LG432
LG432B
01.142
LG441
02.424
02.432
02.428
02.104
02.422
02.426
01.426
01.425
02.433
02.423
02.421
0G425
02.426
01.421
02.421
LG.442
4474
4691
4269
4295
4416
4882
4592
4863
4259
4389
5419
4436
4868
4442
4844
4627
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N.Artoli@qub.ac.uk
m.Blesic@qub.ac.uk
j.abudahrieh@qub.ac.uk
martin.atkins@qub.ac.uk
r.burch@qub.ac.uk
a.gouget@qub.ac.uk
c.hardacre@qub.ac.uk
j.holbrey@qub.ac.uk
p.hu@qub.ac.uk
johan.jacquemin@qub.ac.uk
s.james@qub.ac.uk
c.lagunas@qub.ac.uk
h.manyar@qub.ac.uk
a.marr@qub.ac.uk
m.j.muldoon@qub.ac.uk
p.robertson@qub.ac.uk
d.rooney@qub.ac.uk
k.seddon@qub.ac.uk
jilllian.thompson@qub.ac.uk
w.lin@qub.ac.uk
University’s Statutory H and S Duties
The University has a duty of care to each and everyone of us(staff, students,
visitors, contractors etc.) to ensure our health, safety and welfare are
maintained by:
• Making sure the workplace is safe and without undue risk
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Ensuring that the equipment that you use is safe and fit for purpose( PAT,
COSHH, PSSR)
• Provide adequate welfare facilities when needed
• Provide adequate instruction, training and expert supervision
University’s Statutory H and S Duties
It must also, by Law:
A)
Prepare a General Statement of Health and Safety Policy
B)
Provide any Protective Clothing or Equipment as required by Health
and Safety at Work legislation
C)
Report certain Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences To The
Enforcing Authority (HSE)
School Health and Safety Policy
ALL STAFF MANDATORY COURSES
available on QOL
DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT(DSE)
USERS
• MANDATORY DSE RISK ASSESSMENT CONDUCTED ON YOUR
WORKSTATION for ALL STAFF
• Forms from QOL or
• Safety Officer(DSE RISK ASSESSOR FOR THE SCHOOL)
• Self assessment
Secondary DSE RA may be necessary- DSE assessor
• Signed off by line manager and copy retained by DSE assessor
• Provision of free eyesight tests and glasses if deemed
necessary to DSE user on completion of DSE1 form( see safety
officer)
University Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited within ALL University
buildings, temporary buildings and University owned
vehicles
Exceptions-individual study bedrooms and some
other designated areas
Smoking shelters- Quad or side of Ashby ONLY-
NOT OUTSIDE DOORWAYS
INTO BUILDING
Working Hours
• Experimental work is only permitted
7am-7pm MONDAY -FRIDAY (Normal working hrs)
• Laboratory work OUTSIDE of these days and times(weekends, late night,
holidays etc )is ONLY allowed if an OUT OF HOURS PERMIT is obtained and
signed by supervisor and Safety Officer and kept by user( to be shown to
security if need be)
OUT of hours working is ONLY allowed for LOW
RISK WORK!!!!
• LONE WORKING in laboratories is NOT PERMITTED at any time
• LATE NIGHT WORKING UP TO 11pm ONLY
• Sign in and out procedure –use book outside General Office on
Stranmillis entrance when entering/leaving building out of hours or at
weekends/evenings
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Out of Hours /
Lone Working Policy
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The School’s core working hours are 7:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday. Safety support services (eg fire
wardens, first aiders) are not available outside these hours.
