Contents
Introduction to the Department
Page 2
General Information
Page 3
Financial Directives
Page 9
AWEC
Page 11
Central Annexe
Page 12
Safety Information
Page 13
H & S Staff
Page 26
Appendix 1
University Resources
Page 28
Appendix 2
Key Staff
Page 29
Appendix 3
Departmental Resources
Page 30
Appendix 3a
Detailed Safety Information
Page 30
Out of hours
Page 31
Risk assessment
Page 38
CoSHH
Page 42
Appendix 3b
Non GM Biological Agents
Page 52
Appendix 3c
Aseptic Technique
Page 57
Using a sterile cabinet
Page 61
Appendix 3d
A floor facilities
Page 62
Appendix 3e
Solo field working
Page 64
Appendix 3f
Guide to GM assessment
Page 65
Appendix 4
Departmental maps
Page 71
1
Introduction to the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
The Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield is one of the
largest in the UK devoted to the study of whole organism biology. The department is
renowned for the diversity of organisms that it studies, with great strength in plant science,
zoology and microbial ecology. In 2008 Sheffield was ranked 7th in the world rankings for
environment and ecology (Times Higher Education, June 2008).
Recent quality assessments confirmed the department’s excellence in the spheres of
teaching (24/24 in the last Teaching Quality Exercise) and research (ranked 3rd in the UK for
Biological Sciences in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise).
The teaching activities in the Department are overseen by the Teaching Committee.
Graduate research is coordinated through the Graduate Committee, and there are three
interactive research groups: Ecology and Environment, Evolution and Behaviour and Plant
and Microbial Biology.
Overall policy and strategy is developed by the Policy Committee, chaired by the Head of
Department.
There are staff meetings where information on key developments is reported, together with
a weekly news briefing (Wednesday).
Links to University Resources can be found at Appendix 1.
This booklet has been designed to give all staff information on finance, personnel and safety
issues.
For information, the address of the Department is as follows:
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Alfred Denny Building
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
2
General Information
Absence from the Department
All staff are required to use the SAP system (MyJob) to record absence, including holidays.
Academic staff should also enter dates when they will be away from the Department (for
whatever reason) in the absence diary in the main office, together with contact details.
Accident Reporting
Please report all accidents, no matter how minor. Please use the online form from the
Health and Safety website.
Building fabric/maintenance/repairs
In the first instance please contact Stuart Pearce (24712) or Hazel Basford (20077).
Car hire
Anyone wishing to hire a car for use on University business should give details to Malcolm
Crookes (m.crookes@sheffield.ac.uk), who will make the necessary arrangements, or Hazel
Basford if Malcolm is absent.
Car parking
Colleagues are requested to submit applications for parking permits on-line at
http://parking.shef.ac.uk/user. Permits are valid from January – December.
Parking permits for visitors may be obtained for use in Category C Pay and Display car parks.
Anyone requiring such a permit should e.mail APS-parking@sheffield.ac.uk, giving at least 3
working days notice.
Catering
Anyone requiring catering for meetings, seminars, Vivas etc, should contact the main office
in the first instance.
Common Room (D219)
This is available for use by all staff and postgraduate students. Tea and coffee are available
for purchase from 10.30 – 11 and 15.30 – 16.00 Monday – Friday. Drinking water is available
from the dispenser. Dispensers are also available in the admin suite, B52 and B81. The
midweek news briefing is on Wednesday at 10.45.
Computer/Email account
You will be given a computer account and an email address when you register with CICS (see
Ucard and keys entries). Please ensure you give your e-mail address to the office.
3
Emergency telephone number
In an emergency dial 4444 from any University main campus telephone. The University
Control Room can be contacted on 24085.
Fax machine
The departmental fax machine, number 0114 2220002, is located in the general office.
Please ask for assistance if you are unsure how to operate it.
Please enter the date, number you have dialled and your initials in the book provided.
Personal faxes are charged at £0.50 per copy.
First Aid
First Aid boxes are situated on the corridors in the Edwardian building, and in rooms marked
with the First Aid symbol in the Alfred Denny. There is also a First Aid box on the wall
opposite D218 in the Alfred Denny building. Please let Hazel Basford (20077, room D212)
know if you use anything from any of the boxes to allow for restocking.
Current first aiders are Rosie Cripps, Emma Grayson (24774), Maggi Killion (20045) and
Nichola Price.
Flexi-time system
The department operates a flexi-time system for all staff up to and including grade 6.
Further information on the scheme is available from Hazel Basford (20077) or Allison Blake
(20044).
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 requires the University to adopt a Publication
Scheme and gives any individual the right to request any information whether or not it is
covered in the Publication Scheme. Requests:
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A formal request must be in writing, which includes email or fax, and not by
telephone.
The enquirer must state their name and address, and describe the information they
seek.
The University must confirm or deny it holds the information within 20 working days
of receipt of the request.
The University must send the information (or tell the enquirer where they can find
it) within the 20 working days.
Should any member of staff receive a formal request for information please let Sue Carter
(the Departmental FOI contact) know so that the enquiry can be logged. If the enquiry is
from a member of the press or media, refer it immediately to the Public Relations Office.
4
Hotel accommodation
Anyone requiring hotel accommodation for visitors should contact the departmental office.
Induction
All new staff on the first day of arrival in the Department will be given a tour of the
Department, introduced to a mentor and to key staff. A formal induction session will be held
regularly, and new arrivals will be invited to attend.
Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory in respect of members of staff travelling overseas on
university business and should be arranged through the UoS Insurance Office. Cover
can be extended to accompanying family members and in respect of short leisure
breaks made in conjunction with the business trip.
The university also has university and equipment insurance policies, and hire car insurance.
Please contact Hazel Basford (20077) with any queries re, or to book any, insurance.
Key staff
See Appendix 2
Keys
Keys for offices are available from Stuart Pearce, D218, or Hazel Basford, D212. For access to
Alfred Denny building, laboratories and through corridor doors out of hours you will need
your u.card authorising, please see either Hazel or Stuart.
For access to Addison, Central Annexe and/or AWEC you will need your U.card activating,
please e.mail aps-ucard@sheffield.ac.uk, giving your full name as it appears on the card,
your u.card number, whether you are staff, student or visitor and expiry date of card (if
there is one). You will also need to say whether or not you need 24/7 access, or 8am – 6pm,
and which part(s) of the department you need to access, or alternatively ask Hazel or Stuart.
Mail
Outgoing post should be placed in the appropriate tray (internal/external) in the
departmental office no later than 4.00pm. Personal post must be stamped or paid for.
All post will be sent 2nd class.
Incoming mail will be placed in pigeonholes in the Administration suite on D floor each
morning and afternoon.
All parcels post, either within the UK or abroad, must be done via the main office.
5
Maps
A map of the University campus and Sheffield City Centre is available at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/maps/index.html
Floor maps of the department can be found in Appendix 4.
Meetings rooms
The Finlay Library on C floor and room B52 on B floor are available for meetings or tutorials.
The Common Room on D floor can also be used for departmental seminars and meetings.
Rooms should be booked in the diaries in the Departmental Office.
Out of Hours
Anyone requiring to work out of hours will need to have their u-card activated, so will need
to contact the aps-ucard@sheffield.ac.uk (please see keys above).
Out of hours training and fire training (https://hs.shef.ac.uk and follow the links) must be
done before working out of hours, and you must have the permission of the Head of
Department. Permits are available from Hazel Basford, room D212.
You must remember to sign in and out of the building, in the book kept at the porter’s lodge,
and secure the area before leaving.
Pensions
Information on the pension schemes is available on the Finance web pages (see Appendix 2).
Pigeon holes
You will be allocated a pigeon hole on your arrival in the department. These are situated in
the admin suite on D floor.
Personnel Procedures
Information is available from the HR web pages (see Appendix 2)
Photoboard
The board is on the wall of the lift lobby on D floor.
Risk assessments
You MUST do risk assessments BEFORE commencing lab or field work. Please see staff list
for relevant contact(s).
6
Safety
The Departmental Safety Committee is chaired by the Departmental Safety Officer (see staff
list). The Departmental safety booklet, part of this booklet, covers items specifically relating
to the Department and includes relevant contact names. The University safety booklet
covers the wider aspects of University policy and is available from the Health and Safety web
site. (http://hs.shef.ac.uk)
Salary pay date
Your salary will be paid into your account on the last working day of the month, except in
December, when it is paid before the Christmas shut-down.
SAP – see financial section
Security
The responsibility for the security of personal property is with the owner. Always keep
personal property/valuables locked away and out of sight. If you are the last person out of a
room, please ensure all windows are securely closed and lock the door.
Do not leave keys/cards lying about. Report any theft immediately. (see staff list) Do not
mark keys in any way that might identify them as University keys.
Set alarms on areas where alarms are provided.
Should an incident occur which causes you alarm, telephone the Control Room, 24085, or
4444 if it is an emergency.
Sickness
The University operates a sickness absence management policy. (Full details are available on
the HR web pages)
Where a member of staff is absent due to ill health, they should contact the department
(their supervisor/main office) on the first day of absence, before their usual start time. The
member of staff will need to indicate the broad nature of the illness and likely return date,
and if the illness or injury is due to an accident at work.
If the period of ill health lasts for more than 7 days (including one weekend), then staff must
obtain a note from their doctor.
Staff meetings
Departmental staff meetings are held regularly in the Biomedical Sciences conference room.
All staff are encouraged to attend.
7
Staff Training and Development
The department fully endorses staff training and development. Development needs are
reviewed annually and effected through a variety of approaches, including ‘away days’,
workshops, University run programmes and conferences etc.
SRDS (Staff Review and Development Scheme) interviews are held annually.
Stores
There is a Faculty store, which is located in B59.
Some items are kept in the store, but must be requisitioned through MyCatalogue before
collection. Items ordered external suppliers are delivered to Stores who will inform you of
their arrival. If you receive any ordered item directly through the post, please let Stores
know so the item can be ‘goods receipted’ on SAP. If the item is electrical, please ensure it is
PAT tested before use.
Studentships
Information on any potential postgraduate studentship can be obtained from Sue Carter.
Travel
All new staff are encouraged to look at the APS Green Impact Guide at
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/aps/about/green-impact.html.
Staff are encouraged to avoid domestic flights and reduce international air travel where
possible.
Telephones
Any queries or problems with your telephone, or if you need a telephone in your office,
please contact Stuart Pearce, who is the Departmental Telephone Liaison Officer (TLO).
Ucard
A University Staff Card (Ucard) will be issued to you from CICS (Corporate Information and
Computing Services). The Ucard allows you to access University Computing and Library
Facilities, and the Department out of hours. It also allows you access to Departmental labs.
8
FINANCIAL DIRECTIVES
The University Financial Directives are available on Finance Department web pages. You
must comply with these at all times.
Consumables
All requests for consumables and equipment must be made via the SAP system. To access
the system you must do the Uspace training sessions and be assigned a user profile
(application forms available via procurement web pages). Senior technical staff in
laboratories do the requisitions for the lab group.
Small value items can be purchased directly and the money claimed back. You will need a till
receipt, credit/debit card receipts are not acceptable. Items up to £35 can be claimed from
petty cash, see Hazel, items up to £200 can be claimed on a staff expenses claim form, but
this should not be used as a way of ‘getting round SAP’.
Equipment
For equipment purchases between £5,000 and £25,000 (ex VAT) you must get 3 quotes, or
provide justification for use of a specific supplier. Any purchases over £25,001 must go
through Procurement to comply with EU legislation.
Expense claims forms
To claim expenses for travel or subsistence a staff expense form, available from the rack at
the RHS of the main reception desk, must be filled in and forwarded to the Biology Finance
HUB for processing. Claims for consumables must be under £200.
All claims must be supported by original receipts (photocopies and credit/debit card slips are
not acceptable). For travel purchases made on line you will need a print-out of the receipt,
and for tickets ordered on line the confirmation of booking is adequate as a receipt. All
travel claims must be accompanied by a Travel and Hospitality form, available from the rack
at the main office, on which you will need to provide full details of the nature and purpose
of each trip, including dates, destinations and names of all people included on any of the
receipts.
Where expenses are incurred in foreign currencies the amounts should be shown in the
currency in question, but reimbursement will be in pounds sterling at the spot rate in the
Financial Times at the time the expenses were incurred, unless proof of conversion is
provided by the claimant.
NB no expenditure is allowed for travel insurance on all Research Council Grants.
Staff wishing to use their own car on University business should get prior authority from
their manager or Head of Funding Unit. You are not allowed to claim for petrol when using
your own car. Anyone claiming mileage must bring in their licence (paper and photocard if
appropriate) and proof that they have relevant insurance cover for business use. Failure to
do so will result in any mileage claim being rejected.
