Lab Safety
Version: Oct 2012
Cover page
BPI/Earth Science – Induction
Catherine, Dudley, lab (+Stuart, + Lotty) as required……………….
Copy of induction of signed form from Catherine…………………..
My induction pack
Identify safety courses to attend….dept. and University
Sign responsibilities page…….lab walk page……
Add Students name to Training Record……………………..
Complete and sign Cambridge travel RA……………………
Complete Cambridge travel ‘Staff Travel Form’…………….
Get Copy of everything………………………………………..
Sign 050- Sample transport RA………………………………………..
Copy of Bullard Handbook……………………………………………
Chemical Engineering Registration:
Copy of Eng Safety induction………………………………………..
Web-sites:
safety sections/sub-sections on Univeristy and chem eng dept
www.ceb.cam.ac.uk:
sign to say they have been read……………………..
AFR Oct 2012
University Courses to attend
Chemical safety (if not October start)………………………
October:
Basic Safety 1
Basic Safety 2
Advanced
Safety 3
Advanced
Safety 4
University
Laser Safety
(Mill Lane)
October
University
Radiation
Safety (Mill
Lane)
(october)
University
Xray equip
and other
equipment
generating
ionisating
Safety RA
Form
(Part of basic
Chem. Safety)
Transport
of
samples
UV
sources
Travel at
work
Live fire
training
RA for predicted activities………………………………………………
Copy onto training record……………………………………….
COSHH for predicted activities…………………………………………
AFR Oct 2012
Laboratory Management
Introduction
Working in the laboratory as part of our research group is a great opportunity but it also
carries responsibilities. You must always work in a way which minimises the risk to yourself
and to others. The assignment of responsibility of specific jobs and duties is attached.
A brief summary of expected behaviour is given below. More details are in the Chemical
Engineering Departmental Handbook and local rules and on the Departmental Safety Web
Page.
You should ensure that you attend all the safety courses in the Department of chemical
engineering for new PhD students (including basic safety, advanced safety, laser safety and
Radiation courses if applicable) as well as those at the BPI. This is also true if you are
formally registered at the Department of Earth Sciences.
In the Lab
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Hang coats on coat hooks on the racks in the corridor, not fume cupboard knobs, making
sure the passageway is kept clear of coats and bags in an emergency.
Always wear personal safety equipment as appropriate when working in the lab.
Be aware of the location of the eye wash and first aid kit and whom to contact in case of
an emergency.
Be aware of the location of fire extinguishers and their appropriate use.
Ensure you know the emergency exit routes from any of the rooms you enter.
COSHH assessments must be completed and countersigned before you start a new
experiment. This is a legal requirement and will be enforced by the Safety Officer.
Familiarise yourself with the risk assessment for each activity and piece of equipment
before you use them.
When materials or other stocks are running low, order or fetch replacements, e.g. do not
leave a single pipette in the box without ordering more.
We have a monthly lab clean-up on the first Monday afternoon of the month in which
everyone participates. This is followed by a documented inspection. Every quarter the
lab. Safety manager and Dr Routh do a joint inspection.
Make sure that communal workspaces (sinks, benches and balance room) are clean and
unobstructed.
Unlabelled bottles and samples will be removed at any time without warning.
Keep fume cupboard sashes down as much as possible and definitely when you are not
actually working in the cupboard.
All disposals should be in accordance with the protocols determined on COSHH analysis.
When something breaks tell the appropriate person so it can be fixed or replaced
No food, drink or smoking is allowed in the Laboratory.
Do not leave sharps (e.g. scalpels) lying on the bench. Makes sure they are placed in an
appropriate container

Goggles and lab coats must be worn
AFR Oct 2012
IF IN DOUBT ABOUT ANY PROCEDURE – STOP AND ASK !!!
End-of-day routine checklist
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sink clean?
Are all solvent bottles and waste solvent bottles back in their cupboards?
Fume cupboard sash lowered?
Light switched off?
Ensure all the lab windows are closed.
Lock lab doors?
In the Office
•
•
No lab coats or chemicals are allowed in the office.
