Date: 30/10/2015
Review Date: 30/10/2016
Assessment Reference:
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Department of Geography
LABORATORY RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
Experiment or Procedure (include a brief description & reaction conditions i.e. temperature, solvent, work up procedures and frequency of
exposure):
SAMPLE EXAMINATION, DESCRIPTION AND SUB-SAMPLING (INCLUDING USE OF THE 4˚C COLD STORE).
These activities may be undertaken several times a week. Samples may be of soil, sediment, vegetable or water material.
Sediment may be in the form of bulk samples weighing up to 5 kg, or cores up to 1 m long and 10 cm in diameter. There may be
up to 50 samples in a batch.
Samples of soil, sediment or vegetable material may be taken from short-term storage, the 4C cold store or directly from the
field. The samples are laid out on a bench and the protective wrappings are removed. The material may be photographed and
described, and dilute (7%) hydrochloric acid may be used to test for the presence of carbonate. Sub-sampling of the material may
require the use of knives, spatulas, razor blades or volumetric samplers. After examination or sampling, the material may be rewrapped and returned to short-term storage or the 4˚C cold store.
Risks associated with the procedure (What are the hazards and risks?):
The hazards are handling dilute acids (7% hydrochloric acid), the main risks involved are the contact to eyes, inhalation and
ingestion of, or contamination by, these reagents.
An additional hazard is the use of a blades and knives, the risk here is of physical injury (cuts).
Risk implications:
Is there any substance used or formed that might give rise to explosion (e.g. flammable gases/liquids)?
YES
If yes, how can you ensure that no explosion occurs? Use dilute acids in fume cupboard
Is it reasonably foreseeable that the lower explosive limit will be reached in the event of a leak/spillage?
NO
If yes, a more detailed risk assessment is required.
Is there likelihood of copious amounts of gas being released or thermal runaway?
NO
Can any of the substances be substituted for a less hazardous substance?
NO
What could happen if there was catastrophic failure of the apparatus? _______________________________________________
In the event of an accident, who might be exposed? _____________________________________________________________
Substances to be used (List ALL substances including solvents, expected products and by-products):
Substances Used
7% hydrochloric acid
Approx.
Physical Form
Hazards
Quantity
i.e. dust, vapour,
volatile liquid etc
i.e. flammable, corrosive, irritant,
readily absorbed through skin
500ml
liquid
Corrosive, irritant
Exposure
Route
i.e. skin, eyes
Skin, eyes,
inhalation,
ingestion
Are any of the substances listed above R42, R43, R45, R46, R49, R60, R61, R64?
NO
(If yes, contact Occupational Health and refer where necessary to the University Code of Practice on the Safe Use of Carcinogens etc)
Chemical Hazard Risk Assessment Form HSD 030C
© University of Cambridge
Revised July 2004
Control measures to be used (continue on a separate sheet if necessary):
Containment:
Personal Protective Equipment:
Fume cupboard
NO
Lab coat / overalls
YES
Glove box / isolator
NO
Chemical apron
NO
Safety cabinet
NO
Gloves
YES
Local exhaust ventilation
NO
Eye Protection
YES
Respiratory protective equipment
NO
Other (specify)
Other (specify) N/A
Are any additional controls required? (Consider nearby sources of ignition, formation of explosive atmospheres/mixtures, asphyxiation
in confined spaces)
Lab coat, gloves and eye protection are the minimum required personal protection for all reagent use.
Disposal measures to be used during and after the procedure: (Also consider by-products and washings)
7% Hydrochloric Acid can be washed down the sink with copious amounts of water
Emergency Procedures (emphasise any special hazards):

Shutdown Procedures: N/A

Action in the event of fire (type of fire extinguisher): Powder

Action in the event of spillage or uncontrolled release: Don’t panic, this can be diluted with copious amounts of water and
mopped up, if in doubt, vacate the laboratory and summon help.

Emergency treatment for personnel in the event of contamination, exposure to fumes or other adverse effects
Inhalation: Remove casualty to fresh air, summon first aid if needed.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Immediately rinse mouth and drink plenty of water (200-300 ml). Get medical attention
immediately!
Skin contact: Flood skin with cool clean water and summon first aid.
Eye contact: Irrigate with cool clean water for at least 20 minutes, summon first aid, send to A & E Unit at Addenbrookes
Hospital.
Name of assessor:
Signature:
Date:
Name of co-signatory: (e.g. Supervisor / authorised deputy)
Signature:
Date:
Note: This risk assessment should be reviewed at least annually and when there is any significant change in procedure.
Chemical Hazard Risk Assessment Form HSD 030C
© University of Cambridge
Revised July 2004