9
Mileage expenses incurred whilst on University business will be reimbursed at the rate of
40p per mile for the first 4,000 business miles in each tax year.
Mileage forms must be completed and attached to the claim form.
For all expenses claims it is advisable to keep copies of forms and receipts.
Foreign currency/travellers cheques for overseas travel
Cash advances and foreign currency may be obtained from the cash office, or paid into your
bank account, prior to overseas travel. Forms are available from D212, please give at least 5
working days notice. Any request for over £300 must be fully justified on the form.
Petty cash
This is available for small items to the value of £25, from D212, receipts must be obtained.
Purchasing cards
There are ‘departmental’ purchasing cards for use on travel and subsistence expenses
incurred on University business. They can also be used for purchase of consumables up to
£200, for purchase of items above this limit permission must be obtained prior to purchase.
The normal ordering process should be used wherever possible.
Atypical workers
The atypical workers bank is used for non-contracted staff on temporary work. Please
contact the Departmental Manager for further information before asking anyone to do any
temporary work.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
All financial procedures and transactions associated with
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Bursaries
Conferences
Fixed term contracts
Learned Societies Fund
Recruitment
Research Grants and Contracts
must be dealt with by the Administration team. Please contact:
John Beresford
j.k.beresford@shef.ac.uk
10
AWEC (Arthur Willis Environment Centre)
Brief notes for users follow: AWEC
1. You will need keys to access the site, these can be obtained from Stuart Pearce or
Hazel Basford. The gates must be kept locked at all times, this is for your safety.
2. To access the main building you will need your UCard activating, Hazel or Stuart will
do this. The swiping in point is to the left of the main entrance doors. After swiping,
these doors open outwards automatically, so don’t stand too near!
3. You will also need to get an alarm code from Stuart Pearce/Hazel Basford. The alarm
code entry box is to the left of the doors as you enter the building. You also need to
swipe to exit the building, the swipe point is to the right of the main door as you
approach.
4. There is a door bell to the left of the main doors, if for any reason you do not have
your swipe card, but please try to use this as little as possible.
5. You must have completed a relevant risk assessment, and had this approved by your
supervisor where appropriate, BEFORE commencing work at AWEC.
6. Any electrical equipment must have a current PAT sticker on it. If this is out of date
or missing DO NOT use the equipment until you have spoken with Stuart or Steve
Fletcher.
7. Please ensure you keep your area clean and tidy.
8. Bins are available for different types of waste, please contact Maggi Killion for
details if you are unsure which bin to use.
9. Fire alarms are tested at 8.30 on Monday morning. (Except on Bank Hols) The
designated assembly point in case of fire is the opposite side of the drive away from
the building.
10. If there are any problems on site please contact Steve Ellin or Maggi Killion, or if
neither of these is on site, Stuart or Hazel.
11. If you experience any problems with bees, please contact Steve Martin, ext 20143.
12. In an emergency, please ring the emergency control on 4444, or for security issues
24085.
13. You must not bring bicycles into the main building, bicycles can be kept in the
outdoor plot area.
Contacts:
Stuart Pearce: s.l.pearce@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext 24712
Hazel Basford: h.basford@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext 20077
Maggi Killion:
m.killion@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext 20045
Steve Ellin:
s.ellin@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext 20141
Steve Fletcher: s.fletcher@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext24713
A detailed booklet for users of AWEC is available from the site manager.
11
Sir David Read Controlled Environment Facility
1. Your Ucard must be activated to access the building. The swipe point of the building
is to the left of the main doors.
2. To access certain parts of the building, you must have your swipe card authorised.
This cab be done by Stuart Pearce and Hazel Basford.
3. All portable electrical equipment used in the facility must have a current PAT sticker.
Do not use any equipment that does not have a current PAT sticker on it until you
have spoken with Greg Nicholson or Steve Fletcher.
4. Please keep the area clean and tidy.
5. Different types of bins are available for different types of waste. Waste stream
posters are displayed on the notice boards in the labs. Please contact Greg Nicholson
if you are unsure which bin to use.
6. Fire alarms are tested at 09:10 every Monday (except bank holidays). The designated
assembly points are the Arts Tower Car Park and the Print Room Car Park.
7. If there are any problems with the facility please contact Greg Nicholson in the first
instance. If Greg Nicholson is unavailable, contact Stuart Pearce or Hazel Basford
8. In an emergency, phone the emergency control room on 4444. For security issues,
phone 24085.
Contacts
Hazel Basford
h.basford@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext 20077
Steve Fletcher
s.fletcher@sheffield.ac.uk
Ex 24713
Greg Nicholson
g.j.nicholson@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext 24720
Stuart Pearce
s.l.pearce@sheffield.ac.uk
Ext 24712
A detailed booklet for users of the site is available from Greg Nicholson/Stuart Pearce.
12
Safety and Security
Code of Practice
Departmental Safety Committee
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Health and Safety Policy
In view of its size and risk potential, the Department is classified as a Type 1 Department
(i.e., a Department in the highest risk category). For this reason, the health and safety of
staff are given the highest priority. To this end, every effort is made not only to comply with
relevant regulations but to encourage an atmosphere in which issues of health and safety
are anticipated (and problems thereby avoided) rather than one in which attempts are
merely made to comply with regulations.
To this end, the Department's intent is closely to follow the University's policy statement
(Dec 2012) and to ensure that individuals fully appreciate the extent of their own
responsibilities (as outlined in this policy statement).
To these ends, the Department has appointed a Safety Committee chaired by the
Departmental Safety Officer and of which the Chairman of the Department is an ex officio
member (as is the Director of Safety Services). The Committee also includes the
Department's Radiation Protection and Biological Safety Officers, Laboratory Superintendent
and a Senior Technician. These will include a representative of a recognised trade union. Its
terms of reference will follow those outlined in the above mentioned circular. It will meet at
least three times per year and report to Departmental Staff Meetings which will always
include 'Health & Safety' as one item on their Agenda.
...................................................................
Chair of Department
13
IN EMERGENCY
KEY 4444 ON ANY PUSH BUTTON TELEPHONE
AT ANYTIME FOR FIRE ACCIDENT OR POLICE
NORTHERN GENERAL
Sheffield 243 4343
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE
Sheffield 276 9447
SUPERINTENDENT OF LABORATORIES
Mrs Hazel Basford
20077
RADIATION HAZARDS
Telephone immediately:
Dr J R Leake 20055
Mr Moseley (Safety Services) 26190
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE OUTSIDE ROOM D219 (main common room)
14
DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY COMMITTEE
The Head of Department, ex-officio, is responsible at Departmental level for safety measures
generally and therefore assumes employer's responsibility for compliance with the
University's Health and Safety Policy within the areas under his control.
The Head of Department has appointed a Departmental Safety Committee, a Departmental
Safety Officer, a Biological Safety Officer and a Departmental Radiation Supervisor. The
officers have the full authority of the Head of Department when acting in their respective
roles.
FAULTY SERVICES
In the event of assistance or advice being required in an emergency situation from the
Animal and Plant Sciences Department staff, out of normal working hours, please contact
Stuart Pearce or John Beresford - contact through control Ext. 24085
SAFETY INSTRUCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
UNDERGRADUATE PRACTICAL COURSES
Designated members of the academic staff are responsible for the conduct of undergraduate
practical classes, and are assisted where possible by postgraduate or postdoctoral
demonstrators. If the member of staff has to leave the class for a limited period a
demonstrator may be left in immediate charge provided the staff member remains in the
Department and the demonstrator knows how to get in contact in an emergency. If a
member of staff in charge of a practical class has to leave the Department, then a colleague
must be found to take over responsibility. In this connection, postdoctoral workers may be
left in complete charge of an undergraduate practical class for a specified time.
Some undergraduate courses require that the students undertake practical work in a
particular research laboratory. In such a case, a designated member of the academic staff
(the supervisor) or another person, deemed to be a qualified and a competent worker by the
supervisor, must normally be present. The student may only work unattended for limited
periods when (i) the work is not dangerous (ii) the student is judged to be competent by the
supervisor and also known to be in good health. The supervisor or a postdoctoral worker
must be present if any unusually hazardous operation is to be carried out by an
undergraduate student.
15
ACCIDENTS
All accidents, no matter how minor, must be reported. The form can be found on the Health
and Safety web pages. (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/hs)
ALCOHOL POLICY
The University has formulated a policy towards "Alcohol in Work". Copies can be obtained
from the Departmental Office.
ASEPTIC TECHNIQUES
See appendix 3
AUTOCLAVES
The department has 4 large autoclaves based in C50, and smaller ones in laboratories. The
autoclaves in C50 must only be operated by named personnel (see staff list), users of the lab
based ones must be trained and competent.
Items for autoclaving must be clearly labelled with your name, lab and whether waste or
non-waste, and left on the RHS bench in C50. Autoclaved items will be placed on the LHS
bench for your collection. Waste will be disposed of in the correct manner. Autoclave bags
for waste are available in C50, please do not overfill them (1/3 full of peat max), otherwise
autoclave staff will have to ask you transfer some of the waste into other bags. Please do not
seal the necks of bags with autoclave tape, fold over the tops and loosely tape, the bags
must be left open in order for sterilisation to take place.
Standard cycles are 15 minutes at 121oC or 3.5 minutes at 134oC, if you have special
requirements, please discuss this with a member of the autoclave staff.
For further information see Appendix 3.
BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
The definition of Biological Agent in the CoSHH regulations includes microorganisms such as
bacteria and fungi, provided they can cause a hazard to human health.
Anyone wishing to work with any biological agent MUST contact the Biological Safety Officer
BEFORE commencing work, and BEFORE ordering, or bringing into the department, any
microorganisms.
For further information see Appendix 3.
16
CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH REGULATIONS 2002 (COSHH)
The COSHH regulations extend and modify the existing requirements of the Health and
Safety at Work Act 1974. The COSHH regulations are designed to protect people against
health risks, whether immediate or delayed, arising from exposure to hazardous substances
(including biological agents) associated with work activities.
Before any work is undertaken within the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences an
assessment of the health risks created by work with hazardous substances must be carried
out (a statutory requirement under regulation 6) and a signed COSHH assessment form
presented to the research supervisor for approval and countersignature. The COSHH
assessment form should then be submitted to the Departmental Safety Officer, or designate,
for acceptance where it will be given a unique reference number. A copy will be returned to
the research supervisor.
No work must commence until the COSHH assessment form has been accepted by the
Departmental Safety Officer or designate.
Useful reference materials are:(a)
Croner Hazardous Chemicals, available on line, see Appendix 3.
(b)
Supplier’s safety data sheets, available in the drawers at the back of D219.
A CoSHH form template is available, please contact the senior technician in your area.
CRYOGENICS
Liquid nitrogen is available for dispensing from the dewar in the cage on the back lane. You
must be competent to do this, contact the senior technician in the laboratory. Liquid
nitrogen can cause severe ‘cold burns’ and asphyxiation if used in poorly ventilated areas.
Gloves and a safety visor are provided, these must always be worn when transferring liquid
nitrogen.
Protective goggles must be worn when using liquid nitrogen, and all exposed skin must be
protected from contact with liquid nitrogen.
Never travel in lifts with liquid nitrogen vessels.
For further information see http://www.shef.ac.uk/safety/guidance/cryogenics.html
CYANIDES
Before any work involving the use of cyanides commences, the Departmental Safety Officer
must be informed. Use of cyanides can only be permitted where a person with an
appropriate specialist specific Hazard First Aid training is readily available.
17
EMERGENCY EXITS
Emergency exits and routes must be kept free at all times, smoke doors closed and corridors
must not be used as refreshment areas.
All persons should familiarise themselves with exit routes.
An annual evacuation exercise is carried out in October.
FAULTS
The attention of the Technical Staff should be drawn immediately to faulty services such as
leaking gas or water taps or blocked sinks. Equipment which is potentially dangerous such as
cracked or broken glassware must not be used.
FIELD WORK
Any person wishing to undertake field work must complete a field work risk assessment
prior to commencing field work. Risk assessment forms are available from Hazel, D212. Field
workers should also read and comply with the Departmental Policy on Field Work, and the
UCEA guidance at
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.237234%21/file/uceaguidancefieldwork.pdf
FIRE ALARM TESTING
Fire alarm testing in the Alfred Denny Building is carried out around 1100 hours every
Tuesday.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
It is an offence to cover or remove any fire extinguisher unless it is being used. Each time a
fire extinguisher is used the matter must be reported to a senior member of the Technical
Staff immediately, who will arrange for its replacement. A report must be written in the
Accident/Incident Report Book to be found in room D212.