Don’t tamper with settings on communal computers. If you want anything changed /
added please ask the person responsible for maintaining the computers.
• Do not eat or drink while using the computers.
•
Please keep all your files in your personal folder. Files left on the desktop will be
deleted without notice. Don’t let hard disk crashes take you by surprise: back up your files
obsessively every time you update them.
• Put catalogues, books, folders etc back on the shelf where they belong.
Secretarial help
All FAXes, parcels, letters related to your current work within the group should go via
Catherine, who will also help you with legitimate work-related forms, letters and general
administrative matters or direct you to someone who can help.
Catherine can also help with swipecards etc..
AFR Oct 2012
Colloid lab – induction to be carried out by Alex Routh
Reviewed Oct 2012
Specific Responsibilities
Each holder of a specific responsibility is authorised to act on behalf of A Routh to ensure
compliance with rules. They must also report non-compliance.
Group leader and supervisor
A Routh
• Overall leadership responsibility for scientific, safety, financial and personal health of the group,
delegating day-to-day responsibilities as below.
• Specifically to carry out complete safety tour of lab every three months.
• Thorough induction of new members, ensuring they fully understand rules, know locations of
safety equipment, and can carry out risk and COSHH assessments.
• Ensure that all procedures have appropriate risk assessments.
• Keep copies of all COSHH assessments.
Authorised supervisor in A Rouths’ absence
Andy Woods/Stuart Clarke
Safety Officer
Dudley Simons
• Keep copies of all COSHH assessments.
• Receive safety information and keep group up to date with changes in procedures and rules.
• Report incidents.
Chemical stocks and database
AFR
• Organise periodic chemical store check and database update providing lists of current stocks
Waste disposal
AFR/Dudley Simons
• Complete generic risk assessment and safe operating procedures for the storage and removal of
waste and application forms for all chemical waste.
• Ensure that everyone is aware of different categories of waste and treats each item appropriately
in accordance with waste policy guidelines.
Computers
Chris Richardson
• Maintain network and computer hardware and software.
• Train new Group members.
Electrical equipment
Dudley Simons
• PAT testing electrical equipment – in coodination with Alex Routh
• Collect and store broken equipment.
• Liaise with electrical and electronic workshops in Earth Science for repair, disposal and
replacement.
Chemicals
AFR
Biannual chemical check
Fume Hood
Dudley Simons
 Coordinate regular checks (yearly) (Estate Management)
 Maintain check records
AFR Oct 2012
Laboratory Induction – Tour Overview
ANY ACTIVITY REQUIRES RA/COSHH forms (BPI, Chem, anywhere) ………………………………..
(RA/COSHH/STORE Holders)
If you are at all uncertain..DONT DO IT……………………………..
Personal Safety Record……………………………………………….
Indentify relevant labs………………………………………………….
How to find keys………………………………………………………..
Lab clean ups..monthly…all required to help………………………..
Experiment in progress forms…………..………………………………
Goggles and Lab Coats REQUIRED……………………………………
Location of gloves ………………………………………………………
Types of gloves..single nitrile/double nitrile others (see below)…..
Location of eye wash …………………………………………………...
Any items of PPE getting low stocks notify AFR……………………..
Location of waste solvent bottles ……………………………………….
Waste disposal….(contact AFR/DS)……………………………
Separate materials…………………………………………
Glass bottles, <3/4 full, loose lids……………………
Any ‘nasties’ (e.g.asphaltenes)…………………………………………
Sharps bins………………………………………………………………..
Location and route to nearest two fire exits………………………………
(you should walk both these routes)
Location of power off buttons……………………………………………..
Fume hood (single user notice and booking on line – do not leave clutter)…………..………
DSC booking online ………………………………………………………
Chemical storage..organic/separate, mineral acids, surfactants…..
Coats and bags.. outside..do not obscure pathway…………………..
Keep labs uncluttered…paper books etc……………………………..
Spills kit (by window)…………………………………………………………...
Hot Policy: Heating items …(ONLY if needed:e.g. stirrers only vs hot plate stirrers)
ovens/furnaces.. requires buddy/permit ………………………….