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Undergraduates (including final year project students) must not work alone in laboratories at any time. An
experienced PHD student/ member of staff must always be present. Undergraduates are only permitted to
do practical work within the period 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays during term time unless hired under various
work experience schemes, for which special provisions apply. (The School Safety Adviser should be
consulted in such cases)
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Experimental work in laboratories is permitted within the period 7:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday (i.e.,
core working hours). If there are exceptional reasons why it is necessary to conduct laboratory work
outside of the normal working hours, the following arrangements apply. Late working (19.00-23.00), and
daytime working at week-ends or holidays –permission is required from both the supervisor and the School
Safety Officer, and the appropriate School Out of Hours Working Permit must be signed PRIOR to work
commencing. Permission will only be granted for low risk work activities and will be conditional upon
having two persons always present in the laboratory. Anyone working outside the normal hours must
comply with the requirements to sign in/out and notify University Security, as set out below.
Overnight
working (23.00 – 7.00) – this is not normally permitted, on safety grounds. If there are exceptional reasons
why such work is required, it must be discussed in advance with the School Safety Officer, whose written
permission is required. This applies to all forms of overnight working, including office-based work.
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Research Students may not work alone on experiments which, in the opinion of their supervisors and after
conducting a risk assessment, present special hazards.
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No specific permission is required for office-based work which is carried out between the hours of 7.00 and
23.00. Outside core working hours, staff must comply with the requirements to sign in/out and to notify
Security on 5099.
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Anyone who is working on the premises outside core hours must comply with the following security
procedures:
Use the signing in /out book located outside the General Office on the ground floor – this may mean
people leaving their offices at 19.00 to sign in; AND
Inform Security via a telephone call to 5099 when commencing work (or at 19.00 hours if already at
work) AND AGAIN when leaving the building
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Anyone entering or leaving the building before 7.00 and after 19.00 pm during the week, and at any time at
weekends/holidays, must sign in/out in the book outside the General Office on the Stranmillis Road
entrance.
People should NOT be working in the building after 23.00 unless specific permission is sought
Your H&S Duties as Student/ PDRA
Researchers
• You have a duty to familiarise yourself with the University’s and the
School’s health and Safety Policies( safety manual and H&S notice board
on ground floor outside LG111)
• You must take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of
others when conducting experiments
• You must cooperate with and obey the University and it’s officers in all
matters pertaining to Health and Safety
• You must follow a supervisor’s recommendations and expert advice when
it comes to matters of health and safety and do not disregard what they
say.
Your Supervisor’s Duties
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Your supervisor is responsible for ensuring you work within
established health and safety guidelines and you are NOT put at
jeopardy or risk when doing experiments authorised by them.
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Your supervisor should advise you of ALL risks associated with your
work and give you clear instruction and advise how to conduct the
work in a SAFE fashion without risk to yourself and others
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Your supervisor should ensure that you are provided with Any
Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) that is deemed necessary for the
work you are conducting upon conducting a risk assessment
Sources of Information
Web sites:
• www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm
• wwww.hse.gov.uk/chemicalclassification/classification/what-is-chemicalclassification.htm
• www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResource
s/OccupationalHealthandSafety/
Points of Contact in School
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Prof Hardacre - Head of School