FIRST AID CABINETS
It is an offence to remove any item from a first aid cabinet except for the purpose of first aid.
Whilst every effort is made to keep them adequately stocked, it would be appreciated if any
deficiency were reported to a Senior Technician immediately it is discovered.
FLAMMABLE REAGENTS
To reduce the fire risk, quantities of such reagents in laboratories should be kept to a
minimum. The maximum permitted total volume in any laboratory is 50 litres. The Senior
Technical Staff regularly inspect laboratories in the interests of safety. Laboratories must not
be used for the bulk storage of flammable reagents.
18
FOOD
EATING AND DRINKING IN LABORATORY AREAS IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN AT ALL TIMES.
FUME CUPBOARDS
Wherever possible always work with the fume cupboard sash down. Any two experiments
which are chemically incompatible should not be carried out simultaneously in the same
fume cupboard. Fume cupboards should be cleared of potentially dangerous compounds
before any experiment is started.
The efficiency of fume cupboards is checked periodically but it would be appreciated if any
deficiencies noted were reported immediately to Stuart/Hazel.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
All portable electrical to be used in the department must be electrically tested by a
competent person BEFORE use. This includes items brought in from home such as laptops
and radios. Please contact the appropriate person (see staff list) to arrange testing. Waste
electrical equipment must be disposed of correctly to comply with WEEE regulations, please
contact the appropriate person (see staff list)
GAS CYLINDERS
These must be fitted with approved regulators. Please contact the appropriate person (see
staff sheet) if you have doubts about your regulator.
Gas cylinders must only be moved by trained personnel. Please contact the appropriate
person (see staff sheet).
GLASSWASHING
Glasswashing machines are situated in C50. You may use the machines but only when the
glasswasher is not needing them. Items for glasswashing should be clearly labelled with your
name and lab (labels available) and left on the bench near the machines. It will be placed,
after washing, in the drying cabinet, and you should collect it from here. Please return any
baskets to C50 immediately they are emptied.
GM ORGANISMS
No work involving any GM organisms or microorganisms is permitted until a risk assessment
of the work has been carried out, and approved by the University Biosafety Committee. This
is now done through USpace. All workers with GM must also register with Occupational
Health, please see links at
http://shef.ac.uk/safety/biohazards/gm-organisms
Please see appendix 3 for more information.
19
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
Before any work involving the use of HF commences, the Departmental Safety Officer must
be informed. Use of HF can only be permitted where a person has successfully completed
specialist training, and only in an approved area.
LAB COATS
It is required that anyone working in a laboratory should wear a lab coat. Other PPE
(personal protective equipment) as identified by the relevant risk assessment should also be
worn.
LASERS
Anyone needing to use a laser should first contact the Departmental Safety Officer. (see staff
sheet)
LAUNDRY
Lab coats for laundry should be placed in the black bin near C50. Ensure that coats are not
contaminated with potentially hazardous substances, if they are please contact the senior
technician in your area for advice. Clean coats can be collected from C50.
Please make sure your name is written onto the collar of your lab coat in indelible ink.
IONISING RADIATIONS
Department Radiation Officer
Please see staff list
KEYS
Keys where needed may be obtained from Stuart Pearce/Hazel Basford. All keys must be
returned to Stuart Pearce/Hazel Basford when you are permanently leaving the department
and must not be handed to another research worker.
MAINS SERVICES
You will, as far as possible, be informed well in advance when water, electrical or similar
services are to be temporarily shut off.
OVERNIGHT EXPERIMENTS
Before any experiment is run for an extended period of time unattended the matter must be
discussed with a supervisor. When it is essential for experiments to be run unattended
overnight a "LEAVE ON" note must be completed and attached to the apparatus in question.
A note to the effect that services should be left on continuously is unacceptable. Specific
dates must be recorded and the note renewed at least every seven days. All water
connections must be wired on and tubing in good condition. No guarantee can be given that
apparatus will be left running overnight or on other occasions when the Department is
closed if these conditions are not complied with.
20
PRESSURE SYSTEMS
This includes such things as autoclaves and gas regulators. Please report any faults to the
appropriate person (see staff list). Experimental systems involving high pressure must be
discussed at the design stage with the appropriate person.
RADIATION AREAS
Admission by permission of Dr Jonathan Leake.
REFRIGERATORS
Samples may only be placed in refrigerators if they are in properly stoppered containers and
clearly labelled with your name and the chemical nature of the contents. Samples not
complying will be removed. Flammable liquids should not be stored in domestic type
refrigerators.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (RPE)
Current legislation requires that any personnel needing RPE must have attended a suitable
training course. RPE will only be issued to persons who have attended such a course. Please
contact Hazel Basford, Room D212.
RISK ASSESSMENTS
Prior to commencing any experimental work, or field work, an assessment of risk MUST be
carried out. This should include identification of hazards, the risk associated with the hazards
in that particular experiment, and how to minimise these risks to an acceptable low level.
The risk assessment should be carried out by a competent person, must be checked and
agreed with the supervisor, and countersigned by the Departmental Safety Officer or
designate.
SAFETY GLASSES
Safety glasses should be worn at all times in teaching and research laboratories if identified
as required by the relevant risk assessment.
SECURITY
Workers using the Department outside normal working hours are responsible for closing the
door of their laboratory when leaving to reduce the risk of fire spreading should an accident
occur.
SMOKING
The University has a no smoking policy.
21
SOLVENTS
As a consequence of the implications of the Control of Pollution Act, 1974, certain
arrangements concerning the collection of used solvents have to be formalised. It is not
permitted to pour solvents down drains. Solvents may be mixed in correctly labelled
Winchesters in accordance with the categorisation set our below. This categorisation is
common throughout the University.
Category X
All halogenated solvents or mixtures containing halogenated solvents.
Category Y
All non halogenated solvents which are non-acidified
Category Z
Oils. no PCB containing material)
Full Winchesters should be taken to the waste chemical store off the back lane. Please let
Maggi Killion know quantity and category you have put in this store. These will be collected
regularly at no cost.
SPILLS
Details of dealing with spillages of hazardous substances are on the CoSHH form relating to
the work in progress. All other spillages must be cleaned up immediately, especially spill of
liquid, to reduce the risk of slips and falls. This is particularly important for spillages on stairs.
Help and advice is always available from senior technical staff.
STAIRS
Please be extra careful on stairs. Mop up any spillages immediately. Use the handrail where
possible.
STATE OF LABORATORIES
The fabric of the building is the responsibility of the University Estates department. All faults
should be reported to Stuart/Hazel, who are authorised to report these to Estates.
Each worker is responsible for the state of his bench/work area.
All workers leaving the Department are responsible for clearing up their effects (in
consultation where appropriate with their supervisors) so that unidentifiable chemicals and
so forth are not left behind creating a potential risk. All waste chemicals should be
neutralised and disposed of as soon as possible.
22
THEFTS - Reporting of
Thefts of Private Property
a) An individual who has had personal property stolen has an undeniable right to notify
the police and should be advised to do so. (South Yorkshire Police 2202020).
b) If the police are notified, the Head of Department or senior responsible person in
the Department must also be informed at the same time.
c) The Head of Department should report details to security (ext 24085).
d) Where appropriate the Head of Department should inform neighbouring
departments.
Thefts of University Property:a) The discoverer should report details to the Head of Department or senior
responsible person in the Department.
b) The Head of Department should ensure that the report is well-founded (i.e. that the
property is in fact missing).
c) The matter must be reported to security by the Department concerned.
d) Where appropriate the Head of Department should inform neighbouring
departments.
TRAINING
Online training is available via the Health and Safety web site https://hs.shef.ac.uk). This
includes Out of Hours, Health and Safety Induction and Fire.
WARNING SOUNDS
1) Warning Sounders
eg. intruder alarms for aquaria.
2) Warning Alarms
Fire
A distinctive high pitched alarm sounds for approximately 1 minute on all floors in all major
circulation areas when alarms are being tested.
If the alarm sounds continue for over 1 minute, or at any other time, immediate evacuation
of the building is necessary.
An emergency other than fire such as a major gas leak, could result in the sounding of the
alarm.
23
WASTE DISPOSAL
Waste must be disposed of in a correct manner. There are several waste streams and you
must put your waste into the correct stream. All laboratory workers should do the
University’s waste disposal training, which can be found at www.waste.shef.ac.uk. See staff
pages for responsible person(s).
General Waste
Black sack – all non biological waste eg paper, paper towels, non hazardous chemical
containers.
Offensive Waste
Yellow/black stripe sack – any inactivated waste and uncontaminated lab consumables
Sharps
Yellow/orange bin – any sharps other than those contaminated with medicines
Yellow/purple bin – any sharps contaminated with medicines, any medical waste
GM waste
Autoclave bag – microbial waste and GM waste for inactivation
Yellow bag – inactivated GM waste
Yellow bin – active GM waste (when inactivation is not possible)
Chemical waste should be disposed of in accordance with the waste assessment done
with the COSHH assessment.
24
WORKING HOURS
The Main Entrance doors are open:Monday - Friday
8.00am - 6.00pm
The doors are locked at all other times, when there is swipe card access via the main porters
lodge in the Alfred Denny building
IF WORK OUTSIDE OF NORMAL WORKING HOURS IS CONTEMPLATED THE NATURE OF THE
WORK MUST BE DISCUSSED FIRST OF ALL WITH A SUPERVISOR WHO WILL ADVISE WHETHER
IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO CARRY OUT THE WORK ALONE IN THE LABORATORY AND A RISK
ASSESSEMENT MUST BE DONE.
Permits to work 'out of hours' can be obtained from Hazel Basford, Room D212, and must be
signed by the Chair of the Department before the period of work commences. Persons
working out of hours must 'sign in' in the book on the desk in the Alfred Denny entrance.
The lab number and nearest internal phone number should also be recorded. The
information is used if assistance is required in the event of an emergency. Expected
duration of work period should also be given.
All persons working out of hours must have done fire training within the last 12 months, and
Out of Hours training within the last 3 years.
When leaving the Department the original entry showing your presence in the building
should be endorsed accordingly AND THE PENULTIMATE PERSON LEAVING THE BUILDING
MUST TELEPHONE THE LAST PERSON IN THE BUILDING AND INFORM HIM/HER THAT HE/SHE
IS NOW ALONE IN THE BUILDING.
If the fire alarm sounds outside normal hours always vacate the building immediately and
assemble in the designated assembly area.
Except in a very special and limited circumstance it should be noted that Trainee Technicians
cannot work outside of normal working hours unless directly supervised by an authorised
member of the technical staff.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WORK WITHOUT SUPERVISION IN
ANY PRACTICAL CLASS/LABORATORY.
YOUNG PERSONS
Anyone wishing to take on a work placement student must first have read the Departmental
Policy on Young People at Work, and the University guidance.
25
Staff with Responsibility for Health & Safety
Prof M T Siva-Jothy
Chair of Department
D216
Ext. 24111
Mr J K Beresford
Departmental Manager
D213
Ext 24373
Mrs H J Basford
Laboratory Superintendent
D212
Ext 20077
Member of Departmental Safety Committee
Keys: Faults: Risk assessments: Waste: COSHH administrator:
Mrs A Blake
Senior Technician
E212
Ext 20044
Member of Departmental Safety Committee
COSHH administrator: A floor facilities manager
Mr S Fletcher
PAT
Back Lane
Ext 24713
Mrs M Killion
Senior Technician
C45
Ext 20045
C34C
Ext 20040
Waste administrator: First Aider
Prof R C Leegood
Departmental Safety Officer
Chair of Departmental Safety Committee
Prof J R Leake
Radiation Protection Officer
C55
Ext 20055
Mr S Pearce
Chief Technician
D218
Ext 24377
Faults: Keys: PAT: Controlled Environments Manager:
Mr J Shutt
WEEE: Gas cylinder regulators
Back Lane
24710
Prof J D Scholes
Biological Safety Officer
C56
Ext 24780
Mr S Ellin
Chief Technician
HF: AWEC manager
AWEC
Ext 20141
Persons trained to move gas cylinders: Mr Bob Bartlett
Ext 20135
Mr Andrew Brookes
Ext 20135
Mr Malcolm Crookes
Ext 30109
Miss Irene Johnson
Ext 24771
Mr Rob Keen
Ext 20094
26
Health and Safety Responsibility
The chain of responsibility for health and safety, from the Vice-Chancellor through the Head
of Department to the individual, is supported by the administrative structure shown in the
chart below.
