Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education
Environmental Induction and Information for Staff and Students
Queen’s University recognises its responsibility to low carbon management both
locally and globally. The University is committed to reducing our carbon emissions
and providing a high quality and sustainable working and learning environment for
students and staff. The University target is a 21% reduction in carbon emissions by
2020 against a 2008 base year. This target will be under review as experience, new
technologies or changes in legislation develop. The Centre for Biomedical Sciences
Education fully supports the University low carbon emission policy and to that end
has implemented a range of actions for staff and students to help reduce our
environmental impact at a Centre and University level:
Energy Efficiency
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Switch off PC monitors when not in use for example when at meetings or out
for lunch. Enable the power down features on your PC - Screen savers do not
save energy. A monitor uses about two-thirds of a PCs total electricity
Switch off all electrical equipment in offices and laboratories (where
practicable) at the end of the day and holiday periods
Ensure data projectors are switched off after use (or as per instructions given
in lecture/seminar room).
Switch off room lights if leaving for longer than 15 minutes (e.g. lunchtime and
at end of day)
Close windows when heating or air conditioning is on, and at home time.
Further information on how to improve your environmental energy efficiency is
available here.
Waste Management and Recycling
There are many different pathways available for waste management and recycling at
the University, sometimes this can be a little confusing! Here are a few recycling tips
that you may find useful within CBMSE throughout the WMB and the MBC:
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There are recycle bins placed in the WMB, MBC and HSB foyers (and on
each floor throughout both buildings). This includes recycling for Batteries,
Paper, Plastic Bottles and Cans.
A paper recycling bin and a cardboard recycle point can also be found in
the CBMSE photocopy room in the WMB.
Waste paper (confidential waste) is also collected in white bags and left for
collection in the WMB foyer once a week.
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Glass and larger items of cardboard can be placed in dedicated recycle bins
found outside on the Dunluce side of the WMB and MBC.
Defunct electrical equipment can be given to the Centre Workshop (MBC)
for correct disposal/recycling as per University WEEE regulations (For firther
information on WEEE disposal click here.
Tinfoil (uncontaminated) is also collected in the Histology and Cell Biology
Teaching Lab (HSB) for disposal under waste metals by Safety Services.
Book uplifts can be arranged through Building Liaison Officers and donated
to the charity Better World Books. Click here for further information.
The Centre also collects used stamps which are then given to a charitable
organisation.
Toner cartridges can be recycled through Planon. They should not go to
landfill. Click here for further information.
Other waste reduction tips include:
Disseminate information online rather than on paper where possible. Use a smart
board instead of a flipchart. Use mugs rather than paper cups at meetings. Report a
dripping taps to your Building Liaison Officer. The list is not exhaustive!
Sustainable Transport and Travel
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Environmental - reducing the number of vehicles, especially single occupancy
commutes, will be beneficial to the environment through reduced vehicle emissions
and noise
Social - less vehicle movements and cars parked in and around the campus will
create a more relaxed and safer environment on campus and help to enhance our
relationships with the local community
The University supports a number of incentives to enhance sustainable travel:
Staff are encouraged to avail of the University travel perks including the bicycle
scheme cycle+ and train scheme (Interest Free Travel Loans) as well as Car Free
Fridays. Click here for further information on sustainable travel and transport.
Procurement:
The Centre supports (where practicable) the University Environmental Purchasing
Policy, dealing with suppliers that have sound environmental credentials.
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Awareness
Since November 2013 CBMSE has introduced a Green Impact page on the Centre
website with links to useful environmental efficiency sites and documents. It will
always be a work in progress but with a constant aim to raise awareness amongst
staff and students about environmental issues within University life and to implement
environmental impacts for future sustainability.
CBMSE has also introduced the Green Laboratory Guidelines. This is a short bullet
point document made available to students that use laboratories within CBMSE for
undergraduate practical classes or honours project work and is an introduction to
environmental awareness in the lab. University laboratories can have a significant
carbon footprint, from their construction to their waste management and cold
storage. CBMSE aims to influence our students early on by raising their awareness
of laboratory footprints and showing them that they can have an environmental
impact from being an undergraduate user to their future career in science. For further
information on laboratory carbon footprints click here.
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Further CBMSE Green Impact information is listed in the Appendix:
1. Guidelines on disposing of chemicals from laboratories
2. Guidelines on Storage and Transportation of Chemicals
3. Guidelines on Fridge Usage Policy
4. Guidance to Good Fume Hood Use
5. Procedure for Reporting Faults with the HVAC systems
6. Procedure for reporting Heating faults/leaks
7. Procedure for reporting Water faults/leaks
8. Procedure for reporting faulty room/corridor lighting
9. Shut-down checklist for vacation periods
10. CBMSE Green Laboratory Guidelines
11. Guidelines on Clinical Waste Disposal
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Appendix
1. Guidelines on disposing of chemicals from laboratories
Purpose: To outline for all staff the procedure for chemical disposal within the
Centre.
