SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Fire (office)
Fire lab/work
Who might be
harmed
Occupiers,
visitors,
contractors,
students, out-ofhours cleaners
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
UOM policies and practices for
 fire detection system
 evacuation procedures
 fire action notices
 Centre building representative
 no smoking policy
 provision & maintenance of fire
extinguishers
 collection of flammable waste
materials
 electrical maintenance
 fire risk assessment for building
Management of Health &
Safety at Work Regulations
for emergency procedures
Low x Low / Medium =
Low / Medium
Occupiers,
visitors,
contractors, outof-hours cleaners
UOM policies and practices for
 fire detection system
 evacuation procedures
 fire action notices
 Centre building representative
 no smoking policy
 provision & maintenance of fire
extinguishers
 collection of flammable
waste materials
 electrical maintenance
 fire risk assessment for building
 minimal storage of solvents /
degreasers
 exit routes kept clear of
obstructions
 maintenance of flammable
cylinders and equipment
 correct storage of chemicals
and flammable materials
Management of Health &
Safety at Work Regulations
for emergency procedures, as
amended by Fire Precautions
(Workplace) Regs
Fire risk assessments carried
out by Safety Office and
Estates
Fire risk assessments carried
out by Safety Office and
Estates
UOM and departmental
policies and procedures re
safe laboratory practices
BOC / BCGA Codes
Future actions
SA to inspect exit routes regularly
and report any problems –
implement checks
Low x Low / Medium =
Low / Medium
Supervisor to inspect exit routes
regularly and report any problems
– implement checks
regular leak tests on cylinders,
connections and pipework for
flammable or toxic gases. Records
to be kept
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Who might be
harmed
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
correct warning notices
 correct labelling of chemicals
and reagents
Electrical –
shock & fire
All users, visitors,
contractors,
cleaners
Future actions
Portable appliances checked
annually (records to be kept)
Fixed electrical equipment
annually checked visually by
Centre.
Installation electrically tested for
safety by Estates on 8 year basis
Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989
Low x medium =
medium
UOM policy on portable
appliances and non-portable
appliances
Check PAT up-to-date. Check all
new appliances have been
included on database
Supervisors to institute visual
checks by users to identify
damaged cables, overloaded
sockets (and identify any training
need)
Manual
handling
(office)
Staff lifting boxes
of paper,
prospectuses,
and similar items
Trolleys used to transport boxes
from delivery point to storage
cupboard / room.
Manual Handling Operations
Regulations 1992
Medium x low =
medium
Supervisor to identify all lifting
tasks, and check if further use can
be made of mechanical aids.
Where manual lifting still required,
supervisor to identify training
needs (with advice from SA or Occ
Health staff) and arrange for formal
assessment.
Manual
handling
(lab/workshop)
All staff and
students Movement of gas
cylinders, work
pieces, deliveries,
equipment, etc
Trolleys used to transport
materials, including cylinders,
from delivery point to lab.
Manual Handling Operations
Regulations 1992
Medium x low =
medium
Supervisor to identify all lifting
tasks, and check if further use can
be made of mechanical aids.
Manual handling minimised by
using mechanical aids
Generic assessments for routine
work
Detailed assessments for nonroutine handling
Lifting Operations and Lifting
Equipment Regulations 1998
Where manual lifting still required,
Supervisor to identify training
needs (with advice from SA or Occ
Health staff) and arrange for formal
assessment.
Supervisor to maintain records of
all written risk assessment for
manual handling tasks, including
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Who might be
harmed
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
UOM guidance on DSE work
Health & Safety (Display
(formal policy in preparation)
Screen Equipment)
Use of HSE self-assessment
Regulations 1992
form for each individual, with
follow up by SSA. Provision of
information on risks by
distribution of advisory leaflet
“Working with VDUs”.
Provision of information and
training on use of adjustments to
workstation and need for regular
breaks.
Advice from SA or Occ Health on
ergonomic issues.
Referral of anyone complaining of
symptoms associated with use of
DSE to SSA or Occ Health
UOM Policy on eye tests
Low x low = low
generic assessments for routine
work, and any specific risk
assessments.
SA and Supervisor to review
records of self- assessment,
ensure records up-to-date and
reflect any changes.