The chart sets out the relationship of the Health & Safety Committee to other areas of the
University, and the parallel advisory chain which operates through individuals and deals with
day-to-day safety matters:-
27
APPENDIX 1
University Resources
For new staff
http://www.shef.ac.uk/hr/sd/new
University structure
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/
Decision making structure (Committees)
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/committees
Financial directives
http://www.shef.ac.uk/finance/regulations
A-Z of Staffing Policies and Procedures
http://shef.ac.uk/hr/az
Salaries and Superannuation
http://www.shef.ac.uk/finance/staff-information/mymoney/mypension/index.html
Library
http://shef.ac.uk/library/
Health and Safety
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/hs
http://hs.shef.ac.uk
Transport
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/transportservices
U cards and email accounts etc
http://shef.ac.uk/cics/services
28
APPENDIX 2
Key Staff
Head of Department
Prof.M T Siva-Jothy
m.siva-jothy@shef.ac.uk
24111
Department Manager Mr J Beresford
j.k.beresford@shef.ac.uk
24373
Office Manager/
Mrs S Carter
s.a.carter@shef.ac.uk
24376
Lab superintendent
Mrs H Basford
h.basford@shef.ac.uk
20077
Dept Safety Officer
Professor R C Leegood r.leegood@shef.ac.uk
20040
Dept TLO/keys
Mr S Pearce
24712
Secretary to HOD
s.l.pearce@shef.ac.uk
29
APPENDIX 3
Appendix 3a
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
GLP should be observed in laboratories at all times as a minimum standard.
•
No eating or drinking in any laboratory.
•
Wear a labcoat and appropriate safety wear (see COSHH information)
•
No pipetting by mouth (use a pipettor or a hand dispenser).
•
Clearly label all bottles and containers with name, substance, date, disposal
date and hazard(s).
•
Keep lids on tightly.
•
Store chemicals appropriately.
•
All Winchesters containing chemicals (e.g. acids, solvents etc) must be
transported in a Winchester carrier.
•
Check fume cupboard is working before use.
•
Acids should always be added to water, (never the reverse) when mixing.
•
Clean up all spillages immediately (see COSHH information).
•
Keep the laboratory clean, tidy and safe for others (e.g. cleaners) to enter.
•
All waste must be disposed of according to the waste assessment.
•
Acids and alkalis should be neutralised (to pH 6-8) before being flushed down
drains with copious amounts of water (see COSHH/waste assessment).
•
Waste solvents (e.g. alcohol etc) must be disposed of in particular drums (see
COSHH/waste assessment).
•
Wash hands (and gloves) after use and before eating.
•
If in any doubt at all consult your academic supervisor and/or appropriate
member of technical staff before proceeding.
Departmental Safety Officer
30
OUT-OF-HOURS WORKING
What is "Out-of-Hours"?
Normal working hours are 8.00am until 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Any time other
than these is designated as "Out-of-Hours".
No undergraduate may work out-of-hours, unless under the DIRECT supervision
of a member of staff. The only exception is when working in libraries or designated
multi-terminal computer rooms. Members of staff and postgraduates are allowed to
work out-of-hours only if they fulfil the conditions listed below.
Requirements
1)
You must have done the online Out-of-Hours training within the previous 3
years. The Health and Safety training pages can be found at https://hs.shef.ac.uk.
2)
You must have the permission of the Chairman of Department. Out-of-hours
forms are available from Hazel Basford, Room D212, and must be filled in and
countersigned by the Chair of Department (or designate) before any out-of-hours
work commences.
3)
You must understand the Emergency System and know what to do in the case
of Fire and/or Accident. There is an 'Emergency only' telephone outside Room D218.
If no other telephone is available, you can contact the emergency control centre using
this telephone, key in 4444, but always use your nearest telephone in an emergency.
You MUST report all accidents, the accident report book is kept in Room D212.
4)
You must NOT do any experimental work where there is any risk of personal
accident. In general, out-of-hours work should be restricted to library work,
computing, writing reports or making non-risk observations.
5)
Any work at all done out-of-hours by postgraduates MUST be approved in
advance by their supervisor.
6)
You should not work alone and as a minimum you should be within shouting
distance of a colleague. This is an absolute rule for students and strongly
recommended for members of staff/postdocs.
31
7)
You must sign in and out at the main entrance to the building in which you
are working. If you have been there all day, you must go and sign in at the time when
normal working hours ends and out-of-hours begins.
All normal safety rules must still be obeyed. (See both the University's Health and
Safety booklet, and the Departmental Code of Practice)
Unofficial parties are forbidden.
No electrical repairs, however small, may be undertaken.
It is also important to take extra care with normal everyday behaviour as if you are
injured, it may take longer than usual for someone to find you. You are also more
accident-prone when tired, hungry, bored etc. so extra care is needed.
Do not run.
Do not create tripping hazards (coats, bags etc)
Do not lift heavy objects.
Do not lean back on chairs.
Do not work if hungry or very tired.
Remember, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as employees you have
certain responsibilities for your own health and safety.
1) You must take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others
who may be affected by your acts or omissions.
2) You must co-operate with your employer so far as is necessary to enable the
employer to comply with his duties under the Act.
3) It is an offence for anyone to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse
anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
Security is of great importance. If you are last out of a room please check when you
leave the room that all windows and doors are closed.
Ensure that you are familiar with all regulations concerning fire risks, use of toxic
chemicals, use of radioactive substances etc.
Ensure you are familiar with fire and emergency procedures. Make sure you are
aware of the position and use of fire extinguishers.
32
On discovery of a fire:i) Leave the room and close the door. (only attempt to extinguish the fire if you are
SURE it can be extinguished rapidly.) Containment protects others.
ii) Raise the alarm within the building. Make others in your vicinity aware of the fire.
iii) Dial 4444 and notify the control centre of the details of the incident, ie exactly
where the emergency is, (room number, department, building and address), what is
the nature of the fire eg solid, solvent etc, any associated hazard you are aware of eg
proximity to solvents and the number, if any, of any casualties.
iv) Evacuate the building, closing doors as you go. Do not use lifts. If you have to
evacuate the building by another exit from the one you signed in at, make sure you go
to your signing-in point and either sign out if safe to do so or inform the emergency
services you are safe.
v)
Do not re-enter the building under any circumstances until it is pronounced safe to
do so by the fire services. Silencing of alarms does not indicate that the building is
safe.
Similarly on hearing the fire alarm:Stop what you are doing immediately and evacuate the building. Switch off any
equipment if it safe for you to do so, close windows and doors. Leave by the nearest
exit. Do not use lifts, if you are in a lift when the alarm sounds, get out at the next
stop and evacuate the building by the nearest exit. Close doors as you go.
ANYONE WORKING OUT-OF-HOURS MUST BE ABLE TO DO SOME
FIRST AID.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 say that whenever anyone is at
work then;
1) A first aid kit must be available
2) A first aid 'person' must be available.
This person must be able to:a) call an ambulance
b) take charge of an accident situation.
33
Emergency First-Aid
When you come across an accident, or someone who is ill, you must do these three
things in THIS order.
1) Make the situation SAFE.
2) Give FIRST AID.
3) Get HELP.
1) Make the situation SAFE
Only go to the assistance of a casualty if you can do so without risk to yourself. If you
feel it is safe enough to approach, deal first of all with anything which could be
dangerous to either you or the casualty, eg switch off electricity if electrical shock is a
risk, clear away broken glass.
2) Give FIRST AID
a) Unconsciousness:An unconscious person can die in 3 minutes from a blocked airway, either because of
something in their mouth or because of the position of their head. If the person
appears to be asleep and cannot be woken up, or if woken up cannot speak to you in
sentences, then they are unconscious. Check for consciousness by shouting the
person's name loudly, loud enough to wake a deep sleeper. If the person does not
respond in a normal intelligible manner then the person is not conscious, and should
be placed in the recovery position.
1) Turn their head to one side and check for anything that could be blocking the
airway eg sweets, if necessary scoop out, using the fingers.
2) Tilt their head well back. This stops the tongue from obstructing the airway.
3) Put them in the recovery position, being careful not to damage an injured area more
than necessary.
34
4) Make sure the person's head is tilted well back.
In this position the airway is unlikely to become blocked.
5) Cover the casualty with a coat.
6) Call the ambulance. (except for faints if they recover quickly)
7) Give reassurance, even when person is unconscious.
Do not give anything by mouth.
Never leave an unconscious person on their back - it will probably kill them.
35
b) Faints:- upon recovery do not allow the person to stand up immediately, they will
almost certainly faint again. Encourage them to sit for a while with their head down,
to allow the brain to reoxygenate.
c) Bad bleeding:- Serious bleeding can kill quickly!
If blood soaks the clothing, drips on the floor or squirts from the injury then you must
act quickly or the person may die.
1) Examine the wound at skin level, check for anything sticking in it.
2) Press firmly over the wound. If there is anything sticking out of the injured area, do
not remove it but press alongside. Do not let go until the bleeding stops, or an
effective dressing has been applied. Do not disturb any foreign body.
3) Elevate a bleeding limb (unless broken) whilst maintaining pressure on the wound.
4) Position the casualty on the floor, preferably lying down.
5) A dressing from the first aid box applied firmly over the wound will help control
the bleeding - if the blood seeps through add another dressing on top of the first. If the
dressing is too loose, then the bleeding will continue. If bleeding stops, check dressing
is not too tight by applying pressure over a bone or fingernail, on the far side of the
injury to the heart, and watch for whitening.
6) Cover the casualty with a coat.
7) Reassure the casualty.
8) Obtain qualified help.
Do not give anything by mouth.
Do not use a tourniquet or rubber bandage.
Do not leave the person for any reason until the bleeding is under control.
d) Burns and scalds:All heat and cold injuries, and damage caused by chemicals are treated alike.
Skin loss or blisters larger than 1 inch diameter (approximately) will need medical
treatment, if any larger than 2 outstretched hands then an ambulance is needed.
1) Cool the burnt or scalded area by putting it into cold water for at least 10 minutes.
Gently running water is best.
2) Remove anything tight such as rings, watches, belts etc from the injured area. Do
not remove any clothing which is sticking to the injured area.
3) After 10 minutes in cold water loosely apply a dressing from the first aid box.
4) If the burn is other than trivial, lay the person down and cover them with a coat.
5) Obtain medical aid if blistering or skin loss is greater that the area of a 10p coin. If
blistering or skin loss is greater than the area which could be covered by 2 of the
casualty’s hands, then call an ambulance.
Do not give anything by mouth.
Do not apply greases, creams, neutralisers or any other substance.
Do not use plasters.
Do not burst blisters.
e) Clothing on fire:1) First you must get the casualty on the ground quickly.
2) Smother the flames using a fire blanket or any other material made of natural fibre.
Avoid using man-made materials, especially anything made of nylon.
3) Treat the burned area with cold water as for burns and scalds.
4) Continue as for burns and scalds.
36
f) Other injuries or sudden illness:This applies to anyone who is "feeling funny", heart attacks, broken bones, internal
bleeding, poisoning and other unknown injuries or illnesses.
These measures are simple but important.
1) If the casualty is unconscious, put them gently in the recovery position - even if
you think they may have other injuries.
2) If the casualty is conscious, do not move them but make them comfortable on the
floor where you find them - either sitting or lying down, whichever they prefer.
3) Cover the person with a coat and give plenty of reassurance.
4) Call the ambulance.
Do not give anything by mouth
Never try to induce vomiting.
3) Get HELP
Call the ambulance by keying 4444 on a University push-button telephone.
1) Say that you need an ambulance.
2) Say exactly where the ambulance is needed. (Room number, Department, Building,
Address)
3) Say how many casualties there are.
4) Say what happened.
5) Give details of the injuries if you can.
Do not ring off until you are told to do so!
Accident reporting:Whenever someone has had an accident and needed first aid or medical attention, no
matter how minor, an accident report must be completed. You will find the accident
book in Room D212, the laboratory superintendent's office ( Mrs H Basford).
The accident report must be sent to Safety Services within 24 hours.
In addition, if anyone has to be taken to hospital, Safety Services must be notified
immediately. During the day, telephone either 26100 or 26198. Out-of-hours,
telephone the Emergency Control Centre (24085) and ask them to pass a message to
someone in Safety Services.
37
General risk assessment
Hazard - the potential to cause harm
Risk
- the likelihood of the hazard to cause harm in the actual circumstances
in which it exists
eg flow of electricity through portable electrical equipment is a hazard but of low risk
when correctly insulated, but becomes a high risk when bare wires are exposed.
