Introduction to Safe Working in Science and Engineering

Introduction to Safe Working in Science and Engineering

Research Workers and Post Graduate Students

Complete the attendance sheets that will circulate

PRINT NAMESIGNSCHOOL & DIVISION

John Sutherland

University Safety Officer

Safety Office - New Researchers

Programme

1. Safety - Why bother ?

2. General Precautions

3. Specific Hazards


Safety – why bother?

•Legal Duty

•Moral Duty

•££££££££

•Reputation

Legal Duties upon the University

Duties towards employees & people affected by undertaking [visitors/students]:

– provide and maintain equipment and procedures– use, handling, storage and transport of articles

and substances– information, instruction, training and supervision– safe place of work and access/egress– welfare facilities - toilets, washing facilities

• So far as is reasonably practicableSafety Office - New Researchers

A lot of Legislation• General• First aid• Fire• Noise• Lead• Asbestos• Highly flammable liq• Ionising Radiations

• COSHH• Genetic modification• Electricity• Pressure systems• Work equipment• PPE• Manual Handling• Computer Safety

Responsibilities• Academic Supervisors

Identify hazards & risks

Written procedures

Ensure effective supervision & training to full competency

• Demonstrators [employees]– Understand the practical – Know the hazards/precautions– Be ready to intervene– Action in case of accidents


Responsibilities (Section 7 & 8)INDIVIDUALS - THAT MEANS YOU

- Work safely

- Follow instructions & rules

- Don’t endanger others

- Don’t misuse safety equipment

- Report problems /unsafe situations

Your training and competence should be recorded

- Internal/external courses

- Lab procedures/equipment

DO NOT FOOL AROUND - IT’S DANGEROUS!Safety Office - New Researchers

£££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££

WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG!




Incompatible Chemicals in Waste SolventSafety Office - New Researchers

Postgraduates at Risk

• 30 - 40 accidents per year• 50% handling sharps• Others

– chemical exposure – slips and knocks– hot/cold contact – animals– manual handling


Typical Hazards• substances

– toxic/ carcinogens– flammable– Biological material– Allergens

• noise• vibration• radiation[ ion/non-ion]• electricity• machinery

• pressure systems• display screen equip• manual handling• mech. handling• transport• falls, falling objects• slips, trips

General Lab Safety

• Risk Assessment• Training Needs/Records (Personal Dev

Folder)• Fire• Accidents & First Aid• Glassware Safety• Housekeeping• Late Working• Unattended Experiments


Risk Assessment• Legal Requirement• Carried out before work starts• Identify hazards• Look at controls in place• Evaluate the risk• What improvements are needed?• Incorporate precautions in SOPs

See School ProceduresSafety Office - New Researchers

Hazardous Substances

• Chemicals• Biological Agents• Dusts• Gases

• COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health


COSHH Regulations• Look at the nature of hazard - harm that

can be caused • Properties [toxicity, flammability]• Quantity to be used• Form (solid, liquid, gas)• Duration and frequency of use

• Think about:• How can harm be caused? • How can I be exposed to the substance?


Routes of exposure

• Exposure Routes – Inhalation– Ingestion– Skin Contact/penetration-

• Absorption, • Sharps• Defective skin barrier


Hazardous property Example

Irritant, Harmful, Ammonia,

Sensitising Glutaraldehyde, isocyanates, animal allergens, latex

Toxic/carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Teratogenic

Acrylamide, MNU, EthBr, cytotoxic drugs

Corrosive Strong acids & bases

Infectious Bacteria, virus

Flammable Alcohol, acetone

Explosive Hexane, hydrogen

Oxidising Potassium permanganate, Hydrogen peroxide

Ecotoxic MercurySafety Office - New Researchers

Changes to hazard symbols

• New Pictograms

• Signs Changing


New Harmonised Statements• Replace Safety and Risk Phrases

– Hazard warning statements (Risk Phrases)

