DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

SAFETY HANDBOOK

1

Department of Chemistry

SAFETY HANDBOOK Safety information for the university as a whole is available on the web site of the Safety Office at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/safety/ The documents available constitute SITU (“Safety In The University”). The safety information given below is also available on the Department’s web site at: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry/info/safety/ in both HTML and pdf formats. SECTION A: ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES

A1 FIRE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES A2 MEDICAL TREATMENT A3 SPILLAGE RESPONSE AND CONTROL A4 ON DISCOVERING A FLOOD/ACCIDENT REPORTING A5 RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY IN LABORATORIES AND

OFFICES A6 LOCATION OF FIRST AID BOXES

SECTION B: PEOPLE AND POLICY

B1 HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES B2 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY HEALTH AND SAFETY

POLICY B3 SAFETY IN THE UNIVERSITY (SITU) B4 AREA 4 SAFETY COMMITTEE B5 DEPARTMENTAL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION POLICY

SECTION C: LABORATORY RULES

C1 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) C2 DISPOSAL OF WASTE SOLVENTS AND CHEMICALS C3 LONE WORKING C4 COSSH AND OTHER RISK ASSESSMENTS C5 STORAGE OF CHEMICALS C6 UNPLEASANT SMELLS & EMISSIONS C7 USE OF LASERS IN THE DEPARTMENT C8 SOLVENT STILLS C9 NITRIC ACID AS A CLEANING AGENT

SECTION D: RISK ASSESSMENTS

D1 RISK PHRASES, SAFETY PRECAUTION PHRASES AND HAZARDOUS PROPERTY PHRASES

D2 STANDARD RISK ASSESSMENTS

2

A1 FIRE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES All newcomers to the Department must make sure that they know the locations of the nearest fire exits, fire extinguishers and fire blankets. Appropriate fire extinguishers must always be available before starting experiments with a high fire hazard. The University's emergency number is 2222 on any internal telephone. (Note that three emergency telephone numbers are effective in the university: 2222, 22222 and 999. For consistency, the 2222 number is recommended throughout this handbook.) IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATION:

? Raise the alarm immediately. ? Do not try to contain an emergency situation unless it is within your competence to do

so and that it does not put your life at risk. IF YOU HEAR THE ALARM BELL:

? Close windows and doors, but leave the lights on. ? Do not collect personal belongings, but evacuate the building in an orderly manner by

the nearest exit. DO NOT USE THE LIFT. ? Do not congregate on the library bridge or at the foot of the steps!

SAFE EVACUATION AREA: ? The Safe Evacuation Area for Chemistry is Car Park 7. (Refer to a map of the

university, or the department’s web site if you are uncertain of the location of Car Park 7.)

? The previously used area outside Kaleidoscope is too close to the building, and while convenient for practices and “false alarms”, you must be prepared to move to Car Park 7 if there is a genuine emergency.

A2 MEDICAL TREATMENT

The recommended procedure for dealing with an emergency where medical treatment is needed is as follows:

? Refer the patient to the nearest First Aider (see below). ? In serious or life-threatening cases, call an ambulance by dialling the University

emergency number 2222. ? In less serious cases (such as those where treatment by a nurse, rather than a doctor,

would suffice) either get the patient to a hospital casualty department or if the Health Centre is open go to the Health Centre and ask to see a nurse or doctor. There is always a nurse present during opening hours, but not always a doctor.

DEPARTMENTAL FIRST AIDERS

? Mr J. Bickerton, Room C107, Ext. 22183 ? Ms L. Busk, Room B304/404. Ext 23757/22178 ? Mr M Grant B013, Ext.23650 ? Ms E. Melia, Room C222/C210, Ext 72892/26340 ? Dr J P Rourke, Room C517, Ext. 23263 ? Mr K J Westwood B013, Ext. 23650

If any numbers change please email the DSO immediately

3

A3 SPILLAGE RESPONSE & CONTROL Researchers need to be aware of risks associated with spillages. They need to take steps to minimise the risks and to have adequate spillage control measures in place. For the most part, the following will suffice, but if you have particularly large amounts of material or especially hazardous materials you may need to make further plans for spillage response and control. EVACUATION

? In the event of a spillage that may cause release of significant quantities of hazardous fumes you should evacuate the lab and raise the alarm.

? If you have a significant spillage in the corridor (e.g. a bottle of hazardous chemical or a winchester of solvent) then evacuation is probably the safest course of action. Direct people away from the spillage of course!

? Evacuation procedures are the same as for fires and are detailed here. SPILLAGE EQUIPMENT

? Every research laboratory in which work with chemicals is being carried out, must have a spill kit. The one sold by Aldrich (catalogue No. Z30,777-7) is recommended..

? Get a 3M breathing mask from stores. There are two types. One is appropriate for protection from dust or particulate matter. The other is suitable for toxic gases.

? The larger spillage kit located outside the lift on the third floor should not be used for small or day-to-day spillages. The Fire Brigade or other agency will use this. If you need to use any of it in an emergency, you must report it to the Chemistry Stores immediately.

MERCURY SPILLS ? Each research laboratory must have a mercury collector available from Aldrich (Cat.

No. Z18,990-1) and spare replacement pads (cat. No. Z18,992-8). These are very inexpensive.

? For larger spillages, use the Aldrich mercury absorption/disposal kit available from the stores.

? For more detailed instructions on dealing with mercury spills, see the risk assessment “Use, handling and clean-up procedures for mercury” in section D2.

SPILLAGE CLEANUP - General guidance only - would this be adequate for your experiment?

? DON'T TAKE RISKS - If your spill kit is too small for the job you should probably think about evacuation.

? PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) - Put on heavy gloves and where appropriate a breathing mask and/or face shield.

? CONTROL - You should use plenty of absorbant material to form a barrier and prevent the spillage from spreading.

? ABSORB - Add absorbent carefully from the outside edges working in. It's not expensive: use plenty.

? CONTAIN - Scoop the absorbent into the sealable bags and if appropriate use a secondary container.

? DISPOSE - It's now a waste chemical. Dispose of in the usual way. ? REPORT - Significant spillages should be reported in the usual way.

PLANNING AND COSHH ASSESSMENT Think about spillage control before it happens. Your COSHH assessment should contain details of what to do in the event of a spillage. Think about the scale of your experiment. Obviously, the COSHH assessment for 10 ml of toluene is different from that of 10 litres!

4

A4 ON DISCOVERING A FLOOD

If it can be done safely, stop the leak. During working hours, inform the Laboratory Superintendent. Out of hours, ring Security (Ext. 22083).

ACCIDENT REPORTING ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTS

? In the event of any type of accident or dangerous incident, fill in an Accident Report Form (available from C523, guidance below) and send it to the DSO. There are no longer any accident books. If in doubt, fill in a form. Don’t forget to inform your supervisor.

GUIDANCE ON COMPLETION OF ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT FORMS

? Place Details should be brief but must pinpoint the location as accurately as possible. This is particularly important in the case of falls. Room numbers should be given if appropriate. A sketch can be attached.

? Description A brief but full description of the accident/incident must be given. The full chain of events must be given from the precipitating causes to the actual injury/damage causing event.

? Name The Department etc. of the injured person should be given if different from the one making the report. Addresses should be given if the incident is likely to be reportable to the HSE or involves somebody who is not a student or employee at the University.

? Nature of injury All injuries visible or reported by the injured person should be recorded. Identify left and right etc.

? Immediate treatment Note if seen by First-aider. ? Action taken In most cases some action will be appropriate, e.g. a request for

rectification of an unsafe condition, alteration of a procedure, reminding people of safety requirements, undertaking further investigations etc.

? Time loss In even the most trivial accident, there will be some time loss, both to the injured person and others concerned with the accident or incident. Please indicate the time loss (to date) of the injured person (indicating if this is likely to increase). Any other time loss associated with the accident (including taking the injured person to hospital, first-aiders time, clearing up debris, investigating the accident, making reports etc).

? Send the form to the Departmental Safety officer (or authorised Deputy).

A5 RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY IN LABORATORIES AND OFFICES You are responsible for safety in your own office. In rooms under multiple occupation (e.g. laboratories) the name of the person responsible for safety in that room is posted usually on the outside of the door. This will often be a member of staff.

5

A6 LOCATION OF FIRST AID BOXES

Floor Block (B/C) Location Availability 0 B Cleaners' Room Restricted 0 B Mechanical Workshop Restricted 1 C By Lift At all times 2 C By Lift At all times 3 C By Lift At all times 3 C By Doors to B Block At all times 3 B Prep Room, UG Lab B312 During classes 4 C By Lift At all times 4 B Prep Room, UG Lab B411 During classes 5 C By Lift At all times 6 B On Landing At all times

B1 HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES Chair of Department Professor P J Derrick, Telephone 23818 The Chairman of the Department has ultimate responsibility for all aspects of health and safety within the Department (See SITU Part 1, 2.3.1). Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) Professor M Wills, Room C504, Telephone 23260 The DSO is appointed by the Chairman of the Department to assist in the formation, implementation and development of the Departmental safety policy (Specific duties are listed in SITU Part 1, 2.3.2). The DSO is also responsible for the coordination of emergency procedures (SITU Part 1, Appendix D). Deputy Departmental Safety Officer Dr S R Mackenzie, Telephone 23241 In the absence of the DSO, the Deputy DSO will perform the duties of the DSO. Departmental Radiation Protection Supervisor (DRPS) Professor T D H Bugg, Telephone 73018 The DRPS is responsible for compliance with appropriate Regulations, Acts and Local Rules relevant to the use of ionising radiation within the Department (Details are given in SITU Part 4). Laser Protection Officer Dr S. R. Mackenzie, Telephone 23241 The duties of the Laser Protection Officer are set out in detail in SITU Part 6.

6

University Safety Officer Dr D R Veale, Room WA016 (Westwood Avon), Ext 23455 Mobile number: 0777 3715944 Home: 0121 477 2676 University Assistant Safety Officer Dr B E P Swoboda, Room WA023 (Westwood Avon), Ext 23208 Mobile number: 0777 3718648 Home: 024 7641 3042 University Medical Officer Dr R Ballantine, Health Centre, Ext 24888 Laboratory Superintendent (Chemistry) Mr A H Wiles, Room C528, Ext 22204 Academic Supervisors (Research) Academic supervisors are responsible for:

? Maintaining a safe working environment and providing such supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety of the research workers within their area of supervision.

? Ensuring that all activities have COSHH and Risk assessments. ? Informing all researchers for whom they have responsibility of any changes in safety

policy. ? Informing the Chairman, Departmental Safety Group, of any actual or potential

problems. Academic Supervisors (Teaching) Academic supervisors are responsible for:

? Maintaining a safe working environment and providing such supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety of all personnel within their area of supervision. This will require the presence of at least one academic (or person of similar experience) in the laboratory during practical classes.

? Ensuring that all activities have written COSHH and Risk assessments; these must include the hazards associated with the setting up (by technical staff) of the experiment and the disposal of waste residues. The assessments must be available for inspection within the laboratory.

? Ensuring that the laboratory script has adequate safety warnings and that these are reinforced during the pre-laboratory talk.

? Ensuring that all demonstrators have adequate safety training. Area Supervisors It is the responsibility of everyone in the Department to observe all of the safety rules in common areas and corridors , Any building defects should be reported to the Laboratory Superintendent. Other deficiencies in any aspect of safety in these common areas should be reported to the DSO. Laboratory Superintendent Mr A Harry Wiles, Telephone 22204 The laboratory superintendent is responsible for:

7

? The overall safety of the workshops and technical staff. ? Ensuring that technical staff receive adequate safety training. ? Monitoring the effectiveness of Chief Technicians in enforcing the safety policy. ? Liaising with outside contractors on safety matters (See SITU Part 19, 2.1). ? Issuing “Permits to Work” for access to the roof and enclosed spaces.

Laboratory Administrator Dr Guy Clarkson, Ext. 22255 The laboratory administrator has overall responsibility for safety in the undergraduate laboratories. Chief Technicians

? Chief technicians and technicians in charge of workshops are responsible for safety in their area (except during undergraduate experiments when the academic in charge assumes responsibility).

? Chief technicians must provide adequate levels of supervision and training for staff under their control.

? They must ensure compliance of staff with the Departmental safety policy. ? Anyone wishing to work in their area of responsibility must first obtain their

permission. Technicians

? Technical staff are responsible for their own safety and that of others working in the same area.

? They must not perform any procedure if they have insufficient knowledge, training or experience to perform it safely.

? Technicians will be issued with copies of SITU Parts 1, 2 & 3; other parts may be issued if relevant.

Postgraduate Students & Other Researchers

? Postgraduate students are responsible for their own safety and that of others working in the same area.

? All activities must be COSHH and Risk assessed. ? Lone working is only allowed with the prior permission of an academic supervisor. ? Postgraduates may only act as demonstrators in the undergraduate laboratories after

suitable training. Undergraduate Students

? Undergraduate students are responsible for their own safety and of others working with them. They must not start any practical work until they have read, understood and signed the document “Health and Safety in Laboratories: Instructions for Undergraduates”.

? All practical work must be supervised by an academic. ? Laboratory coats and safety spectacles must be worn at all times in the laboratories.

8

Fire Evacuation Wardens The following people have been appointed as Fire Evacuation Wardens: B BLOCK Floor 6 Rachel Marrington (Ext. 22182/72878), Jascindra Rajendra (Ext. 22182/72878) Floor 5 Dr Mark Rodger (Ext. 23239 or 22261), Dr Rob Deeth (Ext. 23187) Floor 4 Miss P Armstrong (Ext. 23757 or 22178), Mr E Ryan (Ext. 23757 or 22178) Floor 3 Mrs J Emmerson ((Ext. 23757 or 22178), Mr J Haslop (Ext. 23757 or 22178) Floor 1 Mr S Dawson (Ext. 23767), Mr A W Colburn (Ext. 23192 or 23815) Floor 0 Mr K J Westwood (Ext. 23650) C BLOCK Floor 5 Professor P Moore (Ext. 23236), Dr J P Rourke (Ext. 23263) Floor 4 Mr R Jenkins (Ext. 22242), Dr S Bon (Ext. 74009 or 22541) Floor 3 Dr Paul Knight (Ext. 22227 or 72622), Dr Arnaud Lavalette (Ext 22219/73824) Floor 2 Mr F. LeColley (Ext. 26340 or 22214), Dr Sharon Mendal (Ext. 22216 or 73823) Floor 1 Mr S Dawson (Ext. 23767), Mr A W Colburn (Ext. 23192 or 23815) A BLOCK Floor 1 Mr P Roskelly (Ext. 23651/28354), Mr K. Harris (Ext. 23651) The persons named above are responsible in the event of a fire or other emergency for ensuring that their respective areas have been evacuated and that as many windows and doors as possible are shut but not locked. If the first named person is absent, the named deputy is to take over the same duties. If anyone is unable to check certain rooms or areas, the Fire Brigade must be informed as soon as they arrive. In any event, clearance or otherwise must be reported to Mr A H Wiles (or Mr K. Westwood if Mr Wiles is absent) who will be at the Area 4 assembly area, car park 7. He will report to the University Safety Officer or the Fire Brigade. Do not forget to check the lavatories and rear departmental doors on levels 1 and 0. The responsibility of Fire Wardens is to ensure that their designated area is fully evacuated and then to report to Mr A Harry Wiles in the assembly area.

B2 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY 1. The Department of Chemistry considers that high standards of health and safety are of

paramount importance. 2. The Department views compliance with legal requirements as the minimum

acceptable health and safety standard. 3. The Department is committed to planning, review and development of health and

safety arrangements in order to achieve a continual improvement in performance. 4. The Department expects all staff, students and others working in the Department to

adopt a positive attitude to health and safety issues. Everybody working in the Department must: (i) comply with appropriate legal requirements and University requirements as

laid down in the publications that make up Safety in the University (SITU); (ii) comply with all regulations and recommendations in the Department of

Chemistry Safety Handbook (this handbook); (iii) take reasonable care for their health and safety and that of others exposed to

their activities;

9

(iv) inform the Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) of any situations that, within the limits of their competence, they consider could give rise to serious or imminent danger or shortcomings in safety arrangements.

5. The Chair of the Department, as Head of the Department, has overall responsibility for health and safety

6. The Departmental Safety Officer, (Professor M. Wills, Room C504 , Ext. 23260) and Deputy Safety Officer (Dr S. R. Mackenzie, Room A107, Ext. 23241) have been appointed to assist the Chair of the Department in the formation, implementation and development of safety policy.

7. The Departmental Radiation Protection Supervisor, Professor T D H Bugg (Room C513, Ext. 73018), is responsible for compliance with appropriate Regulations, Acts and Local Rules relevant to the use of ionising radiation within the Department (Details are given in SITU Part 4)

8. The Laser Protection Officer, Dr S. R. Mackenzie (Room A107, Ext. 23241), is responsible for monitoring the use of lasers in the Department (as detailed in SITU Part 6)

9. The Department will make suitable arrangements for health and safety within the limits of available financial and physical resources.