Prof Karl Hale - Chair Safety Committee
Jackie O Connor - Safety Officer
Prof Steven Bell - Laser Safety Adviser
Simon Murray (QUESTOR)-School Biological Safety
Adviser
• Kirin Hill - Electrical Safety issues
• Dr Neil Ogle- Radiation Protection Supervisor(SPACE)
School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
Health and Safety Committee Membership and
phone extension
• Prof. Karl Hale
• Mrs Jackie O’Connor
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(Chairman, School Health & Safety Committee)
(Safety Officer, School of Chem. & Chem. Eng.,
4673)
Ms. Fiona Mulligan
(Secretary, Trade Union Rep)
Mr. George Burton
(Trade Union UNITE, 4433)
Prof. S.E. J. Bell
(Laser Safety Adviser 4470, 4460)
Mr. Caomhan Stewart Research Student Representative(Centacat) 4462
Mr. Aaron O Kane
Research Student Representative (Synbioc) 4076
Ms. Katherine McBride Research Student Representative (IMM) 4073
Mr. T. Sewell
Laboratory Manager, ASEP, 5579, 5580
Dr. Maggel Deetlefs
QUILL Asst Director, 4863
Dr. Julie Anne Hanna Questor Manager ATU 4675
Rep from ALMAC
ALMAC 02890225588
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
• Emergency Telephone Number:
• 2222 ( Emergency Services) from ANY phone
in building or phone in corridor beside toxic
gas break glass
• 5099(Security Control 24 hrs )
Emergency Procedures
Finding a Fire
• Raise the alarm
• 2222 ( Emergency Services)
• Fire extinguishers – use ONLY IF COMPETENT
TO DO SO
• Switch off equipment that may pose a hazard
ONLY if it is quick and easy to do so- DO NOT
ENDANGER YOURSELF BY DELAYING
EVACUATION
• Evacuate the premises ( 2 assembly areas)
Manual call point
Designated Assembly Areas
• Stranmillis Road evacuation- Ashby building
foyer
• Rest of building- car park opposite Sonic Arts
building
Emergency Procedures FIRE
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Fire Alarm Sounding
Klaxon sounds continuously
Switch off equipment- if quick and easy to do so
Leave laboratory by nearest Emergency Exit
Obey Fire Wardens- report if there is dangerous
equipment still running
Do not congregate at emergency exits
Go to designated assembly areas
Do not enter building while red beacons are
illuminated at entrance doors
TOXIC GAS ALARM
Emergency Procedures TOXIC GAS
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Toxic Gas Alarm- blue manual break glass
Klaxon sounds intermittently
Evacuate immediately avoiding:
Lab 01.430( telephone call point here)
Lab 01.201(telephone call point here)
Lab 02.435(telephone call point here)
and basement stairwell leading to Liquid
Nitrogen storage area
Telephone call point inside main doors lobby
ground floor
January 2015
TRAINED BREATHING APPARATUS USERS
Four sets of breathing apparatus have been installed in the School.
All are located on the Lower Ground Floor opposite the Mass Spec Room LG.007.
THIS EQUIPMENT IS STRICTLY FOR THE USE OF TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY.
These are:
NAME
CONOR MCGRANN
CLIVE MURRAY
DAVID COULTER
PATRICK LYNER
ROOM NUMBER
LG 007/OG.414
LG.420 (Stores)
0G.202
LG.201
EXTENSION
4676/4435
4440
4067
4221
If there is a leak of compressed gas or a CO monitor is activated or the likelihood of oxygen
deficiency as detected by Oxygen monitors in ANY room/lab you MUST leave that area immediately
and contact any one of the above team AND the School Safety Officer Jackie O’Connor on 4673
ACCIDENT REPORTING
Accident, dangerous occurrences & near misses
occurring in /around the building are all
reportable :
• AC1 accident form MUST be completed by
your supervisor/responsible person in charge
• B1510 (accident book) must also be
completed by the person who sustained the
injury
• Accident book is obtainable from Safety
Officer- records kept confidentially.
First Aid Arrangements
Feb 2015
FIRST AIDERS
IN
THE SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY &
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Patrick Lyner
(Jan16)
Kenneth Pringle
(Mar16)
Maggel Deetlefs (Jan 18)
Jackie O Connor
(Feb18)
Angela Orozco (Feb 18)
Julie Anne Hanna
(Jun 17)
Phillip McCarron (Jul16)
LG.201
Tel 4221
Gen. Office OG.005
Tel 4253
Quill 02.102(a)
Tel 4863
LG.014
Tel 4673
OB.437
Tel 5613
Questor 02.007
Tel 4675
Quill 02.403
Tel 5509
Individual Workers: Any pertinent health issues that could
jeopardise your own health and safety and that of others must be
discussed ASAP with your Supervisor and the School Safety
Officer (Jackie O’Connor)
e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, auditory and visual-impairment etc
Pregnant Workers: It is your legal duty to inform the School as
soon as you become aware that you are pregnant. The School
will then conduct a Risk Assessment for you, and appropriate
measures will be taken to ensure the Safety of you and your
unborn child. You will not be penalised for this!!!!!!