Outside hours/Late nights/Supervised Evening work/Overnight (requires permit)
AFR Oct 2012
………………………………………………
All electrical items MUST be PAT tested by Dudley…………………………..
Do not use any broken items of kit…………………………………………..
No shorts in the lab………………………………………………………………..
No music/Ipods………………………………………………………………………
No food, drink, smoking…………………………………………………………….
Long Hair Tied back……………………………………………………………………
Wash hands on leaving………………………………………………………………..
No lab coats/gloves etc. in offices etc……………………………………………
TRANSPORT OF SAMPLES:……………………………………………………
(Separate RA)
Packaging demo…………………………………………………………………….
Laboratory Procedures and Tour
COMPLETED AND UNDERSTOOD
Inductee: Print name
Sign
Date
AFR Oct 2012
BP Institute
Version Oct 2010
Personal Safety Training Record
Please use this document to record any relevant safety documentation, safe-operating
procedures (SOPs) or risk assessments for your work which you have read or training which
you have received. This document will also assist your supervisor or Head of Group to ensure
that all their staff and students have received the necessary instruction and training to enable
them to work safely.
Employee/Student Name

Group Leader
Date Work Commenced
Denotes list of trained users kept by Dudley Simons
Technique / Area
Received and read
(signature)
Received relevant
training (signature)
General Issues
Where not applicable enter
N/A
Where not applicable enter
N/A
Safety Manual, Department
Safety Policy and Statement of
Safety Organisation
See Dudleys induction
form:
First Aid arrangements
See Dudleys induction
form:
Reporting accidents and
incidents
See Dudley’s induction
form:
Fire and security procedures
See Dudley’s induction
form:
Electrical safety, including
inspection and testing
See Dudley’s induction
form:
Manual Handling
See Dudley’s induction
form
Use of Ladders
See Dudley’s induction
form
Compressed Air
See Dudley’s induction
form
Date and nature of
training
Supervisor’s
signature
e.g. University course/personal
supervision/other
Laboratory Safety
Waste disposal routes
Selection and use of PPE
Coshh forms
Hot policy
Supervised evening work
Lone working
Use of fume cupboards
Housekeeping
AFR Oct 2012
Part 2: At Bench Training Record within the Laboratory
Other Techniques
(1) Lasers
(2) Risk Assessments
Part 3: Record of Documentation and Courses
(A) Risk Assessments
(B) Coshh Asessments
(C) Additional Documentation
(D) Record of Safety Courses and Inductions attended
AFR Oct 2012
Date 23/9/2010: Title: Risk assessment - visits in Cambridge Ref Number: BPI RaV1 SMC 051-003 CAMB
Guidance on using the Personal Safety Training Record
What safety training is required?
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require the University to provide adequate health and safety training on
induction, when there is exposure to new or increased risks and to repeat the training periodically where appropriate.
Members of the University are required to attend any health and safety training which the University or their institution decides is needed to
enable them to become competent in the health and safety aspects of their work.
Who should use the Record?

The Personal Safety Training Record is primarily intended for those who work in laboratories, workshops or similar areas where practical work is
undertaken.
 It is intended for staff, including maintenance staff, office staff, assistant staff, academic and academic related staff as appropriate, long term
visitors and students.
 Departments may also wish to extend the use to those whose work may take them into such areas.
 The Induction Checklist issued by the Personnel Division can be used for those whose work does not involve a wide range of safety issues.
What is the function of the Record?
It is intended as a record of safety training, instruction and information that has been received by an individual both initially on starting the work and
subsequently.
 The holder can use it to identify any shortfalls in safety training, instruction and information if they are asked to carry out new work.
 It can be used during appraisals when considering training needs for staff development.
 The holder can also use it if they do similar work in a different department as evidence that they have already received training and instruction,
but they must also be familiar with any local rules or procedures.
 It may also be acceptable to future employers as evidence of safety training.
 The Group Leader/Academic Supervisor can use the Record to ensure that everyone who they supervise has received the necessary training
and instruction to work safely.
 Departments should include the Record as part of their training records system.
What to do with the Record


The individual keeps the original of the Personal Safety Training Record.