10. Information on health and safety is communicated to people working in the Department via the Web, email circulation, the departmental Safety Handbook and hand-outs as appropriate. The printed version of the departmental Safety Handbook is updated annually, and ongoing modifications during the course of the year are listed on the Departmental website.

11. The Health & Safety responsibilities of all members of the Department are set out in section B1 of this handbook.

Professor P J Derrick Last updated Sept/2003

B3 SAFETY IN THE UNIVERSITY

? All work in the department must comply with appropriate legal requirements and University requirements as set out in the publication Safety in the University (SITU)

B4 AREA 4 SAFETY COMMITTEE

Chair and Departmental Safety Officer

Professor Martin Wills

USO or Depty USO Dr David Veale or Dr Ben Swoboda Deputy D. S. O.

Dr Stuart R Mackenzie

Administrative Representative

Mr A Harry Wiles

Technical Representatives Mrs Jane R Emmerson, Mr Edward Ryan Clerical Representative

Mrs Charlotte A M Billing

Postdoctoral Representative Dr Guy Clarkson Postgraduate Representative Ms Joanna Geden Undergraduate Representative To be appointed Cleaning Representative Mrs C Frankton Representative of Area 3 Committee Mr C. Fountain

10

B5 DEPARTMENTAL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION POLICY

The permission of the Cha irman must be obtained before alcohol is served at departmental functions. Alcohol can be dispensed at social functions (with the prior permission of the Chairman) but not at any other type of meeting. If alcohol consumption takes place either inside or outside the department during the working day it is the responsibility of individuals concerned, supervisors (for academic research groups) or line managers (for other categories) to ensure that no-one re-enters their workplace if it is considered by the individual(s) concerned or by their supervisor or line manager that alcohol consumption would compromise safety. If an individual were to attempt to re-enter their workplace after being instructed not to do so by the supervisor or line manager, they should be barred from entry and issued with a written warning that a second infringement of the rules would result in their being brought before the Chairman of the department and the DSO to give an account of their actions. Following such a meeting, the Chairman and DSO would consider whether or not disciplinary action should be taken. Steps should be taken in departments to make it clear, particularly to undergraduates, that it is forbidden to enter laboratories or workshops under the influence of alcohol.

C1 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

PPE rules are listed in Part 9 of SITU, but some key points are listed below: Safety Spectacles

? They must be worn at all times in laboratories. ? Regular spectacles are no substitute. ? Make sure that the spectacles you use are adequate for the job. This may be

particularly important if there is risk of explosion. ? Face masks are available from stores. Have at least one in your laboratory.

Laboratory Coats

? They must be worn at all times in laboratories. They must not be worn outside laboratories except for trips to and from the stores or other laboratories and then only if the wearing of laboratory coats is essential for the safety of the individual concerned. On no account should laboratory coats be worn in offices carrying a sign on the door forbidding the wearing of laboratory coats, or workshops (mechanical, electrical and glassblowing).

? The above regulation prohibiting the wearing laboratory coats outside laboratories applies also to protective gloves and all other items of protective clothing or apparatus.

? If the lab coat you have is uncomfortable or unsuitable, get a better one. ? You must wear a clean laboratory coat. It is not acceptable for you to continue to

wear a lab coat on which chemicals have been spilled. The department operates (through the stores) a laundry service which turns lab coats around in a week for a

11

small charge. To have a clean lab coat available at all times, research workers will need to provide themselves with at least two.

? If supervisors feel that the wearing of lab coats should not be mandatory in certain rooms, then a risk assessment must be made with respect to the hazards associated with not wearing lab coats in such rooms. The risk assessments in section D2 of this handbook can be used as models. The risk assessment must be made by a suitably qualified person, it must be approved by the DSO and it will only come into effect after approval has been given.

Face masks

? Cheap dust masks do not work very well. Think about using a well- fitted all-round mask such as the 3M mask available from stores.

? Except in an emergency, masks should not be used for primary protection. Use a fumehood.

Sanctions applied in the event of non-compliance with the regulations relating to PPE Regular checks on the wearing of personal protection equipment are carried out by the DSO and Deputy DSO. The following sanctions will apply to anyone not complying with the safety regulations:

A laboratory worker will receive one warning about not wearing a laboratory coat and/or safety glasses. If there is a second offence, the individual will be banned from the laboratory pending an enquiry by a disciplinary group composed of the Chairman, the DSO and the Deputy DSO. This group will decide what action should be taken to ensure compliance with the rules. The ultimate sanction will be permanently to ban the individual from the laboratory.

C2 DISPOSAL OF WASTE SOLVENTS & CHEMICALS

It is necessary to think about the risks and hazards arising from the disposal of chemicals as well as from their use in experiments. It is not wise to have large amounts of obsolete chemicals around the laboratory. These should be cleared from the laboratory at regular intervals. Solvents

? Your laboratory must provide for itself containers for waste chlorinated and non-chlorinated solvents.

? Do not spill chemicals on the outsides of containers. ? The containers are collected regularly.

Chemicals

? Waste chemicals are collected by an authorised external contractor. ? Waste chemicals must be properly packaged in a suitable container and properly

labelled. ? When waste chemicals are ready for disposal, inform Rob Jenkins who will arrange

for them to be collected. ? The waste chemicals must be stored in your laboratory until collection. ? Do not take waste chemicals to Rob Jenkins' laboratory-this is TOTALLY

FORBIDDEN.

12

The correct disposal of waste chemicals is a very serious matter. The University must comply with the law in this area (see SITU part 23). Any infringement of the instructions given above or of the University's own regulations may result in permission being withdrawn for the guilty party to work in the laboratory.

C3 LONE WORKING

? Working alone is defined as working where you cannot easily and quickly be heard or seen in the event of an accident.

? Undergraduates must never work alone in laboratories, even on projects. ? Postgraduates may not work alone unless they have obtained prior permission from

their supervisor. ? The supervisor must define the type of work which may be carried out by the student

working alone and any special conditions or restrictions that may apply. ? See the RSC's Environmental Health and Safety note, “Lone working and Laboratory

Activities” (available on the safety web site in pdf format). UNATTENDED RUNNING OF EXPERIMENTS

? All unattended experiments (whether during normal working hours or overnight) MUST be accompanied by a properly completed “PLEASE LEAVE ON” card; these cards are available from stores.

? The card must advise on appropriate emergency action and give details for contacting the person responsible for the experiment.

? On the reverse of the card always give a complete list of the chemicals involved in the experiment.

OUT OF HOURS WORKING

? Anyone working in the Department outside of normal working hours (7.30 -19.00 Monday to Friday, excluding official holidays) must sign in and out using the book provided at the Porter's lodge.

C4 COSHH and other RISK ASSESSMENTS COSHH (Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health) The most important legislation and the most important aspect of working practices in a chemical laboratory are related to the handling of chemicals. Basically, the COSHH legislation says that no-one may work with chemical substances until a proper risk assessment has been carried out by a competent person. A risk assessment consists essentially of four stages:

? Define the hazards associated with the activity. ? Define the risk that these hazards might manifest themselves. ? Determine what precautions, control measures etc. need to be put in place to reduce

this risk to the minimum possible. ? Ensure that workers exposed to the risk receive adequate training in the precautions

necessary to minimise the risk.

13

For example, consider the activity “crossing the road”. The hazard associated with this activity is that the person crossing might suffer a collision with a moving vehicle and suffer injury or death. The risk is dependent on a number of factors such as the size of the road (three- lane highway versus quiet country road), the density of traffic, the age and physical ability of the person etc. Precautions that might be used are to look both ways and cross only when the road is clear, to use a Zebra crossing or to cross only when the traffic lights permit pedestrian crossing. To make sure that pedestrians implement these precautions they need to receive training, which might include instruction in the “Green Cross Code” and the “Highway Code”. This approach to minimising risk has proved very effective but it only remains effective as long as the COSHH system and other types of risk assessment required in a chemical laboratory are practised by everyone. If they are, then the risks of working in a modern chemical laboratory are significantly lower than the risks of working in a domestic kitchen. Risk assessments for a number of activities are included in this safety handbook and on the departmental safety web site. The method used in the department for complying with COSHH regulations is to have a section on alternate pages in the laboratory notebook that must be completed and signed before an experiment is carried out. For many experiments, standard procedures will be used for which the risk assessments are available in this safety handbook (Section D2) and on the web site. You need not therefore repeat these risk assessments in the laboratory notebook. However, by signing the risk assessment form, you are confirming that you have read, understood and will comply with the conditions (relating to precautions and training) contained in these standard risk assessments. The same applies to the list of standard protocols in the risk assessment form (see below for more detailed instructions). Summary of procedures to be followed by research workers to comply with COSHH regulations: 1. Fill in the form “Supervision of Research Workers”. This is done once only, when you

begin research in the Department. 2. Complete the “Standard Procedures” form. This must be done every time you start a

new laboratory notebook. 3. Complete the risk assessment form printed on every page of your laboratory notebook.

This must be done for every experiment carried out.

The above steps are explained in more detail below.

1. “Supervision of Research Workers” form. Before beginning any experimental work in the Department, you must, in consultation with your supervisor, fill in the form “Supervision of Research Workers,” available from the Common Room C523, from the Departmental Secretary, Mrs Billing in room C507,

14

or downloadable from the departmental safety web site. Send a photocopy to Mrs Billing and give the original to your supervisor.

2. “Standard Procedures” form. This is available from the Common Room C523 or downloadable from the departmental safety web site. A set of standard risk assessments for a variety of procedures is included in Section D2 of this handbook (Nos 1-23). You should tick the boxes that correspond to standard procedures you will be using in your research work. When you sign this form, you are confirming that you have read and understood the standard risk assessments you have ticked and agree to abide by all instructions and recommendations contained in them. You should then paste, sellotape or staple this form into the front of your laboratory notebook. Every time you start a new laboratory notebook, you must include an updated form.

3. Risk assessment forms in the laboratory notebooks. The risk assessment forms in the laboratory notebooks contain a set of standard protocols, risk assessments for which are included in this handbook (Nos 24-31 in Section D2). If you are using one of these protocols, it is not necessary to complete a separate risk assessment. Instead, you should tick the relevant box. When you sign the risk assessment form, you are confirming that you have read and understood the risk assessments for the standard protocols you have ticked and agree to abide by all instructions and recommendations contained in them.

For all other substances used in your experiment, list the chemicals used, quantities and the hazards associated with them. Safety information useful for making COSHH assessments can be obtained from a number of publicly available databases, links to which are provided on the safety web site. See also the section “Handling Compounds With Unknown Properties” below. Use standard abbreviations like T (toxic), F (flammable). Note that in many cases the risk will depend on the amounts of materials used. If in any doubt, consult your supervisor or another qualified person. To help in the completion of the form, you may use internationally recognised risk phrases, safety precaution phrases and hazardous property phrases. These are included in section D1 of this handbook.

If you are planning to undertake a new or unfamiliar procedure for which there is no prepared risk assessment, make a full risk assessment in consultation with your supervisor and send a copy to the Departmental Safety Officer.

After completing the experiment, make notes in your laboratory notebook of any safety issues that have arisen, for example how you might reduce the risk of accident still further. Bring up such safety issues in your group meetings. If you feel that the matter warrants wider discussion, ask for it to be put on to the agenda of the next meeting of the Area 4 Safety Committee (see Section B4).

When you sign the risk assessment form on a page of your laboratory notebook, you are again confirming that you have read and understood the standard risk assessments you have ticked on the “Standard Procedures” form at the front of your notebook and the standard protocols you have ticked on the form.

15

Risk Categories The form requires you to state the risk category of the experiment. These categories are as follows: A: Experiments that may not be carried out without close supervision. B: Experiments which may not be carried out without the supervisor’s advice (postgraduate). C: Experiments which may not be started without a demonstrators’s advice or without advice from the academic in charge (undergraduate). D: Experiments with some risks (other than categories A or B) where care must be observed but it is considered that workers are adequately trained and competent in the procedures involved. E: Experiments which consist of general laboratory activities requiring minimum training or which are considered to have very low levels of risk even without training.

Handling Compounds With Unknown Properties By its very nature, a research laboratory will produce many novel compounds with unknown properties and consequently with unknown associated hazards. In such cases, appropriate precautions must be taken. The most important of these relate to containment and spillage. Where a compound is of unknown toxicity, handling of it must take place entirely within a fumehood and within suitable equipment within the fumehood. The worker must wear a laboratory coat and safety glasses (mandatory) and suitable protective gloves. If the compound is liable to generate dust, dust masks must be worn. Apart from toxicity, some chemicals may be corrosive or explosive. If the nature of the compound is such that these properties are expected by analogy with the properties of similar compounds, appropriate precautions must be taken such as the use of safety shields and full face shields in addition to the precautions mentioned above. Appropriate entries must be made in the risk assessment form in the laboratory notebook. See also SITU, Part 31. Safety Data on chemicals is available from the following: ? Aldrich and other catalogues. ? BDH Hazard Data Sheet Book (Undergraduate Laboratory or the Chemistry Stores) ? Online safe ty data sheets (see Departmental Safety web pages) ? Standard textbooks such as Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, 6th

edition, 1999 available for consultation in room C514. REPEAT RISK ASSESSMENTS COSHH assessments need only be made once. If you are carrying out an experiment using chemicals for which you have already made a risk assessment, you may refer back to the original assessment when completing your risk assessment form. In many cases, essentially the same experiment will be repeated and again, the entire risk assessment can be referred back to an original assessment. However, you must kept track of the original assessments so that you can immediately refer to them if necessary. One suggestion as to how this might be done is to keep a list of all risk assessments in the back of your notebook, together with a page identifier that will enable you to look them up immediately if necessary.

16

COUNTERSIGNING THE LABORATORY NOTEBOOK Your supervisor is responsible for ensuring that you understand and abide by all of the safety requirements of the university and department. When you are beginning your research your supervisor may require you to bring your laboratory notebook to her/him so that your risk assessment pages can be countersigned. The way in which this is done is a matter for the individual supervisor.

C5 STORAGE OF CHEMICALS Substances likely to cause harm must be stored in as safe a way as is reasonably practicable in order to minimise the risk of exposure to health or safety hazards in the event of an accident. The consequences of possible untoward events such as those below must be considered and suitable control measures instituted.

? spillage or leakage

? fire or flood

? loss of temperature control

? failure of ventilation systems

17

Some specific points ? Flammable solvents must be stored in metal solvent cabinets. ? Vessels containing more than 2.25 litres of flammable solvent may not be stored in

laboratories. ? Bottles containing flammable solvents on open shelves should be kept to a minimum;

the container volume must not exceed 250 ml. ? Empty bottles of flammable solvents must be stored safely as they may contain

explosive vapour. ? The total volume of flammable solvents in laboratories must be kept to a minimum,

and in any case, must not exceed 50 litres. In addition, the maximum volume of solvents classified as “petroleum spirit” must not exceed 15 litres.

? Corrosive materials must be stored in/on chemically resistant vessels or trays that can contain the entire contents in the event of a spillage. Acids and alkalis should be adequately segregated.

? Incompatible chemicals that could react violently or explosively or might produce toxic or corrosive products must be adequately segregated.

? Volatile chemicals should be decanted in fume cupboards or well ventilated places. ? Atmospheres or concentrations in excess of occupational exposure limits must be

avoided. C6 UNPLEASANT SMELLS & EMISSIONS

From time to time, people in the University may be exposed to unpleasant smells or emissions of unknown origin. In most cases, these can be traced to:

? gas leaks; ? work in laboratories; or ? activities of contractors.

However, other sources, including those outside University premises should not be ruled out. Some emissions may affect the health of exposed people by causing symptoms such as:

? eye or mucus membrane irritation; ? sore throat, cough, wheeze or respiratory distress; ? skin irritation; or ? nausea.

Some people, such as asthmatics may be particularly affected. Any symptoms, however mild, indicate that substances are present in potentially harmful concentrations and that action is required. Emission of thiols can lead to reports of gas leaks from departments adjacent to chemistry. This can lead to the Transco being alerted unnecessarily and to a great deal of time wasting by Security and other university employees. Workers in the Chemistry Department should therefore note the following procedure if they intend to use thiols, particularly tert-butylmercaptan or any other markedly odoriferous compounds:

? Notify Mr. A.H. Wiles (Ext. 22204) ? In Mr Wiles absence, notify the boiler house by telephone (Ext. 28303 or 23272)

18

? Notify the University Safety Office: Safety Officer (Ext. 23455) or Assistant Safety Officer (Ext. 23208) or Secretary (Ext. 24923)

? Notify the Estates Office (Ext. 22507) ? Notify Security Control at the Main Gate (Ext. 22083)

The Safety Office, in conjunction with the Estates Office, Security and others as appropriate will attempt to identify the source of the problem and take appropriate remedial action. People should avoid exposure where possible and affected areas should be evacuated. However, if the concentration appears to be greater outside the building, people should stay indoors and shut windows, ventilation inlets etc, and await further instructions. The DSO will compile a report of the incident, including the names of anybody suffering adverse effects. A copy will be sent to the Safety Office.