THESE RULES APPLY TO ALL CATEGORIES OF
STAFF AND STUDENTS
Before you begin ANY Experiment
A Risk Assessment must be carried out:
on an official School COSHH risk assessment form
WHO BY?
you in conjunction with your supervisor particularly if you are not sure of
the hazards and risks involved in a particular process or unsure how to
dispose of chemicals from your reaction in a safe manner
WHY?
1.
2.
3.
4.
It is a legal requirement
It identifies the HAZARD/S of a particular experiment
Estimates the RISKS associated with the hazard/s
Indicates the precautionary measures(CONTROLS) that need to be
implement to ensure everyone’s safety
Before you begin ANY Experiment
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COSHH RA Forms are available online or from Safety Officer
(June 2015 version)
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Once completed it MUST be signed FIRST by your supervisor/line manager
then
Sent to the Safety Officer to be signed
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One copy (signed by worker, supervisor AND Safety Officer) to be retained
and readily available for inspection (RISK ASSESSMENT FOLDER) by the staff
member/student
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One copy given to the Safety Officer(electronic copies need to be signed first)
ALL LABORATORY WORK SOULD HAVE A RISK ASSESSMENT
HAZARD & RISK
HAZARD – is the
potential to cause
harm.
RISK – likelihood of
that harm being
realised.
RISK RATING
Risk = Severity x Likelihood
Severity
Likelihood
Risk Rating
Unlikely
Possible
Likely
Very Likely
Score
Risk Level
Very Minor
1
2
3
4
1-2
Low
Minor
2
4
6
8
3-6
Medium
Significant
3
6
9
12
8-9
High
Major
4
8
12
16
12-16
Very High
Action
No further action necessary
Although tolerable – monitor activity
Further measures required
Immediate action required – cease activity
Hazard Factor
Identified
Risk of cuts from glassware
Severity
(1-4)
Likelihood
(1-4)
Risk
Level
(L,M,H,VH)
2
2
4 MED
4
1
e.g. risk of electrocution
4 MED
Control Procedure
Visual inspection, discard ALL
broken/chipped glass items
Use threaded connections etc
Visual inspection
Current in date PAT test label
Avoid contact between solutions and
electrical connections
Use in accordance with instructions
slips, trips
3
2
6 HIGH
working at height
3
3
9 HIGH
Legionella
3
1
3 MED
Manual Handling- lifting,
moving equipment etc.
3
2
6 HIGH
e.g. exposure to UV
radiation
2
1
2 LOW
Tidy all cables at back of apparatus. Use
cable ramps on floors and walk ways. Clean
up all spills immediately. Check floor
covering regularly and defects reported
Training. Inspection of ladders BEFORE use.
Three points of contact. Suitable ladder for
work.
Clean and disinfect on a regular basis all
vessels and pipework
Assess the task, make it easier/lighter. Use
of mechanical aid ,seek assistance from
others etc. Suitable PPE( footwear)
Use of full face mask and hand protection.
Shielding where possible
3 MED
Inspection of apparatus- leak tests of lines
etc
Pressure relief valve etc, Enclosure inside
fume cupboard/ blast shield if appropriate
Pressurised system- risk of
explosion/ejection of
gas/liquid etc
3
1
COSHH RISK ASSESSMENT
• Title- your name and exp title
• Location of work- lab number
• Brief description- what you are doing and quantities
of chemicals being used*
• List substances and hazards- use MSDS(Material
Safety Data Sheets) to get information
• Nature of exposure- inhalation, ingestion, absorption
etc
• NB- pay particular attention to compounds that have
WEL (workplace exposure limits assigned)- NEVER
EXCEED THE VALUES STATED
HOW TO PREVENT EXPOSURE
• Eliminate the hazard- different chemical/ less
risky method- pellets instead of powder, ready
made solutions etc.