After initial training, instruction and information has been provided and recorded, a copy of the document should be given to the Group
Leader/Academic Supervisor.
 Further training and instruction should be recorded on the Record.
 When the individual leaves the department, a copy of the Record must go to whoever keeps the training records; this may be the Departmental
Safety Officer, the Departmental Administrator, the Staff Development Co-ordinator or another person.
How to adapt the record
The Record is available as a Word document.
 The first section, General issues, is common to all departments.
 The subsequent sections can be adapted to suit the work carried out in a particular department.
 The hard copy of the Record should be provided in a durable format.
10
Date 23/9/2010: Title: Risk assessment - visits in Cambridge Ref Number: BPI RaV1 SMC 051-003 CAMB
------------Transportation----------Statement of Good Working Practice:
Transport of People and Samples between the BP Institute and other locations in Cambridge and elsewhere:
It is important when transporting yourself and/or samples/equipment for your work that appropriate steps are taken to minimise any risks to you, your
colleagues and others.
Sample Transport:
(i) Ideally do NOT transport samples unless you need to. Make arrangements for samples to be purchased and delivered to the appropriate location,
(e.g. the department of chemistry, International Facility etc.)
(ii) If you need to transport a sample:
Only transport the minimum amount of material required.
Do NOT use public transport, your car or Bike for any sample transport.
(a) If the samples are non-hazardous, irritants or harmful and in quantities less than 1Kg: These can be transported by the lab car.
- They must be appropriately packaged and labelled:
Typically for the small amounts of samples most commonly used by the group.. sealed bottles/cans inside plastic bags, packed in vermiculate or related
materials inside plastic tubs or carboard boxes are appropriate. (These should be safe from breakage if dropped. The sample should not leak if they are
broken and the adsorbent will soak up any liquid that escapes.) ideally the packaging that the samples arrived in from the suppliers should be used.
The name of the sample and any hazard (irritant and /or harmful) should be clearly indicated and the appropriate orange hazard label attached.
- The MSDS form must be taken and the UN number (available from the supplier)
- The driver must know what he is carrying
- The car must have a 2Kg powder extinguisher and a spills kit (the BPI lab car does)
- The driver must be appropriately trained to deal with any possible incident that might occur, such as a collision and a fire.
- Barbara Dyson maintains a list of the samples transported in the lab car and should be notified.
(b) All samples for experiments at International facilities
Should be taken by professional international carriers (e.g. DHL) in the appropriate packaging. The carriers/chemical suppliers can advise on
appropriate packaging.
(c) Samples with other hazards with significant risk should be transported (even in the UK) by a commercial transporter. In some cases you will need to
make arrangements for samples to be purchased and delivered to the appropriate location.
The University safety office has access to a consultant who can advise you on appropriate transport procedures.
11
Date 23/9/2010: Title: Risk assessment - visits in Cambridge Ref Number: BPI RaV1 SMC 051-003 CAMB
NEVER carry ‘waste’ materials get them disposed of at the location you are at.
Compressed gases should NEVER be transported.
Transporting people:
(i) Ideally do NOT travel unless needed.
(ii) If you need to travel, consider the safest means of transport:
Ideally use public transport.
Lab Car:
For many simple journeys the lab car will be appropriate if the guidelines are followed (see attached- ‘driving policy for travel at work’).
You will need to speak to Barbara Dyson and complete the appropriate form/submit a copy of your driving licence, and make sure you read the ‘generic
risk assessment –For driving on University Business’ and ‘Department Driving Protocol – Bullard Labs’– attached)
If you are outside the scope of the usual journeys: e.g.
You are relatively inexperienced driver
You have a medical condition that might affect your driving
Your journey involves long hours
You are uncertain about certain aspects of your journey (weather ..etc)
Then you must do a special risk assessment for that journey. (attached –‘Drivers individual risk assessment form’).
Do not use your car or bike for any work related person or sample transport.
Particular issues of note for facilities users include:
If you are tired at the end of an experiment, do not drive back to Cambridge without ensuring you are sufficiently rested. This can simply mean booking
an extra night at the facility before returning home.