C7 USE OF LASERS IN THE DEPARTMENT

The use of lasers in the department is supervised by the departmental laser protection safety officer (DLPO). Any new laser entering the department, or any new procedure employing an existing laser system must be assessed by the DLPO before use. Some specific points ? All lasers in the department must be registered with and classified by the DLPO prior to

use. ? Suitable CE certified eyeware must be worn at all times. ? It is general good practice to operate lasers in well lit rooms. ? All beams should be enclosed as far as possible. ? Any accidents involving lasers must be reported immediately to the DLPO who has

arrangements in place for emergency eye examinations and treatment. Specific rules governing the use of Class III and Class IV lasers ? All personnel planning to use Class III or Class IV must receive training and be

registered with the DLPO before use of the laser. ? Class III and Class IV lasers may only be operated in designated laser controlled areas

with relevant interlocks in place. ? The DLPO should be consulted before any new procedure involving Class III or Class

IV lasers is undertaken. ? A risk assessment of any new procedure must be performed prior to implementation.

C8 SOLVENT STILLS Anyone wishing to set up solvent stills must read “RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLVENT STILL OPERATION AND CONSTRUCTION” in section D2. Full plans for stills must be submitted to the DSO whose permission is required before construction and operation of stills can go ahead.

C9 NITRIC ACID AS A CLEANING AGENT

19

The use of nitric acid for cleaning glassware is banned. Nitric acid, other than that used as a reagent, may not be stored in teaching and research laboratories. In the teaching laboratories, nitric acid should only be available in the laboratory when required as a reagent for an experiment. At all other times it should be kept in the dispensary. If nitric acid is used as a reactant or reagent in any experimental procedure, a risk assessment must be carried out relating to the disposal of nitric acid-containing wastes. A copy of the risk assessment must be forwarded to the DSO. Only the following routine cleaning procedures may be used: i. Scrubbing the glassware with detergent ii Washing with an organic solvent (preferably acetone) iii Ultrasonication with detergent or solvent. For extremely recalcitrant residues, if none of the above work, the glassware should be discarded. Particular situations may call for special cleaning procedures to be used. In such cases, a risk assessment must be carried out and a copy of the risk assessment must be forwarded to the DSO.

20

D1 RISK PHRASES RISK PHRASES used in the classification, packaging, labelling and provision of information on dangerous substances: R1 : Explosive when dry R2 : Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other source of ignition R3 : Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other source of ignition R4 : Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds R5 : Heating may cause an explosion R6 : Explosive with or without contact with air R7 : May cause fire R8 : Contact with combustible material may cause fire R9 : Explosive when mixed with combustible material R10: Flammable R11: Highly flammable R12: Extremely flammable R13: Extremely flammable liquefied gas R14: Reacts violently with water R15: Contact with water liberates highly flammable gases R16: Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances R17: Spontaneously flammable in air R18: In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture R19: May form explosive peroxides R20: Harmful by inhalation R21: Harmful in contact with skin R22: Harmful if swallowed R23: Toxic by inhalation R24: Toxic in contact with skin R25: Toxic if swallowed R26: Very toxic by inhalation R27: Very toxic in contact with skin R28: Very toxic if swallowed R29: Contact with water liberates toxic gas R30: Can become highly flammable in use R31: Contact with acids liberates toxic gas R32: Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas R33: Danger of cumulative effects R34: Causes burns R35: Causes severe burns R36: Irritating to eyes R37: Irritating to respiratory system R38: Irritating to skin R39: Danger of very serious irreversible effects R40: Possible risk of irreversible effects R41: Risk of serious damage to eyes R42: May cause sensitisation by inhalation R43: May cause sensitisation by skin contact R44: Risk of explosion if heated under confinement R45: May cause cancer R46: May cause heritable genetic damage

21

R47: May cause birth defects R48: Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure R49: May cause cancer by inhalation R50: Very toxic to aquatic organisms R51: Toxic to aquatic organisms R52: Harmful to aquatic organisms R53: May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment R54: Toxic to flora R55: Toxic to fauna R56: Toxic to soil organisms R57: Toxic to bees R58: May cause long-term adverse effects in the environment R59: Dangerous to the ozone layer R60: May impair fertility R61: May cause harm to the unborn child R62: Possible risk of impaired fertility R63: Possible risk of harm to the unborn child R64: May cause harm to breastfed babies R65: Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed R66: Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking R67: Vapours may cause drowsiness or dizziness R68: Possible risk of irreversible effects Combination of risks: R14/15: Reacts violently with water liberating highly flammable gases R15/29: Contact with water liberates toxic, highly flammable gas R20/21: Harmful by inhalation and in contact with the skin R20/21/22: Harmful by inhalation, in contact with the skin and if swallowed R20/22: Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed R21/22 Harmful in contact with the skin and if swallowed R23/24: Toxic by inhalation and in contact with the skin R23/24/25: Toxic by inhalation, in contact with the skin and if swallowed R23/25: Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed R24/25: Toxic in contact with the skin and if swallowed R26/27: Very toxic by inhalation and in contact with the skin R26/27/28: Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with the skin and if swallowed R26/28: Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed R27/28: Very toxic in contact with the skin and if swallowed R36/37: Irritating to eyes and respiratory system R36/37/38: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin R36/38: Irritating to eyes and skin R37/38: Irritating to respiratory system and skin R42/43: May cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact R48/20: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure

through inhalation R48/20/21: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure

through inhalation and in contact with the skin R48/20/21/22: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure

through inhalation, in contact with the skin and if swallowed

22

R48/20/22: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed

R48/21: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin

R48/21/22: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed

R48/22: Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed

R48/23: Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation

R48/23/24: Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and in contact with the skin

R48/23/24/25: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with the skin and if swallowed

R48/23/25: Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed

R48/24: Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin

R48/24/25: Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed

R48/25: Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed

R50/53: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

R51/53: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

R52/53: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

R68/20: Harmful:possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation R68/20/21/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation and in

contact with skin R68/20/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation and if

swallowed R68/21 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin R68/21/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin and if

swallowed R58/22 Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects if swallowed SAFETY PRECAUTION PHRASES used in the classification, packaging, labelling and provision of information on dangerous substances: S1 : Keep locked up S2 : Keep out of reach of children S3 : Keep in a cool place S4 : Keep away from living quarters S5 : Keep contents under.......(appropriate liquid to be specified by the manufacturer) S6 : Keep under.......(inert gas to be specified by the manufacturer) S7 : Keep container tightly closed S8 : Keep container dry S9 : Keep container in a well ventilated place

23

S12: Do not keep the container sealed S13: Keep away from food, drink and animal feedstuffs S14: Keep away from..... (incompatible material to be indicated by the manufacturer) S15: Keep away from heat S16 Keep away from sources of ignition - No Smoking! S17 Keep away from combustible material S18: Handle and open container with care S20: When using do not eat or drink S21: When using do not smoke S22: Do not breathe dust S23: Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapour/spray (appropriate wording to be specified by the

manufacturer) S24: Avoid contact with the skin S25: Avoid contact with eyes S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical

advice S27: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing S28: After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of......(to be specified by the

manufacturer) S29: Do not empty into drains S30: Never add water to this product S33: Take precautionary measures against static discharges S34: Avoid shock and friction S35: This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way S36: Wear suitable protective clothing S37: Wear suitable gloves S38: In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment S39: Wear eye/face protection S40: To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material use (to be specified by

the manufacturer) S41: In case of fire and/or explosion do not breath fumes S42: During fumigation /spraying wear suitable respiratory equipment (appropriate

wording to be specified by the manufacturer) S43: In case of fire, use....(indicate in this space the precise type of fire fighting equipment.

If water increases the risk, add “never use water”) S44: If you feel unwell, seek medical advice (show the label where possible) S45: In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the

label where possible) S46: If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or label S47: Keep at temperature not exceeding....°C (to be specified by the manufacturer) S48: Keep wetted with....(appropriate material to be specified by the manufacturer) S49: Keep only in the original container S50: Do not mix with... (to be specified by the manufacturer) S51: Use only in well ventilated areas S52: Not recommended for interior use on large surface areas treatment plants S55: Treat using the best available techniques before discharge into drains or the aquatic

environment S56: Do not discharge into drains or the environment, dispose to an authorised waste

collection point S57: Use appropriate containment to avoid environmental contamination

24

S58: To be disposed of as hazardous waste S59: Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling S60: This material and/or its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste S61: Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/ material safety data

sheet S62: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show the

container or label S63: In case of accident by inhalation; remove casualty to fresh air and keep at rest S64: If swallowed, rinse moth with water (only if person is conscious) Combined safety phrases S1/2 Keep locked up and out of reach of children S3/9 Keep in a cool, well ventilated place S3/7/9 Keep container tightly closed in a cool, well ventilated place S3/14 Keep in a cool place away from...... (incompatible materials to be indicated by

the manufacturer) S3/9/1 Keep in a cool, well ventilated place away from. ...... (incompatible materials

to be indicated by the manufacturer) S3/9/49: Keep only in the original container in a cool, well ventilated place S3/9/14/49: Keep only in the original container in a cool, well ventilated place away from.

...... (incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer) S3/14: Keep in a cool place away from......(incompatible materials to be indicated by

the manufacturer) S7/8 Keep container tightly closed and dry S7/9: Keep container tightly closed and in a well ventilated place S7/47 Keep container tightly closed and at a temperature not exceeding.....deg.C (to

be specified by the manufacturer) S20/21 When using do not eat, drink or smoke S24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes S29/56: Do not empty into drains: dispose of this material and its container to

hazardous or special waste collection point S36/37: Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves S36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection S36/39: Wear suitable protective clothing and eye/face protection S37/39: Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection S47/49: Keep only in the original container at a temperature not exceeding.....°C (to be

specified by the manufacturer) HAZARDOUS PROPERTY PHRASES H l “Explosive”: substances and preparations which may explode under the effect of

flame or which are more sensitive to shocks or friction than dinitrobenzene. H 2 “Oxidizing”: substances and preparations which exhibit highly exothermic reactions

when in contact with other substances, particularly flammable substances. H 3-A “Highly flammable”: liquid substances and preparations having a flash point below 21

°C (including extremely flammable liquids), or substances and preparations which may become hot and finally catch fire in contact with air at ambient temperature without any application of energy, or solid substances and preparations which may readily catch fire after brief contact with a source of ignition and which continue to burn or to be consumed after removal of the source of ignition, or gaseous substances and preparations which are flammable in air at normal pressure, or substances and

25

preparations which, in contact with water or damp air, evolve highly flammable gases in dangerous quantities.

H 3-B “Flammable”: liquid substances and preparations having a flash point equal to or greater than 21°C and less than or equal to 55°C.

H 4 “Irritant”: non-corrosive substances and preparations which, through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the skin or mucous membrane, can cause inflammation.

H 5 “Harmful”: substances and preparations which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may involve limited health risks.

H 6 “Toxic”: substances and preparations (including very toxic substances and preparations) which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may involve serious, acute or chronic health risks and even death.

H 7 “Carcinogenic”: substances and preparations which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce cancer or increase its incidence.

H 8 “Corrosive”: substances and preparations which may destroy living tissue on contact. H 9 “Infectious”: substances containing viable micro-organisms or their toxins which are

known or reliably believed to cause disease in man or other living organisms. H 10 “Teratogenic”: substances and preparations which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if

they penetrate the skin, may induce non-hereditary congenital malformations or increase their incidence.

H ll “Mutagenic”: substances and preparations which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce hereditary genetic defects or increase their incidence.

H 12 Substances and preparations which release toxic or very toxic gases in contact with water, air or an acid.

H 13 Substances and preparations capable by any means, after disposal, of yielding another substance, e.g. a leachate, which possesses any of the characteristics listed above.

H 14 “Ecotoxic”: substances and preparations which present or may present immediate or delayed risks for one or more sectors of the environment.

26

D2 STANDARD RISK ASSESSMENTS

1. Use of fumehoods P. 28 2. Use of glassware P. 28 3. Use of standard electrical equipment P. 29 4. The transport and use of compressed gas cylinders P. 31 5. Use of high power microwave and radio-frequency power supplies P. 32 6. Use of lasers P. 33 7. Use of reduced pressure or vacuum P. 34 8. Use of a spark tester (Tesla coil) P. 36 9. Visual display equipment P. 36 10. Ultraviolet light sources P. 38 11. Use of laboratory heating equipment P. 39 12. Use of laboratory centrifuges, especially high speed, superspeed and

ultracentrifuges P. 40

13. General office work P. 42 14. Transport, storage and use of solvents and other flammable liquids P. 43 15. Distillation of solvents P. 45 16. Use of the sodium press to make sodium wire for solvent drying P. 48 17. Handling, transportation and storage of liquid nitrogen and other

cryogenic materials P. 48

18. Solid carbon dioxide P. 50 19. Use of flammable, explosive and toxic gases P. 50 20. Use of laser dyes and dye solutions P. 51 21. Use, handling and clean-up procedures for mercury P. 52 22. Use of hydrofluoric acid P. 54 23. Use of phosphine gas P. 55 24. Use of hydrogen gas-hydrogenation P. 56 25. Use of diazomethane P. 56 26. Use of liquid ammonia P. 56 27. Use of ozone P. 57 28. Use of pyrophorics P. 57 29. Use of peroxides and peroxide-forming materials P. 58 30. Use of cyanide salts P. 59 31. Biological procedures P. 60

RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR SPECIALISED LABORATORIES

Personal protection equipment in C101/114 (Electrochemistry) P. 61 Personal protection equipment in C102 (Atomic Force Microscopy Laboratory)

P. 62

Personal protection equipment in C103 (Laser Laboratory) P. 63 Personal protection equipment in C107 (Mass Spectrometry Service) P. 64 Personal protection equipment in C108 (MMM laboratory) P. 65 Personal protective equipment in C109 (FTICR) P. 66 Personal protection equipment in C115 (MAGTOF laboratory) P. 67 Personal protection equipment in B602 and B608 (Biophysical laboratories) P. 68 Personal protection equipment in A109, A110 and A111 (NMR) P. 69

27

RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR WORKSHOPS

Electronic Workshop P. 72 Glassblowing Workshop P. 73 Mechanical Workshop P. 75

28

1. USE OF FUMEHOODS

Hazards The effectiveness of fumehoods is much reduced if they are open too wide or cluttered with apparatus which interferes with the smooth flow of air or are clogged with rubbish at the vents at the back of the cupboard. Fumehood fans are susceptible to failure. This means that the draught also fails leaving the hood effectively useless.

Precautions Keep the interiors of fumehoods tidy and ensure that the rear vents are not blocked. Keep the front sash down as far down as is comfortable while working, and closed when not actively working. Do not put you head into the fumehood whilst working.

Emergency Procedures If the airflow appears to be reduced or non-existent, pull down the fumehood sash and report the problem immediately to the Laboratory Superintendent. If there is a problem with the sash, turn off any electrical apparatus in the fumehood if this can be done safely, and report the problem immediately to the Laboratory Superintendent.

2. USE OF GLASSWARE Hazards Cuts from damaged or broken glass.

Cuts from flying glass due to explosion, implosion following pressurisation, evacuation or mechanical shock or stress. Cuts from forcing plastic tubing, teats or rubber bungs onto glass tubing, pipettes or condensers that break. Cuts from broken glass and sharp items e.g. Pasteur pipettes disposed in ordinary waste bins. Burns from heated glass. Poisoning following cuts by contaminated glassware.

Precautions Before use, check that all glassware is free from cracks, flaws or scratches that may cause it to fail in use. Have damaged glassware repaired or dispose of it in the “Broken Glass” bin. Do not use the ordinary wastebins. Use a brush and dustpan to clear up broken glass. Be especially careful when clearing broken glass from a sink where water can make sharp edges invisible. Use tongs to pick out pieces. Dispose of glass “sharps” in the proper containers and not in the ordinary wastebins. When fitting tubing to glassware, lubricate the glass with water or glycerol and soften the plastic tubing by brief immersion in hot water. Do not use excessive force. Do not exert force in a direction that will make the glass snap. Think about where the sharp edge of the glass might go if it does break and arrange your grip accordingly. Wrap the glass in a towel or thick layers of paper tissue. When removing tubing, use a sharp knife to cut off tubing that does not yield to gentle pressure.

29

Take care with hot glass (which looks the same as cool glass). Place hot glass where no one can accidentally come into contact with it before it has cooled. Joints and stoppers Lubricate ground glass connections before assembling and disassemble them immediately after use. Do not stopper hot flasks or container. If a stopper siezes, do not reheat the container to remove it. Vacuum or pressure use Glassware subjected to either pressure or vacuum should be carefully inspected for flaws before use. Pressure : Use only special glassware rated well above the pressure to be used. See the separate risk assessment appropriate to the task for other details of shielding and procedure. Vacuum: For glassware under vacuum, volumes of 1 litre or larger should be enclosed in tape or plastic mesh to restrain fragments in the event of implosion. This applies to equipment such as vacuum storage bulbs, rotary evaporators, vacuum desiccators etc. See the risk assessment: “Use of Reduced Pressure or Vacuum”. Washing Detergents are the normal means of cleaning glassware. More drastic methods such as the use of chromic acid should be used only when cleaning with detergents or solvents is inadequate and should be covered by a separate risk assessment. Beware of fire risk if using solvents to clean or dry.