Similarly, cyanide in a sealed bottle in a locked fireproof cupboard is a hazard but a
low risk, and does not constitute a high risk until it is on the bench without a lid. In
both examples the hazard remains the same, but the assessment of risk changes,
dependent on the circumstances in which the hazard exists.
Any risk assessment must consider:a) the hazard involved
b) the personnel involved
c) the procedure involved
d) the environment in which the procedure is taking place
e) by-products
f) waste disposal
g) if any other people could be affected by the procedure
h) emergency situations (worst case scenario)
The overall risk of the procedure must then by assessed by a competent person.
(Competence implies necessary levels of training, knowledge and information in
order to make a judgement)
If the risk is other than nil or low, then control measures to minimise the risk from the
hazards must be taken. (A nil risk assessment need not be written down provided all
personnel are aware of the assessment and the reasons behind it.)
The hierarchy of control is as follows:1) Elimination of the hazard entirely
2) Substitution ie use of safer alternatives in procedures or materials.
3) Engineering controls eg isolation, enclosure, containment, reduced time exposure.
In practice this includes such measures as use of fume cupboards, restricted access to
laboratories etc.
4) Administrative controls eg permit-to-work schemes
5) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - this should be used only as a last resort if
complete control cannot be achieved by other means.
First Aid and Emergency procedures must be detailed.
Risk assessments must be signed by the person doing the assessment, the supervisor
and/or the Departmental Safety Officer
38
University of Sheffield
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992
Risk Assessment
Task……………………………………………………………………………………..
Room No./Area…………………………………………………………………………
Description of task (identify all key elements)…………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Hazards associated with the task………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Hazards associated with the working environment……………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Who could be affected?…………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………..…
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
What is the risk from this task/procedure? (see matrix over)
High
Medium
Low
How do we deal with the hazards now?………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Is this enough to reduce the harm to a reasonably practical level?……………………..
If not, what else needs to be done?……………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
These improvements will be in place by?………………………………………………
Is there a need for health surveillance? (please specify)………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Related legislation/assessments:Asbestos
Air monitoring
Noise
Health monitoring
CoSHH
Electricity
Manual handling
Fire/explosion
DSE
Specific skill
PPE
Specific training
Work equipment
Work method
Other (please specify)………………….………………………………………………..
Date of review…………………………………………………………………………..
Signature of assessor……………………………………………. Date………………..
Signature of safety officer……………………………………..... Date………………..
39
Suggested assessment for risk rating:
Probable frequency
1
Improbable occurrence
2
Occasional occurrence
5
Regular occurrence
2
4
6
Severity rating:
Harm severity
1
Trivial injury
2
Minor injury
3
Major injury
4
Death
Possible Occurrence
Frequent Occurrence
Common Occurrence
Scope severity
1
One person involved
2
Several people involved
3
Many people involved
The risk rating for each hazard is established by multiplication of the various factor
scores.
The process of establishing ratings is a matter of judgement based on knowledge and
experience. If you have any doubts of your competence in this, please consult your
supervisor.
The following table should make easier the comparison between risk rating and the
categorisation of risk on the assessment form.
6
5
4
Probable 3
frequency 2
rating
1
M
M
M
L
L
L
1x
1
M
M
M
M
M
M
1x
2
M
M
M
M
M
M
1x
3
M
M
M
M
M
M
2x
1
H
H
M
M
M
M
2x
2
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
M
H
H
H
H
M
M
H
H
H
M
M
M
H
H
M
M
M
H
H
2x 3x 3x 3x 4x
3
1
2
3
1
Severity rating (harm x scope)
H
H
H
H
H
H
4x
2
H
H
H
H
H
H
4x
3
In assessing the risk from any procedure, any figures other than 1,2 or 3 (provided the
2 or 3 comes from the frequency scale and not the severity scale) should be
considered as needing some form of control.
40
RISK ASSESSMENT CHECK LIST
1) HAZARDS - this can involve chemicals, lifting, use of display screen equipment,
dusts, microbiological hazards, radiation hazards, etc, or combinations of any of these.
2) PERSONNEL - this can affect the assessment eg certain lifting operations can be
more 'risky' for some people than for others, asthma sufferers will be more at risk
from dusts than non-asthma sufferers etc.
3) PROCEDURE - very important as this determines the risk from associated hazards.
4) THE ENVIRONMENT - this can also affect the risk category eg lifting in confined
spaces is of greater risk than where the operative can stand upright.
5) BY PRODUCTS AND WASTE - remember that this is a potential source of risk,
not always immediately obvious when considering a procedure.
6) DISPOSAL OF WASTE ETC - should be part of your procedure, it is not someone
else's responsibility to clear up and dispose of wastes etc. Disposal should be within
University and departmental guidelines.
7) ANY OTHER PEOPLE - remember cleaners, workpeople, visitors etc. Also,
consider people using the area after you, have you cleaned and tidied the area? If not,
how are others to know about any risks associated with your procedure.
8) WORST CASE SCENARIO- consider what procedures are necessary if the
absolute worst happened. This includes fire, explosion, or 'simply' dropping a 2.5 litre
bottle of concentrated acid down stairs! This is why it is necessary to detail
emergency and/or first aid procedures.
Particular attention should be given to 'Risk Assessment' of procedures carried out
'off-site/off-campus', eg field work/collection trips.
41
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
CARRYING OUT A COSHH ASSESSMENT
Please read through these notes and instructions carefully before starting to complete the form.
PREPARATION
Think through the procedure, and list all the chemicals that will be used. Collect
safety data for each of the substances.
SOURCES OF SAFETY DATA
a) Croner’s Substances Hazardous to Health.
Croner’s provides data for a wide range of substances. Use the Hazardous Substance
Index to locate the entry for a particular substance. Part of the information is provided
in coded form using Risk Phrase numbers and Safety Phrase numbers. Always look
these up in the key.
Croner’s is updated regularly and new substances are always being added. The
departmental copy is available in the D212. It is also available online at
www.croner.co.uk/MyCroner.
Croner’s does not contain an entry for every substance you may need to assess. The
next source of information is...
c) Fisher’s (formerly Fison) Catalogue and Fison’s Safety Data Sheets
The Fisher Catalogue shows hazard symbols and Risk and Safety Phrase numbers for
all substances with known hazards. Again, always look these up in the key at the back
of the catalogue.
d) Supplier’s data sheets
These must be provided by law by the supplier of any chemical or other substance
hazardous to health, the first time that substance is supplied to a user. Safety data
sheets are kept in the filing cabinet at the back of the common room.
A note on Sigma-Aldrich
Sigma is been widely used by the Department for chemical purchase, but their data
sheets do have several drawbacks, the chief one being that they are written to be used
within the American legislative context, and tend to overstate the hazards of
chemicals.
DECIDING IF A COSHH ASSESSMENT IS NECESSARY
An assessment need only be carried out if the substances involved in the procedure
are substances hazardous to health. The COSHH Regulations apply to substances
which are classified as very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive or irritant or which have
been assigned an Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL).
Note: There is a general Occupational Exposure Limit of 10mg/m3 (8 hour Time
Weighted Average [TWA]) for total inhalable dust and of 5mg/m3 (8 hour TWA) for
respirable dust. Thus, any substance which is in the form of a fine powder or dust
should be considered a substance hazardous to health, and the risk assessed.
42
COMPLETING THE FORM
Complete the Basic Information section
Give the procedure a title, and also provide a brief outline of how the procedure is
carried out. Name the group or section in which the procedure will be used. Indicate
how often it is expected that the procedure will be carried out. Leave blank the Serial
No space. Fill in the Date for Reassessment space after the procedure has been
assessed.
Assess the risk involved in USING each chemical in the procedure
1. List all the substances involved in the procedure on the grid on the back of the
form. For each one state its form (eg dense solid, coarse powder or fine dust: aqueous
solution: non-volatile liquid, volatile liquid or highly volatile liquid: gas: spray or
aerosol), and the quantity used in the procedure. Please note that the quantity should
be the total quantity used at one time, so if, for example, 50 samples are run as one
batch, the quantity is the total needed for all 50 samples. Please also consider the
formation of any by-products/waste products, and include these, where possible, in
the assessment.
2. Then, for each substance, use the Tables below the grid to decide Hazard Ratings
for Physical Form, Quantity, and Containment, and enter these on the grid. [The
containment hazard rating reflects how well the substance(s) being used are
contained, and the chance of release of the substance(s). For example, if a substance is
being handled in open beakers, this is an essentially open system. If a substance is
contained in a closed bottle, and periodically a small amount is removed for use, the
chance of release is lower, and the system can be considered to be a partially open
system. Only where a substance is effectively sealed in, can a system be considered to
be an essentially closed system. This is probably the most difficult hazard rating to
determine - consider carefully the way you will be working with the substances
concerned and use your judgement to decide on the most appropriate rating.]
3. Detail on the front of the form all the people who could be affected by the
procedure. This does not only include people working in the same area as yourself,
but also cleaning staff, if anything is to be left out on the bench, or placed in the bin,
and maintenance staff eg if something you pour down the sink blocks the sink.
Having considered all this, use the grid on the back of the form to decide on the injury
rating. [As in 2. above, this is a subjective process, you must use your judgement.]
4. Then, for each substance, multiply together the four hazard ratings (A,B,C, and D)
to give the Exposure Score and enter this on the grid. Use the Exposure Potential
Table below the grid to determine the Exposure Potential (Low, Medium or High),
and enter this on the grid.
5. Next, for each substance, consider the Safety Data you have gathered for that
substance, and use the Damage Potential Table to determine its Damage Potential
(Very High, High, Medium or Low). Enter this on the grid. (To convert from mgm-3
to ppm, divide mgm-3 by the molecular weight of the substance and multiply by
22.04)
6. Finally, for each substance, look up its damage potential and exposure potential in
the Overall Risk Table below the grid and determine the Overall Risk of using that
substance in the procedure. Enter this on the grid.
43
Deciding on control measures
If the risk of using one or more substances in the procedure is High or Medium, it is
necessary to consider what measures are necessary to control exposure to those
substances.
a) Where a carcinogen is used in the procedure
A carcinogen is any substance which has been assigned the risk phrase R45 May
cause cancer or R49 May cause cancer by inhalation. The COSHH Regulations
prescribe a set of precautions all of which must be applied if a carcinogen is being
used. If at all possible, a carcinogenic substance must be replaced by a less hazardous
alternative. If this is not reasonably practicable, then complete the supplementary
sheet Control Measures for Working with a Carcinogen, and attach this to the
COSHH form. Also, fill in the Carcinogenic Substance form, and give this to the
COSHH administrator, the Safety Officer or Hazel Basford. This form will then be
kept for 40 years.
Remember that if other substances harmful to health are also involved in the
procedure, control measures for these must also be decided and detailed on the
COSHH form.
b) Where the Overall Risk of using a substance is High
1. Give serious consideration to replacing the substance with a less hazardous
alternative, especially if the Damage Potential is Very High. The use of a substance
with a Very High Damage Potential must always be justified in the space on the front
of the COSHH form.
2. Modify the procedure to reduce the Exposure Potential to low. This can be done by
using a smaller quantity of the substance, using a less hazardous form of the substance
(eg crystals instead of powder), or by modifying the procedure so fewer people are
exposed to the substance, or that the substance is better contained with a lower chance
of release.
3. Work in a fume cupboard.
c) Where the overall risk of using a substance is Medium
1. Modify the procedure to reduce the Exposure Potential to medium or low.
2. If this does not reduce the Overall Risk to low, then work in a fume cupboard.
Detail the control measures you decide on in the space in the front of the form. Make
sure it is clear which parts of the procedure and which substances the measures apply
to.
Finally, decide if the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed, eg eye
protection to guard against splashes of chemical entering the eye, chemical resistant
gloves to protect against acid splashes or chemicals that can be absorbed through the
skin. Detail this also in the space on the front of the form. Remember that PPE should
never be used instead of the other control measures outlined above, but only to
supplement them, as in the case where PPE is the only way of protecting against a
particular hazard.
Decide how waste is to be disposed
Think what waste it will be necessary to dispose of at the end of the procedure. This
might include samples after analysis has taken place, by-products from the procedure
and excess stock solutions. Decide how the waste is to safely disposed of and detail
this on the form. Also, remember to complete, and attach the completed, waste
assessment forms.
Consider what action may be necessary in an emergency
For each substance or mixture of substances you will be handling in a procedure,
decide if one of the standard spillage procedures outlined on the Emergency
44
Procedures form is suitable, and if so enter the substance on the grid in the
appropriate box. If none of the standard procedures are suitable, outline the necessary
procedure in the space provided.