If you need to return the same day that the experiment ends consider alternative forms of travel, for example taxi and rail transport rather than driving
yourself. If you really have to drive ensure at least one member of your experimental team has a proper night sleep before the journey home.
If the experiment is overseas, you should contact your health centre/doctor to identify any medical requirements such as vaccinations before you travel.
When travelling to the EU you should have appropriate medical cover. Please contact your doctor for advice before you travel.
The facilities we attend are often in a variety of locations around the world with similar risks to other similar locations in Cambridge and the UK. E.g.
Be aware of the possible risk of mugging and do not invite attention by wearing obvious jewellery, expensive phones/watches. Ideally travel as a group
and not alone and take a taxi etc. if there is any concern.
You may wish to consider taking a course in personal protection or carrying a ‘rape’ alarm.
Several facilities have restrictions on pregnant women attending the facilities. If you think this may apply to you do not go to the facility.
You should take out appropriate travel insurance which is available through the University at no cost
(http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/insurance/travel/apply/).
12
Date 23/9/2010: Title: Risk assessment - visits in Cambridge Ref Number: BPI RaV1 SMC 051-003 CAMB
Department of Earth Sciences/BP Institute – STAFF TRAVEL FORM
Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0EZ, Tel: +44 (0) 1223 765700 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 765701, Catherine@bpi.cam.ac.uk
Name
Status
Email
Mobile No.
Address
(ie Undergraduate, academic)
Dates of trip
Various
Purpose of Trip
Address/Phone while away
Interdepartmental travel
Departments in Cambridge
2 People in UK to be contacted in the event of an emergency
Name (and relation to you) Address:
Phone Numbers:
Email:
Name (and relation to you)
Name:
NOT REQUIRED
Address:
Address:
Emergency services number for your
country of work:
999
Phone Numbers:
Email:
Contact Details in Remote Location:
Phone Number:
Emergency/Insurance Details
Trip Insurance Policy Number:
Insurance in place:
(University insurance:
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/insurance/travel/apply/)
Email:
Insurance Phone:
contact Bernadette:
bm301@admin.cam.ac.uk
If you have any medical conditions or take
any medication which may effect your safety
on this trip please give details:
All information in confidence:
Name of Supervisor:
Email:
Phone Number:
Alex Routh
alex@bpi.cam.ac.uk
01223 765718
Cambridge Department Contact Details
Name of others
Various
on trip:
Dudley Simons +44 (0) 1223 337198
University Security: +44 (0) 1223 331818
(out of Hours)
When Completed return to Alex Routh
13
A Routh group lab management and safety and Induction
October 2010
RISK ASSESSMENT FOR TRAVEL
The University has a Duty of Care for its staff and students. To comply with health and safety regulations, it
is necessary to make a risk assessment for all of our activities, including travel outside Cambridge and
overseas - prior to commencing the trip. A proforma risk assessment is included as Appendix 1. Examples of
risk assessments for travel to low (Appendix 2) and higher risk destinations (Appendix 2) are attached.
Essentially, it is necessary to consider and document the hazards, determine the level of risk associated with
these hazards, itemize procedures taken to minimize/control the risks, consider the level of risk after
instigating control measures, and determine the nature of any further action needed.
A consideration of hazards would include:
Health: Are there any diseases associated with the area to be visited? The FCO Website
(http:www.fco.gov.uk/) lists problems associated with many countries and regions. Examples include
malaria, dengue, typhoid, diphtheria.
Where vaccinations are needed, it is important to allow sufficient time (at least 6 weeks) for the
administration of vaccines (and where necessary boosters) and the development of a protective immune
response.
Do you have any allergies, such as to eggs, milk or to antibiotics that could cause problems during the trip?
Do you take medication or have any pre-existing medical conditions? Please note the it is a pre-requisite of
the Universitys insurance policy that all pre-existing medical conditions/treatments are notified (to the
University Insurance Section in writing) at least 10 days prior to the departure from the UK. Failure to
comply with the insurers regulations will lead to any claim (basd on treatments required for a pre-existing
condition) being repudiated.
