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.
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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
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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.
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