Transcript
Page 1: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Introduction to Safe Working for

Scientific Research Workers and

Post Graduate Students

Sarah Watson

Assistant Safety Officer

University Safety Officer. Ext 13301

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/safety/docs/SB-PG-Safety.ppt

Complete the attendance sheets that will circulatePRINT NAMESIGNSCHOOL & DIVISION

Page 2: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Programme

1. Safety - Why bother ?

2. General Precautions

3. Specific Hazards

4. Emergency Procedures

Page 3: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Safety – why bother?

•Legal Duty

•Moral Duty

•££££££££

•Reputation

Page 4: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Legal Duties upon the University

Duties towards employees AND people affected by undertaking (students/visitors):

– Workplace – access, egress, circulation– Equipment, tools, substances– Procedures– Training and supervision– Welfare - toilets, washing facilities

So far as is reasonably practicable

Page 5: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

A lot of legislation applies to research at the University – just a few examples…… General First aid Fire Noise Lead Asbestos Highly flammable liq Ionising Radiations

COSHH Genetic modification Electricity Pressure systems Work equipment PPE Manual Handling (DSE) Computers

Page 6: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

University Organisation

School/Section Safety Officers

Section Leaders

Chief Financ- ial Officer

Vice Chancellor

Council

Head Of School/Admin

Section

Head of Division

University Safety Officer

Individuals

Responsibility

Advice

Information

Page 7: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Responsibilities PIs / Academic Supervisors

Identify hazards & risks

Written procedures

Ensure effective supervision & training to full competency

Demonstrators (employees - paid!)– Understand the practical – Know the hazards/precautions– Be ready to intervene– Action in case of accidents

Page 8: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

ResponsibilitiesINDIVIDUALS – whether staff or student so that

includes YOU- Work safely

- Follow instructions & rules

- Don’t endanger others

- Don’t misuse safety equipment

- Report problems /unsafe situations /incidents

Page 9: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

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

WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG!

Page 10: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Page 11: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Page 12: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Chemistry, UoN - Incompatible Chemicals in Waste Solvent

Page 13: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Postgraduates Incidents

Typically 30 - 40 accidents reported each year

50% handling sharps Others

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

Page 14: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

General Lab / Workshop Safety

Risk Assessment Training Needs / Competency Specific Hazards Miscellaneous

– Glassware Safety– Housekeeping– Late Working– Unattended Experiments– Emergency Procedures

Page 15: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Risk Assessment

Legal Requirement

Carried out before work starts Identify hazards Look at controls in place Evaluate the risk (likelihood) What improvements are needed?

Incorporate precautions in SOPs

See School Procedures

“Hi, I’m David and I’m invincible”

Page 16: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Risk Assessment HAZARD

– the potential of something to cause harm

RISK– the likelihood of an event occurring which

will allow the hazard to occur

Think of an activity outside of the University

1. List the hazards

2. List the control measures that reduce the risk

Page 17: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Training vs Competence

Attending training is one thing, being competent to carry out an activity is another.

You should have evidence of both training and achieving competence– Some schools use postgraduate supervisory requirements form (PSRF) -

personal to you and confirms what supervision you require– Keep a record of all

• External courses• University courses• Lab-specific training (procedures and/or equipment)

– Records should show who has trained you and when

Page 18: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

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 – know how to help

Page 19: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Fire Safety – What you should know

• Evacuation Procedure

• Call point location

• Escape route(s)

• Assembly point

Page 20: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Fire Procedure

If you discover a fire– Raise the alarm– Dial 8888 (0115 951 8888)– Leave the building by nearest exit

• Close doors and windows behind you• Report to assembly point

– Only use extinguisher if:• Small, contained fire• Confident• Clear exit route

Page 21: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Fire Procedure

On hearing alarm - leave building by nearest exit - closing doors/widows - go to assembly

Notify if known false alarm – 8888 (Mobile 0115 9518888)

Page 22: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Fire Extinguishers

Water – all red

Dry Powder – blue band

Foam – cream band

CO 2 black band

Page 23: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Typical Hazards in the Research Environment substances

– toxic/ carcinogens– flammable– biological material– allergens

noise vibration radiation electricity machinery

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

The following slides give a summary of the key precautions expected to be in place. Further detail, specific to your research, must be obtained locally

Page 24: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Substances related hazards

Chemicals Flammables Carcinogens Nanoparticles Poisons

Page 25: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Hazardous Substances

Chemicals Biological Agents Dusts Gases

COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Page 26: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

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

Page 27: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Routes of exposure

Exposure Routes - how can harm be caused

– Inhalation– Ingestion– Skin Contact/penetration-

• Absorption, • Sharps• Defective skin barrier

Page 28: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

Hazardous property Example

Irritant, Harmful, Ammonia,

Sensitising Glutaraldehyde, isocyanates, animal allergens, latex

Toxic/carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Teratogenic

Acrylamide, MNU, EthBr, cytotoxic drugs

Corrosive String acids & bases

Infectious Bacteria, virus

Flammable Alcohol, acetone

Explosive Hexane, hydrogen

Oxidising Potassium permanganate, Hydrogen peroxide

Ecotoxic Mercury

Page 29: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Page 30: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Workplace Exposure Limits