Pregnant women should not usually travel. Experiments at international radiation facilities must not be
attended by pregnant women
NOTE: all dangerous sports and activities e.g. skiing are excluded from the University insurance.
Climate: Is the area to be visited hot and sunny or very cold?
Accommodation: In many cases accommodation is provided at the international facilities that are visited and
should be used. In some cases consider carefully an appropriate class of hotel.
Food/Drink/Hygiene: Is there any problem with drinking water or food hygiene?
Transportation: How will you travel to and from and within the area to be visited? Use of IATA listed
airlines is usually regarded as being safe; the traveler should be wary of local airlines and air taxis. What is
the mode of transportation within the area to be visited? (public or private transportation).
Generally you are encouraged to use public transport rather than transport yourself in your own car.
Driving: The BPI/Bullard has policies in place for driving (in the Bullard Handbook) which should be
followed, including appropriate license, experience and other requirements.
It is important when overseas to ensure that you are familiar with local driving regulations and have
appropriate valid licenses and related issues.
It is important not to drive when tired, for example after a long flight or after a tiring experiment.
Crime/Security: Is the area to be visited noted for its high crime statistics (to include
robbery/muggings/terrorist activities). Where possible high crime areas should be avoided. Passport and
money (should be divided into more than one stash and taken as Travellors cheques where practical) should
be kept separately inside zipped pockets. Only carry a minimal amount of cash. Hotel safes should be
considered. It should be noted that insurers issue lists of countries for which details of risk reduction measures
are needed to be made prior to departure form the UK.
Continued....
Page 15
Working overseas: Will the traveler be working overseas, such as participating in laboratory work, or
working in industry? If it is the intention to rely on the University’s insurance cover, it is essential to give at
least two week’s notice of the intention to travel so that the necessary arrangements for (insurance) cover may
be made.
PROCEDURES TO MINIMISE RISKS:
Health: Travellers should take preventative measures according to the hazards that have been identified. For
example, anti-malarials and vaccinations may be needed – advise may be received from the University Health
Centre’s travel clinic. For arthropod borne diseases, such as dengue, for which prophylactics are not
available, the traveler should use insect repellents. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers should be worn
during evening, night and at dawn to further reduce the risk of arthropod bites. If bacterial or parasitic
diseases are common, the traveler should approach his/her physician regarding the acquisition of antiinfectives/anti-parasitic agents. FCO and WHO Websites need to be monitored for updated health
information.
Note: The University and its insurers do not accept responsibility for travelers who fail to receive the
recommended vaccinations/medications prior to travel abroad. Form E111 requires to be completed by all
staff and students who travel within the EU for short trips. All students who will participate in placements
will need to complete the E128 prior to travel overseas.
Climate: If the climate is hot and sunny, the traveler should take a high factor sun cream, which should be
used liberally according to the manufacturers recommendations. Also, the traveler should wear a sunhat, and
try to keep out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Conversely, if the climate if much colder
than Edinburgh, the traveler will need to take warm clothing appropriate to the area to be visited.
Accommodation: In some countries, it may be required to stay in 4/5 star hotels than in guesthouses, hostels
or camping sites. The safety of accommodation should be considered prior to travel. For many international
facilities accommodation is available on-site and should be used.
Food/Drink/Hygiene: If water quality is of dubious quality, reliance should be placed on bottled water (to be
opened in front of the traveler); avoid ice in drinks. If food hygiene is likely to be a problem, eat only hot,
freshly cooked food – avoid cold food, peeled fruit and ice cream. Consideration should be given to taking
water purification tablets (be warned: effectiveness against viruses and parasites is often not proven!) and
compounds to prevent diarrhoea (essential when actually travelling).
Working overseas: If the traveler intends to carry out work in laboratories, it will be necessary to comply
with local safety arrangements. Is there any (local) insurance cover? What are the hazards involved?
Consider monitoring FCO and WHO Web sites for health and security alerts, and seeking local advice.
For experiments at international scattering facilities you should abide by all the local safety regulations.
Usually safety instructions will be passed to you either prior to arrival or on arrival at the facility. Many now
have safety videos to watch and tests to confirm this has been done.