UOM policy on reporting defects
contact SA extension 63596.
Supervisor to tour area regularly
to check for defects to floor
coverings, tripping hazards,
obstructions, lighting defects, etc.
Staff instructed to keep filing
cabinet drawers closed when not
in use.
All staff instructed to remove
obstructions, waste materials,
trailing cables & clear up
spillages promptly, and
Low x medium =
medium
Technicians all trained (records
to be kept)
Display screen
work
(visual display
units)
Slips, trips and
falls
All staff use DSE
regularly and are
classed as
“users”.
All staff, students
and visitors
Workplace (Health, Safety &
Welfare) Regs 1992
SA to follow up any problem areas
with individuals, and consult SSA
or Occ Health if solution is not
obvious. Records to be kept.
Supervisor to carry out (or
delegate) regular inspections of
office areas and keep a record.
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Who might be
harmed
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
encouraged to report defects
Hygiene &
welfare
All staff and
visitors
Toilets nearby provided with hot
and cold water, soap and towels.
Drinking water provided at
dispenser.
Shortages and defects reported
to Unit TSM.
Workplace (Health, Safety
and Welfare) Regs 1992
Low x low = low
Housekeeping
& Storage
All staff, students
and visitors
Workplace (Health, Safety
and Welfare) Regs 1992
Low x Low = Low
Supervisors to regularly check
work areas.
Environment
All staff, students
and visitors
Workplace (Health, Safety
and Welfare) Regs 1992,
UOM practices on fitting out
office accommodation
Low x low = low
Supervisor would take up
complaints about provision of these
basic environmental needs with
Unit TSM.
Falling objects
Staff, students
and visitors
 Always keep walkways free
from obstruction
 Always clean work area after
use
 Always keep the area safe and
tidy
 Safely dispose of all unwanted
material
UOM Estates provide heating,
lighting and ventilation in
accordance with Workplace
Regulations
Space – all occupiers have
sufficient space to carry out work
without difficulty
Light materials stored on higher
level shelving; heavier items on
shelves at waist height.
No dangerous reagents /
chemicals to be stored above
shoulder height
Step ladder or kick stool provided
to reach upper shelves.
No staff to stand on chairs.
Workplace (Health, Safety &
Welfare) Regs 1992
Low x low = low
Senior manager to inspect
occasionally to ensure storage and
use of shelves as stated.
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Who might be
harmed
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
Filing cabinets
Staff
Cabinets fitted with device to limit
no of drawers open at any time to
one only (or cabinet fitted with
alternative anti-tilt device)
General good office practice
Low x low = low
None
Chemicals,
dusts and
biohazards
All users and
others entering
lab.
 See separate detailed COSHH
assessments for each chemical
used / stored in Red Safety folder
 Minimum quantities to be
stored.
 Containers properly labelled.
 Containers properly sealed.
 Selection and use of
appropriate personal protective
equipment, where other controls
are not reasonably practicable
 Safety glasses mandatory
 Training, information and
supervision given where required.
(records kept in Red safety
folder)
 Reagents correctly stored (i.e.
Acids /solvents cabinets)
 If required monitoring
inspections or health surveillance
carried out - records to be kept
 Use of fume cupboards as local
exhaust ventilation
 LEV performance monitored
continuously by alarms, and
examined in detail every year
(records kept)
 COSHH regulations 2002
and Approved Codes of
Practice on COSHH,
carcinogens, biological agents
(and forthcoming, on
respiratory sensitisers)
require assessment, control,
maintenance of control
measures, monitoring and
health surveillance in certain
cases, and information,
instruction and training for
persons exposed.
 Personal Protective
Equipment Regulations 1992
Variable depending on
substance – see
COSHH assessment.
Supervisor to ensure that all
COSHH assessments are in order,
up-to-date, and information given
to those exposed.
Those particularly
at risk may
include
asthmatics if
respiratory
sensitisers are
used.
Generally, risk low as
small quantities only
used.
Supervisor to identify any
outstanding training needs.
Supervisor to review personal
protective equipment to ensure
every item provides intended
protection, is being worn correctly,
and is properly maintained and
stored.
 UOM procedures for
biohazards and respiratory
sensitisers.
