UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
COSHH ASSESSMENT
DEPARTMENT: Geography
LOCATION: Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
DATE: 09/09/08
ASSESSOR: C.J.Rolfe
PROJECT UNDER ASSESSMENT:
Description of project - Preparation of samples for analysis of metals AAS or ICP
Scale and frequency of activity – The analysis is infrequent and is usually a single batch
analysis. Up to 16 samples can be process at any one time.
Major items of equipment - The Preparation Room is equipped with fume cupboard, whirlimixer,
sand baths, water baths, digestion blocks and a centrifuge. The Instrument Room is equipped with
an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analyser. The Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) is
located in the William Hardy Building.
Principal techniques - Samples are treated with a variety of reagents(strong acids [typically aqua
regia –conc hydrochloric and nitric acid] and oxidising agents) to extract the required metal into
solution. The samples are then centifuged and the supernatant containing the extracted metal is
kept (filtering using a Buchner funnel is an alternative method). The solution containing the
extracted metal is then diluted and analysed using an ICP or AAS to determine the metal content.
Signature...................................................................
NECESSARY ADDITIONAL
CONTROL MEASURES
ACTION TAKEN
This assessment should be reviewed each year. Using the area below this assessment can
be re-used if there is little change in the work undertaken.
DATE
COMMENT
SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR
I have received a copy of this risk assessment, and have read and understood the
information which it contains.
Name.............................. Signature............................................... Date.............................
(please print)
COSHH Assessment - Preparation Room, Department of Geography.
PROJECT: Preparation of samples for analysis of metals.
HAZARD
Hazardous substances
(including waste products)
acetone (propanone)
methylated spirit
hydrogen peroxide 35% 100v
nitric acid conc. 1.42 spg
nitric acid 20% soln.
hydrochloric acid conc. 35%
hydrochloric acid 7% soln.
sulphuric acid conc. 98%
Quantities
Stored
l/Kg
2.5l
5l
10l
2.5l
5l
2.5l
5l
2.5l
In-use
g/ml
30ml
300ml
1.2l
300ml
600ml
800ml
600ml
20ml
Frequency
daily
daily
daily
occasionally
monthly
weekly
daily
daily
CONTROL MEASURES
Potential
Duration
hours/day
<1 (15min)
1-4
1-4
<1 (5min)
<1 (15min)
<1 (5min)
1-2
<1 (5min)
Exposure limit
absorption
route
Ih,Ig,SC,E
Ih,Ig,SC,E
Ih,Ig,SC,E
Ih,Ig,SC,E
Ig,SC,E 5
Ih,Ig,SC,E
Ig,SC,E 7
Ih,Ig,SC,E
Personal Emergency
short / long-term
mg m-3 mg m-3
2400
3000
1900
1.5
5
10
10
7
7
7
1
-
Additional comments: All students and workers are advised of potential hazards associated with these chemicals.
The use of commonsense controls and safety procedures are promoted at all times.
NOTES:
Potential absorption route - Ih=lnhalation, Ig=Ingestion, SC=Skin Contact, E=Eyes.
Personal protection - g=gloves, a=apron, s=safety glasses.
Emergency procedures - h=hospital, s=sodium carbonate solution, l=slaked lime, e=eye washing.
protection procedures
g,s
g,s
g,a,s
g,a,s
g,s
g,a,s
g,s
g,a,s
e
e
h,e
h,s,l,e
e
h,s,l,e
e
h,s,l,e
COSHH Risk Assessment - Preparation Room, Department of Geography.
PROJECT: Preparation of soil, samples for analysis of metals.
Severity of risk Likelihood
of risk assessment
Hazardous substances
(including waste products)
Total risk
acetone (propanone)
3
methylated spirit 3
2
hydrogen peroxide 35% 100v
nitric acid conc. 1.42 spg 4
nitric acid 20% soln.
2
hydrochloric acid conc. 35%
hydrochloric acid 7% soln. 2
sulphuric acid conc. 98% 4
6
2
6
4
2
2
4
3
2
2
8
4
2
6
8
8
8
Severity
5 V.High - Possibility of multiple deaths/structural damage
4 High - Death or serious injury to an individual
3 Moderate - Injury/disease to individual - 3 day absence
2 Slight - minor injury - first aid - continue work
1 Nil - no risk of injury or disease
Likelihood
5 V.Likely - Almost 100% certain if work continues
4 Likely
3 Quite possible
2 Possible
1 Not likely - Would only occur under freak conditions