Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Assessment Form
School of Life Sciences
Ref
No.
Title:
RNA extraction & PCR
Date:
20/05/15
Review
Date:
School
Section:
SLS
Location:
S4/5
SUBSTANCES
Substance(s)
Quantity
Hazardous Properties
Location (Stored)
Chemical Reactions:
RLT
350 µl/sample
Xn Harmful
No special requirements. Do
not store with acid.
Please state any material or chemical these
substances must not come in to contact with.
N/A
RPE
1 ml/sample
No special requirements. Do
not store with acid.
700 µl/sample
N/A – this does not contain >1%
of components classified as
hazardous, or >0.1%
carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic.
R 10 Flammable.
RW1
70% Ethanol
300-600 µl/sample
Highly flammable.
Store in a cool dry, well
ventilated place, in securely
closed original container.
RDD
70 µl/sample
No special requirements. Do
not store with acid.
DNase I
10 µl/sample
N/A – this does not contain >1%
of components classified as
hazardous, or >0.1%
carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic.
Xn Harmful
SYBR Green RT-PCR Master
Mix
10 µl/sample
Xn Harmful
No special requirements.
1
No special requirements. Keep
away from source of ignition.
No special requirements.
HEALTH EFFECTS / PREVENTATIVE & CONTROL MEASURES
Hazard
Existing Controls
Additional Controls
Xn Harmful
Good Laboratory Practice – wearing
lab coats, protective goggles and
gloves.
Good Laboratory Practice – closed
full containers, spill control kit, fire
extinguishers, good housekeeping.
Good Laboratory Practice – closed
full containers, spill control kit, fire
extinguishers, good housekeeping.
Check labelling of bottles. Rotate
stock. Dispose of stock which has
been stored for too long.
Check labelling of bottles. Rotate
stock. Dispose of stock which has
been stored for too long.
Check labelling of bottles. Rotate
stock. Dispose of stock which has
been stored for too long.
R 10 Flammable
Highly flammable
Health Effects

Level of exposure

Type of exposure

Duration of exposure

Amount of substance
to be used

Amount of disposal

How will it be disposed of
Signature / Date
e.g. Ventilation, suitable work equipment, PPE, respirator, etc
Does user require health surveillance
Yes
No
Has this health surveillance been organized through Occupational Health?
Yes
No
xx
xx
x
MONITORING OF EXPOSURE
Air sampling in the breathing zone – is it required
and if so has it been carried out
Potential for skin absorption – has skin been
checked?
Is it a biological agent?
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
x
x
Can a less dangerous / hazardous substance or process
be used?
Do any substances have workplace exposure limits?
No
x
If so, please give details below:
No
Substance
If yes, what is the classification?
No
Yes
No
TWA (8 hrs)
STEL (15 mins)
Note: If this applies, make reference to COSHH Reg 6 (69) and comply with the
requirements stated in the Code of Practice
If any substance(s) are extremely flammable, state
lowest flash point
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Personal Protective Equipment
Type
Protective gloves
Specification
Use impervious gloves made of butyl
Supplier
2
x
x
Yes
Notes
Full contact Material: Nitrile rubber
rubber or PVC.
Tightly sealed goggles
Long sleeved lab coats
Minimum layer thickness: 0.2 mm
Break through time: 482 min Splash
contact Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm Break
through time: 90 min
Use equipment for eye protection tested
and approved under appropriate
government standards such as EN
166(EU).
Flame retardant antistatic protective
clothing, the type of protective
equipment must be selected according to
the concentration and amount of the
dangerous substance at the specific
workplace.
First Aid Action
Contact Area
Swallowed
Contact with skin
Contact with eyes
Inhaled
Action Required
RLT: Call for a doctor immediately.
RPE: N/A
RW1: Call for a doctor immediately.
70% Ethanol: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with plenty of water and give plenty of water to drink.
RDD: N/A
DNase I: Call for a doctor immediately.
SYBR Green RT-PCR Master Mix: Call for a doctor immediately.
RLT: Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse.
RPE: N/A
RW1: Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse.
70% Ethanol: Remove contaminated clothing, immediately wash with water and soap and rinse.
RDD: N/A
DNase I: Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse.
CYBR Green RT-PCR Master Mix: Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse.
RLT: Rinse open eye for several minutes under running water then consult a doctor.
RPE: N/A
RW1: Rinse open eye for several minutes under running water then consult a doctor.
70% Ethanol: Rinse open eye for several minutes under running water then consult a doctor.
RDD: N/A
DNase I: Rinse open eye for several minutes under running water then consult a doctor.
CYBR Green RT-PCR Master Mix: Rinse open eye for several minutes under running water then consult a doctor.
RLT: Supply fresh air, consult doctor.
RPE: N/A
RW1: Supply fresh air, consult doctor.
70% Ethanol: Move effected person to fresh air, consult doctor.
RDD: N/A
DNase I: Supply fresh air, consult doctor.
3
CYBR Green RT-PCR Master Mix: Supply fresh air, consult doctor.
Spillage or Accidental Release
Fire Precautions
Specify how you would deal with spillage or accidental release
Specify actions to be taken in the event of a fire involving these substances
RLT: Absorb with liquid binding material. Ensure adequate ventilation. Dispose contaminated
material as waste according to official regulations.
RPE: N/A
RW1: Absorb with liquid binding material. Ensure adequate ventilation. Dispose contaminated
material as waste according to official regulations.
70% Ethanol: Absorb with liquid binding material. With small quantities allow to evaporate in a
safe place.
RDD: N/A
DNase I: Dispose contaminated material as waste according to official regulations.
CYBR Green RT-PCR Master Mix: Absorb with liquid binding material.
RLT: CO2 powder or water spray extinguishers. Fight larger fires with water spray or alcohol
resistant foam. Do not inhale explosion or combustion gasses.
RPE: N/A
RW1: CO2 powder or water spray extinguishers. Fight larger fires with water spray or alcohol
resistant foam. Do not inhale explosion or combustion gasses.
70% Ethanol: CO2, dry chemical, sand, dolomite etc. Water spray. Do not inhale explosion or
combustion gasses.
RDD: N/A
DNase I: CO2 powder or water spray extinguishers. Fight larger fires with water spray or alcohol
resistant foam. Do not inhale explosion or combustion gasses.
CYBR Green RT-PCR Master Mix: CO2 powder or water spray extinguishers. Fight larger fires
with water spray or alcohol resistant foam. Do not inhale explosion or combustion gasses.
SIGNATURE
Assessment completed by (PRINT NAME)
Dr. Theodore B. Henry
Signature
Date
20 May 2015
RE-ASSESSMENT
Date for re-assessment
Review date
Reviewed by (PRINT NAME)
Signature
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