LABORATORY
SAFETY
RULES
Lab managers:
Jan Vinogradov
Matthew Jackson (ex. 46538)
Technical support:
Graham Nash (ex. 47471)
Building support:
Jason Hoadley (ex. 47434)
LAB SAFETY RULES
19/02/13
Access
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Always plan and prepare for your activities in the laboratory.
Complete user checks on your equipment before starting experiments.
Be ready for a safety inspection at any time. Failures will result in suspension from the lab.
Leave the door unlocked when anyone is in the lab (on "F"). However for security it is
imperative that you lock the lab if it is empty when you leave.
No food or drink is allowed anywhere in the lab, including the lockers.
Bags and jackets or any other personal items must be left on the coathooks or stored in
your cupboard.
Maintain high levels of housekeeping at all times – keep your own and shared areas clean and
tidy, including the mixing area and the sink.
Liaise with the lab manager when buying/acquiring new equipment which is large or is
difficult to install, to ensure space is found for it.
Never leave experiments unattended unless it is safe to do so.
Do not leave unused objects or equipment in the lab, on the surfaces or on the floor at any
times.
Before using equipment belonging to another experiment or worker, make sure you have
their permission and are trained to use the equipment. Return any borrowed items in a
timely fashion and in their original state of repair.
Lone working is only permitted during the hours of 9am to 7pm on weekdays, unless special
permission is obtained from the lab manager with 48 hours notice.
Take regular breaks away from the lab if you are working there continuously.
Make sure your equipment or work area is safe before you leave the lab.
Always wash your hands before leaving the lab.
PPE
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Full length clothing must be worn in the lab at all times (legs, arms and torso are covered).
Tie long hair back securely and do not wear dangling jewellery or loose scarves.
Solid and enclosed shoes with a good grip must be worn in the lab at all times, such as
trainers or boots.
When working with chemicals, compressed gases or manual handling, buttoned-up labcoat
or overalls must be worn.
Safety glasses or goggles must be worn in the lab at all times. Spectacle wearers need to
wear over glasses or get prescription safety glasses.
Visitors must wear safety glasses when touring the lab.
Gloves must be worn when handling compressed gases, chemicals, adhesives or other
hazardous substances. Check the suitability of gloves for the application (eg. manual handling,
pvc, nitrile).
Always use the fume cupboard when using volatile chemicals or potentially airborne solids.
Lack of PPE provision in the lab is not an excuse - the majority we require can be readily
obtained from Chem Eng Stores.
Hazardous Substances
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Hazardous substances must be stored in the safety cabinet.
When new chemicals are acquired, complete COSHH, add a relevant MSDS to the lab folder
and log the name in the chemical list.
LAB SAFETY RULES
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19/02/13
Equipment at risk of becoming contaminated with chemicals should be cleaned before and
after use (eg. scales, mixers, stirrers).
Label all solutions clearly with the chemical name, concentration, date and your name, and
remove old labels before mixing new solutions.
Thoroughly rinse all glassware immediately after use and put it away.
Any sharps must be placed in the special yellow waste bin.
Follow the correct disposal route for each hazardous substance – do not put it down the
sink unless it is safe to do so.
Risk Assessments
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A standard operating procedure and risk assessment needs to be agreed by your supervisor
before experiments can commence.
Put a copy of these in the lab folders and send to your lab manager.
Any changes to your protocol, even minor ones, require a review and update of your risk
assessments.
If your activities present a direct risk to people working in your vicinity, they must be
informed before the experiments commence.
If you are regularly lifting or moving loads of more than 22 kg, you will need to complete a
manual handling assessment.
Emergency
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If you notice an emergency from outside the lab, immediately contact campus security by the
nearest internal phone at RSM reception on 4444 or by mobile 020 7589 1000. Do not
enter the lab unless you know it is safe to do so.
If you notice an emergency inside the lab, immediately contact campus security from the lab
phone on 4444.
Make sure you know how to contain any chemical spills or releases of hazardous substances
you use.
Contain any spills immediately after making your equipment safe.
If using flammable or highly volatile chemicals, ensure you know the correct procedure to
deal with a fire of these chemicals.
Ensure you know what to do if exposed to a dangerous chemical you are using.
Any accidents or near misses must be reported to the lab manager.
Please tell the lab manager if you use any of the first aid equipment.
Make equipment safe and leave the lab immediately if the fire alarm sounds.
Alert anyone being unsafe in the lab immediately.