Emergency Procedures Call for a demonstrator if you cut yourself or receive a burn.

3. USE OF STANDARD ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Hazards Electric shock is the effect produced on the body and

particularly on the nervous system by an electric current passing through it. The effect depends on the current strength which itself depends on the voltage and body resistance i.e. path length and surface resistance of skin (which is much reduced when wet). Death can be the result of the normal voltage of 240 V causing currents of greater than 30 mA to flow through the body for more than 40 ms. Minor shocks may also cause injury following involuntary muscle contraction. Burns caused by the passage of heavy currents through the body or by direct contact with an electrically heated surface. Explosion and fire caused by electrical sparks, short circuits or overload heating, old wiring in the presence of flammable material. Injury from microwave and radio-frequency sources and from induction heating equipment.

Precautions Examine equipment before use. Check for loose covers,

30

missing screws or signs of overheating. Pay particular attention to plugs and cabling (see below). If in doubt, ask for advice from the Electronics Workshop (Room A112, extension 23651). Plugs and other connectors Do not use plugs that are cracked or broken. Check that the outer insulation of the mains cable is firmly held by the strain relief grip inside the plug. Apply similar checks to other detachable connectors. Cabling Ensure that mains cables are in good condition and free from breaks in the insulation. On equipment with non-detachable mains cables, check that the outer insulation of the cable is held firmly at the point where it enters the instrument. Cable must be sufficiently robust to withstand the wear and tear of laboratory or office use and fully waterproof where water may come within the vicinity of the apparatus. Cables must not be run across the floor in such a way as to cause a tripping hazard or to be susceptible to damage from passing traffic. If it is necessary to run cables across walkways, cover them with cable protectors. Extensions It is permissible if necessary to feed one four way extension block from a single socket provided the block feeds only low power equipment (less than 500 W or 2 A). Do not daisy-chain extension leads. Kettles, microwaves and heaters that have higher power demands must not be used on such an extension but must be fed from an installed socket point. Mains Switch Make sure you know where the mains switch is so that you can turn off power in an emergency. Use No apparatus with exposed mains terminals should ever be used. Do not use ordinary electrical equipment in the vicinity of flammable or explosive gases. Ordinary electrical equipment could be a source of ignition. Likewise do not use ordinary electrical equipment where it may get wet. Water may cause a dangerous short circuit. Never switch on equipment that has had liquid spilt on it until the equipment has been tested. Tell anyone to whom you take the equipment for testing what has happened. Repairs DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BY YOURSELF UNLESS YOU ARE COMPETENTAND HAVE THE PERMISSION OF YOUR SUPERVISOR TO DO SO. Ensure that the equipment is disconnected from the main power before beginning. If in doubt, take equipment to the Electronics

31

Workshop for repair (Room A112, extension 23651). Testing It is required by law that electrical equipment must be tested from time to time. Most portable items of equipment i.e. those that can be unplugged from the wall, carry a green and white label indicating their most recent test date. Never use a piece of equipment carrying a red “ELECTRICAL SAFETY-DO NOT USE” sticker. Before embarking on more sophisticated electrical work such as building your own equipment you should read reference advice on “Electrical Safety” paying particular attention to the regulations regarding the proper insulation of conductors and the earthing of apparatus. Custom built apparatus must be subject to a detailed risk assessment.

Emergency procedures Electric Shock. Switch off the power before touching the injured person. Send immediately for a first aider, or, in serious cases, ring the university emergency number 2222. Fire Follow the procedures given in the Safety Handbook. Never use water on an electrical fire.

4. THE TRANSPORT AND USE OF COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS Hazards Pressurised gas cylinders are very heavy and unstable

objects and as such can present considerable danger to those handling them. They contain gas which may be toxic, asphyxiating or flammable and at high pressure. Apart from the chemical risk from these gases, serious physical damage can be caused by exposure to the full force of escaping gas. Gas cylinder valves are very robust but a broken valve can turn a cylinder into a lethal projectile. Gas pressure regulators are much less robust and if damaged may allow gas to escape. Risk For an untrained person, the most probable source of injury is from incorrect fitting of the pressure regulator allowing the escape of gas (likely) or from a falling cylinder (unlikely). Resulting injuries may be moderate to severe. Who is likely to be injured? A falling cylinder or exposure to high pressure gas is likely to injure only the user of the cylinder. However, if equipment is blown apart by excessive pressure or toxic or asphyxiating gases escape, the damage may be widespread within a laboratory or beyond.

Precautions Physical: Cylinder trolleys to be supplied for transport Secure racks for storing. Training : Newcomers must attend Training/Induction at the beginning of the Session. P.P.E. : Safety glasses or face shield should be worn when locating or removing the pressure regulator and when opening the spindle valve.

32

Operating Precautions Ensure that the cylinder contains the expected gas (check the label). Transport the cylinder on an approved trolley (if the trolley is damaged take it to the Mechanical Workshop where it may be replaced) by pushing and not by pulling. Make sure the cylinder is firmly secured in an approved location. Cylinders must not be used from the trolley in a laboratory. CYLINDERS MUST NEVER BE LEFT FREESTANDING. Check the Pressure Regulator. Is it designed for the gas you are using? Check the pressure rating. Is it capable of coping with the pressure in the cylinder? Is the regulator marked with a red line to indicate the maximum pressure to be applied to the experimental apparatus? Never use oil or grease especially on an oxygen cylinder: - the oil or grease may ignite - and do not use PTFE tape to attempt to seal leaks. Turn the regulator to zero before opening the valve at the spindle and when finished, close the valve at the spindle. NEVER transport a cylinder with its regulator in place.

Emergency procedures Escape of gas: If the gas escape is large follow the procedure describes in the Safety Handbook for spillage response and control (Section A3). Remember that even an inert gas can kill by asphyxiation. For small non-toxic leaks, inform a member of staff, ventilate, evacuate, seal and secure the room. Falling cylinder: If a cylinder falls over, NEVER attempt to catch it. It is much too heavy and will cause you serious injury. It is also very robust and is unlikely to be damaged although it may make a loud noise. Do not attempt to upright it by yourself. Get competent help. References See the publication “Safe Under Pressure” BOC Gases available from the DSO. Refer also to the risk assessment: Use of Flammable, Explosive or Toxic Gases

5. USE OF HIGH POWER MICROWAVE AND RADIO-FREQUENCY POWER SUPPLIES

Hazards i. Biological heating and cooking (!) effects of MW and RF radiation, especially to eyes (e.g. cataract formation), and other soft tissues. ii. Electric shock and burns (these may be different from, and far more serious, than the types of burns caused by conventional electrical supplies). iii. High temperatures associated with high power equipment.

Precautions Ensure equipment is properly: i. Screened and shielded: Use an emission monitor to check that emitted MW power is <5mW cm2 @ 5 cm. For

33

RF emission, a good rule of thumb is if any LED or LCD displays in the lab start flickering they are being affected by excessive RF output, and the power supply or leads need more shielding. Note that at this level of interference, other sensitive electronic equipment may be adversely affected – with corresponding safety implications. For example, mass flow controllers that are monitoring (toxic, explosive...) gases are particularly susceptible to RFI, and can give incorrect readings or be fully open/off without the user being aware of this. ii. Cooled. If water-cooling is used, ensure water connections are fitted correctly with no chance of leakage onto the power supply. iii. Earthed. The casing of all power supplies MUST be earthed. All RF connections must be adequately shielded,. Coaxial cable is widely used for this purpose.. Training Requirements Training by an experienced person is essential.

Emergency procedures Shut off power supply; seek medical aid if necessary. 6. USE OF LASERS

Hazards Eyes: The entry of even a very weak laser beam into the eye can cause partial or complete loss of sight in that eye. The risk is present even for stray reflections off optical surfaces and it is such stray reflections that have caused serious incidents in the past Skin: Ultraviolet lasers can burn and induce cancer (as for sunburn). The more powerful lasers of any wavelength can burn the skin. Most primary lasers use high currents and voltages internally so following the manufacturer's instructions for any maintenance procedures is important

Precautions Measures to reduce the level of risk Use the lowest laser output possible. Totally enclose the laser system or use shields to constrain the laser beams. Wear laser-blocking goggles. Clearly designate and restrict access to the laser area (particularly anywhere in the line of sight) to laser trained personnel. Ensure laser beams (including stray reflections) are constrained to one level (well below eye level). Remove all reflective surfaces from laser area (including wristwatch faces and similar objects); securely mount all optics. Follow proper procedures when aligning laser beams. The Laser Protection Officer must be notified of all class II and class IV lasers. Training Prerequisite Laser work, except with class I lasers, is in risk category B, so NO LASER WORK WITH CLASS II AND

34

ABOVE LASERS MAY BE UNDERTAKEN UNTIL THE WORKER IS SUITABLY TRAINED. All users of class III lasers and above must be registered with the Laser Protection Officer before starting work and the CVCP booklet (see references, below) should be read. The Departmental Laser Protection Officer will advise on the training required appropriate to the proposed laser use. He can also advise on the class of any laser if the worker is unsure.

Emergency procedures Switch off laser; seek medical advice if eye damage is known or suspected. References CVCP booklet: “Safety in Universities: Notes of Guidance. Part 2:1 Lasers”.

7. USE OF REDUCED PRESSURE OR VACUUM GLASSWARE

Hazards Implosion and flying glass leading to cuts and lacerations. Any piece of glassware under vacuum e.g. rotary evaporators, vacuum desiccators, Schlenk lines and storage bulbs on vacuum lines has the potential to do harm following implosion. The energy imparted to flying fragments is directly proportional to the volume of the glass vessel evacuated. It follows that the potential to do harm is also directly proportional to the volume of the glass vessel and a rotary evaporator with its associated flasks is a greater hazard than a small Schlenk tube. It is a common misconception that so called “high vacuum” (typically 10-3 mbar or better) systems present a significantly greater hazard than everyday vacuums produced by e.g. a water pump (around 30 mbars). These may differ by four orders of magnitude but the forces to which the glassware is subjected is essentially the same i.e. High Vacuum, 99.999% of atmospheric pressure. Water Pump, 97% of atmospheric pressure.

Precautions Lab coats and glasses should be worn. In certain circumstances e.g. when introducing liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic material or when warming storage tubes from low temperature, a facemask and gloves should be worn. Use only glassware that is suitable: conical flasks, except the heavy walled Buchner type flasks should never be subjected to a vacuum. Check that glassware is free from chips, cracks or flaws that would make it unsafe to use. Particular care should be taken to spot any star cracks. Volumes of 1 litre or larger must be enclosed in tape or plastic mesh to restrain fragments in case of implosion. This will normally apply to rotary evaporators, vacuum desiccators and storage bulbs on glass lines. Schlenk lines

35

and tubes are generally of small volume and are quite robust in nature and do not require extra protection in the shape of tape or plastic mesh. Glass Dewar flasks should be fully wound in tape or preferably enclosed in a metal container. See the risk assessments: ‘Use of Glassware and Handling’ and ‘Transportation and Storage of Liquid Nitrogen and other Cryogenics’.

METAL VACUUM SYSTEMS Hazards There are fewer hazards in handling metal vacuum systems

owing to the very unlikely risk of implosion. PUMPS

Hazards Vacuum pumps are of various kinds. The most common are oil rotary pumps and oil (or more rarely mercury) diffusion pumps of glass or metal. Turbomolecular pumps are also used but apart from being electrical equipment, these present little danger being totally enclosed. Vacuum pumps are electrically powered apparatus. Belt driven rotary pumps present danger of entrapment in the moving belt and pulley wheels. The exhaust of rotary pumps may be contaminated chemically but will also contain an oil mist from the pump itself. There is a danger of explosion if the exhausts of rotary pumps that are pumping large volumes of air or other gas are blocked or obstructed. Diffusion pumps are heated to boil the pumping liquid and so present a risk of burns. Glass diffusion pumps are vulnerable to breakage and if these contain mercury the danger of mercury contamination is great.

Precautions The usual precautions must be taken when using electrical equipment. Rotary pumps must have belt guards to prevent entrapment. A trap (either a cold trap or molecular sieve) should be used between system and pump to prevent contaminants reaching the pump oil or being exhausted into the laboratory. The exhausts of rotary and diaphragm pumps must be free from obstruction. Exhaust lines must be vented to a fume hood by tubing of large enough cross section not to cause obstruction. Where possible mercury diffusion pumps should be replaced by oil versions. Mercury pumps must have secondary containment. The boilers of diffusion pumps must be shielded to prevent burns by contact. Diffusion pump fluids may be subject to a COSHH Assessment.

PUMP MAINTENANCE, CHANGING OIL

36

Hazards Pump oil possibly contaminated with solvents, mercury, corrosive or obnoxious substances.

Precautions As far as possible, pump oil should be drained with the pump in a fume hood. Wear gloves and a lab coat. If there is any suspicion of contamination, treat the oil as hazardous waste. Waste oil should normally be taken to the technician in charge of pump maintenance for disposal. Pumps left for service by technical staff should bear a warning about possible oil contaminants.

PRESSURE GUAGES Hazards Vacuum pressure gauges are mainly of two kinds i.e. the

manometer or McLeod Gauge type which are made of glass and contain mercury or some other liquid, and electrical devices which measure pressure dependent properties such as thermal conductivity or ionisation current. Danger from glass apparatus and possibly mercury. Electrical equipment.

Precautions Glassware gauges should be treated as indicated above under “Glassware”. Secondary containment must be used around systems that contain mercury. Where possible, mercury should be replaced by some other less hazardous fluid. Manometer fluids may be subject to a COSHH assessment. The usual precautions must be taken when using electrical equipment.

LEAK TESTING Hazards Leak testing or searching for leaks in vacuum systems has

often been done by spraying likely areas with solvent (acetone) and watching for pressure changes. The dangers here are obvious especially from flammable liquid in the vicinity of hot diffusion pump boilers. This method is to be strongly discouraged. Instead, use a stream of helium gas directed by Pasteur pipette on to likely areas.

8. USE OF A SPARK TESTER (TESLA COIL) These are devices used to test for pinhole leaks in glass vacuum systems but also for testing insulating coatings, removing deposits from insulators and exciting discharge lamps. They consist of an electrode that carries a (usually variable) high voltage (10-50 kV) with a frequency of around 200 kHz. Hazards Electric shock from high voltage, ignition of solvent,

shattering of glass vacuum system. Precautions Do not touch the discharge electrode end when the coil is

operating and never point the electrode at another person. Use the coil on the lowest setting possible. Never use the spark coil in the vicinity of flammable liquids or gases. Take care if acetone has been used for cleaning taps. Always wear safety glasses when leak testing.

37

9. VISUAL DISPLAY EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

LIGHTING, GLARE AND REFLECTION AND NOISE These are general office specifications but apply also to workstations. The requirements are for adequate but not excessive lighting, avoidance of glare or reflection from windows and reasonable levels of noise. (For these and other requirements outlined below, more detailed specifications are contained in the University Code of Practice on Office Safety and VDU Use.) DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT The display screen itself must be able to be positioned and angled for comfortable viewing. CHAIRS AND DESKS Chairs should have a base with at least five castors (star wheeled) for stability and easy movement, should be able to swivel easily and be adjustable in height and in back support. Desks should have adequate surface area to accommodate equipment and documents, manuals etc., be of appropriate height and have sufficient leg/knee space. KEYBOARDS The position of the keyboard on the desk should be such as to allow 10 cm in front of the keyboard. Keys should be clearly marked. FOOTRESTS These may be appropriate depending on the physical stature of the user. FLOOR The floor covering should be such as to allow the wheels of the chair to move freely.

Hazards Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) a musculo-skeletal disorder, the symptoms of which include pain, swollen soft tissue, restricted joint movement, loss of function and possible permanent disability. Users of keyboards who are not trained typists are more susceptible to such problems. Eye Strain: Evidence indicates that using display screen equipment is not associated with damage to the eyes or eyesight although uncorrected defects can increase the stress of working with such equipment. Fatigue and stress.

Precautions Avoidance of RSI. Good ergonomically designed seating arrangements and posture when using the keyboard or mouse. Frequent breaks either resting the fingers and wrists or carrying out alternative work provided it does not involve the use of the joints in a manner similar to keyboard use. Eye strain. If defective vision is suspected, users are entitled to vision screening and full eyesight test if necessary. If prescribed for VDU work, basic spectacles can be supplied but remain the property of the University.