• Prevent access to it( use guards- glove box/
fume cupboard etc. )
• Organise work so that exposure to yourself
and others is minimised
• Use APPROPRIATE PPE( on completion of risk
assessment
TYPES OF CONTROL/PRECAUTIONARY
MEASURES
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Total containment( glove box)
Partial containment( Fume Cupboard)
LEV local exhaust ventilation (fan and trunking)
Dilution ventilation( open doors and windows)
Work under inert atmospheres
PPE
Others- good working practices- restricting access to lab
etc
USING A FUME CUPBOARD
Check speed-0.5m/sec
with sash opened to 500mm
DO NOT USE IF SPEED IS BELOW THIS
VALUE- REPORT
Fan On/Fan OFF
Fan Speed
MIN
RUN
MAX
TYPES OF PPE
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PPE is considered as a last resort in ADDITION to
the former controls includes safety glasses , lab
coat( mandatory)
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Ensure gloves as suitable for the chemicals being
used( see safety manual)
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Additional PPE will be provided if deemed
necessary e.g visors, aprons, goggles, hard hats,
ear defenders safety footwear etc,
Who else is likely to be exposed
• Apart from yourself are risks adequately controlled? Are
there local rules or SOPs ?
• Other lab workers
• Technical Staff
• Cleaning staff
• Maintenance staff( permit to work for internal fume
cupboard repairs)
• Contractors- as above
AIR MONITORING AND HEALTH
SURVEILLANCE
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Air monitoring only needed if exposure cannot be
adequately contained
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Health Surveillance- where work involves the use of
substances know to cause occupational asthma or severe
dermatitis and where employees are exposed to
carcinogenic/mutagenic cmpds. where exposure is NOT
adequately controlled.
or contact with chrome soln./ electrolytes containing
chromic acid/ Cr salts / other substances that can cause
skin cancer
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PROCEDURES FOR SPILLAGES/ UNPLANNED
RELEASES
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Need to consider:
Evacuation( lab/corridor/building)
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How will alarm be raised( TOXIC GAS ALARM)
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Will SCBA or Respirators be required( contact list of
staff)
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How will area be cleaned/ventilated
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Special first aid requirements- using HF, PHENOL
HOW TO DIPOSE OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
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Small quantities low toxicity water miscible
substances flushed to drain
Small amts. vapours/gases/aerosols discharged
into fume cupboard
All other waste- solvents- in waste container in
lab- disposed of in outside flammable storage
facility
All other waste generated- use the online
Chemical Waste disposal form
Biological waste- autoclaved and double bagged
( see Biological Safety officer)
TRAINING
Specialist training may be required- Lasers, various lab
equipment,( centrifuges, autoclaves etc )
Training by academic staff/ post doc/technician to ensure:
Competency to carry out process/expt safely
Proper use of precautionary measures(inc PPE)
Identify defects in precautionary measures(fume cupboard
fail, PPE fail)
Emergency procedures are adhered to
Fatal Consequences-Why
Risk Assessment is Vital
•
Jan 16th 2009- (Sheri) Sangji Sheharbano, 23yr old Chem Ph.D
student of UCLA died from injuries sustained in a chemical fire in a
lab on Dec 28th 2008
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Titrating t-Buli in a fume cupboard under N2 manifold
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Using plastic 60ml plastic syringe
Plunger came out of barrel exposing t-Buli to atmosphere
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Open bottle of hexane in FC also ignited
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Sangji’s clothing caught fire and despite medical intervention she
died of her third degree burns 18days later
Lessons to be learned
• NO RISK ASSESSMENT !!!!!!!
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Inappropriate lab practice, lack of/no training
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No “suitable PPE”- Sangji was wearing a synthetic jumper!!!