In addition, you should obtain and read the risk assessment for the particular instrument you are using.
Transportation: The traveller needs to be wary of internal travel problems within the country to be visited.
Local advice is needed.
Crime/Security: Where possible high crime areas should be avoided. Passport and money (divided into
more than one stash and taken as travelers cheques whereas practical) should be kept separately in inside
zipped pockets. Hotel safes should be used wherever possible.
Driving: If driving is contemplated, the traveler should ensure that the driving license is valid and insurance
is arranged. The driver will need to become familiar with local driving regulations. Do not drive when you
are tired.
15
Page 16
RISK ASSESSMENT FOR INTERDEPARTMENTAL
TRAVEL
REFERENCE NUMBER: TRAVEL-SMC-003-CAMBS
TITLE: Interdepartmental Travel Within Cambridge
LOCATION OF Trip: Cambridge.
DATES OF TRAVEL: Various
NAMES OF THE TRAVELER(S): Various
NATURE OF THE HAZARDS:
Hazard:
Potential Risk:
Control Measures:
There are not any health
Health:
hazards in Cambridge, at
present.
Typical of the UK – no
Climate:
particular issues
Accommodation:
N/A
Food/Drink/Hygine:
N/A
Transportation:
Road/other Accidents
Crime/Security:
This area of UK is not
associated with particularly
high crime.
Public transport should be
Road/other Accidents
used where possible.
Driving may be required for
equipment/sample transport.
See risk assessment ‘BPIRav2-SMC-50
sample
transport’. Use the department
car and follow the BPI/Bullard
driving policy.
N/A
Driving:
Working overseas:
Public transportation to and
from University locations
should be used.
Other:
LEVEL OF RISK: Low/Medium/High – Low
PROCEDURES TO MINIMISE RISKS:
1. I will use public transport where possible and /or follow the Bullard/BPI regulations and guidelines for use
of the Department car.
2. I will not use my car or bike for any work related person or sample transport.
LEVEL OF RISK AFTER INSTIGATING PROCEDURES TO MINIMISE RISKS: Low/Medium/High - Low
NATURE OF FURTHER ACTION NEEDED:
None identified.
PREPARED BY:
Stuart Clarke
DATE: 16/4/10
COUNTERSIGNATURE:
DATE:
16
Page 17
Gloves:
Some comments about which gloves to wear for which materials:
Generally you should NOT put your hand in the solvents..our precautions are based on you getting only
inadvertent splashes on you.
(i) There are quite a lot of solvents/materials should be OK with a single pair of the blue nitrile gloves on:
These include:
ethanol, ethylene glycol, HCl (dilute), Methanol, nitric (dilute), AgNO3 solution, SDS, NaOH (dilute),
H2SO4 (dilute)
(ii) some solvents are best handled with two pairs of the blue nitrile gloves on (even for splashes).
There are several we have in the lab including:
Chloroform, cyclohexane,ethyl acetate, heptane, hexane, THF, toluene.
Special gloves for extensive use of toluene can be obtained (please let AFR know).
(iii) The concentrated acids (HCl, Nitric, H2SO4) should be used with much thicker nitrile gloves or butyl
rubber.
(iv) Acetone should be used with neoprene or natural rubber gloves..
We should have all of these in the lab.. if you cannot find what you need please let AFR know.
LATEX gloves should NOT be used.
Chemical Control at the BP I
The system of controls is intended to minimise risks of the chemicals required and control those
that are needed.
Initial project review:
At an early stage the chemicals required for any project should be reviewed. Where possible the least
hazardous materials should be used where there are alternatives. Ideally this should be undertaken in
discussion with the student, supervisor and chemical safety officer. A COSHH form should be
completed at this stage and any additional risk assessment as required. However, in many cases the
selection of materials will be determined precisely by the experimental requirements.
Appropriate chemical handling, storage and disposal issues should also be identified at this early
stage. Actions to be taken in an emergency should be identified.
Ordering of chemicals
Any chemicals to be ordered require the approval of your supervisor. Before ordering please make
sure that the sample in question is not already held (to avoid holding larger stocks than needed). The
COSHH form should be completed in advance of ordering (with attached MSDS) so that hazards can
be identified BEFORE the sample arrives at the Institute.