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Power operated
machinery
Cutting,
crushing,
jabbing,
Who might be
harmed
User (technician,
or person
authorised by
Supervisor)
Existing controls
 Use of more hazardous
materials eliminated where
possible at experimental design
stage.
 Shelf storage has upturn or
other restriction to prevent bottles
falling off.
 Assessments explained to by
Supervisor
 Training in safe lab techniques
by Supervisor or Technician.
 Supervision levels specified in
COSHH and risk assessments
 All chemicals / solutions /
compounds must be properly
labelled
 correct disposal procedures in
place
Sensitisers, Carcinogens and
HF to be used in designated
areas
Users of carcinogens must be
monitored
registered users only and health
monitoring for sensitisers
registered users and
vaccinations / health monitoring
for bio-hazard users, where
appropriate
Detailed risk assessments for
each machine, referring to :
 identification of risks
maintenance procedures
training for users
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
Provision & Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998
(PUWER)
Will vary for each
machine
Ensure records of training,
servicing and maintenance kept.
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
shearing,
entanglement,
etc from power
driven
machinery
(workshop)
Who might be
harmed
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
 assessment of competence of
each user / authorisation
 guarding of dangerous parts in
accordance with PUWER
guard interlocks tested annually
and records kept
 provision of stop, emergency
stop and isolation controls
 local display of HSE poster (for
abrasive wheels and
woodworking equipment)
 removal of swarf / waste
material / dust
 maintenance of any local
exhaust ventilation detailed
examination of LEV every 12-14
months (records to be kept)
 selection of the right
equipment for the job via
assessment and allocation of
work
 hot surfaces protected by
warning signs provided
 lighting levels around
equipment and work piece
adequate
 sufficient space to work in
safety without colliding with
others or with fixtures
 Signs and provision of relevant
personal protective equipment
including eye protection, aprons,
gloves, etc
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Laboratory
Cutting,
crushing,
jabbing,
shearing,
entanglement,
etc from power
driven
machinery
Who might be
harmed
User (technician,
or person
authorised by
Supervisor)
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
Detailed risk assessments for
each machine, referring to :
 identification of risks
maintenance procedures
training for users
 assessment of competence of
each user / authorisation
guarding of dangerous parts in
accordance with PUWER
guard interlocks tested every 6
months and records kept
 provision of stop, emergency
stop and isolation controls
 maintenance of any local
exhaust ventilation detailed
examination of LEV every 12-14
months (records to be kept)
 selection of the right
equipment for the job via
assessment and Supervisor
 hot (or cold) surfaces
protected by warning signs
provided
 adequate lighting levels
around equipment
 sufficient space to work in
safety without colliding with
others or with fixtures
 Signs and provision of relevant
personal protective equipment
including eye protection, aprons,
gloves, etc
Provision & Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998
(PUWER)
Will vary for each
machine
Records kept of all training,
servicing and maintenance.
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Various from
use of hand
tools
(Workshop)
Various from
use of hand
tools
(Stores and
labs)
Use of Sharp
hand tools (eg
needles, razor
blades)
Asbestos dust
– from
structural
elements (eg
ceiling / wall
boards and
tiles), and in
equipment
(gaskets, rope)
Who might be
harmed
Staff, Students
and visitors
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
Hand tools issued must be
maintained a safe condition
Good workshop practice
Various
None
Good laboratory practice
Various
None
Control of Asbestos at Work
Regulations 1987
Low / low medium =
medium
Supervisor to remind technicians
not to drill into or otherwise work
on any structural element without
consulting Estates.
Regular monitoring by Workshop
Supervisor (records to be kept)
Staff, Students
and visitors
Hand tools issued must be
maintained a safe condition
Regular monitoring
User and cleaner
Technicians, and
visitors to
workshop
Guideline for safe use and
disposal
● Dispose of sharps in sharps
box
No new equipment, items
containing asbestos to be
brought into the Centre
Prohibition on any work to
structure without consulting
Estates Area Managers
UOM register of asbestos survey,
and control of contractors by
Estates Dept.