• H240 Heating may cause an explosion (Physical 200s)• H320 Causes Eye irritation (Health 300s)• H401 Toxic to aquatic life (Environmental 400s)

New Phrase Previous Equivalent– H300: Fatal if swallowed R28 Very toxic if swallowed– H301: Toxic if swallowed R25 Toxic if swallowed– H302: Harmful if swallowed R22 Harmful if swallowed– H303: May be harmful if swallowed

– Precautionary statements (Safety Phrases)

• P102 Keep out of reach of children• P271 Use only outdoors in well ventilated area• P410 Protect from sunlight


Workplace Exposure Limits

Approved maximum limits, set for some hazardous substances, that must not be exceeded in the workplace.

Limits given in ppm and mg/m3

Time averaged concentration in airLong term (8 hours)Short term (15 minutes) - STEL


EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES WITH WEL [mg/m3] [mg/m3]

8hr 15minsFormaldehyde 2.5 2.5Acrylamide 0.3 -Benzene 1.0 -Acetone 1210 3620

Bromine 0.66 2Methanol 266 333Toluene 191 574Xylene 220 441HW dust 5 -Grain dust 10 -

If substance does not have WEL it does not mean it is safe - check MSDS/seek advice Safety Office - New Researchers

Decide on control measures– Eliminate or substitute, justify use.– Engineering - contain, extract [ FCs/MSCs]– Handling controls - e.g. avoiding aerosols– Personal protection– Information Training, supervision– Health surveillance/screening/vaccination

Other considerations StorageTransportDisposalEmergencies - spills, first aid


A means of containing or extracting hazardous fumes/vapours/aerosols away from the operator, to be safely discharged to the atmosphere.

SAFE WORKING• Check it is working• Position Equipment• Safe working area• Control Movement /external forces• Avoid heat sources• Minimise sash opening• Unattended experiments – leave information• Clean after use!

• Animated demonstration (3 minutes):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4AHxLnByts

Fume Cupboards


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4AHxLnByts

THE GOOD


THE BAD


THE UGLY


Is this good practice?


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Last resort not first line of defense

Lab Coats - must be worn in lab, fastened, remove before entering offices/clean areas

Type - side fastening with cuffs - biological work

Gloves - - correct type for the work

- latex vs nitrile,

- powder free

- worker vs product protection

Eye/ face - mandatory in certain areas, or subject to RA

protection - personal - if not cleaning regime

- suitable for purpose

RPE - half masks, full masks, powered hoods

- fit critical to protection

Footware - no open toe/canvas shoes in labs/risk areasSafety Office - New Researchers

Chemical Storage• Labelling - Name and Hazard Categories

– corrosive, flammable, oxidising, toxic etc

• Compatibility?– Acids v alkalis; flammables v oxidising

• Minimise quantities– Flammables <50 litres/lab stored per lab (e.g. Winchesters)– Bench stocks – 500 ml.

• Stock Control– Some solvents (e.g. diethyl ether) form peroxides over time – risk of

violent reaction/explosion.• Label date of receipt and of opening,• Test for peroxides

• Beware– Don’t store under sinks – leaks?– Stock in designated cupboards, use spill trays– Heavy, breakable containers (particularly liquids) - store below

shoulder heightSafety Office - New Researchers

Nanoparticles

One or more external dimensions in the order of 100 nm or less ie: < 0.1 micrometre / micron.


Nanoparticles


Nanoparticles• Toxicological Risks

– Elevated toxicological properties may arise due to:• small size, • increased surface area, • availability of bio-reactive sites, • ability to generate oxygen radicals, • quantum effects• increased ability to penetrate natural human defences.

• Exposure Routes– As for conventional chemicals i.e.

• inhalation, ingestion and ‘injection’.

– Also, potential for being absorbed directly into the body by migrating between or even into mucosal or skin cells due to their very small, almost atomic size.