Procedure: Chemical Disposal within the laboratory environment
Organic solvents
Waste organic solvent must normally be placed in labelled organic waste solvent
bottles using a funnel.
With the exception of small amounts of harmless water-miscible solvents such as
ethanol or acetone may be poured down the sink provided they are copiously diluted
with COLD running water, no organic solvents should ever be poured down sinks in
laboratories.
Organic solvent waste must be segregated into HALOGENATED and NONHALOGENATED.
Each solvent waste container should be designated as HALOGENATED or NONHALOGENATED and labelled as such.
When full these lab storage containers may be taken to the outside flammable waste
bulk storage container (liaise with appropriate personnel). Suitable PPE - lab coat,
gloves, glasses/visor and must be worn for this procedure.
Other chemicals – non solvent
Before disposing of waste chemicals, consideration should be given to passing
chemicals to other users.
For each chemical to be disposed of - the online chemical waste inventory form must
be completed. This is found on the Safety Services website through the following
link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/OccupationalHealthandSafety/
GuidanceNotes/ChemicalAgents/
Waste products (solid or liquid) should be placed in a suitable, secure container. The
container should be labelled with the chemical name and hazard classification of the
compound. The label should also detail the container size. Please note the quantity
of the compound alone is insufficient information.
Hazard Classifications to be used include: T(toxic), F(flammable), F+(highly
flammable),C(corrosive), O(oxidising), Carc(carcinogenic), X (harmful), Xi (irritant),
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N(harmful to the environment), E(explosive). These can be found on the Chemicals
Disposal Inventory Form supplied by Safety Services.
Also included on the form should be the name, lab number and contact telephone
number of the person who wishes to dispose of the chemicals.
A Chemical Lift is organised by QUB Safety Services annually and details of this are
by email to Chief Technicians across the MBC campus (normally during the summer
vacation period). For urgent removal of hazardous chemicals inform Safety Services
(extn: 4613). If in any doubt contact the Centre Safety Officer Mr Mervyn Murdock
(extn: 2036) or Safety Services.
Until the lift all chemical to be disposed of are to be stored in a designated safe
storage area and are not to be accessed without the authority of the Chief
Technicians, key senior technicians or the Centre Safety Officer.
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2. Guidelines on Storage and Transportation of Chemicals
Purpose: To outline for all staff the procedure for storage of chemicals within all
laboratories in the Centre.
Storage and transportation of solvents:
Winchesters of solvents must be stored in evacuated storage areas under fume
cupboards. They must not be stored on a permanent basis on bench tops,
shelves or windowsills. Winchesters must not ever be stored or placed on the
floor for even short periods of time. They should be kept well away from heat
sources. Winchester carriers must be used to transport Winchesters of solvents
and all other reagents. Ideally no more than 50L of highly flammable liquid with a
flash point below the maximum ambient temperature of the workplace (nominally
32°C) or no more than 250L of other flammable liquids with a flashpoint of up to
55°C should be stored in any one lab.
Other reagents:
All other reagents should be stored according to the recommendations of the
manufacturers MHDS.
Reagents should only be stored in fridges or freezers if this is a requirement of
the MHDS.
Certain reagents, poisons and controlled substances, must be kept in locked
cupboards and a record kept of amount used and signed out by the user in a log
book kept with the substances.
Certain reagents should not be stored together – e.g. acids and solvents.
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3. Guidelines on Fridge Usage Policy
Introduction and aim
The Centre of Biomedical Sciences and Education (School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences) is part of Queen’s University Belfast and is situated in the
Whitla Medical Building and the Medical biology Centre (and temporarily in the
Health Sciences Building). We recognise that our work can result in emissions to air
and water, and the generation of waste. It is our aim to comply with legislation and
other requirements, continue to reduce the environmental impacts of our business
and operate in an environmentally responsible manner. This policy describes how
we will achieve our aim with respect to fridges and freezers.
Responsibility
This fridge /freezer usage policy applies to all of our operations. All staff has a
responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are
met.
Resources
We will ensure that resources are available to enable us to achieve our objectives
and targets.
Objectives
During 2014 and 2015, we aim to:
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reduce the waste of energy due to incorrectly or partially filled fridges /
freezers
 ensure each fridge / freezer has at least one maintenance visit
 ensure each fridge / freezer is used at its optimum temperature through the
lab environmental management system
Targets
To achieve our aims, we have set ourselves the following targets:
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define good housekeeping for fridges and freezers, ensure all employees
receive information on the same by Dec 2014 and incorporate this training
into the Environmental induction programme for new starters
implement the QUB supplier support guidelines (energy efficiency)
maintain all fridges and freezers within a 12 month period (cleaning filtersheat exchangers- defrosting of appropriate)
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4. Guidance to Good Fume Hood Use
Fume hoods provide a method of exposure control to toxic chemicals- but only if
used properly.