38

Fatigue and stress can be reduced by providing a sympathetic working environment. Computer programs should be as far as possible “user friendly” and allow for the recovery of errors. (It is recognised that this will not always be possible in research work but it should be a major consideration in office computing.) TRAINING. Users should be trained in methods to optimise their workstations and office staff and others should be encouraged to attend updating courses on the software packages they use. Such courses are run by the University IT Service. All members of the Department that use workstations are required to complete the self-test “HEALTH AND SAFETY VDU WORKSTATION SURVEY” and take the on-line training session and test “Health & Safety for Display Screen Users” at the web site: www.learninglink.ac.uk/site.htm. Forms for the self-test are available from Mrs Charlotte Billing (room C507) EYE TESTS University employees who spend a substantial amount of their time in front of a VDU are entitled to a free eye test every three years and a contribution of £50 towards the cost of spectacles. See the Laboratory Superintendent for further details. WHAT TO DO FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS OF RSI OR EYESTRAIN Report such symptoms on a normal Accident/Dangerous Incident Form. The University Safety Office may refer you for investigation to the relevant health department.

10. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT SOURCES Hazards Two categories of hazard are involved in the use of UV

lamps used in experiments: those inherent in the radiation itself and those associated with operation of the lamps. All radiation of wavelength shorter than 250 nm should be considered dangerous. Damage to eyes and skin caused by exposure to UV radiation. Burns caused by contact with a hot UV lamp. Fire ignited by hot UV lamp. Interaction of other nearby chemicals with UV radiation. Damage caused to apparatus placed close to UV lamp.

Precautions Lab-coats, gloves and safety glasses or other appropriate eye/skin protection such as UV protective glasses or a UV protective face shield must be worn. Sources of UV, as far as possible should be contained in a closed radiation box.

39

Reactions using UV lamps An untrained person must never attempt these operations. A single person must never attempt these operations. These operations must never be attempted out of normal working hours. Use of UV lamps must be carried out in vented cabinets. The vented cabinet doors must remain closed while the UV lamp is switched on. The vented cabinet must contain only the UV lamp and associated apparatus and chemicals. No other chemicals are to be stored in the vented cabinet and no other reactions are to be performed in the vented cabinet. Care must be taken with flammable solvents to avoid excessive heating. Flammable equipment (e.g. rubber tubing) must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the lamp. After the UV lamp is switched off, unless the reaction mixture requires immediate attention, the vented cabinet should remain closed for 30 minutes to allow the UV lamp to cool. Visualisation using UV lamps When using UV lamps for visualisation of TLC plates, gels etc, treat with similar caution, although many of the above requirements obviously do not apply.

Precautions All users of UV equipment must be properly trained if carrying out photochemical reactions. Users of visualisation equipment must be properly instructed before using it.

11. USE OF LABORATORY HEATING EQUIPMENT The equipment considered in this risk assessment includes

laboratory ovens, Bunsen burners, heating plates and mantles, steam oil and sand baths and hot air guns i.e. temperatures up to 800°C. The use of very high temperatures, furnaces, experimental rigs etc. must be covered by a separate risk assessment.

Hazards Personal injury and burns from hot surfaces, liquids, vapours or flames. Sources of ignition both from hot surfaces, liquids or flames and from electrical components.

Precautions Many heating appliances contain electrical elements (see the separate risk assessment: Use of Standard Electrical Equipment). If any heating device becomes so worn or damaged that the heating element is exposed,. All heating devices (apart from steam baths) must be kept well away from flammable material. Ovens With the exception of vacuum drying ovens, laboratory ovens rarely have any means of preventing the discharge of material volatilised within them. Thus it should be assumed that these substances will escape into the laboratory atmosphere but may also be present in sufficient

40

concentration to form explosive mixtures within the oven itself. This hazard may be reduced by venting the oven to an exhaust system. Ovens should not be used to dry any chemical sample that has even moderate volatility and might pose a hazard because of acute or chronic toxicity unless the oven is constantly vented to a safe exhaust. Glassware rinsed in solvent poses a danger of explosion if dried in an unvented oven. Bunsen Burners Bunsen burners are used less and less in laboratories. The naked flame is liable to set off the fire alarm system if set in the line of sight of a flame detector. If used, be careful to shield the flame from the detector. The naked flame is a particularly hazardous ignition source and must never be used near open containers of flammable liquid or in environments where appreciable concentrations of flammable vapour may be present. A Bunsen flame may be difficult to see in bright sunlight. Pull blinds to shade the flame. Hot Plates, Heating Mantles Check the state of the heating element. If the covering is broken or worn then use of theapparatus must be stopped immediately and the electronics workshop should be asked to inspect and, if appropriate, repair it. If water or other liquid has been spilled onto the element, have the equipment electrically checked before use. Steam, Oil and Sand Baths Take extreme care to mount the baths in such a way that they cannot be overturned or that water cannot fall into an oil or sand bath causing hazardous splattering. Remember oil expands in volume when heated - do not overfill. Material heated in such a bath should be mounted in such a way that it can be quickly and easily removed from the bath in an emergency.

12. USE OF LABORATORY CENTRIFUGES, ESPECIALLY HIGH SPEED, SUPERSPEED AND ULTRACENTRIFUGES

Hazards Mechanical failure of rotating parts (often violent). Contact with rotating parts. Sample leaks causing aerosols, stress corrosion, contamination. Sample imbalance causing machine movement / walking (or stress failure of component parts). Fire or explosion. Health (contact with contaminated components / vapours).

Precautions Operation Only suitably trained persons may operate a centrifuge. Where necessary, the machine logbook must be filled in (a logbook must be kept for ultra centrifuge rotors as the

41

hours run determine the life of the rotor). Before use, the rotor, its lid and seals must be examined for cleanliness and damage (a build-up of chemicals from spillages may cause a tube to jam in the rotor or cause corrosion that could lead to a rotor failure). Damaged rotors must not be used and should be reported to the Supervisor, dirty rotors must be cleaned by the approved method, (see rotor care). Never fill centrifuge tubes above the maximum recommended by the manufacturer (see manufacturers equipment manual). Never exceed the maximum stated speed for any rotor. Derate the rotor speed whenever (a) the rotor speed/temp combination exceeds the solubility of the gradient material and causes it to precipitate, (b) the compartment load exceeds the maximum specified. Failure to reduce rotor speed under these conditions can cause rotor failure. Balance the rotor to within the limits specified (take care that materials of similar densities are in opposite positions of the rotor). Do not operate the centrifuge without the appropriate rotor cover securely fitted and its seals in place. Check compatibility of tube material to solvent medium (some solvents may cause the tubes to swell or crack in the rotor). Use only correctly fitting tubes. Clean up spillages immediately (use appropriate PPE if necessary). Do not use chemicals that are explosive, highly flammable or have vigorous chemical interaction without observing the appropriate safety precautions to minimise risk of vapour build-up. Never attempt to open the lid of a centrifuge or slow the rotor by hand or open the lid while rotor is in motion as serious injuries may be incurred. Only authorised and suitably trained persons may service or repair a centrifuge, Report all faults promptly; do not attempt repairs yourself. Do not use the centrifuge until the fault has been inspected or repaired. Rotor Care Stress corrosion is thought to be initiated by certain combinations of stress and chemical reaction. If the rotor is not kept clean and chemicals remain on the rotor, corrosion will result. Also, any moisture left for an extended time can initiate corrosion. It is important that the rotor is left clean and dry. Wash with mild detergent and warm water, careful use of a nylon bottle brush when necessary. Dry the rotor thoroughly and store upside down with the cover and tubes

42

removed. Do not autoclave at temperatures above 100 °C. Do not expose aluminium rotor components to strong acids or bases, alkaline lab detergents or salts (chlorides) of heavy metals (e.g. caesium, lead, silver or mercury). Use of these can initiate corrosion. Pre-run safety checks Make sure each tube compartment is clean and corrosion free. Make sure the rotor itself is clean, corrosion and crack free and that there are no scratches or burns around its rim. Check that the centrifuge chamber, drive spindle and tapered mounting surface of the rotor are clean and free of scratches or burns. Wipe drive surfaces prior to installing the rotor. If the temperature of the chamber is below room temperature, pre-cool the rotor to the lower temperature before securing the rotor (this will minimise the chance of it seizing to the tapered spindle). Make sure that any rotor lid securing device and any rotor to spindle securing device is fully secured before starting the machine. Training All new users of centrifuges must be trained by an appointed instructor (who must be an appropriately qualified or experienced member of staff) before attempting to use a centrifuge. References BS 4402 1982 Safety requirements for laboratory centrifuges. BS 7687 1993 section 2.20 specification for lab. centrifuges.

13. GENERAL OFFICE WORK Hazards Housekeeping. Rubbish and temporary storage of material

presenting a fire or tripping hazard. Electrical. Hazards due to electrical faults or from tripping on electrical cables. Storage. High or awkward shelves, unstable items. Machinery. Guillotines, staplers, scissors and other items with sharp edges. Lifting. Heavy or unstable objects. VDE use. Musculo-skeletal disorders from poor posture, poor arrangement of equipment and eye strain from poor lighting, incorrect spectacles, fatigue and stress.

Precautions Practice good housekeeping in the office especially with regard to walkways and fire exits. Electrical equipment, see the risk assessment: Use of Standard Electrical Equipment. All portable electrical equipment (typewriters, computers, adding machines, desklights etc.) must be tested from time to time and

43

carry a sticker recording the test. Care must be taken that cables do not trail across walkways. Only one drawer of a filing cabinet should be open at one time so that it cannot topple over. Objects should not be stored on high or unstable shelving. Potentially dangerous machinery like guillotines or shredders must be properly guarded to prevent damage to fingers and hands. Extra care should be taken with sharp edges or points. Even the edge of paper can cut which is all the more painful from being unexpected. Take great care when lifting heavy or awkward items. See SITU part 2.9 for more advice. VDE use. See the Risk assessment:Visual Display Equipment and Check List for Visual Display Equipment. Training Apart from general experience, office workers may require frequent update training in the use of office computer software.

14. TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND USE OF SOLVENTS AND OTHER FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Hazards The primary hazard arises from the solvent's property of being highly or extremely flammable but several are also described as harmful and/or toxic and this should be reflected in the relevant COSHH assessment. Flammable Hazards . The most common fire hazard in the laboratory is a flammable liquid or the vapour produced from such a liquid. For a fire to occur requires: i) an oxidising atmosphere (usually air), ii) flammable gas or vapour at a concentration within the flammability limits of the substance and iii) a source of ignition. Under normal circumstances oxygen or air will always be present and the optimal way to prevent fire is to segregate the vapour or gas from sources of ignition. Some specific properties of flammable materials are: Flash Point. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid has a sufficient vapour pressure to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid. Many common organic liquids have a flash point below room temperature e.g. acetone (-18 °C), diethyl ether (-45 °C) and amongst the most hazardous liquids are those that have flash points near or below 38 °C corresponding to the common laboratory environment. It is important to note that some flammable liquids will maintain their flammability even at concentrations as low as 10% by weight in water. Methanol and propan-2-ol have flash points below 38°C at concentrations as low as 30% by weight in water; HPLC acetonitrile/water mixtures of 15% to 30% acetonitrile are flammable. Ignition Temperature. The ignition (auto-ignition) temperature of a substance is the minimum temperature

44

required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion independent of the heat source. A spark is not necessary for ignition when a flammable vapour reaches its auto- ignition temperature. Carbon disulphide is particularly dangerous in this respect with an auto-ignition temperature of 90 °C. For Diethyl ether this is 160 °C and the material can be ignited by a hot plate. Lower and Upper Explosive Limits. These limits define the range of concentrations in mixtures with air (or oxygen depending on definition) that will propagate a flame and cause an explosion. The lower values of these limits are normally well above the levels legally allowed as ambient in laboratories and workplaces but can be easily exceeded following a spillage. The upper limits of the flammability range offer little margin of safety because, when a solvent is spilled in the presence of a source of ignition, the lower level will be reached quickly and fire or explosion will occur before the upper limit is attained. Sources of ignition. The most common sources of ignition in the laboratory are gas flames and heating elements but there are a number of less obvious electrical sources such as refrigerators, stirrer motors, heat guns (laboratory hair dryers), microwave ovens etc. It also must be remembered that vapours from flammable liquids are denser than air and can spread over bench and floor surfaces to sources of ignition, which are apparently remote.

Precautions Transport of Solvents The aim is to move solvents to and from laboratories avoiding the dangers of fire and toxicity that might arise from spillage. Winchester bottles of solvent must be transported in the corridors or lifts only in suitable carriers with a maximum load of two carriers per person or on special trolley that can be borrowed from the stores. Plastic waste solvent containers must also be carried on such trolleys. Storage of Solvents Keep only the practical minimum amount of solvent in the laboratory: do not hoard or stock up on material. Solvents must be stored in non-flammable containers. Winchesters of solvent should be stored in the special solvent storage containers provided in laboratories when not in use, put away at night and not stored in or on the workbench. Solvents must not be stored with incompatible materials such as conc. nitric acid (oxidising agent). Waste solvent is as flammable as pure solvent and containers should not be left in the open laboratory. Solvents and other flammable liquids should be used with constant regard to the danger they pose to life and property. Under normal circumstances they should always be used in a fumehood away from possible sources of ignition.

45

Flammable solvents must never be poured down sinks. Training This Assessment should be read by everyone who uses solvents, and the method of collection and storage should be demonstrated to newcomers. The use of solvents is a normal part of general chemical training.

Emergency procedures 1. Personal injury or fire: follow the procedures outlined in the Safety Handbook in sections A1-A4. 2. Spillage, no fire: a. Serious - toxic or large quantities. Evacuate and ventilate the affected area, closing doors and eliminating sources of ignition if it is safe to do so. OPERATE THE NEAREST FIRE ALARM. Advise the DSO of the nature of the incident. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP A MAJOR SPILLAGE BY YOURSELF. b. Minor. Ventilate the affected area and eliminate any sources of ignition. Inform a member of Academic Staff and your co-workers. Decide on and use suitable protective equipment such as gloves, lab. coats, respirators. The liquid may be absorbed onto absorption granules and, as appropriate, transferred to a fumehood to evaporate or to a suitable sealed container for waste disposal. In a well-ventilated area such as a laboratory, the best procedure may be simply to turn off sources of ignition, ventilate, evacuate and seal and secure the room. This section should be read in conjunction with section A3 SPILLAGE RESPONSE & CONTROL. References For further information on Boiling Points, Flash Points, Ignition Temperatures etc. see “Hazardous Chemicals Pocket Book” by PA. Carson and CJ. Mumford, Newnes, 1994. (Available for consultation from the DSO).

15. DISTILLATION OF SOLVENTS This risk assessment should be read in conjunction with that for Transport, Storage

and Use of Solvents and other Flammable Liquids. Additional hazards With distillation, a specific chemical drying agent is used

for each solvent which may react violently with other solvents. Particularly dangerous in this respect are sodium and lithium aluminium hydrides.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLVENT STILL OPERATION AND CONSTRUCTION A. Location of Stills i. Solvent stills are potentially dangerous and should be located in a fumehood dedicated to this purpose wherever possible. Stills for diethyl ether or for toxic solvents like benzene must be located in a fumehood. ii. If stills have to be located in a fumehood that is also used for other activities, a barrier should be erected to prevent dangerous interaction between these activities. iii. If stills have to be located in the open laboratory they should be away from areas where people sit, from any source of ignition and should be protected from damage if a

46

flood brings down ceiling tiles. B. Water Supply i. All water connections, from the tap to the still and from the still to the drain, are to be secured using nylon ties. ii. Water tubing to be made of a material such as translucent polyvinyl chloride, which is resistant to perishing. iii. The outlet water from a still or from the last still in a group must pass through a flow switch (see electrical requirement). iv. Stopcock to be inserted into water supply to limit maximum flow rate where possible. v. Water flow switches must be cleaned regularly as algae may stop correct operation. C. Nitrogen Supply and Vent i. On no account must it be possible to seal off a still from its vent and so create a pressurised system. ii. Each still must have its own individual nitrogen supply valve and bubbler. iii. Flexible connections are to be made using translucent polyvinyl chloride tubing, and to be secured using a nylon tie to the supply valve, the still ‘Tee’ pieces and the bubbler. iv. All exit tubing to be attached so as to minimise the danger of kinking and vented to a fumehood or the exterior of the building. D. Electricity Supply i. The electricity supply must be controlled by a water flow switch that will turn off the electricity if the water supply drops below a minimum safe flow rate. These devices are available from the Electronic Workshop, A112, and are rated at 10 A, 240 V. ii. The electricity supply from this water flow switch is then connected to a range of individual switched sockets, and finally via fused plugs and simmerstats, to the heating mantles. NOTE: simmerstat controls or other control devices should be placed outside the fumehood in which the stills are located, or outside any other containment in which stills are located. iii. The solvent catch trays should be earthed. E. Miscellaneous i. All still flasks must be labelled in plain English, no chemical shorthand, stating the solvent and the drying agent. ii. Each still to have its own individual metal catch. These may be ordered from the Mechanical Workshop. iii. All flammable solvent stills must only be filled or re- filled when they are at room temperature. There should be no electrical device turned on in the fume cupboard when the still is being filled and all heating devices such as mantles or hotplates must have been turned off for at least 5 minutes to avoid chance ignition of vapour. iv. Stills to be turned off when left unattended. v. The joint between the still flask and the receiver must be fitted with a heavy-duty p.t.f.e joint sleeve. F. Recommended Solvent Drying Agents Solvent Drying agent