– Standard PPE (gloves) might be more porous.Safety Office - New Researchers

Risk Control – Nanoparticles

• Risk Assessment: – Specific for the task and the substance used. Standard MSDS may not

apply– Precautionary approach - toxicological properties not fully known.– Known, carcinogenic allergenic, mutagenic or toxic substances represent a

very significant hazard as nanoparticles and MUST be strictly controlled. • Control Measures:

– Use good laboratory practice. – Use externally vented HEPA/ULPA filtered LEV wherever reasonably practicable.– Wear suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment as a supplement to fume

cupboard containment where risks not adequately controlled – Lab coats, eye protection and appropriate gloves [ tested for viral penetration]. – Vacuum cleaners must have HEPA filters. – Thoroughly CLEAN the work area and all equipment after use ie: wet-wipe cleaning. – Do NOT use compressed air for cleaning! – Consider all who might be exposed; colleagues, waste handlers; cleaning and

maintenance staff, etc.


Flammable Liquids

• Flashpoint - temp. to form a flammable atmosphere– Flammable FP < 55C– Highly Flammable FP < 32 C– Extremely Flammable FP < 21 C

• Flammability range - 1 to 15 % in air


Flammable Liquids

Flash Point – temp to form a flammable atmosphere

Precautions– avoid vapour release– store in solvent bin [50l max per room]– never store with acids/oxidising agent– stoppered labelled containers– minimum quantities on bench < 500ml – enclosed carriers for Winchesters– spark-proof fridges– beware of - static build up on large scale decanting

- flammable atmospheres /heavy vapours

– know spillage procedure - clear up immediately Safety Office - New Researchers

Hazardous Substances - Biological Agents

• Infectious agents [pathogens – bacteria, fungi, virus]

– HSE Approved List - schedule to COSHH– Hazard grouping 1 - 4 (low to high)– Containment facilities/lab standards (1 - 4)– Health Surveillance (3 & 4)

• Special requirements for waste inactivation & disposal.


Biological Hazards & GMOs

Hazard group 1

Unlikely to cause human disease[not listed in ACDP] Animal tissues and cell lines

CL1

Hazard group 2

Can cause human disease. Unlikely to spread, e.g. Human Tissues, SewageSalmonella, clostridium, adenovriusGenerally work at Containment level 2 unless RA indicates higher level required

CL2

Hazard group 3

Can cause severe human disease.May spreadGood prophylaxis or treatment availablee.g. HIV, Hepatitis B, TB

CL3

Hazard group 4

Causes severe human disease. Likely to spread. No prophylaxis or treatment available e.g. Ebola Virus, Rabies

CL4

ACDP Categories of Biological Agents


Latex Allergy• Latex can cause skin/respiratory sensitation.

• 1% of population may react.

• Likely to affect those with history of asthma, dermatitis, eczema, hayfever

• Immediate

– local or generalised spots and swelling (5-30 mins)

• Delayed (peaks 24-48 hours then subsides)

– red rash on back of hands / between the fingers

– skin may become leathery and develop blisters

• Seek advice from Occ Health if skin/resp symptoms

• Latex alternatives & powder free gloves


Explosion in a Microwave Oven• Heating 300 ml media in 1

litre Duran bottle. • Cap swelled and sealed

bottle which then exploded.• Debris hurled 3m across lab

- unoccupied!!!• Use foam or Kim Wipe neck

inserts.

Cryogenic Liquids• Asphyxiation

– <18% O2 (spills > 143ml LN/m3 : 1:700)

– confined spaces, DO NOT TRAVEL IN LIFT• Cold Burns

– eye protection - goggles/visors/specs– hands - non absorbent insulated gloves eg leather. Sleeves over

ends/securely banded.– Feet - closed shoes, trousers over– tongs/forceps

• Ice Plug formation• Oxygen enrichment• Exploding vials• Transport - NOT BY ROAD - very hazardous

– Use cardice Safety Office - New Researchers

Other Hazards

• Pressure Systems• Lasers• Ionising Radiation• Electricity• Ultra-violet• Magnetic Fields• Off-site working


Pressure Systems compressed gases, autoclaves

• Stored energy– Steam– Gas or vapours > 0.5 bar

• Boilers, autoclaves, air receivers, reactors• 250 bar/litre for system

• Requirements– Design/construction– safe operating limits– Written scheme for examinations– Written operating instructions– Annual inspection against written scheme – Check sticker

• Notify Insurance Officer Safety Office - New Researchers

Noise• Daily Noise Dose

– exposure = intensity x duration <80 dB(A) - negligible risk– 3 dB = twice intensity thus half duration

– Lower exposure action level • 80 dB(A) TWA - Hearing protection is provided.