USAGE
Work with the sash opened at approximately 6 inches or less.
Do not allow equipment or materials to obstruct vents in the back of the hood.
Do not place electrical apparatus or other ignition sources inside the hood when
flammable liquids or gases are present.
Do not put your head in the fume hood.
Listen for the air velocity alarm. Alert technician in charge if the alarm sounds. If
technicians are not available, close sash and stop working until safe to return. DO
NOT USE IF ALARM IS SOUNDING.
Only dispose of waste in the fume hood sink if safe to do so. Follow Health and
Safety guidelines. (See Laboratory COSHH rules and Risk Assessments, if in doubt
check with a technical member of staff or the Centre Safety Officer).
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Reduce chemical storage in fume hoods. Hazardous material should be stored in
assigned ventilated flame proof cupboards.
Keep hoods clean.
The sash should be kept closed, except when working within the hood.
Keep vents free from obstruction.
Do not use for general chemical storage; keep chemical volumes to a minimum.
SWITCH OFF HOOD WHEN NOT IN USE.
Technicians: Alert Estates when faults are displayed on fume hood. Ensure
fume hood is serviced yearly (Estates are responsible). Record air velocity
weekly when fume hoods are in use.
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5. Procedure for Reporting Faults with the HVAC systems
Purpose: To outline for all staff the procedure for reporting problems / faults with the
HVAC systems. HVAC are the air handling units associated with Fume Cupboards.
Faults or problems with the HVAC system should be reported to the Chief
Technician (the Building Liaison Officer for the Centre) Mr Mike McGrath.
Faults or problems may be reported in any of the following ways:
By phone: Mike McGrath ext 2053
In person: Mike McGrath 01 206 MBC
By email: m.mcgrath@qub.ac.uk (Mike McGrath)
In the absence of Chief Technician:
David Sleator is the Centre Deputy Building Liaison Officer: extn 2043,
biomedsci@qub.ac.uk (Centre General Office, WMB)
When reporting faults the following information is required:
Name of the person reporting the fault / problem
Room number of the lab, with the faulty / problematic HVAC system
If there are more than one HVAC systems – identification of the faulty / problematic
system
Brief description of the fault / problem
Any issues with access to the lab – e.g. key code access
Any safety issues related to access or working with the HVAC in the lab.
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6. Procedure for reporting Heating faults/leaks
Purpose: To outline for all staff the procedure for reporting problems / faults with the
Heating systems within Centre areas in the Whitla Medical Building, Medical Biology
Centre and Health Sciences Building CBMSE labs.
Faults or problems with a heating system should be reported to Mike McGrath Chief
Technician and BLO for the Centre.
Faults or problems may be reported in any of the following ways:
By phone:
Mike McGrath ext 2053
In person:
Mike McGrath 01 206 MBC
By email:
m.mcgrath@qub.ac.uk (Mike McGrath)
In the absence of BLO:
David Sleator is the Centre Deputy Building Liaison Officer: extn 2043,
biomedsci@qub.ac.uk (Centre General Office, WMB)
When reporting faults the following information is required:
Name of the person reporting the fault / problem
Phone number of the person reporting the fault / problem
Room number of the lab, room or area with the faulty / problematic heating system
Brief description of the fault / problem
Any issues with access to the area – e.g. key code access
Any safety issues that may be related to access or working with the heating system.
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7. Procedure for reporting water faults/leaks
Purpose: To outline for all staff the procedure for reporting problems / faults with the
Water / distilled water systems within Centre areas in the Whitla Medical Building,
Medical Biology Centre and Health Sciences Building CBMSE labs.
Faults or problems with the water system should be reported to Mike McGrath Chief
Technician and BLO for the Centre.
Faults or problems may be reported in any of the following ways:
By phone: Mike McGrath ext 2053
In person: Mike McGrath 01 206 MBC
By email:
m.mcgrath@qub.ac.uk (Mike McGrath)
In the absence of BLO:
David Sleator is the Centre Deputy Building Liaison Officer: extn 2043,
biomedsci@qub.ac.uk (Centre General Office, WMB)
When reporting faults the following information is required:
Name of the person reporting the fault / problem
Phone number of the person reporting the fault / problem
Room number of the lab, room or area with the faulty / problematic water system
Brief description of the fault / problem
Any issues with access to the area – e.g. key code access
Any safety issues that may be related to access or working with the water.
October 2014
8. Procedure for Reporting Faults with Room/Corridor Lights
Purpose: To outline for all staff the procedure for reporting problems / faults with
room/corridor lights. Faults or problems with lights should be reported to the Chief
Technician/BLO Mike McGrath.