• Set for some hazardous substances

• Must not be exceeded

• Limits given in ppm and mg/m3

• Time averaged concentration in air• Long term (8 hours)• Short term (15 minutes) - STEL

Page 31: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Examples of Substances with WELs [mg/m3] [mg/m3]

8hr 15mins

Formaldehyde 2.5 2.5Acrylamide 0.3 -Benzene 1.0 -Bromine 0.66 2

Methanol 266 333Toluene 191 574Xylene 220 441

Acetone 1210 3620

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

Page 32: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

COSHH AssessmentDecide on control measures

– Eliminate or substitute, justify use.– Engineering - contain, extract (FCs/MSCs)– Personal protection– Training, supervision– Health surveillance/screening/vaccination

Other considerations - Storage- Transport- Disposal- Emergencies – leaks, spills- Nanoparticles

Page 33: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

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

MSDS for micron-sized particles of a substance does not necessarily apply to nanoparticles – we MUST take the precautionary approach and avoid exposure

Page 34: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

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 of Equipment• Safe working area• Control air 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

Page 35: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

THE GOOD

Page 36: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

THE BAD

Page 37: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

THE UGLY

Page 38: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

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

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

Hand - gloves - correct type for the work Protection

Eye/ face - glasses, goggles, visors – depending Protection on hazard

Respiratory - half masks, full masks, powered Protection hoods

- fit critical to protection

Foot - no open toe/canvas shoes in Protection labs/risk areas. Safety footwear

depending on hazards

Page 39: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Flammable Liquids

Flash Point – temp to form a flammable atmosphere

Precautions– avoid vapour release– never store with acids/oxidising agent– stoppered labelled containers– minimum quantities on bench < 500ml– store in solvent cupboard [50l max per room]– 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

Page 40: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Cryogenic Liquids HAZARD: Asphyxiation

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

– confined spaces, DO NOT TRAVEL IN LIFT HAZARD: 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

Page 41: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Electricity

HAZARD: Electrocution - 50V AC can KILL;

Fire

Need to consider:– design, construction, maintenance– earthing, fusing, isolation, insulation– live working [special precautions]

Periodic inspection/testing - usually annual - sticker

User visual checks (plugs, cable & socket, evidence of

overheating, casing)

Report all defects

Repairs only by authorised persons

Page 42: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Work Equipment

HAZARD: entanglement, entrapment, being struck by, electrocution, hot/cold contact

Fit for purpose Maintained Dangerous parts guarded CE marked Certificates of conformity Design in-house subject to approval

Page 43: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Pressure Systems compressed gases, autoclaves

HAZARD: Explosion as a result of sudden, uncontrolled release of stored energy

Consider sources of stored energy– Steam (at any pressure)– Gas or vapours > 0.5 bar

• Boilers, autoclaves, air receivers, reactors Requirements

– Design/construction– Safe operating limits– Written scheme for examinations (externally carried out)– Written operating instructions– Annual inspection against written scheme

Page 44: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Lasers & Ionising Radiation

HAZARD: Radiation exposure; Lasers: eye or skin damage resulting from exposure to Class 3B or 4 laser beam

Separate Training Local rules for safe use Medical/Health

questionnaire

Page 45: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Noise

HAZARD: Permanent hearing loss

Control Levels– <85 dB(A) - negligible risk

– 85 - 90 dB(A) - small risk • inform of risk & HP available on request

– >90 dB(A) - high risk • control at source • compulsory hearing protection• audiometry

Page 46: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Ultra-Violet Sources [280nm - 400nm]

Examples: Transilluminators, gel docs, hand held lamps

Biocidal lamps, Mercury vapour lamps [uv spec]

HAZARD: Sunburn, cancer, eye damage

Safety precautions

• Interlocks/enclosure

• UV opaque shielding

• UV opaque visor

• Cover exposed skin

• Restrict access to area

Page 47: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Latex Allergy

HAZARD: can cause skin/respiratory sensitisation.

1% of population may react. Likely to affect those with history of asthma, dermatitis,

eczema, hayfever Seek advice from Occ Health if skin/resp symptoms Use latex alternatives & powder free gloves

Page 48: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

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.

Page 49: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Miscellaneous

HAZARD: Falls, Cuts, Slips, Trips Working at height Glassware Safety Housekeeping Lone working Late Working / Out of hours

Working Unattended Experiments Lifting Equipment

Page 50: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Computers

HAZARD: Muscular skeletal problems - back, neck, shoulders; “Repetitive Strain Injury” – wrists, hands, fingers

Workstation setup – adjust chair to suit, keep keyboard and mouse close

Work routine – plan for regular breaks in computer work

Ask for assessment

Page 51: Introduction to Safe Working for Scientific Research Workers and Post Graduate Students Sarah Watson Assistant Safety Officer University Safety Officer

University Safety Office - New Researchers Talk

Summary

Risk Assess your work Check University standards that apply Ensure your supervisor knows what your work

involves Avoid lone working for all but low risk tasks Take the appropriate precautions Question anything you are uncertain about


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