Estates Code of Practice E10
on “Management of Asbestos”
UOM Code on Asbestos in
equipment, and guidance on
inadvertent exposure
Departmental knowledge of
presence of asbestos in
equipment, and compliance with
UOM Code on Asbestos in
Equipment
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Noise
Who might be
harmed
Staff, Students
and visitors
Existing controls
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
Noise survey carried out by SA
(details to be kept)
No-one exposed to over first
action level of 85 dB(A) averaged
over 8 hour working day. But,
noise from machine X exceeds
90dB(A) so ear protection
provided for users and those
present when in use.
Noise at Work Regulations
1989
Low x low = low
Keep under review, as legislation
will tighten controls in near future.
Personal Protective
Equipment Regulations 1992
Specify noise levels in any new
equipment.
Operators trained in wearing
protection.
Equipment maintained regularly
and kept in good order.
Pressure
systems
(compressor /
air receiver)
Technicians,
maintenance /
examination
engineers, others
present
Pressure system selected and
suitable for load / use.
Pressure Systems Safety
Regulations 2000
Variable depending on
equipment and use
Supervisor to keep all records upto-date, and under review.
UOM Code of Practice on risk
assessment
Variable
Variable
Air receiver subject to
examination in accordance with
written scheme (arranged
through UOM insurers, records to
be kept) – unless exempt under
the Regulations.
Technicians trained in use of
pressure system (records to be
kept)
New hazards
introduced by
new work
Staff, Student or
visitor
Each piece of work subject to risk
assessment by Supervisor, or by
academic designing / specifying
work, unless already covered by
risk assessments for routine
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Who might be
harmed
Asphyxiation
from use of
liquid N2,
argon, CO2, etc
in enclosed
space
All staff and
students. Those
visiting lab
including
maintenance,
contractors, fire
officers, etc
Lasers
(fully enclosed)
Anyone in room
Lasers
(partially
enclosed)
Anyone in room
Cryogenics
(Liquid nitrogen
and solid CO2)
User
Out-of Hours
working
User
Existing controls
work.
See separate, detailed risk
assessment for each gas
species, assuming loss of
containment of largest container
and volume of room and
ventilation. Oxygen meter to be
used where required.
Use of modified lift to transport
asphyxiants so that cylinders
travel unaccompanied.
Beam path shrouded &
interlocked.
Restricted to authorised trained
laser users only.
Must comply with local rules
UOM policy of lone working
Beam path shrouded except
during certain operations. Local
rules prohibiting the wearing of
jewellery and other reflective
surfaces.
Restricted to authorised trained
laser users only. Must comply
with local rules
UOM policy of lone working
 Use in well ventilated area,
 trained users only,
 correct Personal protective
equipment
 Out-of-hours work permit
required for non staff
 Assessment of allowable
Relevant standards
Risk assessment
Future actions
BOC / UOM Codes and
advice issued to DSAs.
UOM code of practice on
Lasers
Local rules
Low
UOM code of practice on
Lasers
Local rules.
Low / medium
Handling, transportation and
storage of liquid nitrogen and
other cryogenic material
Low / Medium
School safety guidelines
Low
Out-of –hours and Lone
Out-of –hours and Lone working
risk assessment for all labs
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SOM012
SOM Laboratory General Risk assessment: Room ……. Unit ……………………………..
Hazard
Who might be
harmed
Lone Working
User
Hot surfaces
and furnaces
User
X-Ray and
Ionising
radiation
Compressed
gas usage
Anyone in room
Anyone in room
Existing controls
Relevant standards
practical work
 Pairs rule
 Assessment of allowable
practical work
working risk assessment
 Warning notices on very hot
surfaces
 PPE available
 Local rules
 wearing of film badges
 equipment regularly inspected
 Training
 Departmental safety policy
 Out-of –hours and Lone
working risk assessment
 UOM lone working policy
Radiological protection
guidelines
Risk assessment
Future actions
Low
Out-of –hours and Lone working
risk assessment for all labs
Low
PPE available and hot surfaces
labelled
Low
SOM014 – The transport and
use of compressed gas
cylinders.
Inspection of Gauge heads –
SOM018
Risk assessment completed by ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Dated ……………………………………………………………
Reviewed on …………………………………………………….
Reviewed on …………………………………………………….
Reviewed on …………………………………………………….
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