Felony charges dropped against UCLA provided certain mandates met:
Agreed to train all relevant PIs in lab safety and their responsibilities
Train All existing lab personnel in lab safety and individual responsibilities
Written procedures for using pyrophoric liquid reagents
No lone working when handling pyrophorics
A minimum standard of PPE that must be worn when working or
occupying a lab area
Lab inspections
$500,000 scholarship set up in the victim’s name
Latest News
Prof Harran(supervisor)- $10,000 fine
800 hours community service
Avoids trial- charges put on hold until 5yr terms of agreement
completed- NO CRIMINAL RECORD
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Specialist RISK ASSESSMENT
• Those involved in work with lasers need to
contact Prof Steven Bell the School Laser
Safety Adviser
• Those wishing to work with any type of
biological agent must contact Mr Simon
Murray the School Biological Safety Officer
( please leave enough time PRIOR to
beginning work in case vaccinations are
required)
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
• Eye Protection( safety glasses/goggles obtainable from
Chem Store
LG413) MUST BE WORN when in the lab (exceptions: in areas defined
with green/white striped tape)
• PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES WILL BE PROVIDED Free of Charge FOR
ALL STAFF and postgrads WITH CONTRACTS OF > I YEAR, if deemed
necessary (see info in Safety Manual and contact School Safety Officer for
further advice)
• Contact lenses should not be worn in the lab
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
• COTTON Laboratory Coats must be worn at all times
in laboratories
• Sensible, NON-SYNTHETIC CLOTHING should be worn
at all times when conducting lab-work with
flammable and pyrophoric reagents.
• Lab coats MUST not be worn in rest areas
• or in communal write up rooms
• or offices where signage dictates NO LAB COATS
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
• Respiratory Protection RPE
• Respirators MUST be worn by those disposing of
waste solvents in the outside flammable storage
container
• Particulate AND organic half mask respirators will be
provided for individuals if their risk assessment
deems that they are needed as an additional control
• Face fit testing is required before a respirator is
issued( see School Safety Officer to arrange testing)
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR IS EXPECTED IN ALL LABORATORIES WITHIN THE SCHOOL AT ALL TIMES
FOR GENERAL LABORATORY WORK:
•
LOOSE ITEMS OF CLOTHING (e.g. scarves, tassels, ornate frill-appendages etc) are not
recommended due to their potential for entanglement in equipment and/or accidental submersion
in flammable or poisonous chemical solutions.
•
LOOSE-HANGING JEWELLERY (e.g. earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches) is not permitted in
laboratories.
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BODY-PIERCINGS. must not be exposed when conducting lab work involving potentially hazardous
chemicals.
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LONG-HAIR: Must be kept tied-back and clipped and carefully controlled at all times.
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EATING, DRINKING, AND APPLICATION OF COSMETICS is forbidden in laboratories.
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IT IS FORBIDDEN TO DO ANY KIND OF LAB WORK UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR
RECREATIONAL DRUGS
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
Laboratory Gloves- selection dependant on risk assessment
( see Safety Manual for web link)
• ONLY wear in labs- do NOT wear around
corridors/opening doors etc(chemical contamination)
• Blue Nitrile(most commonly used)
• Heavy Duty Nitrile
• Marigold ( washing glassware)
• Cryogenic (Liquid Nitrogen- can be worn in corridors)
• Butyl Rubber( Acetone/Acetonitrile)
Most glove types are available in Stores
LATEX GLOVES ARE FORBIDDEN EXCEPT IN CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES(see Safety Officer)
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
• Shoes -appropriate, closed, non-slip, protective footwear
must be worn for all lab work
• Open-Toed Sandals are Completely Unacceptable Footware in
a Chemistry Laboratory
• Some work may necessitate the wearing of safety footwear
( steel toe cap shoes/boots) e.g. moving compressed gas
cylinders- ordered through Chem. Stores
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
• MP3 players MUST NOT BE WORN while working in laboratories