Tetrahydrofuran Sodium wire/benzophenone Ethanol Magnesium methoxide

Acetonitrile Calcium hydride Acetone Calcium sulfate

Dichloromethane Calcium hydride Ethyl acetate Calcium hydride

(2-Methoxyethyl)ether Sodium

47

40/60 Petrol ether Calcium hydride or sodium wire/benzophenone/triglyme

Toluene Sodium Diethyl ether Sodium wire/benzophenone

Methanol Magnesium methoxide

Hexane Calcium hydride or sodium wire/benzophenone/triglyme

Pentane Calcium hydride or sodium wire Heptane Calcium hydride or sodium wire Benzene Calcium hydride or sodium wire Xylene Sodium

This list is not exhaustive, but gives combinations of solvents and drying agents in common use. The routine use of potassium or its alloys is not recommended because of the risk of fire; if potassium must be used, a Special Assessment has to be made under COSHH with particular concern for its disposal. G. Safe Disposal of Drying Agents in Stills The reactivity of the above drying agents means that disposal has to be carried out with great care. In the procedures outlined below for in situ decommissioning of stills, it is assumed that the stills are at room temperature and electrically isolated and that they remain connected to a flow of cooling water and nitrogen. Put a warning notice on the still during decommissioning so it is not accidentally turned on. (a) Disposal of sodium (10 g or less) The flask must be at least 1/3 full of solvent before the addition of reagents is commenced. About 30 cm3 of ethanol is syringed into the solvent receiver with the tap closed. The ethanol is then added slowly to react with the drying agent. There may be a delay in hydrogen evolution whilst surface contamination of the drying agent is dissolved. It is important to swirl the flask during the addition to ensure adequate mixing. When the evolution of hydrogen has ceased, a small amount (ca. 15 cm3 ) of a 1:1 ethanol/water mixture is cautiously added. If no further hydrogen evolution occurs, water is cautiously added to fill the flask and it is left until no more bubbles of gas can be seen. The flask can now be detached, the upper organic layer separated and put into the waste solvent container and the lower, aqueous layer washed down the sink with lots of water (take special care with tetrahydrofuran as this is fairly soluble in water). (b) Disposal of calcium hydride or magnesium The procedure is similar to that used for sodium except that a mixture of 90% ethanol and 10% water is used in place of pure ethanol. When hydrogen evolution ceases, water may be added cautiously and the still dismantled when no bubbles can be seen. If an aqueous and an organic layer have formed, these must be separated, the solvent put into the appropriate waste solvent bottle and the aqueous layer washed down the sink with lots of water. If the water and solvent are miscible, often the whole contents of the flask can be washed down the sink with lots of water to render the mixture non-flammable - if you have doubts about what is allowed, check with the information in the separate leaflet: Code of Practice on Disposal of Chemical Waste. Glass bottles, which contain sodium and solvent, should be handled with extreme care. Emergency procedures 1. Personal injury or fire: follow the procedures outlined in the

Safety Handbook in sections A1-A4.

48

2. Spillage, no fire: Beware of drying agent! Users should be fully conversant with the procedures required to make safe any drying agent that is in danger of being exposed to air or water. a. Serious - toxic or large quantities. Evacuate and ventilate the affected area, closing doors and eliminating sources of ignition if it is safe to do so. OPERATE THE NEAREST FIRE ALARM POINT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP A MAJOR SPILLAGE BY YOURSELF. b. Minor. Ventilate the affected area and eliminate any sources of ignition. Inform a member of Academic Staff and your co-workers. Decide on and use suitable protective equipment such as gloves, lab coats, and respirators. The liquid may be absorbed using the adsorbent from the spillage kit in your laboratory transferred to a fumehood to evaporate or to a suitable sealed container for waste disposal.. (Do not use the adsorbent from the major spillage kit located outside the lift on the third floor except in an emergency. Inform John Haslop immediately of you have to do this.) In a well-ventilated area such as a laboratory, the best procedure may be simply to turn off sources of ignition, ventilate, evacuate and seal and secure the room.

16. USE OF THE SODIUM PRESS TO MAKE SODIUM WIRE FOR SOLVENT DRYING Hazards Severe fire from sodium and ignition of solvent. Fire caused by

incorrect disposal of unused sodium. Violent reaction between sodium and unsuitable solvent. Pressure build-up in solvent bottle following addition of sodium.

Precautions This operation must never be attempted by an untrained person. This operation must never be attempted by a single person. This operation must never be attempted out of normal working hours. Lab-coats, gloves and safety glasses must be worn. No naked flames to be within twenty feet. No other flammable chemicals to be within ten feet. If the press is found with residue from a previous operation, it must be assumed that sodium is still present and extreme care must be taken in cleaning it. Only solvents compatible with sodium to be used (see the recommended solvent drying agents given in the risk assessment: Distillation of Solvents). The solvent bottle to be held firmly in place with the mouth as close as possible to the die. Following the operation, the solvent bottle must be left in a fumehood for 18 hours with its cap screwed loosely in place. Unused sodium to be disposed of carefully (see the procedure outlined in the Risk assessment: Distillation of Solvents). In order that the press be safe for future use, it must be left spotlessly clean. Glass bottles, which contain sodium and solvent, should be handled with extreme care.

Emergency procedures Personal injury or fire: follow the procedures outlined in the Safety

49

Handbook under “Coping with an Emergency”. 17. HANDLING, TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF LIQUID NITROGEN AND

OTHER CRYOGENIC MATERIALS Hazards a) Temperature Related

The extremely low temperature of the liquid can cause severe burn-like damage to the skin either by contact with the fluid, surfaces cooled by the fluid or evolving gases. The hazard level is comparable to that of handling boiling water. The low temperature of the vapour can cause damage to softer tissues e.g. eyes and lungs but may not affect the skin during short exposure. Skin can freeze and adhere to liquid nitrogen cooled surfaces causing tearing on removal. Soft materials e.g. rubber and plastics become brittle when cooled by liquid nitrogen and may shatter unexpectedly. Liquid oxygen may condense in containers of liquid nitrogen or vessels cooled by liquid nitrogen. This can be extremely hazardous because of the pressure rise on the slightest degree of warming above the boiling point of oxygen (-183 °C) and the possib ility of explosive reaction with oxidisable material. Thermal stress damage can be caused to containers because of large, rapid changes of temperature. b) Vapour Related Large volumes of nitrogen gas are evolved from small volumes of liquid nitrogen (expansion approximately 700-fold) and this can easily replace normal air in poorly ventilated areas leading to the danger of asphyxiation. It should be noted that oxygen normally constitutes 21% of air. Atmospheres containing less than 10% oxygen can result in brain damage and death (the reflex is triggered by excess carbon dioxide and not by shortage of oxygen), levels of 18% or less are dangerous and entry into regions with levels less than 20% is not recommended. Oxygen condensed into leaking containers can explode on heating following reheating or blockage with ice.

Precautions Always use liquid nitrogen in a well-ventilated area, especially when filling a warm container or transfer tube or inserting a warm object, as large volumes of nitrogen gas are evolved (outside normal working hours it is prohibited to travel in a lift with a Dewar of liquid nitrogen, failure of the Dewar or a large spillage could result in asphyxia in the confined area of a lift at a time when you are unlikely to be found or able to raise the alarm quickly). Only use containers or fittings (pipes, longs etc.) that have been designed specifically for use with cryogenic liquids as non-specialised equipment may crack or fail. In particular, do not use food type vacuum flasks as they can implode resulting in flying glass fragments. All glass Dewar flasks must be protected against the possibility of flying glass fragments, arising from failure by mechanical or temperature stress damage, by sealing all exposed glass either in an insulated metal can or by wrapping with adhesive tape. Always fill warm Dewar flasks slowly to reduce temperature shock effects and to minimise splashing. Do not overpressurise storage

50

dewar when filling a globular Dewar. Use the minimum pressure required to maintain a flow of liquid. Always make sure that containers of liquid nitrogen are suitably vented and unlikely to block owing to ice formation. Beware of the formation of liquid oxygen in cold-traps that are open to air or the increase of liquid oxygen content in a flask of liquid nitrogen that has been cold for a long period. (Liquid oxygen has a blue water- like appearance). However, most liquid nitrogen containers are closed except for a small neck area and the nitrogen vapour issuing from the surface forms a barrier which keeps air away from the liquid thus preventing oxygen contamination (an explosion at UMIST was caused apparently by overcooling of Rotaflo taps which leaked and allowed oxygen to condense into a sample tube. Subsequent warming resealed the Rotaflo but blew the tube apart as the oxygen evaporated). Avoid skin contact with either liquid nitrogen or items cooled by liquid nitrogen as serious burns may occur. Always wear approved Personal Protective Equipment especially safety glasses to protect against splashes, vapour, failure of glass apparatus resulting in implosion, brittle failure of items cooled by liquid nitrogen. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Face shield or safety glasses. Dry asbestos (substitute) or dry leather gloves (when handling equipment that has been in contact with the liquid). NB there is dispute over the advisability of wearing gloves while handling liquid nitrogen because there is a belief that gloves could fill with liquid and therefore prolong hand contact, which would make burns more severe. If gloves are worn they should be loose fitting and easily removed. Lab coat or overalls are advisable to minimise skin contact, also, wear trousers over shoe/boot tops to prevent shoes filling in the event of a spillage. TRAINING New users of liquid nitrogen should receive instruction in its use from experienced members of the academic or technical staff. The B.O.C. leaflet “Recommended Safety Precautions for Handling Cryogenic Liquids.” should be read.

18. SOLID CARBON DIOXIDE Hazards Apart from being unable to condense oxygen, hazards associated

with solid carbon dioxide are similar to those described for liquid nitrogen i.e. temperature related and vapour related. In operation, similar precautions should be taken against cold burns and asphyxiation.

Emergency procedures Temperature related For brief, localised contact with cold material - flush the area with water. (Water is used because of its high heat capacity.) Obtain First Aid assistance. More prolonged contact will require medical treatment. Call a First Aider. Vapour related Following a large spillage of liquid nitrogen, evacuate the area and

51

call for help. Follow the procedure outlined in the Safety Handbook for the escape of toxic material in the section “Coping with an Emergency”. References B.O.C. Cryoproducts “Recommended Safety Precautions for Handling Cryogenic Liquids”. B.O.C. “Care with Cryogenics”. B.O.C. “Prevention of Oxygen Enrichment or Deficiency Accidents.” B.O.C. “Dry Ice.”

19. USE OF FLAMMABLE, EXPLOSIVE AND TOXIC GASES Hazards Leakage or escape of flammable gases can produce a serious

explosive hazard in a laboratory. Acetylene, hydrogen, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, propane and carbon monoxide are especially dangerous. Hydrogen flames from leaks can be almost invisible and thus difficult to detect. Apart from explosive hazard, gases can be reactive e.g. oxygen and highly toxic e.g. carbon monoxide. “Inert” gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and argon can cause asphyxiation if released in quantity.

Precautions Use only in a fumehood or in a well-ventilated laboratory. Rigorously exclude naked flames or other sources of ignition from the vicinity. Gas cylinders, control valves and pressure regulators and gauges should all be used carefully and according to the manufacturers' recommendations. Broken or damaged equipment should not be used and must be replaced. Use only equipment that is appropriate i.e. specially designed for use with toxic, explosive or corrosive gases. Use the smallest cylinder size that is practicable e.g. a lecture bottle, which can be sited in a fume hood. There should be a regular check for leaks especially in joints. However, beware of using leak-detecting fluids on oxygen lines unless you are certain they are compatible. NEVER USE A FLAME WHEN TESTING FOR LEAKS. Consider using a gas sensor to detect leakage. Consider using automatic gas cylinder shut-offs for use in an emergency. Receiving containers should be capable of accepting the gas at the required operating pressure. Prior to introducing a flammable gas into a reaction vessel, the equipment should be purged of oxygen by evacuation or by flushing with inert gas at least three times. Exhaust lines should be properly vented e.g. to a fume hood. As far as possible, cylinders of flammable gases e.g. hydrogen should not be sited on emergency escape routes. Depending on the gas being used a separate COSHH Special Assessment may have to be made. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Training by an experienced person is essential.

52

Emergency procedures Leakage If the leak is small, attempt to close off the cylinder valve but do not endanger yourself. Eliminate all sources of ignition, ventilate and evacuate the laboratory. BEWARE of approaching a possible hydrogen leak since the gas burns with an almost invisible flame - carry a rolled up newspaper in front of you to check for a flame. If the leak is large, evacuate the laboratory and sound the fire alarm. See “Coping with an Emergency” in the Safety Handbook. Following large-scale leakage of an asphyxiant gas e.g. nitrogen, argon never re-enter a laboratory without permission. Lack of oxygen may not be apparent but the effect will still be deadly. Be aware that asphyxiant gases may be heavier than air and accumulate at floor or lower levels. Fire Evacuate and sound the alarms. REFERENCES B.O.C. publication “Safe under Pressure” plus relevant MSDS.

20. USE OF LASER DYES AND DYE SOLUTIONS Hazards Most laser dyes have not been subject to the rigorous testing

required to determine the level of toxicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity or carcinogenity of these chemicals. It is therefore recommended that users treat laser dyes as toxic materials. Fire or excessive heat may produce hazardous decomposition products. Water, dry chemical or CO2 fire extinguishers may be used and self-contained breathing apparatus is advised. Laser dyes tend to be strong oxidisers and should be stored well away from oxidising materials. The solvents used to make up the dye solutions have their own associated hazards and the user is referred to the information given on the solvent bottle for full details.

Precautions Handling Procedure Always wear butyl rubber gloves, safety glasses and face mask when handling dye. Work should be carried out within a fume hood or a well-ventilated area. Clean up any glassware and equipment that come into contact with the laser dye. Exposure First Aid Eye: Immediately flush eyes with copious water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention if symptoms are present (laser dyes can be expected to be an irritant) Inhalation: Remove to fresh air and treat symptomatically. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Skin: Wash after each contact with soap and copious amounts of water. Ingestion: Drink 1-2 glasses of water or milk. Seek medical attention. (Expected to be a low ingestion hazard.)

Emergency procedures Spill and Disposal Procedure Clear up any spilt laser dye or dye solution using a damp cloth and

53

then wash the area thoroughly with water. Waste dye solution should be placed in the relevant departmental waste bottles within the laboratory, making sure that chlorinated and non-chlorinated solvents are put in the correct bottle. References LAMBDACHROME ® LASER DYES by Dr Ulrich Brackmann, Lambda Physik laser dye handbook.

21. USE, HANDLING AND CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES FOR MERCURY Hazards Mercury is a virulent poison that is readily absorbed through the

respiratory tract or through unbroken skin. It acts as a cumulative poison since only small amounts of the element can be eliminated at a time. The present accepted threshold limit for mercury in air is 0.05 mg m3 (NB. air saturated with mercury vapour at 20°C exceeds the toxic limit by 100 times). High concentration of vapour may cause a metallic taste, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and headache. Chronic effects from continual exposure to small concentrations can cause severe nervous disturbance, insomnia, loss of memory, irritability and depression. Loosening of teeth, dermatitis and kidney damage are possible in severe prolonged absorption. Mercury can react with ammonia to produce an explosive solid. It can cause severe corrosion problems because of its ease in forming amalgams. Reacts violently with dry bromine.

Precautions Operation Mercury must only be transported in small quantities in plastic containers (glass bottles are unsuitable because breakages will result in possible spillage over a large area). Always handle mercury in a well-ventilated area and in a suitable plastic tray (mercury may react with a metal tray or may be absorbed into a porous tray e.g. wood). Do not breathe the vapour. Avoid skin contact. Wearing disposable gloves would be advantageous. Wash hands thoroughly after using mercury, especially before eating, drinking or (worse) smoking, to avoid ingestion. Use secondary containment on all apparatus containing mercury e.g. manometers, McLeod gauge, mercury switches. Mercury diffusion pumps (generally phased out in favour of the safer oil diffusion pump). Take care with mercury in glass thermometers. The exhaust from vacuum pumps on systems containing mercury must always be vented either to the outside or into a ducted fume cupboard (this is good practice for all vacuum pumps).