If any special First Aid procedure is needed for any of the substances involved,
outline this in the space provided.
Finally, note any fire extinguisher which must not be used on fires involving any of
the substances involved in the procedure.
Deciding a date for reassessment
The COSHH Regulations require that COSHH assessments should be reviewed regularly,
and, if there is any change in the procedure to which an assessment relates, then the
assessment must be reviewed at once.
The regularity with which a procedure needs to be reassessed depends on the Damage
Potential of substances used in the procedure, the Overall Risk of the procedure and how
often the procedure is used. Fix the date for reassessment in accordance with the following
criteria, and enter the date on the form.
If the Damage Potential of any substance is Very High - reassess after 1 year
If the Overall Risk of using every substance is Low - reassess after 3 years
If the Overall Risk of using any substance is High, and the procedure is used for than
six times a year, or if the Injury Rating is 1000 - reassess after one year
All other cases - reassess after 2 years
Remember as well, if any change is made to the procedure (eg an additional substance is
used, the quantities used of one or more substances are altered, the method is altered), the
assessment must be reviewed at once.
Obtaining a COSHH number
Once you have completed the assessment, sign the form in the space marked Originator. The
Academic Supervisor at the head of the group or section where the procedure will be carried
out, is responsible for the assessment and should sign the form in the appropriate place.
Check that you have all the necessary Safety Data sheets, and then take the completed form,
the Emergency Procedures sheet, the carcinogen sheets if needed, and Safety Data Sheets or
Summary of Hazard Data form to the COSHH administrator.
The assessment will be checked, and a COSHH number will be issued. You will be given a
copy of the assessment.
If there are any problems with the assessment you will be informed as soon as possible.
Forms will be checked and returned as quickly as possible.
If you need any assistance in completing a COSHH assessment, or need any help or advice in
interpreting Safety Data, please contact the COSHH co-ordinator or the Safety Officer
45
University of Sheffield
Department of Animal & Plant Sciences
COSHH Assessment
Serial no:
Title of procedure:
Date of assessment:
Group/Section:
Date for reassment: (1)
Brief outline of procedure:
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
This procedure is carried out: daily / weekly / monthly / infrequently / other (please indicate)
List the substances involved in this procedure on the grid overleaf. Hazard and Safety Data information must be attached to this form for
each substance named. This may be in the form of a supplier’s Data sheet, or a photocopy of the substance’s entry in Croner’s Substances
Hazardous to Health. Alternatively a completed COSHH - Summary of Hazard Data form may be attached.
Follow the instructions on the CARRYING OUT A COSHH ASSESSMENT sheet to assess the risk of using each chemical named in the
procedure by completing the grid overleaf.
Tick here if any substance used in the procedure is a carcinogen (Risk phrase R45 or R49)
If a carcinogen is used, complete and attach the form CONTROL MEASURES FOR WORKING WITH A CARCINOGEN
CONTROL MEASURES
Please detail all necessary measures to control exposure to substances where the overall risk is high or medium. Specify which substances
and which parts of the procedure these apply to. Please justify the use of any substance with a Damage Potential of Very High.
If this assessment requires the use of a fume cupboard or extraction system, give its number and tested date
WASTE DISPOSAL
Please detail how all samples, waste products, excess stock solutions etc are to be safely disposed of at the end of the procedure.
Please list all persons who could be affected by this procedure.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Complete and attach the separate sheet EMERGENCY PROCEDURES to this form
Originator:
Academic supervisor
Signature
Reassessment
Reassessor
Date
Signature
Date
Date
Academic Supervisor
Date
1
2
3
4
5
46
Substance
Form
Quantity
Hazard Rating
Physical form
(A)
Quantity (B)
Containment (C)
Exposure score
Injury rating
(D)
Exposure
potential
Damage
potential
Overall risk
(AxBxCxD)
Physical form hazard rating
Containment hazard rating
Exposure potential
Overall risk
Characteristics
Hazard
Containment
Hazard
Exposure
Exposure
Damage
Type of hazardous
Damage
rating
characteristic
rating
score
potential
potential
H
M
L
property
potential
H
H
Potent carcinogens or toxins (R45,49,46,47,39)
Aqueous solution
Dense solid
Essentially closed system,
1
Non-volatile liquid
Volatile liquid
10
10
Exposure potential
<105
Low (L)
HH
H
105 - 106
Medium (M)
H
H
H
M
Respiratory sensitisers (R42)
>106
High (H)
M
M
M
L
MEL assigned
low chance of release
Gas
Highly volatile liquid
low chance of release
Partially open system,
Coarse dust
1
L
L
Essentially open system,
medium/high chance of release
100
Damage potential
L
L
100
Very high
(HH)
-3
OES <0.1ppm, <1mgm
Very toxic, toxic, corrosive
Injury
Injury rating
Injury
Frequency
No. persons
potential
Injury
No. persons
potential
Skin sensitisers (R43)
High
OES 0.1 - 10ppm, 1mgm – 100mgm
-3
-3
H)
Aerosol
Quantity Hazard Rating
minor
occasional
2
1
>2
10
Harmful, irritant
Fine dust
Quantity
minor
probable
2
1
>2
10
OES 10 - 500ppm, 100mgm-3 – 1000mgm-3
Hazard rating
<1g
1
minor
common
2
10
>2
100
No hazard classification
1-100g
10
major
occasional
2
10
>2
100
OES >500ppm, >1000mgm-3
100g-1kg
100
major
probable
2
100
>2
1000
or not assigned
>1kg
1000
major
common
2
1000
>2
1000
47
Medium
(M)
Low
(L)
Serial No.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
UNCONTROLLED RELEASE OF SUBSTANCE
Please enter substances in the grid to show which procedure should be followed to clear up a spillage
Solids
Liquids
Open windows if possible to ventilate the area.
If liquid is flammable, shut off all ignition sources.
Sweep up carefully without raising dust.
Cover spillage liberally with sodium
Dissolve in water, dilute greatly and flush
bicarbonate. Mop up cautiously with water
to waste.
and flush to waste, diluting greatly.
Sweep up carefully without raising dust.
Mop up cautiously with water and flush to
Transfer to a closeable labelled container
waste, diluting greatly.
and arrange for specialist disposal via
senior technical staff.
Cover spill with dry sand. Sweep up
Absorb spill onto dry sand. Sweep into a
carefully without raising dust and transfer
closeable container. Arrange for disposal
to a closeable labelled container. Arrange
via senior technical staff.
for specialist disposal via senior technical
staff.
Other (please detail):
Other (please detail):
NB. For large spills of volatile liquids, especially where they have a low exposure limit (MEL or OES) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAR UP
THE SPILL YOURSELF. Evacuate the laboratory and display a warning notice on the door. Call Safety Services (4444 or 26100) - they will
come and use breathing apparatus to protect themselves while clearing up the spill.
FIRST AID
Ingestion of poisonous chemicals
1. If conscious, wash out mouth with water, but do not allow the mouth wash to be swallowed.
2. Give nothing to drink, except that if the mouth or throat is burning, it may be cooled with small sips of water.
3. Seek medical advice. Advise the medical staff what, and if possible how much, has been ingested.
Splashes in the eye
1. Flush affected eye with running water for at least 10 minutes. Gently hold the eyelids apart to ensure the water bathes the eyeball.
2. Always seek medical advice. Advise medical staff which chemical is responsible for the eye injury.
Splashes on the skin
1. Wash all traces of the chemical off the skin with large quantities of running water. Continue to flush the skin with water until you are sure no
traces of the chemical remain.
2. If a corrosive chemical has caused burns, continue to cool the skin by flushing with cold water for at least 10 minutes. Seek medical advice.
3. Remove any contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Inhalation
1. Remove the casualty to fresh air after first ensuring your own safety.
2. If the casualty is unconscious or if breathing becomes difficult, place in the recovery position and seek urgent medial help.
Please note any special first aid procedure that is needed for any of the substances used.
FIRE
Please note any fire extinguishing medium that MAY NOT be used on fires involving substances involved in the procedure.
Substance
Incompatible extinguishing medium
Substance
Incompatible extinguishing medium
48
Substance
Hazard
symbol
Risk
phrase no
Exposure limits
Long term
8hr TWA
49
Short term
15min STEL
Source of
information
Waste
Assessment
Output/Waste
Treatment
Chemical
Sewage
Anatomical
& GM
Pipette Tips
Plastics
Tissues
Gloves
Packaging
Solution
50
Infectious
Offensive
Sharps
Medicine
Electrical
General
Waste/
Equipment
Recycling
Assessment of
Mirror Entries
Waste
Stream
Hazardous
Ingredient (s)
% of Ingredient
in Waste
Risk Phrase assigned
to hazardous ingredient (s)
51
Threshold limit
of component (s)
Threshold
exceeded?
Departmental Resources
APPENDIX 3b
1. Working with non-GM Biological Agents in Animal and Plant Sciences:
The definition of Biological Agent in the CoSHH regulations includes microorganisms such as bacteria
and fungi, provided they can cause a hazard to human health. All work with biological agents, even if
it does not involve dangerous pathogens, may cause disease in susceptible persons, or of causing
contamination if released into the general environment.
Principal hazards:



Inhalation of microorganisms
Ingestion of microorganisms
Inoculation of microorganisms
Anyone working in a laboratory handling Biological Agents must first be trained in safe working
practices, inexperienced workers must be under the supervision of an experienced laboratory
worker.
Risk assessments
Under the Control of Substances to Health (CoSHH) Regulations 2002, all work involving biological
agents must be satisfactorily assessed for risk BEFORE work commences. This must consider the
nature of the agent, the hazards associated with it (them), minimum containment level and any
control measures required to minimise the risk.
CoSHH assessments should be documented and reviewed regularly, preferably annually, to monitor
control of risk. (Review also if procedure is amended)
Facilities
Work with Biological Agents may only be carried out in laboratories specifically designated as
suitable for this work, and with appropriate containment facilities. The laboratories are under the
supervision of the designated Departmental Biological Safety Officer, currently Professor Julie
Scholes. (contact: j.scholes@sheffield.ac.uk)
52
General Good Laboratory Practice






No personal items should be brought into the laboratory.
Suitable protective clothing (as identified by the CoSHH) assessment) must be worn.
Scrupulous personal hygiene must be observed at all times. There must be absolutely no
eating or drinking, chewing gum or application of cosmetics! Hands must be washed before
and after removal of gloves.
Mouth pipetting is forbidden in all laboratories.
Minor cuts, scratches and abrasions should be sealed with waterproof dressings before
entering the laboratory.
Used ‘sharps’ must be disposed of into approved sharps bins which will be sent for
incineration. Bins must be changed regularly and not overfilled.
Categories of Pathogens
In Animal and Plant Sciences we only use Group 1 and Group 2 microbiological organisms. These
categories are assigned by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP), which
designates the standards of laboratory containment needed for work with each group.
Group 1
An organism that is most unlikely to cause human disease.
Group 2
An organism that may cause human disease and which might be a hazard to
laboratory workers but is unlikely to spread to the community. Laboratory exposure
rarely produces infection and effective prophylaxis or effective treatment are usually
available.
The minimum standard for all microbiological work in the University involving microorganisms which
may harm human health is Containment Level 2.
Containment Level Facilities
Containment Level 2
1. The laboratory must be easy to clean. Bench surfaces should be impervious to water and
resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents and disinfectants.
2. Access to the laboratory should be limited to laboratory personnel and other specified
persons.
3. There should be adequate space (24m3) in the laboratory for each worker.
4. If the laboratory is mechanically ventilated, an inward airflow into the laboratory must be
maintained by extracting room air to atmosphere.
5. The laboratory must contain a wash-hand basin which should be located near the laboratory
exit. Taps must be of a type which can be operated without being touched by hand.
6. An autoclave for the sterilisation of waste materials must be readily accessible, normally in
the same building as the laboratory.
7. The laboratory door should be closed when the work is in progress.
8. Laboratory coats must be of the Howie type (side fastening) and must be worn in the
laboratory. Coats must be removed when leaving the laboratory suite. Separate storage (eg
53
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
pegs) must be provided in the laboratory suite for this clothing. Coats must be autoclaved
before being laundered.
No eating, drinking, chewing gum, food or applying cosmetics.
No mouth pipetting.
Wash and disinfect hands immediately if contamination is suspected, after handling infective
materials and before leaving the laboratory.
Minimise aerosol production. Work can be carried out on the open bench, but for any
manipulations such as vigorous mixing, work should be done in a class 1 microbiological
safety cabinet. The cabinet must exhaust to the outside air or to the laboratory extract
system.