Faults or problems may be reported in any of the following ways:
By phone: Mike McGrath ext 2053
In person: Mike McGrath 01 206 MBC
By email: m.mcgrath@qub.ac.uk (Mike McGrath)
In the absence of Chief Technician: David Sleator is the Centre Deputy Building
Liaison Officer: extn 2043, biomedsci@qub.ac.uk (Centre General Office, WMB)
When reporting faults the following information is required:
Name of the person reporting the fault / problem
Room number of the lab, with the faulty / problematic lights
Brief description of the fault / problem
Any issues with access to the lab – e.g. key code access
Any safety issues related to access or working with the lights.
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9. Shut-down checklist for vacation periods
Person/s responsible:
Date to be completed on: e.g. On or before the last day before the
Christmas Vacation – i.e. 20th December 2013
Location
Individual
Offices
Equipment
Turn off and unplug ALL Portable
Fans
Turn off and unplug ALL Portable
Heaters
Turn off and unplug computers,
monitors, scanners, etc. with the
exception of servers.
Turn off and unplug ALL
Photocopiers
Turn off and unplug ALL Printers
Turn off and unplug ALL Phone
Chargers
Turn off ALL interior lights in
unoccupied areas.
Close all windows and blinds
Corridors/
Entrance lobby
Turn off ALL interior lights in
unoccupied areas.
Turn off and unplug TVs, VCRs and
any other non-essential electronic
equipment
Photocopier
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Turn off and unplug ALL
Person
responsible
Completed
(Initials)
room
Photocopiers
Turn off and unplug ALL Printers
Turn off ALL interior lights in
unoccupied areas.
Kitchen/Staff
room
Turn off ALL interior lights in
unoccupied areas.
Turn off and unplug Microwave,
Kettle, water heater, etc
Consolidate stock in
fridges/freezers
Laboratories
Where possible turn off and unplug
laboratory equipment
Where possible close the sash and
turn off Fume Cupboards
Turn off ALL interior lights in
unoccupied areas.
Close all windows and blinds
Empty all bins and ensure that any
hazardous materials are
appropriately stored and secured.
Emergency Contact and Important phone numbers
Security control will continue to operate throughout the Christmas period and can be
contacted as follows:
Internal ext – 5099/5098
External dialling – (028) 9097 5099/5098
Internal emergency – 2222
External dialling – (028) 9097 2222
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Other special requirements when closing down over bank holidays and
Christmas/Christmas considered:
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Ensure that all office doors are locked and windows are closed.
Laptops and other portable IT equipment should be stored in a locked cabinet or
drawer.
Check and report any leakage of water fixtures.
Managers to inform Directors/Senior Managers if attending work in order that
appropriate reporting/security measures are in place to ensure safety
All Actions Completed: Yes/ No (Delete as appropriate)
Print Name:
Date:
October 2014
Signed:
10. Environmental Laboratory Student Induction
CBMSE Green Laboratory Guidelines
Our vision is to become a low carbon organisation, by reducing our carbon emissions
and providing a high quality and sustainable working and learning environment for
students and staff. Laboratories have a carbon footprint and you can help reduce this
footprint during your time at Queen’s and in future laboratories in your career. Here is a
non-exhaustive list of things you can do to help keep your laboratory green:
Follow your laboratory waste management scheme. This will help to ensure that
the laboratory waste finds the most environmentally friendly and safe path to its final
disposal. This includes paper, metal, glass and cardboard. Ask the senior technician in
charge if you are not sure where to put laboratory waste.
Follow the correct guidelines and training for using fume hoods, (e.g. keep sash
height low and turn off hood lights when not in use).
Reduce the use of laboratory consumable where possible (e.g. pipettes, plastic
cups, etc.).
Reduce the use of paper rolls in the lab (i.e. tear off only what you need).
Reduce the use of paper in the lab (e.g. re-use scrap paper for jotting notes down
in the lab).
Limit the use of tinfoil and re-use if possible, or find a replacement, for example if
staining tissue sections in the dark then cover them with a cardboard box instead of
using tinfoil.
Do not leave taps running unnecessarily as this can be costly, and report
dripping taps to the senior technician in charge.
Switch off lights in laboratories when not in use (eg. lunchtime and end of day).
Turn off equipment and computers but ONLY when you’re are sure it is OK to do
so with the person in charge.
If you have any other suggestions that may help improve the laboratory environmental
impact please contact the CBMSE Environmental Champion.
October 2014
11. Guidelines on Clinical Waste Disposal
Staff should consult the CBMSE Health and Safety Handbook for further details.
Clinical waste must be placed in the appropriate coloured waste container. The label
must include details of the source of the waste and name and Centre of the person
responsible for the container.
October 2014