– Upper exposure action level • 85 dB(A) TWA - Reduce noise levels at source• Hearing protection must be worn - HP Zone

– Exposure Limit level • 87 dB(A) or 140dB(C) instantaneous – max cumulative daily dose

Noise Level (dB) 82 85 88 91 94 97 100

Safe Exposure Time (hours)

16 8 4 2 1 1/2 1/4

VibrationHand-arm Vibration Syndrome

• powered hand-held or hand-guided tools– e.g. Grinding or percussive metal/wood tools

• hands regularly exposed to high vibration may suffer – impaired blood circulation – damage to the nerves

and muscles. – tingling or numbness in – the fingers – finger blanching

• More information at:– http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg175.pdf– http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/safety/vibration.htm Safety Office - New Researchers

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg175.pdf



http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/safety/vibration.htm

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/safety/vibration.htm

Lasers & Ionising Radiation• Separate Introductions• Local rules for safe use• Prior approval needed.


Electricity• 50 V AC can KILL• Electricity at Work Regulations

– design, construction, maintenance– earthing, fusing, isolation, insulation– live working [special precautions]

• University Code of Practice• Periodic inspection/testing - usually annual - sticker?• User visual checks

plugs, cable & socket, evidence of overheating, casing• Report all defects • All repairs by workshops• Avoid - overloading sockets/ [max 3kW/multiboard]

- long extension leads [trips /heating ] Safety Office - New Researchers

Laboratory U.V. Sources [280- 400nm]

Examples: Transilluminators, gel docs, hand held lamps

Biocidal lamps, Mercury vapour lamps [uv spec]

Health Effects: Sunburn, cancer, eye damage

Safety precautions

Interlocks/enclosure

UV opaque shielding

UV opaque visor

Cover exposed skin

Restrict access to area

Associated hazards

Ethidium Bromide; MercurySafety Office - New Researchers

Magnetic Fields• Hazards• Superconducting magnets - e.g. NMR• Violent movement of metal objects• Risk to pacemakers, metallic implants ferrous objects, and credit

cards!• Cryogenic liquids: Quenching - rapid gas discharge.

• Controls• Restricted access to room with warning signs• Mark high risk area around the magnet (5 gauss line)• No ferromagnetic tools/objects/Dewars• Good ventilation and/or low oxygen alarms Safety Office - New Researchers

Maintenance Work in Hazardous Areas

No UnauthorisedAccess for Contractors

andMaintenance Staff

Contractors andMaintenance Staff

Must Contact:

Entry control via responsible person.

Remove or contain hazards

Written safety information if residual hazards

Ask to see their permit.

Research Work away from the University - FIELDWORK

• Risk assessment required• Consider

– Personal safety – schedule, emergency contacts– Local diseases – immunisations required?– Troubled areas – consult FCO website– Issues related to travel and accommodation – use

University approved agents– Hazards associated with the actual research work

you are doingSafety Office - New Researchers

Field/Site Work

• Think about the siteFragile roofs

Collapsing excavations

Confined spaces

Vehicles

Work at height

Buried/overhead services


Accidents and First Aid

• Report all incidents whether injuries or ill-health (to your line manager/safety officer)

• Know how to call a first aider• Know how to call for an ambulance

– 8888 or 0115 9518888• It may be you, it may be a friend, it may

be nothing to do with the work


Documents

Introduction to Safe Working in Science and Engineering