Effective disinfectants eg 1% Virkon must be available for routine disinfection, and for
immediate use in the case of a spillage.
Disinfect bench tops after use.
Store any used glassware and other materials awaiting sterilisation in a safe manner.
Pipettes must be totally immersed in disinfectant, if using.
Material for autoclaving must be transported to the autoclave without any spillage, and in
robust containers.
All waste must be disposed of according to University Procedures for the disposal of
Biological Waste.
All accidents and incidents of contamination must be reported immediately to the PI
responsible for the work, and recorded. Safety Services should be informed via a University
Accident/Dangerous Occurrence form by the Biological Safety Officer.
Protective clothing and changing facilities
Anyone working in a microbiology laboratory must wear a Howie type lab coat, which must be
removed before leaving the laboratory, even for a short duration. It should be left on a convenient
hook for ‘in use’ clothing, which should be close to the exit door and wash-hand basins.
Wash hand basins must be provided close to the exit door, and all persons leaving the laboratory
suite, having removed their lab coat, must wash their hands. Taps need to be of the type operated
without touching by hand, and disposable paper towels must be used for drying.
Decontamination of equipment
All equipment, such as safety cabinets, must be made safe before maintenance takes place,
including inspection.
Accidents
All accidents, no matter how trivial, must be reported.
A record must be kept of all accidents, incidents of contamination and any infections that occur in
the laboratory, and these must be regularly checked by the BSO. Safety Services must be informed
using an Accident/Dangerous Occurrence form, and measures must be taken to prevent any
reoccurrence. Laboratories must have written procedures for dealing with accidents and spillages,
and Safety Services should have copies of these. The procedures must give details of who is
responsible for taking action, these must be experienced and trained laboratory workers.
54
Accidents
In the case of any accidental skin puncture, contamination of abraded skin or of eyes, mouth or
nose, any wound should be encouraged to bleed freely, and any contaminated part must be washed
gently under running water. HOD or BSO, and Safety Services must be informed. Every care should
be taken to avoid needlestick injuries. Needles should be removed from syringes by use of ‘needle
remover’ systems, needles must only be re-sheathed if the sheath is held in a protective holder, not
in the hand. Needles should be discarded directly into a sharps container for incineration. When
expelling air from a syringe do not discharge into the atmosphere, but into an alcohol-soaked swab.
Spillages
Cover any spill with cotton wool or absorbent paper towels and a suitable disinfectant should be
poured on to the absorbent material to soak it thoroughly. The area should be cordoned off until
decontaminated. After leaving for a designated period, dependent on the type of spillage and the
disinfectant used, the material should be cleared away by an experienced and trained member of
laboratory staff, who must wear disposable gloves. Waste must be swept into a suitable container
(glass must not be put into plastic bags) using disposable cloths or paper towels. Do not use dust
pans and brushes unless these can be autoclaved. Materials used to clear up spillages must be
disposed of correctly.
Transport of Biological Agents
Viable organisms of Group 2 and above may only be transported outside the laboratory complex
when properly packed. The primary container must be closed securely eg screw cap, and placed
inside a sealable plastic bag. Any paperwork must be attached to the outside of the bag, not with
staples. The bag should then be transported in a closed impervious box that will contain any
spillages, and can be disinfected.
Health Surveillance Records of Laboratory Workers
Health surveillance for biological risks may not always be appropriate. Advice can be obtained from
Staff Occupational Health Unit.
Disposal of waste materials
Any waste must not be removed from the laboratory until either it has been sterilised by autoclaving
or has been placed in a suitable receptacle for sending for autoclaving or for incineration.
Contaminated fluids must be sterilised by autoclaving before disposal. Cultures must be autoclaved
before disposal, immersion in disinfectant is not sufficient.
Cleaning
Hard surfaces should be cleaned at the end of each working day with a prescribed disinfectant.
55
Disinfectants
The preferred disinfectant is Virkon, at the recommended manufacturer’s dilution.
Containers of fresh disinfectant at ready-to-use dilutions must be readily available. Containers must
be regularly exchange to ensure activity.
Disinfectants must be available for discard of contaminated materials and equipment, all of which
must be fully immersed. Discarded items should be left in disinfectant for an appropriate specified
period, usually overnight.
Separate supplies of disinfectant must be readily available to deal with accidents and spillages, these
must be renewed daily.
Autoclaves
Autoclaves nominated for disposal purposes must have a regular maintenance schedule, including
monitoring by an engineer as recommended by the manufacturer. This must include trial cycles with
thermocouples inside disposal containers at least on an annual cycle. The BMM Weston autoclave in
C50 is the only autoclave nominated for disposal purposes.
Performance of other autclaves should be monitored regularly by including an easy-to-read
temperature indicator in each cycle. Bags or bins for material to be sterilised must be suitable for
purpose. They should not restrict air removal and steam penetration, but should be impervious to
prevent spillages.
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APPENDIX 3c
Aseptic techniques.
Protocol
Agar plates are used for isolation and some assays, and for short term maintenance of cultures. Agar
slant tubes are usually used for long term maintenance. Broths (liquid media) are used to grow
isolates for some assays or for the assays themselves.
Media sterilisation
All labware and all media must be sterilised before use. Most media and instruments are sterilised
using a steam autoclave to produce moist heat. Other methods, including filtration, ethylene oxide,
radiation, or ultraviolet light, may be necessary if components are heat-labile or materials are not
heat-resistant.
An autoclave is designed to deliver steam into a pressure chamber, generating high temperature and
pressure at the same time. Heating media to above 121o C for 4 to 20 min. destroys nearly all living
cells and spores. High pressure allows the temperature to exceed 100 degrees, which can't be
accomplished with steam at atmospheric pressure. The autoclave is effectively a giant pressure
cooker.
To properly use an autoclave









Know the instrument - some are fully automatic, some are fully manual
Prepare supplies properly - the more layers or greater the volume, the longer it will take for
the interior to heat up
Check the steam pressure (and ensure that the instrument is set for slow exhaust if liquids
are to be sterilised if this is possible on the machine you are using)
Ensure that the door (lid) is closed and secured properly
Check that the time and/or automatic cycle are set properly
Ensure that the temperature is well below 80o before attempting to open the door
Ease open the door/lid to allow steam to vent, keeping face and hands well away from the
opening
***CAUTION*** Exposing tightly stoppered bottles to variable pressures may result in
explosion and injury. When heating any liquids using any method, take care when moving
the flask or bottle. Material near the bottom may be superheated and boil over when
moved. Stoppers, caps and covers, must be vented - never fit tightly. Wear heat resistant
gloves and a face visor when emptying the autoclave.
*** Only trained and authorised staff are permitted to use autoclaves. Check with the
technician in the area you are working in. The only authorised users of any of the autoclaves
in C50 are Hazel Basford, Malcolm Crookes and David Hague.
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Agar plates
When prepared for inoculation, a plate contains solid agar to provide a surface for growth, mixed
with nutrient materials. Agar media is prepared either by mixing 1 to 2% agar with individual
components or by using a pre-mixed powder. The components must be heated to melt the agar and
sterilised in a flask or bottle, then poured into the plates using aseptic technique, preferably in a
sterile cabinet (laminar flow hood).
Containers used for media must have vented tops and should be capable of holding at least 20%
more than the intended volume of medium, to allow for expansion during sterilisation. Agar does
not distribute uniformly when melted. A safe way to ensure a uniform distribution is to drop a
magnetic stir bar in the flask or bottle, then gently stir the medium after sterilisation, while it cools.
If screw cap bottles are used, the cap must be loosened prior to sterilisation.
The general procedure.

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


Ensure that you have time to prepare the medium, sterilise it, cool it (with stirring) and pour
the plates.
Measure appropriate volume of deionised water into a flask or bottle.
Drop in a stir bar if using.
Layer the powder on the water surface, allow to soak in.
(Stir or swirl to mix then heat in a microwave oven to melt the agar (uncapped) – not
essential, but helpful)
Place cap or foil on opening (do not tighten caps - leave loose to allow venting)
Steam sterilise for minimum of 15 min in appropriate autoclave (check media instructions
for sterilisation time)
After safely removing the materials, use stir plate to mix sterilised agar and allow it to cool
enough to be handled
Pour recommended volume (usually 15-20 ml) into each plate in a laminar flow hood
(recommended) or with aseptic technique, at a bench
Allow plates to cool and lose some moisture.
Store plates inverted in a closed container
Some media require that you add a nutrient component and/or adjust pH before sterilisation. Some
antibiotics and other heat-labile components must be filter-sterilised and then added to cooled
liquid agar.
Broth tubes
The only difference between broth and agar media is that broths do not contain an agar component.
To prepare broth a dry medium is layered onto the surface of a measured volume of water as with
agar media, mixed, and distributed into individual loosely capped or vented capped tubes in racks.
Heating to dissolve components is sometimes required, but not always. Tubes are steam sterilised
and then allowed to cool, and caps tightened to prevent evaporation. Unlike preparation of agar
plates, tubes are prepared with media already in the incubation vessel. A large volume syringe
makes distribution of media into individual tubes easier.
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Agar tubes and agar slant tubes
Prepare agar for a tube as you would agar for pouring plates, but use an open vessel, not a bottle.
Beakers are most appropriate. Medium must be uniformly distributed after melting the agar. As with
broth tubes, it is easiest to use a syringe or some other repeating dispenser to deliver media to
individual tubes.
Some applications call for a tube that is partially filled with agar to give a level surface. For
maintaining stocks of isolates or to prepare material for assays, slant tubes are helpful. A slant is
simply a tube placed at an angle during cooling to give a large slanted surface for inoculation. The
tube can be tightly capped for relatively long term storage of an isolate with low risk of
contamination or drying out of the culture. A large "butt," that is, the depth of agar below the start
of the surface area, helps prevent drying out. Some liquid near the bottom of the surface also helps
serve that purpose.
To prepare an agar slant each tube should be filled sufficiently to allow the agar to flow to just below
the neck when the neck is laid over a horizontal 10 ml glass pipette (or similar). The tubes are
sterilized with caps loose as with all media, then laid on their sides using a pipette to keep them
tilted up just enough to create a long slanted surface. After cooling, the caps are tightened and the
tubes are ready for use.
59
Aseptic technique
Media on which you culture microorganisms will readily grow contaminants, especially moulds and
other types of fungus, and bacteria from your skin and hair. It is essential that you protect your
cultures from contamination from airborne spores and living microorganisms, surface contaminants
that may be on your instruments, and from skin contact.
When it is necessary to open a dish, keep the lid close to the dish, open it only as far and as long as is
necessary, and keep the lid between your face and the agar surface.


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

For most bacterial cultures you will use a sterile loop or needle to inoculate or to obtain an
inoculum.
If working on the open bench, clean bench tops using 1% Virkon immediately before you
start to work.
Flame a loop or needle to red-hot just prior to use, burning off any organic material.
Cool the instrument by touching the sterile agar or liquid surface prior to touching a culture
(or else you will kill it).
Re-sterilize the instrument after performing the procedure.
Pass the neck of any container with a culture or sterile contents through a flame before
taking off the cap. Hold the cap with opening down, and the tube horizontal or nearly so.
(Convection from the heated neck will prevent contamination). Flame again before putting
the cap back .
Use sterile disposable pipettes to remove samples from a broth culture that must be kept
uncontaminated.
Always be aware of where of the possibility of contamination. Tie back long hair, particularly
if using an open flame.
Keep flammables away from the flames, including alcohol used for sterilizing instruments; do
not place a heated loop or glass rod into an alcohol dish
Please note: When using sterile disposable plasticware eg loops and spreaders, these should not
be flamed. Be careful when using Duran bottles as these have a plastic ring at the neck, flame
these very quickly. If in doubt, ask the technician in the area in which you are working.
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Using a sterile cabinet
Unlike a fume hood, which is designed to keep airborne substances from escaping into the
laboratory environment, a sterile cabinet keeps airborne contaminants from getting into the hood. A
simple laminar flow hood protects exposed sterile surfaces that are placed inside. A containment
hood does both jobs, keeping airborne particulate matter from going in or out. To use a hood
properly, remember these points.

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

Keep all surfaces clean and dry.
Always swab the laminar flow cabinet with IMS before working in it. Swab from right to top
to left then base. (Class 2 cabinets have filters so avoid spraying the top of the cabinet with
IMS)
Turn on light and fan.
The opening must not exceed the recommended sash height.
Surfaces kept to back of the hood are more likely to remain sterile, as are objects kept close
to the table surface.
Keep non-sterile objects closer to the front, sterile objects to the back.