Emergency procedures Spillages Evacuate danger area. Provide ventilation. Do NOT wash away into the drainage system. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. When dealing with other than a small a spill, use extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. When spilled, mercury breaks into many small droplets covering a large area. Avoid spreading the contamination by restricting access

54

to the spill area and only use the designated mercury collector which must be held in every laboratory (see section A3 of this handbook) (NB. walking on a contaminated area could mean that you transport the contamination home!). For larger spills, use the bigger mercury absorption/disposal kit (Aldrich) held in the stores. If mercury has spilled onto a hot surface (hotplate, mantle, heating element) evacuate the room, as high concentrations of vapour could be present. Report the fact to your supervisor or the Laboratory Superintendent. Before the area is allowed to be used again it is essential that a detector test is performed using the Draeger mercury detector held in the stores to make sure that the contamination has been removed. Occasionally a second application is found to be necessary. Empty and clean all equipment after use. Disposal of Waste Dirty liquid mercury should be carefully transferred to a clearly labelled plastic bottle and disposed of as a waste chemical (see Section C2). Slurry and contaminated items e.g. tissues and small bits of broken glass (thermometer) should be sealed in a suitable, clearly labelled container and added to the chemical waste system. 22. USE OF HYDROFLUORIC ACID

Hazards CORROSIVE - TOXIC -Described by Risk Phrases R35 and R26/27/28 i.e. Causes severe burns. Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with the skin and if swallowed. Hydrofluoric Acid has a number of properties that make handling particularly difficult. HF attacks glass, concrete, some metals and organic compounds. While HF gas is one of the most acidic gases known, aqueous HF is technically a weak acid. However the definition “weak” bears no relation to hydrofluoric acid's ability to damage living tissue with fluoride ions rapidly absorbed through the skin and able to migrate through and destroy tissue until they are eventually sequestered in the bones. HF damage causes long term excruciating pain and burns which are slow to heal. Burns around the fingertips are reputed to be particularly painful and may require the surgical removal of fingernails. Fluoride ions are both acutely and chronically toxic so that even 1% solutions of HF (or metal fluorides) must be handled with care. However, the ability of HF to carry fluoride ions through intact skin increases greatly with increasing concentration. Thus, 5% (2.5 M) HF can be handled with about the same level of care that is appropriate for handling 10 M H2SO4. Above 10% (5 M), the dangers of handling HF increases sharply and any contact with the skin for more than a few seconds can result in latent burns which may take hours before they start to cause pain. Manufacturers commonly supply HF as 48% (28 M) solution and sometimes as 73% (44 M). Handling HF of these concentrations is far more dangerous than handling any other common concentrated acids.

Precautions Hydrofluoric acid of >10% (5 M) concentration must be stored in a

55

cool, well-ventilated area in a screw capped polyethylene (or equivalent) container. It is inadvisable to keep such acid at all in a laboratory unless an appropriate COSHH assessment covering its possible use by each of the workers in the laboratory has been made. Reference should be made to an up to date Material Safety Data Sheet. A detailed COSHH Special Assessment must be completed and approved by the DSO before any use is made of hydrofluoric acid. Even if only dilute (5%) acid is to be used, the assessment must define how the commercially available concentrated acid is to be diluted safely. (The main danger in this operation is spilling or splashing the concentrated acid or breathing HF fumes as only a little heat is evolved during dilution.) The appropriate First Aiders who are qualified in the treatment of hydrogen fluoride burns must be informed by the adviser of any group contemplating the use of >10% HF and adequate supplies of calcium gluconate gel made available. Procedures using hydrofluoric acid must never be attempted by an untrained person. Procedures using hydrofluoric acid must never be attempted out of normal working hours and it is strongly advised that procedures are restricted over the lunch period when trained First Aiders may not be available. Procedures using hydrofluoric acid must never be attempted by someone working alone and for larger scale operations, workers should operate in pairs. All procedures must be carried out in a fume hood. It is strongly advised that procedures, which are new to the HF user, should be practised as a “dry run” and written down as a protocol before involving the acid. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn i.e. safety glasses (or preferably a face shield), PVC or Neoprene gloves which are frequently and carefully checked for damage especially pin holes, a lab. coat and preferably a chemical proof apron. Washing hands and gloves frequently with water is wise when working with even dilute HF. Disposal: unless large quantities (>10 mole) of HF have been used, spent acid is best added slowly to a copious flow of water running down a drain. The flow of water must be continued for some time after to ensure that all of the acid has been cleared from the glass sink-trap. Training Training by a competent person is absolutely essential before this material is used.

Emergency procedures Skin or Eye Exposure Immediate washing with large amounts of water. Call for first aid. Even if no pain is immediately apparent, affected areas must be treated with calcium gluconate gel. Seek medical attention for all exposure to HF. Spillages

56

For large spillages follow the procedure outlined in the Safety Handbook under “Spillage response and control” (Section A3). Small spillages (100 ml or less of <10% solution) can be neutralised with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide solution. Gloves, labcoat and eye protection must be worn. References See any MSDS for HF. “Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory.” 5th ed, S.G. Luxon (ed), RSC, 1992 (available for consultation from the DSO).

23. USE OF PHOSPHINE GAS Hazards FLAMMABLE - TOXIC

Use in conjunction with the risk assessment: Use of Toxic, Explosive and Flammable Gases. Very toxic by inhalation. May be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Ignitable on contact with air, or other oxidising agents, including halogens. Contact causes burns to skin and eyes. Properties: Phosphine Phosphine is a colourless gas with the odour of decaying fish. Boiling point is -88°C. Above 400°C decomposes into P and H2. Slightly Soluble in Water. Ignitable on contact with air, or other oxidising agents. TOXICITY Phosphine acts on the central nervous system and lungs leading to pulmonary oedema, but its action on the body has not been fully elucidated. Symptoms usually appear rapidly. 2000ppm is lethal after a few minutes. 500ppm is lethal after 45 mins, 150ppm tolerable for 1 hour without serious effects. There is no evidence that long-term exposure of low concentrations leads to organic damage. Symptoms include with increasing exposure, faintness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, intense thirst, coughing with sputum, convulsions, paralysis and coma!

Precautions Follow the guidelines for other toxic gases outlined in Use of Toxic, Explosive and Flammable Gases. Procedures using phosphine must never be attempted by an untrained person. Procedures using phosphine must never be attempted out of normal working hours and it is strongly advised that procedures are restricted over the lunch period when trained First Aiders may not be available. Procedures using phosphine must never be attempted by someone working alone. All procedures must be carried out in a fume hood. Materials to avoid: air, oxygen, halogens, other strong oxidising agents. Avoid aluminium and copper. Iron, steel and stainless steel are satisfactory.

24. USE OF HYDROGEN GAS–HYDROGENATION Hazards Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable. Many of its reactions cause

57

fire or explosions. Hydrogen reacts violently with air, oxygen, chlorine, fluorine and strong oxidants. Many of these reactions are enhanced by catalysts such as platinum or nickel.

Precautions Hydrogen gas must not be used under any circumstances in the vicinity of naked flames or equipment liable to produce sparks. Hydrogen gas should only be used in a closed system. The area where it is used must be well ventilated. This risk assessment must be read in conjunction with the risk assessments: “Use of glassware” and “The transport and use of compressed gas cylinders”.

Emergency procedures In the event of fire, follow the departmental emergency procedure. 25. USE OF DIAZOMETHANE

Hazards Diazomethane is extremely flammable and toxic. Many of its reactions cause fire or explosion. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.

Precautions Do not use diazomethane in the vicinity of naked flames or electrical equipment liable to produce sparks. Use only in a fume hood. DO NOT expose to friction or shock (e.g. by grinding glass joints together in apparatus containing diazomethane.

26. USE OF LIQUID AMMONIA Hazards Liquid ammonia is flammable. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.

Corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Contact with the skin can produce frostbite. Inhalation is accompanied by shortness of breath and a sore throat. There may be delayed effects (oedema) on the lungs.

Precautions Do not use liquid ammonia in the vicinity of naked flames or electrical equipment liable to produce sparks. Use only in a well-ventilated fume hood.

Emergency procedures In the event of accidental exposure, call immediately for first aid. Meanwhile, remove an affected person to the fresh air and put them into a half-upright position. On frostbite, rinse the affected part with plenty of water but DO NOT remove any clothes.

27. USE OF OZONE Hazards Ozone itself is not combustible but it enhances the combustion of

other substances. Many of its reactions can cause fire or explosions. It decomposes on warming producing oxygen. It is a strong oxidant and reacts violently with combustible and reducing materials. A harmful concentration of ozone in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. Ozone is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract. It may cause asthmatic reactions. It may have effects on the central nervous system, resulting in headche and impaired vigilance and performance.

Precautions Do not use ozone in the vicinity of naked flames or electrical equipment liable to produce sparks. Use only in a well-ventilated fume hood.

Emergency procedures In the event of fire, follow the departmental emergency procedure.

58

In the event of accidental exposure, call immediately for first aid. Meanwhile, remove an affected person to the fresh air and put them into a half-upright position.

28. USE OF PYROPHORICS Hazards Pyrophoric materials are those that are capable of spontaneous

combustion in the presence of air. Spontaneous ignition or combustion takes place when these substances reach ignition temperature without application of external heat. Ignition may be delayed or only occur if the material is finely divided or spread as a diffuse layer (titanium powder is an example in the first case, and mixed tributyl phosphine isomers is an example in the second). Or, on the other hand, ignition could be essentially instantaneous, the time delay being measured in milliseconds as with trimethylaluminum. The following classes of compounds are prone to pyrophoricity. Classes of Pyrophoric Compounds Finely divided metals (calcium, zirconium) Alkali metals Metal hydrides or nonmetal hydrides (germane, diborane, sodium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride) Grignard reagents Partially or fully alkylated derivatives of metal and nonmetal hydrides (diethylaluminum hydride, trimethylphosphine) Alkylated metal alkoxides or nonmetal halides (diethylethoxyaluminum, dichloro(methyl)silane) Metal carbonyls (pentacarbonyliron, octacarbonyldicobalt, nickel carbonyl) Used hydrogenation catalysts (especially hazardous because of the adsorbed hydrogen) Phosphorus (white)

Precautions Prevent contact with air or water; use and store in inert environments.

29. USE OF PEROXIDES AND PEROXIDE-FORMING MATERIALS Hazards Peroxide-forming materials are chemicals that react with oxygen

(including air), heat and light to form peroxides. Peroxides are very unstable, and some chemicals that can form explosive peroxides are commonly used in laboratories. This makes peroxide-forming materials some of the most hazardous substances found in a lab. The tendency to form peroxides by most of these materials is greatly increased by evaporation or distillation. Organic peroxides are extremely sensitive to shock, sparks, heat, friction, impact, and light. Many peroxides formed from materials used in laboratories are more shock sensitive than TNT. Just the friction from unscrewing the cap of a container of an ether that has peroxides in it can provide enough energy to cause a severe explosion. Peroxide-forming compounds can be divided into three hazard categories. Storage times are based on time after opening container. Compounds forming peroxides that can spontaneously

59

decompose during storage. Maximum storage time = 3 months. Compounds forming peroxides that require the addition of a certain amount of energy (distillation, shock) to explosively decompose. Maximum storage time = 12 months. Compounds that have the potential to form peroxide polymers, a highly dangerous form of peroxide which precipitate from solution easily and are extremely heat and shock-sensitive. Maximum storage time = 12 months.

Precautions 1. All containers of peroxidizable compounds should have a warning label indicating the date received and the date opened. The label should indicate that the material is to be tested or discarded within either 1, 3, or 6 months after opening. Do not open any container which has obvious crystal formation around the lid. 2. All peroxidizable substances should be stored away from heat and light and be protected from ignition sources. 3. When it is necessary to test for the presence of peroxides: do not test the solution if it has been stored longer than two years. Do not test the solution if crystals are visible in the container or crystals are on or in the container. Do not test the solution if the container has a metal screw cap. If it is safe to test the solution, the presence of peroxides can be detected by mixing 1-3 ml of the liquid to be tested with an equal volume of acetic acid and then adding a few drops of a 5% potassium iodide solution. A yellow to brown color indicates the presence of peroxides. Commercial test strips are also available. Further information on the “Detection, Inhibition and Removal of Peroxides: Basic Protocols” is available on the departmental safety web site: http://www.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/Chemistry/safety/peroxtests.html Other precautions are similar to those used for flammables. References How to Determine the Presence of Peroxides Organic Peroxides, (Three Volumes) D. Swern, Ed., Wiley-Interscience, New York Kelly, R. J., Review of Safety Guidelines for Peroxidizable Organic Compounds, Chemical Health and Safety, 1996, 3 (5) 28-36. “Chemical Health and Safety” is a publication of the American Chemical Society.

30. USE OF CYANIDE SALTS Hazards Not combustible but give off flammable and toxic gas on contact

with water or damp air. Very toxic by inhalation, by contact with the skin or eyes and if swallowed. Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. As little as 50 to 150 mg of these salts or their aqueous solutions can cause death. Poisoning can occur by inhalation of mists of cyanide solution and by inhalation of HCN produced by the reaction of metal cyanides with acid and with water. Symptoms of non- lethal poisoning include weakness, headache, dizziness, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting. These compounds are not regarded

60

as having good warning properties. Precautions Metal cyanide salts and the more toxic organic cyanide salts must

not be stored on open shelves in the laboratory. They should be kept in a well ventilated and secure, preferably locked cupboard. Procedures using these materials must never be attempted by an untrained person. Procedures using these materials must never be attempted out of normal working hours or over the lunch period when trained First Aiders may not be available. Procedures using these materials must never be attempted by someone working alone and for larger scale operations, workers should operate in pairs. Work with cyanides only in a fume hood. Wear protective gloves plus standard protection (laboratory coats, safety glasses). Avoid contact with the skin.

Emergency procedures Evacuate danger area! Call an expert! Ventilation. Do NOT wash away into sewer. IN ALL CASES CALL THE MEDICAL CENTRE USING THE EMERGENCY NUMBER 2222 Remove patient from exposure and remove to the fresh air if possible. Keep warm and at rest. Administer oxygen if available. If breathing has stopped artificial respiration should be applied if there is a qualified first aider present. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. DO NOT use any of the traditional antidotes: “solutions A and B” (ferrous sulfate in aqueous citric acid, and aqueous sodium carbonate), amyl nitrate and dicobalt edetate (Kelocyanor). The Health and Safety Executive actively discourages their use. Action (to be carried out only by a qualified person): sweep spilled substance into dry sealable and labelled containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder with water containing some alkaline material such as sodium carbonate. Then wash away with plenty of water. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

31. BIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES Specifically using Escherichia coli and Streptomyces coelicolor a3(2)

Hazards May cause gastrointestinal infection or upset if ingested. Precautions Avoid ingesting microorganisms or materials that may contain

them e.g. growth media. Wear disposable latex gloves when handling microorganisms. Dispose of the microorganisms and all solid material that comes into contact with them, except glassware, in a clearly labelled biohazard bin. The contents of biohazard bins should be sterilized by autoclaving at 2.2 bar pressure and 121ºC for 30 minutes, before disposal in the conventional waste. Contaminated glassware and liquid waste must be sterilised by

61

treatment with bleach prior to washing down a sink with copious running water.

Emergency procedures Spillage Clear up spills of liquid or solid media using disposable wipes. Dispose of contaminated wipes in a biohazard bin. Wipe contaminated area with 70% aqueous ethanol. Ingestion If microorganisms or media containing them are ingested, seek medical assistance.

62

RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR SPECIALISED LABORATORIES PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN C101/114 (ELECTROCHEMISTRY)

Hazards In C101/C114 the chemical hazards are: 1. General chemicals contained within a specific area in

C114, used to prepare low concentration solutions. 2. Organic solvents. 3. In C101/C114 the other hazards are: 4. High voltage piezo stacks 5. UV lamps

Precautions All preparative work must be performed in the designated area in C114. Solvents must be handled in the fume hood. Lab coats and safety goggles must be worn at all times during the preparation and handling of solvents. Appropriate UV goggles must be worn when working with UV light source. Personal protective equipment Safety goggles Safety goggles must be worn when preparing solutions and handling organic solvents. Safety goggles must be worn when transporting and using high pressure gas cylinders. Lab coats Lab coats must be worn at all times in the chemical storage/preparation area in C114. Lab coats need not be worn in other areas of the laboratories unless work involving hazardous chemicals is being carried out, since they serve no useful purpose and loose sleeves catching on electrical equipment presents a potential hazard. All electrochemical experiments are carried out in a contained environment, confined within either a glove-box or Faraday cage.

63

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN C102 – ATOMIC FORCE

MICROSCOPY LABORATORY Hazards Each atomic force microscope contains a Class II laser light

source Each atomic force microscope incorporates a high voltage piezo-electric stack.

Precautions All optical devices (monocular, inverted microscope, observation windows) which are used in conjunction with the AFMs have been equipped with the appropriate laser safety filters. Most experiments are carried out 'in air'. If solutions are used, they are low concentration salt solutions, prepared in the designated area in C114. Great care is taken in the use of the piezo stacks, especially when experiments are undertaken in solution. All liquids are introduced via low volume syringes and any moisture observed on the AFM is immediately removed. All experiments are performed within a 'closed' environment i.e. enclosed within a Faraday cage. Personal protective equipment Safety goggles and Lab coats Safety goggles and lab coats should be worn whilst solutions are being prepared. It is inappropriate to wear Lab coats and safety goggles during AFM experiments as both could prove obstructive given the intricate nature of setting up the instrument and the fragility and small dimensions of the components involved. The cumbersome nature of lab coats and spectacles would actua lly represent a hazard when carrying out AFM experiments.

