Risk Assessment Form Title of Assessment Use of Mastersizer Date of assessment Date for review 01/10/14 On procedure or instrument modification Department Chemistry Descriptions of Activities Particle size measurements on powders or suspensions using the Malvern Instruments Mastersizer 2000 Name of those working to All trained users of the instrument this assessment Any others who may be Any other users of or visitors to the affected by this assessment laboratory Assessment carried out by Ben Douglas Additional information The instrument operates on the principle of laser diffraction to calculate particle size. Samples are introduced into the instrument via a variety of dispersion units, either as powders or as liquid suspensions. The dispersion units are exchanged manually. Users are responsible for carrying out COSHH or other relevant risk assessments relating to their specific samples. 1 Risk Assessment Form Foreseeable Existing control measures Significant Hazard Laser exposure The instrument contains two class 3A lasers Injuries to fingers from moving parts of dispersion units Chemical exposure The beam is fully enclosed in the unit. The laser shutter may only be opened when (a) a dispersion unit is in position (which forms part of the enclosure) and (b) when data is being collected. Users are trained in the safe operation of the equipment. The moving parts do not protrude from the instrument and covers are provided. In correct use there is no requirement to place fingers or tools into the sample dispersion areas. Users are responsible for assessing their substances in the standard tick form for laboratory notebooks. The instrument is on an open bench so substances must be compatible with this location. Injuries caused by lifting inaccessible dispersion units Cuts caused by removing cell windows from dispersion units Standard PPE should be worn by all users of the laboratory. Most commonly used units are easily accessible. Inherent Risk Additional control measures By whom & when Controlled Risk Level Major Low Serious Low New users and researchers from other departments are reminded of their responsibilities regarding the hazards of their materials. Ben Douglas; during training Serious Serious Only specifically trained users should undertake this procedure. Minor Low Users requiring other dispersion units are advised to use a step ladder if required to reach them rather than standing on stool/bench. New users made aware of the hazard. Ben Douglas; during training Low Ben Douglas; during training Low 2 Risk Assessment Form Work should not be carried out until the assessment is completed to a suitable & sufficient level and all required control measures are in place. Is assessment suitable and sufficient Yes Any further actions required to allow work to commence Approved By Rob Jenkins Date 01/10/14 Position Department Safety Officer Please print a copy, sign it and keep for your records Severity of injury Likelihood Unlikely Possible Likely Very likely Extremely likely Superficial Very low Very low Low Minor Very low Low Low Serious Low Low Moderate Major Low Moderate High Low Moderate High Moderate High Very high Very high Very high Extreme Moderate High Very high Very high Very high Overall Risk Rating (highest level found) Low See ‘Matrix for risk evaluation’ for further guidance. 3