Keep the hood uncluttered .
Never reach over a sterile surface - you WILL contaminate it; reach around sterile surfaces if
necessary.
Place lids with sterile side DOWN; don't turn lids upside down.
Use slow, deliberate movements to avoid inadvertant contamination
General
All cultures must be sterilized before disposal. Get rid of materials you no longer need as soon as
possible. All contaminated plasticware should be placed into an autoclave bag before transferring to
C50.
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APPENDIX 3d
A floor facilities
A floor is divided into 2 main areas, both controlled by swipe card, and permission from the PI is
needed before these can be activated. Both areas are alarmed, the alarm is taken off between 8am
and 8.30am daily, and reset at 5pm. Access to the first area is restricted to users of the insectary and
aquaria and CT rooms, access to the aviary is restricted to staff and postgraduates who require to
use this facility as part of their research.
Staff:
Academics in charge
Prof T Birkhead, t.r.birkhead@sheffield.ac.uk
Dr G Fraser, g.fraser@sheffield.ac.uk
Prof M Siva-Jothy, m.siva-jothy@sheffield.ac.uk
Dr P Watt, p.j.watt@sheffield.ac.uk
Facility manager
Facility technical staff
Mrs A Blake, a.blake@sheffield.ac.uk
Miss L Gregory, l.gregory@sheffield.ac.uk
Mrs H Rigg, h.rigg@sheffield.ac.uk
Mrs G Newsome, g.newsome@sheffield.ac.uk
Mr P Young, phil.young@sheffield.ac.uk
Work in the aviary and aquaria is subject to Home Office Regulations. Anyone needing to work in
these areas must discuss this with their PI before commencing any work.
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Safety
Anyone needing to work with animals (including insects) must attend Staff Occupational Health for a
health assessment before commencing work. This assessment will be repeated annually, or more
frequently if considered necessary. This is to identify at an early stage if there are any health
problems occurring because of exposure to allergens.
The main hazards in the A floor facility are dusts, animal allergens and manual handling of heavy
equipment/feed bags.
Exposure to allergens/dusts are reduced through a rigorous cleaning regime, frequent air changes
and air filtration and use of a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner, nuisance dust masks are available for
use.
Users of the aviary must wear green lab coats, which are laundered within the facility weekly.
These coats must not be worn outside the aviary. White lab coats should be worn within the
insectary.
Anyone experiencing any breathing problems, or any signs of allergy must immediately report this to
their PI/senior technical staff, who should take appropriate action. Allergies can quickly develop and
can be life-threatening.
First Aid – there are first aid boxes available throughout the facility, if you do use anything from any
of the boxes, please let Hazel Basford know so that they can be restocked.
Fire alarms – these are tested at 11am on Tuesday mornings. At any other time, or if the alarm on
Tuesdays persists for more than 1minute, then you should evacuate the facility and congregate on
the concourse underneath the bridge. Do not re-enter the building until told to do so.
Out of hours – all the departmental rules concerning out of hours apply, plus workers must ensure
they have the alarm code, and must reset the alarm if they are the last to leave the area.
63
APPENDIX 3e
Guidelines for solo working in the field
Emergency numbers:
Police/Ambulance
999 or 112(from your mobile phone)
University
0114 2224444/0114 2224085
**It is preferable to avoid solo field work where possible**
At your lodgings/workplace:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Brief your host and leave clear written instructions.
State a time, making generous allowance for possible problems eg car breakdown, after
which your ‘host’ will contact the police/emergency services. (Advise your host to resist
the temptation to wait until first light!)
If applicable, state where your vehicle is likely to be parked, give its number and
description, and give the maximum distance away from the vehicle that you are likely to
be working.
Indicate that more details will be found in the vehicle but give general hints as to where
you are most likely to be found.
Give names, addresses and telephone numbers of any colleagues also working in the
district, and give a contact number for your place of work.
If you are not going by car, these details should be left with the ‘host’.
If you cannot easily make arrangements with a local contact, try to phone home or
contact a colleague at agreed times during the day, and in the evening.
In your vehicle:
1.
Leave a dated note and map, clearly visible from outside the vehicle, stating as
accurately as possible where you expect to be working each day. Bear in mind that in
areas where car thieves are active, this may be seen as an invitation to break into/steal
the vehicle. Again, if you are not going by car, or if you have concerns about theft, leave
these details with your ‘host’.
With you:
1.
2.
3.
Always be prepared! The above precautions should reduce the possibility of having to
spend a long time in the open, search and rescue can take many hours to organise. Dress
with due regard for the season and prevailing weather conditions. Take a hot drink and
high energy food eg chocolate. Always take a survival bag and whistle with you.
Take a mobile phone with you if possible. Check for signal in the area you are working,
preferably before you start work. Check in each new area. Do not solely rely on using the
mobile in an emergency.
It may be useful to carry a GPS with you.
64
APPENDIX 3f
Medical in Confidence
University of Sheffield
Staff Occupational Health Service
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE: BIOLOGICAL AGENTS & GENETIC MODIFICATION
The information contained in this questionnaire will be held in confidence by the Staff
Occupational Health Service at the University of Sheffield.
The COSHH Regulations require that individuals working with certain higher risk biological
agents – Hazard Group 3/4 and all those that are genetically modified, are kept under health
surveillance. This will mainly consist of a simple paper health screening form completed
prior to starting work to identify anyone who may be at increased risk of infection and
maintaining a record of a person’s involvement in such work. If there is further health
surveillance required during work this will be specified in project risk assessment.
You should inform the Staff Occupational Health Service:
 If you are involved in any incident where you may be accidentally exposed to the
pathogens you work with
 If you develop symptoms that may be caused by exposure to the pathogens
 If you develop any health condition which may increase your risk of infection if
exposed
PERSONAL DETAILS
Surname:
First Names:
Date of Birth:
Surname at Birth:
Job title:
PhD Student
Yes / No
Department:
Tel No:
Mobile No:
Email:
Home Address:
Project Supervisor:
Date of Commencement of Present Employment:
GP Name and Address:
PROJECT INFORMATION
1. What pathogens do you use in your research?
..............................................................
2. Give Hazard Group of pathogen:
...................................................................................
3. Are these attenuated or GM strains? (If yes, give details and
class).............................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
4. Brief description of work.................................................................................................
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.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
5. Date work begins: ........................................Intended duration: ....................................
6. Does your work involve handling of human tissue (inc. blood or serum)?
.....................
7. Does your work involve fieldwork abroad?
.....................................................................
Please note that if you fail to provide contact details it will slow down the process of signing
you fit for GM work.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Have you suffered from any bone marrow disorder or any form of cancer?
Do you have sickle cell disease?
Have you had your spleen removed?
Have you been treated with steroids in the past 18 months?
Do you have eczema, psoriasis or any other skin disease?
Do you have any chronic lung or heart disorder?
Do you have any other health condition that may affect your resistance to
infection?
8.
Is there a history of immune-deficiency or susceptibility to infection in your
family?
9.
Do you take any medicines (inc. non-prescription drugs) regularly?
10. Have you ever had a fit or blackouts?
11. Do you have any physical impairment that may affect your ability to work
safely in a laboratory e.g. restricted mobility, impaired hearing, coordination or dexterity?
12. Are you pregnant or considering pregnancy during the duration of this
project?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, please give details:
.........................................
...................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................
13.
Is your project at a HIGH MEDIUM LOW risk of exposure to Hepatitis B
14.
Have you been vaccinated against Hepatitis B
1...........................
2..........................
Yes
No
Yes
No
3..........................
Antibody level result: ........................................... (Please attach copy of result)
15. Have you undertaken GM work in the past? (If ‘yes’ please give details)
I................................................................................... give my consent for the Staff
Occupational Health Service to add my details to the GM database stating my fitness to
undertake GM work. (Read-only access to Safety Services and Project Supervisor).
Date: ......................................................
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Completed forms should be sent to the Staff Occupational Health Service, The University of
Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, SHEFFIELD S10 2TN or staff-occupationalhealth@sheffield.ac.uk
For OH use only
Signature:
Date:
Gaa/GMform/09
The above form must be completed before work commences.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS BOX MUST BE READ BEFORE COMPLETING THE GM RISK
ASSESSMENT FORMS
Remember, work must not commence until all relevant parts of this form have been reviewed and
approved by the local Genetic Modification Safety Committee (LGMSC), and you have been notified
of this approval. It is the responsibility of the PI directing the research to ensure that all these
requirements are complied with, and that this risk assessment remains valid.
The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2000
The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) (Amendment) Regulations
2005
Further Details
http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/gmo/acgm/acgmcomp/
Risk Assessment check list for GM projects, to help with filling in the on-line risk assessment.
1. Scientific Goals of the Project (These should be explained and justified, in order to put the
work in context.)
2. Details of the Plants to be generated and their genetic modification:
Please provide details of all the GM plants/animals to be generated. eg
Species
Parent Strain(s)
Genetic Modification
Effect of modification
Name of GM plant/animal
67
3. Describe how the plant/animal was/will be produced:
4. Are any Genetically Modified Micro-organisms(GMM)to be used in this project to generate a
genetically modified plant? If yes, you will need the GMM assessment number.
5. Environmental risk assessment: This section determines the probability of ‘harm’ to the
environment by estimating the likelihood of an escape of organisms from the containment
laboratory and the consequences of such a release. eg
Describe the nature of any new biological characteristics that the modified plant/animal(s) has been
endowed with.
Describe whether the modifications made to the plant/animal will increase/decrease/not affect its
capability or descendents capability to cause harm if they entered the environment and whether
additional control measures are required.
Describe whether the GM plants/animals are capable of surviving, disseminating or displacing other
plants in the local environment.
Consider whether the GM plants/animals have pathogenecity to other animals or plants in the local
environment.
Describe whether there could be any transfer of hazardous genetic material between any of the GM
plants/animals and other organisms.
Describe whether there are any vulnerable parts of the environment which could be damaged by a
release of the GM plant/animal from containment. If yes, please indicate if such vulnerable areas
occur in the vicinity of the containment facility.
Describe whether the genetically modified plant/animal can be maintained in a stable manner
outside the laboratory
What is the likelihood of the hazards being manifested in the environment? (Answer this question
assuming that the same levels of containment as would be used for the equivalent non-modified
plant/animal only, are in place)
6. Hazards to Human Health
Describe whether any of the host organisms present a risk to human health.
Describe whether there are biologically active products produced by any of the GM plants/animals.
Give all relevant details, plus the potential hazard to humans and the expected effect on the
plants/animals. Give details of all actions to be taken to minimise risk to personnel.
Describe if there is any induction or increase in allergenic potential of any of the GM plants/animals.
Give all relevant details, plus the potential hazard to humans and the expected effect on the
plant/animal. Describe the action to be taken to minimise risk to personnel.
68
Describe whether the modified plant/animal poses a greater risk to human health than the nonmodified equivalent.
7. Other Hazards
If any of the activities may potentially generated further risks that have not previously been
accounted for then further control measures must be applied eg:
Are sharps to be used at any stage during this activity? If yes, what sharps, justify the need to use
them and describe their use and disposal. Describe any additional precautions to ensure safe use.
Will any techniques result in the production of aerosols? (eg sonicators or centrifuges) If so, describe
control measures.
Any other hazardous procedure(s) and control measures?
Describe the scale of the proposed project.
8. Control measures
Describe the likely routes of release of the GM plant/animal from the containment facility into the
local environment.
Describe the physical control measures that will be in place to minimise or prevent such
dissemination and identify the control measures required to manage the risks associated with the
modified plants/animals.
9. Waste handling
All waste contaminated with GM culture material must be rendered non-viable prior to leaving the
site for final disposal, or placed into the medical yellow bin waste stream.
If chemical disinfection is used to treat GM waste
Detail the type of waste
Specify type of disinfectant, concentration, contact time and conditions of use
Validation of treatment
Route of disposal for liquid and solid waste inc sharps
If autoclaving is used to inactivate the GM waste, please provide the following details
Detail the type of waste
Autoclave cycle, specify temp and cycle time
Monitoring of treatment eg printout of cycle
Validation of treatment
Route of disposal
Location of autoclave
Servicing details eg frequency, type of testing
Location of backup in case of breakdown
Storage area for GM waste in case of breakdown
69
10. Transport
How will GM plants/animals be transported within the lab? Detail containment measures to prevent
or minimise release.
Will viable GM plants/animals be transported to or from the lab? Describe the route of
transportation and the containers that will be used.
Emergency procedures.
Detail the procedures in place for accidental exposure eg what to do, how to report, consider need
for medical intervention.
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