• Radios must be kept at a low volume
• Personal electrical equipment must not be taken in to labs/ offices
UNLESS it has been PAT tested esp. power supplies for lap tops
• Electrical equipment with FAILED PAT TEST stickers MUST NEVER
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE USED(report to electrical
technicians)
• Unattended running equipment should have the appropriate
UNATTENDED APPARATUS SHEET affixed containing appropriate
emergency-shut down procedures and contact details should an
incident arise
CHEMICAL SPILLS
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CHEMICAL SPILL KITS
IN all LABS
USE ON :
SOLVENT,ACID,BASE,OIL
FORMS A GEL- SWEEP UP
DISPOSE OF A CHEMICAL WASTE( form on website)
N.B- LAB USERS MUST REPLACE WHEN USED
LARGER SPILLS- Chemical Absorbent mats available
from Chem. Store- treat as Chemical waste
MERCURY SPILLS
• Mercury Spill kits available from Stores and
Chem Workshop or teaching labs or:
• Use powdered Sulphur sprinkled on spill
• Sweep up and place in suitable container/bag
and label as Chemical Waste
• Arrange for disposal through School Waste
Chemical Disposal Procedure( form on
website)
SPILLS OF SILICA
• Do not allow access to lab until spill has been
dealt with
• Depending on size of spill- try to contain eg
within fume cupboard
• Wear RPE( respirator)
• Use damp tissue to dampen and clean up spill
• Finally use hepa filter vacuum( Stores)
• Dispose of soiled tissues and full vacuum
bag in sealed bag/container-place in waste
silica drum( Stores)
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
Transportation of Chemicals and Gases
• Winchesters/ other bottles– Winchester carriers MUST be
used- Stores personnel will NOT issue chemicals UNLESS
you have the appropriate means of transportation
• THIS APPLIES TO CHEMICALS PLACED FOR COLLECTION IN
LOCKERS ALSO
• Larger Quantities – Use a Suitable Secure Trolley
• Glassware-appropriate container/ trolley NOT in lab coat
pockets
GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
Transportation of Liquid Nitrogen
• Liquid Nitrogen is stored at bottom of basement stairwell
When decanting into smaller DEWARS you must ALWAYS :
• Ensure the Dewar is defect free and lidded to prevent spills in
corridors/stairs
• Wear Safety glasses/goggles N.B.
• Wear Cryogenic gloves( available from Chem Store)
• Pay attention to the safety warning signs and the O2
monitoring system- flashing light when O2 levels are BELOW
19%- DO NOT ENTER STAIRWELL UNTIL LIGHT CEASES
FLASHING
• USE THE STAIRS- LIQUID NITROGEN MUST NEVER BE
TRANSPORTED IN A LIFT UNLESS THE SCHOOL LIQUID
NITROGEN TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURE IS USED
STORAGE OF CHEMICALS IN LAB
• Keep to a minimum see safety manual (Fire Prevention )
• Flammable solvents- store in metal cabinets under fume
cupboards ( ensure doors are SHUT)END OR EVERY DAY
• If no fume cupboard-metal flammable storage containerNOT in an open lab/ office
• !!!!!!Never store solvent bottles/waste solvent/wash
bottles containing solvent on windowsills
• Acids/bases- store as above but SEPARATELY from
solvents
• Controlled chemicals e.g Na, K Nitrate, nitrite etc-locked
cupboard with sign out procedure( audited)
• Controlled drugs, cat 1 drug precursors secured
lab/fridge- sign out procedure SOP on website(audited)
Manual handling of lab equipment
• DO NOT attempt to lift heavy equipment from
benches without engaging the help of other
people and use of a mechanical aid.
• Ensure equipment is made as easy to move as
possible( empty contents e.g. water from
water baths, ice from ice machines etc)
• Use proper lifting technique – knees bent and
back straight
Manual handling of lab equipment
• If bench top lab equipment needs to be
moved
• Utilise the scissor action trolley available from
Chem Workshop
Disposal of Waste
All students and staff are responsible for disposing of
their own waste
• Disposal via drain( small quantity water miscible
low toxicity substances) N.B.
• Waste Organic Solvents( halogenated and non
halogenated- 5Litre container in labs)
• When full -5L container is taken to green waste
solvent store outside( wear appropriate PPE i.e
respirator, glasses, lab coat)
• FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE POSTED IN THE
STORAGE CONTAINER/SAFETY MANUAL/SAFETY
NOTICE BOARD
WASTE SOLVENT BOTTLES CORRECTLY
LABELLED AND USED APPROPRIATELY
• Ensure ALL waste
bottles are clearly and
correctly labelled with
actual contents
• Acid should NEVER be
stored inside a solvent
container
Glass Winchester explosion involving
solvent and acid!!!