64

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN C103 (LASER LABORATORY)

Hazards In C103 the chemical hazards are: 1. Highly toxic and corrosive laser gases (HCl and F2) 2. Laser dye solutions. The toxicological, carcinogenic

and mutagenic properties of laser dyes are largely unknown. In addition these solutions often use toxic solvents such as p-dioxane or dimethyl suphoxide as solvents

Precautions Handling procedure All laser gases are to be kept and used exclusively in the vented, fire-resistant gas cabinets provided. When corrosive gases have been used the regulators and lines should be flushed with the inert gas connected for that purpose. All exhaust gases should be vented via appropriate scrubbers through the fume-extract system. (The use of laser dyes is covered in standard risk assessment 20) All dye solution preparative works must be performed in the fume cupboard in the prep room, C105. Lab coats and safety goggles must be worn at all times in the prep room and during the transport of laser dyes to and from the laboratory. Suitable gloves must be worn when handling laser dyes. It is essential that the gloves are not porous with respect to the solvent in use. Personal protective equipment Laser goggles Appropriate laser goggles (if available) must be worn during any laser work. Safety goggles Safety goggles must be worn when transporting or operating high pressure gases bottles. Lab-coats Lab coats should not be worn in the laboratory unless work involving chemicals (such as dye solutions) is being performed since loose sleeves catching optical mounts presents a potential optical hazard and serve no useful purpose. Lab-coats must be worn at all times in the prep room C105.

65

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN C107 (MASS SPECTROMETRY

SERVICE) Hazards In C107 the hazards are:

1. General chemicals contained within a specific area in C107, used to prepare small volumes (generally < 5 mL) of low concentration solutions.

2. Organic solvents. 3. Gas cylinders (ammonia, methane - FLAMMABLE)

mounted in cylinder trolleys or secured to the wall, unless designed to be free-standing.

4. Gas bottle of isobutane (FLAMMABLE) 5. Two MALDI spectrometers with interlocked Class 1

laser. 6. AutoSpec Mass Spectrometer with interlocked high

voltage supplies (> 5kV) Precautions Small scale preparative work must be performed in the

designated area in C107. Where hazardous solvents are used in volumes greater than 5mL they should be handled in the fume hood located in C105. Lab coats and safety goggles must be worn at all times during the preparation and handling of solvents. Personal protective equipment Safety goggles Safety goggles must be worn when preparing solutions and handling organic solvents. Safety goggles must be worn when transporting and using high pressure gas cylinders. Lab coats Lab coats must be worn at all times in the chemical storage/preparation area in C107. Lab coats need not be worn in other areas of the laboratories unless work involving hazardous chemicals is being carried out, since they serve no useful purpose and loose sleeves catching on electrical equipment presents a potential hazard. Gloves Gloves suitable for the material being handled should be worn where deemed necessary by a COSHH assessment.

66

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN C108 (MMM LABORATORY)

Hazards In C108 the chemical hazards are: 1. Inert gases under pressure 2. Cryogenics (liquid nitrogen/helium)

Precautions [This section should be read in conjunction with standard risk assessments 4 (The transport and use of compressed gas cylinders) and 17 (Handling, transportation and storage of liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic materials) in Section D2 of the Departmental Safety Handbook] Care should be exercised when handling high pressure gas cylinders. Cylinders should be always secured to a wall or specially designed mount. Safety goggles must be worn when handling cylinders under pressure. Protective gloves and goggles should be worn when handling cryogenics. Hands and legs should be fully covered. Sample preparation should be carried out in the prep room C105. Lab coats and safety goggles must be worn at all times in the prep room. Personal protective equipment Safety goggles Safety goggles must be worn when: 1. Transporting or operating high pressure gas cylinders 2. Handling cryogenics 3. Preparing samples Laser goggles Appropriate laser goggles must be worn during any laser work. Lab coats Lab coats should not be worn in the laboratory since loose sleeves catching on switches presents a potential hazard and serve no useful purpose. Lab coats must be worn at all times in the prep room C105. Protective gloves Protective gloves should be worn when handling cryogenics.

67

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN C109 (FTICR)

Hazards In C109 the chemical hazards are: 1. Inert gases under pressure 2. Cryogenics (liquid nitrogen/helium) 3. Strong magnetic fields

Precautions [This section should be read in conjunction with standard risk assessments 4 (The transport and use of compressed gas cylinders) and 17 (Handling, transportation and storage of liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic materials) in Section D2 of the Departmental Safety Handbook] Care should be exercised when handling high pressure gas cylinders. Cylinders should be always secured to a wall or specially designed mount. Safety goggles must be worn when handling cylinders under pressure. Protective gloves and goggles should be worn when handling cryogenics. Hands and legs should be fully covered. Two people should be in the room while cryogenics are being handled. Ferro-magnetic objects must not be brought into the vicinity of the magnet. Persons with pacemakers and ferromagnetic implants should not be allowed close to the magnet. Major sample preparation should be carried out in the prep room C105. Lab coats and safety goggles must be worn at all times in the prep room. Personal protective equipment Safety goggles Safety goggles must be worn when: 1. Transporting or operating high pressure gas cylinders 2. Handling cryogenics 3. Preparing samples Lab coats Lab coats should not be worn in the laboratory unless work involving chemicals (such as minor sample preparation) is being performed since loose sleeves catching on switches presents a potential hazard and serve no useful purpose. Lab coats must be worn at all times in the prep room C105. Protective gloves Protective gloves should be worn when handling cryogenics.

68

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN C115 (MAGTOF LABORATORY)

Hazards In C115 the chemical hazards are inert gases under pressure Precautions [This section should be read in conjunction with standard

risk assessment 4 (The transport and use of compressed gas cylinders) in Section D2 of the Departmental Safety Handbook] Care should be exercised when handling high pressure gas cylinders. Cylinders should be always secured to a wall or specially designed mount. Safety goggles must be worn when handling cylinders under pressure. Sample preparation should be carried out in the prep room C105. Lab coats and safety goggles must be worn at all times in the prep room. Personal protective equipment Safety goggles Safety goggles must be worn when: 1. Transporting or operating high pressure gas cylinders 2. Preparing samples Lab coats Lab coats should not be worn in the laboratory since loose sleeves catching on switches presents a potential hazard and serve no useful purpose. Lab coats must be worn at all times in the prep room C105.

69

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN B602 AND B608

(BIOPHYSICAL LABORATORIES) Hazards In the biophysical laboratories the chemical hazards are:

1. General chemicals usually used to prepare low concentration solutions.

2. Organic solvents. 3. Biomacromolecules

Precautions Laboratory coats and safety glasses must be worn at all times during the preparation of solutions. Personal protective equipment Safety glasses Safety glasses must be worn when preparing solutions and handling organic solvents. Laboratory coats Laboratory coats must be worn at all times to prepare solutions. Laboratory coats need not be worn when using dilute solutions in spectroscopic experiments unless the hazard of the material requires this.

70

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN A109, A110 AND A111 (NMR)

Hazards In A109, 110 and 111 the chemical hazards are: 1. General chemicals contained within a

specific area. 2. Organic solvents. 3. Cryogenics (liquid nitrogen and helium) 4. Strong magnetic fields.

Precautions [This section should be read in conjunction with standard risk assessment 17 (Handling, transportation and storage of liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic materials) in Section D2 of the Department Safety Handbook]. Protective gloves and goggles should be worn when handling cryogenics. Hands and legs should be fully covered. Ferro-magnetic objects must not be brought into the vicinity of the magnet. Persons with pacemakers and ferro-magnetic implants should not be allowed close to the magnets. Most sample preparation will be carried out elsewhere. Occasional samples will be prepared in the area provided in A111. Personal protective equipment Safety goggles Safety goggles must be worn when: 1. Handling cryogenics 2. Preparing samples Lab coats Lab coats should not be worn in the laboratories unless work involving chemicals (such as minor sample preparation) is being performed since loose sleeves catching on switches presents a potential hazard and serves no useful purpose. Protective gloves Protective gloves should be worn when handling cryogenics.

71

RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR WORKSHOPS

ELECTRONIC WORKSHOP

Safety During Electrical Maintenance: General Regulations 1. Scope

1.1 This regulation should be read in conjunction with Part 24 of Safety In The University which deals with related topics. It is concerned with safety during electrical maintenance work carried out by the Department's Electronic Workshop personnel while on University premises. Maintenance is here used in the broadest sense to include repair, adjustment, preventive maintenance etc.

2. Exclusions

2.1 Electronics Workshop personnel shall under no circumstances work on :- a) Equipment which can not be completely and effectively isolated

from the mains supply (typically by withdrawing a mains plug or locking off a 3-phase isolator). Work on the "live" side of isolators or fixed outlets is strictly the province of trained electricians from the Estates or Engineering Departments

b) Equipment using the "live chassis" principle. 3. Good Practice

3.1 Repairs shall be carried out in accordance with accepted good practice which may be summarised thus :- a) Before commencing work, the operator assesses the task to be

performed in the light of its potential hazards to him/herself, to others involved in the work (who may not be knowledgeable in electrical matters) and to those unconnected with the work who may come into the vicinity.

b) The operator then takes all reasonable precautions to eliminate the hazards so identified. Some practical ways of doing this are described below.

4. Assessing the Hazard

4.1 Maintenance will usually involve removal of safety covers from electrical equipment. If electrical power is then applied, personnel may be exposed to a number of risks. The most likely of these is electric shock, but other hazards e.g. from moving parts, may also need to be considered.

5. Eliminating the Hazard(s)

5.1 Isolated Working 5.1.1 The simplest and most effective method of eliminating a hazard is

isolated working. This should be used wherever practical and involves :- a) Totally isolating the equipment from power supplies before

removing safety covers to carry out work within.

72

b) Applying power only when the safety covers are in place again. This need not imply every bolt fully tightened but there must be no possibility of the cover moving to expose (or cause) a hazard.

5.1.2 In many situations it will be immediately obvious whether a piece of equipment is powered or not. If this can not be established by a quick visual check, a test lamp or equivalent device should always be used to ensure that circuits are isolated.

5.1.3 Isolated working is likely to be slower, but it can not be too strongly emphasised that it is the only legal working method in normal circumstances.

5.2 Leaving a Partially Completed Task 5.2.1 Whenever equipment which is undergoing maintenance has to be left

unattended, it must be in a state in which it presents no hazard to any person who may come into the vicinity. Ideally, the safety covers should be replaced so that they can not be removed without the use of tools and the equipment itself should operate safely should power be applied. If this is not practicable, positive steps should be taken to prevent power being connected e.g. by removing the fuse and the earth pin from a 13A plug top. A warning notice is not by itself a sufficient precaution.

5.3 Special cases 5.3.1 If isolated working really can not be used - and older equipment is

sometimes manufactured so that critical adjustments have to made with the power on and the covers off - the situation should first be discussed with the Electronics Workshop Chief Technician (or in his absence the Departmental Safety Adviser) who will take the responsibility of deciding how to proceed. Typically, it will be necessary to ensure that a competent second person (i.e. one able to isolate the equipment from its power supply promptly and to summon assistance) gives his/her undivided attention to assisting in any way which will reduce the hazard and is prepared to isolate the equipment immediately should the need arise. In addition, some or all of the following measures may be needed : a) Additional protection by means of a residual current device (RCD).

These are routinely used in the Workshop and the portable version can be taken to a job if need be. It is of course important to understand which hazards are minimised by using an RCD and those which are not affected.

b) Additional protection by means of temporary insulating shields, special tools and the like.

c) Arrangements to protect personnel unconnected with the work, particularly if the equipment can not be removed to the Workshop. This could involve the use of barriers and/or warning notices.

73

ELECTRONICS WORKSHOP RISK ASSESSMENTS

Hazards Hazards arise during maintenance of electrical equipment (maintenance is here used in the broadest sense to include investigation, repair, adjustment etc.) because it is often necessary to work on equipment with the safety covers removed. Principal hazards to the operator in this situation are electric shock, burns or injury from moving parts.

Precautions Isolated working is to be used unless there are compelling reasons to do otherwise. If isolated working can not be used, the Electronics Workshop Chief Technician (or in his absence the Departmental Safety Adviser) will take the responsibility of deciding how to proceed. Whenever equipment which is undergoing maintenance has to be left unattended, it must present no hazard to any person who may come into the vicinity.

Maintenance of Chemically Contaminated Equipment Hazards Hazards arising from contact with chemically and/or

biologically contaminated equipment. Precautions Suitable personal protection equipment must be worn

(gloves, overalls). Workshop personnel must ensure that any such contaminated equipment received is accompanied by a standard form giving details of possible contaminants and their associated hazards.

Mechanical Handling Hazards The principal hazard in the Electronics Workshop will arise

from trying to deal single handed with items which are too heavy for one operator. There is then a risk of injury, the back and feet being particularly vulnerable.

Precautions Assess the weight and awkwardness of heavy objects before attempting to move them. Refer to SITU Part 3 Section 148 for detailed guidance. Do not hesitate to get assistance.

Use of Powered Tools Hazards In the Electronics Workshop, the main hazards are from the

pillar drill, the portable drill and the “Dremel” miniature drill. All three can cause eye injury if a drill bit fractures. This is a rare occurrence but happens without warning. The pillar drill and portable drill can cause injuries to hands etc. if the work is allowed to “snatch”.

Precautions Wear eye protection when using any of the drills. Use the guard on the pillar drill as well. Assess the need for clamping the work (not always necessary with small diameter drill bits and forgiving materials). If any doubt exists, clamp the work.

Ferric chloride etching solution Hazards The crystals and the solution at recommended

74

concentration (500g/litre) irritate eyes and skin. Precautions Wear eye and skin protection.

Consult the relevant COSHH assessment. N.B. the solution stains anything and everything, so wear a lab. coat.

Emergency procedures Splashes to skin. Wash with plenty of water for at least 10 minutes. Splashes to the eyes. Wash with plenty of water for at least 10 minutes. Seek medical aid (not first aid).

Use of Solvents, Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants. Hazards Hazards include flammability, generation of noxious

vapours and irritant properties.

Precautions Before use, refer to the Electronics Workshop COSHH Assessment file and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Follow the advice they give.

GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOP

Hazards Risk of burns from gas bench torches, gas hand torches, overheating electric motor and annealing ovens, recently made glass components and items being removed from annealing ovens.

Precautions Suitable personal protection equipment (gloves and overalls) must be worn. See also SITU Section 3 Part 14.4

Hazards Inhalation and ingestion of vapours from polishing fluids and plating paints, chemical cleaning fluids, burning off of chemical deposits on glass apparatus.

Precautions These operations must be carried out with adequate ventilation. Apparatus with chemical deposits must not be accepted for repair or modification.

Hazards Hazards arising from contact with broken glassware, jigs and tools, hand tools, moving/rotating machines, cutting wheels, movement of hot glass and cutting glass.

Precautions Suitable personal protection equipment (gloves and overalls) must be worn. Refer also to standard risk assessment 2 (Use of glassware) and to SITU Section 3 Part 14.2 and 14.3.

Hazards Eye contact with cleaning and polishing fluids, paint, adhesives, debris from cutting wheels, compressed air and splintering glass.

Precautions Suitable eye protection must be worn. See also standard risk assessment 2 (Use of glassware)

Hazards Chemical burns from chemical cleaning fluids

75

Precautions Personal protection equipment must be worn (gloves, overalls, eye protection) must be worn.

Hazards Hazards arising from contact with chemically and/or biologically contaminated equipment.

Precautions Suitable personal protection equipment must be worn (gloves, overalls). Workshop personnel must ensure that any such contaminated equipment received is accompanied by a standard form giving details of possible contaminants and their associated hazards.

Hazards Injury from falling oxygen cylinders.

Precautions See standard risk assessment 4 (The transport and use of compressed gas cylinders).

76

MECHANICAL WORKSHOP

Hazards Hazards from: 1. Use of standard electrical equipment 2. The transport and use of compressed gas cylinders 3. Visual display equipment 4. General office work 5. Transport, storage and use of solvents and other

flammable liquids 6. Use of flammable, explosive and toxic gases 7. Metal and wood cutting 8. Welding machinery 9. Compressed air equipment

Precautions Refer to standard risk assessments 3, 4, 9, 13, 14 and 19 respectively. When using equipment generating above average noise levels, ear defenders must be worn.

Hazards Injury resulting from the mechanical handling of equipment.

Precautions Precautions are covered in SITU Part 8 (Work Equipment). Suitable personal protection equipment must be worn (including safety shoes) (see also SITU Part 3 Section 14 (Equipment) and specifically section 14.3 (Tools and Equipment).

Training All workshop personnel are required to complete a training course arranged by the University Safety Office.

Hazards Hazards arising from contact with chemically and/or biologically contaminated equipment.

Precautions Suitable personal protection equipment must be worn (gloves, overalls, safety glasses). Workshop personnel must ensure that any such contaminated equipment received is accompanied by a standard form giving details of possible contaminants and their associated hazards.