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Storage and Use
Storage facilities are provided at the BP Institute including solvent cupboards both free standing
connected to the fume hood. Separation of compounds is ESSENTIAL to prevent incompatible
materials coming into contact e.g. mineral acids, organics with different chemical groups into
separately labelled cupboards and separate plastic tubs. This also helps in finding materials and the
plastic tubs prevent the contents of any broken bottles migrating too far.
Only minimal quantities of chemicals should be on open desks in the laboratory at any given time.
Stock bottles should be returned to the storage cupboards as soon as reasonably possible.
Handling of chemicals should reflect the chemical safety issues highlighted in the initial project
discussion stage. Appropriate facilities (fume hood, protective gloves, goggles etc...) are available
and MUST be used. Only the minimum quantities of chemicals required should be used.
Disposal
Appropriate disposal routes are available through the university chemical disposal scheme. Waste
chemicals MUST be clearly labelled ready for collection.
Contact Numbers:
General considerations:
Samples must be labelled for identification purposes even on a students own work bench. Unlabelled
items can be removed for disposal at any time.
Procedures and reactions must be accompanied by a completed ‘Procedures and Reactions Form’,
Appendix III, identifying who is performing the procedure, contact details, what is being done,
possible hazards, what to do in an emergency.
No unlabelled materials can be left in the fume hood at any time.
Do not store materials in the fume hood.
Segregation of wastes
The separation of mutually incompatible waste materials is ESSENTIAL.
In the Institute we have separate waste bottles for, organic wastes, Halogenated organic wastes,
aqueous waste, and solid waste. Acids and alkalis should disposed of separately.
Consult the university Health and Safety website for a guidelines concerning incompatible materials.
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In the event of spillage:
Follow the procedures identified at the project discussion stage. In general terms, for most materials
used in BPI surfaces laboratories, it is simply a matter of cleaning up the material using appropriate
gloves and adsorbents in the spills box. This adsorbent is appropriate for usual solvents, acids and
alkalis.
As usual, large volumes of materials should not be transported to avoid spills becoming a major
incident, particularly hazardous materials like acids. In addition, be aware of other factors – for
example strong acids can release hazardous fumes.
In Emergency the usual services can be called by dialling 999
Additional help and advice can be obtained from:
University Chemical Safety Officer: John Hume
Department of Chemistry Chemical Safety officer: Margaret Glendenning
Department of Chemical Engineering Safety Officer: Sarada Crowe – 62782
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Guidelines for BP Institute Laboratories, at Bullard Labs
All laboratory users will:
 Devise an experiment program with your supervisor. To do this you must identify hazards and
conduct a Risk Assessment and COSHH form.
 Plan experiments allowing sufficient time to complete them safely and within office hours where
possible. Undergraduate students must be supervised by appropriate staff at all times.
 Consult with your supervisor if you are unfamiliar with the operation of any tools or laboratory
equipment you may need to use. You must not modify any laboratory equipment without
permission.
 Before commencing experiments, familiarise yourself with:
o Fire, first aid and other emergency procedures
o COSHH regulations for any chemicals you are using.
o Tools and their correct use
 Maintain your kit and the laboratory so that it complies with the University Codes of Safe Practice
Your Supervisor will:
 Provide basic training for all laboratory users including:
o Principal laboratory techniques
o Equipment maintenance
o Guidance for completing Risk and COSHH assessments
 Order laboratory equipment and chemicals
 Provide guidance and help with experiments as required
In addition, staff:
 Are ultimately responsible for ensuring experiments comply with the University Codes of Safe
Practice
 Are expected to be fully trained and competent in experimental techniques and obtain additional
training or assistance if they are not.
 Will aid with experiments.
 Will act responsibly in determining experimental programs to allow them to work safely during
office hours only and participate in the cooperative nature of laboratory work.
The Laboratory Supervisor is Alex Routh
Declaration
I have read and understood these guidelines, and agreed to abide by them
Signature…………………………………………..
Date…………………………..
Print Name…………………………………………….
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