INSIDE FLAMMABLE WASTE SOLVENT
UNIT
EMERGENCY SHOWER AVAILABLE
OUTSIDE STORES
Disposal of Chemical Waste
• All chemical waste generated during reactions that CANNOT
be disposed of in-house to be clearly labelled and placed in
sealed secure container
• University pays PER CONTAINER SIZE NOT CONTENTS –so
quantity refers to SIZE OF CONTAINER
• Waste disposal form on line to be filled in- copy attached to
container and other emailed to safety Officer who will issue
you with a Box number which you fill in on the form
• Once approved the labelled chemicals can be brought to
Stores for safe storage prior to removal by Waste Contractor
CHEMICALS DISPOSAL INVENTORY
Lab No.
LG3555
Name(s)of Persons Returning Chemicals
Sid Sulphate
Tel No.:
9998899
Container/Box Code No.: LG3555 Box 2
CHEMICAL NAME
orthophosphoric acid
S-2(ethylsulphinyl)00-dimethyl phosphorothioate
2,3-dihydro-6-methyl-5-(N-phenylcarbamoyl)-1,4-oxothiine 4,4dioxide
benzene
QUANTITY
HAZARD
RATINGS
2.5 litres
100 grams
25 grams
C
T
Xn
100 mls
F,T,Carc Cat 1
Disposal of Glass
• Broken glass must ONLY be disposed of in
broken glass bins in lab and NOT in ordinary
waste bins
• When full -glass bin to be emptied CAREFULLY
into sturdy cardboard box , taped and labelled
and placed in standard waste BLUE Eurobins
located up the slope from Chem Stores
– DO NOT LEAVE IN GOODS YARD!!!!!!!!
• Empty glass bins on a regular basis
STANDARD WASTE DISPOSAL BINS
Disposal of Chemical Containers
• All chemical containers- plastic, aluminium or glass
must be disposed of as follows:
• Clean and rinsed out
• Bottle top removed and disposed of separately
• Hazard labels removed/defaced
• RINSED written on label or on bottle
• Disposed of in appropriate bin(glass/aluminium/plastic)
in Goods yard
CONTRAVENTION OF THIS PROCEDURE WILL RESULT IN
SERIOUS DISCIPLINARY ACTION BEING TAKEN AGAINST
OFFENDING INDIVIDUALS BY THE SCHOOL!!!
PLASTIC/ALUMINIUM
Chemical Containers Waste Disposal
Bins
GOODS YARD OUTSIDE STORE
GLASS Chemical Containers Waste
Disposal Bins
GOODS YARD OUTSIDE STORE
Safe Disposal of Silica
• All silica waste should be DAMPENED and placed in a
secure lidded plastic container labelled as waste
silica
• Dispose of in the silica bin in locked cage outside
Chemistry Stores
( key available from Stores)
Safe Disposal of Needles and
Scalpels(SHARPS)
• Store needles safely when not in use(DO NOT
LEAVE LYING AROUND ON BENCHES)
• Dispose of needles and scalpels ONLY in
sharps bin(YELLOW CONTAINER)
• Sharps bins available from Chem Store
• When level indicated on side has been
reached bring full container back to Store for
disposal and obtain new one
WASTE CARDBOARD
• Flat packed and placed in green labelled
Eurobins located up the slope in goods yard
adjacent to Sir Bernard Crossland building
Used Electrical Equipment
• Must be disposed of in accordance with WEEE
regulations and MUST NEVER be placed in
Eurobins/skips
• Info on correct electrical equipment: contact
Trevor Sewell /Jackie O Connor for further
advice
• Info on disposal of computers/computer
related equipment: contact Trevor Sewell
• Computer Waste disposal forms available on
line to be filled in accordingly
Thank you for your attention
Any questions?