School of Biological Sciences
Health and Safety Policy
Acknowledgement - Much of the material in this document is derived from safety
handbooks produced over the years by safety advisers both in Aberdeen and in other
Universities.
School of Biological Sciences Safety Handbook August 2008
Part 1 Sections A-O Page 1
Contents
A) Introduction – Policy Statement ................................................................... 4
B) Health and Safety Organisation in School of Biological Sciences ............ 5
B) Health and Safety Organisation in the School of Biological Sciences .....................................6
B.1 Responsibilities of Key Individuals ..................................................................................6
B.2 Responsibilities of all staff and students .........................................................................7
C) Health and Safety Information ...................................................................... 9
C.1 Review of the Safety Handbook .....................................................................................9
D) Risk Assessment ........................................................................................ 10
D.1 Documenting a risk assessment .................................................................................. 10
D.2 Who should carry out a risk assessment? ................................................................... 10
D.3 Reviewing a risk assessment ....................................................................................... 11
D.4 Risk Assessment in the Laboratory and in Fieldwork .................................................. 11
D.5 Risk Assessment in Postgraduate work and Undergraduate Honours Projects .......... 12
D.6 Risk Assessment of Work Experience Pupils .............................................................. 13
D.7 Access to Risk Assessment documentation ................................................................ 13
E) Safety Training for New Staff & Postgraduates ......................................... 14
F) Health and Safety Inspections..................................................................... 15
G) Undergraduate students.............................................................................. 16
G.1 Practical Work - ............................................................................................................ 16
G.2 Independent work - Honours Projects .......................................................................... 17
Honours Project Risk Assessment Form ..................................................................... 18
G.3 Prompts for filling in a Project Risk Assessment .......................................................... 20
H) Postgraduate students ................................................................................ 22
I) Accidents........................................................................................................ 23
I.1 Reporting Procedure ........................................................................................................ 23
J) Fire Safety ..................................................................................................... 24
J.1 Fire prevention .................................................................................................................. 24
J.2 On discovering a fire ......................................................................................................... 24
J.3 On hearing the fire alarm .................................................................................................. 24
J.4 Extinguishers .................................................................................................................... 25
J.5 Escape routes ................................................................................................................... 25
J.6 Fire drills and alarm tests ................................................................................................. 25
K) First Aid......................................................................................................... 26
K.1 Minor injuries ................................................................................................................ 26
K.2 Major injuries ................................................................................................................ 26
School of Biological Sciences Safety Handbook August 2008
Part 1 Sections A-O Page 2
L) Spillage and other uncontrolled releases................................................... 27
L.1 Highly Flammable liquids (HFL) ....................................................................................... 27
L.2 Non flammable organic liquids ......................................................................................... 28
L.3 Acids ................................................................................................................................. 28
L.4 Gas cylinders .................................................................................................................... 28
L.5 Solids ................................................................................................................................ 28
L.6 Biological Agents .............................................................................................................. 28
M) Inspection and maintenance of Plant, Equipment and Vehicles ............. 29
N) Ionising and non-ionising radiation ........................................................... 31
N.1 Radiochemical Experiments ......................................................................................... 31
N.2 Registered Radiation workers ...................................................................................... 31
N.3 Buying and storing Radio-chemicals ............................................................................ 31
N.4 Use of Radioisotopes ................................................................................................... 31
N.5 Disposal of waste ......................................................................................................... 32
N.6 X-ray equipment ........................................................................................................... 32
O) Work involving Genetic Modification ......................................................... 33
School of Biological Sciences Safety Handbook August 2008
Part 1 Sections A-O Page 3
A) Introduction – Policy Statement
The aim of the staff in the School of Biological Sciences is to carry out research at the
highest level and to provide excellent teaching and training for our undergraduate and
postgraduate students. Within these aims there is embedded a commitment to health
and safety. Whatever we do in terms of research and teaching must not endanger staff,
students or members of the wider community. The School and the University has
reconsidered recently its Health and Safety Policy and in this booklet you will find details
of what we do in the Disciplines to prevent circumstances arising which could cause
injury or ill health. It is important that all staff and all students understand their roles in
these procedures. Health and safety legislation imposes duties on all University
employees and students as well as on the School and the University as a whole. The
co-operation and active involvement of everyone in the School is essential if we are to
meet our statutory obligations.
This booklet aims to cover all the School‟s operations and the policy is designed to cover
all of the School‟s activities including those based in Aberdeen, in the School‟s field
stations and all the fieldwork activities carried out both in the UK and abroad. Health
and safety issues must be at the forefront of the minds of everyone whether they are
planning laboratory work in Aberdeen or considering a research project out with the
School.
Our systems and procedures can always be improved. The School will formally review
our Health and Safety procedures every 12 months in August. Any student or member
of staff with suggestions for making these procedures more effective is encouraged to
contact Dot MacKinnon, School‟s Safety Adviser with their ideas; any substantive
improvements can be implemented immediately and need not wait for the review date.
(Dot MacKinnon: Room C-G16; Tel: (27) 3859; email d.mackinnon@abdn.ac.uk )
C.J.Secombes
Head of School of Biological Sciences
August 2007
School of Biological Sciences Safety Handbook August 2008
Part 1 Sections A-O Page 4
School of Biological Sciences
Line management Responsibilities for Safety
University Safety Committee University Court
University Radiation Hazards Committee
Old Aberdeen Genetically Modified University Committee on
Organisms Committee Biological Service Units
School and Building Safety Advisers) Head of School of Biological Sciences
Building Radiation protection Supervisor) Safety Committee
Building Biological Safety Adviser)
Nat Hist Centre Field Stations Technical Resource Manager Curators School Co-ordinator
Director in charge
Secretaries
Course Organisers Academic Staff with
Teaching Committee Research Group
Research Committee
Practical Organiser PDRF/RA, Visitors
Demonstrators PG Students
Teaching Support
technicians Technical Support Service BSU technicians
Undergraduates Level 4 & 5 Project Students
Chain of responsibility Advisory Role
B) Health School of Biological Sciences
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Part 1 Sections A-O Page 5
B) Health and Safety Organisation in the School of
Biological Sciences
B.1 Responsibilities of Key Individuals
Head of School
Has overall responsibility for Health and Safety management within the School
Provide an effective Health and Safety Policy for the School
Ensure the provision of resources necessary to enable the policy to be
implemented
Commission inspections of the buildings to monitor whether the School Health
and Safety arrangements are being complied with
Commission an annual review of both the effectiveness of the Policy and its
implementation.
Academic Staff
Ensure adequate safety arrangements in research activities under their control
Provide necessary training and supervision
Ensure the safety of undergraduates in Practical‟s and Fieldwork
Be responsible for technical staff under their direction
Monitor that those under their control are doing as directed
Technical Resource Managers & Team Leaders
Be responsible for technical staff
Provide necessary training and supervision
Be responsible for safety of cleaners, security staff, contractors and visitors
Monitor that those under their control are doing as directed
Technical staff
Be responsible for designated areas of the buildings. Provide training and
supervision
Be responsible for maintenance of equipment
Field Station directors
Ensure the safety of staff and students in all aspects of field and laboratory work
Be responsible for technical staff under their direction
Monitor that those under their control are doing as directed
Curators
Responsible for designated areas of the building
Responsible for technical staff under their direction
Provide training and supervision
Monitor that those under their control are doing as directed
Course and Practical Organisers – see Academic staff
School Co-ordinators
Be responsible for secretarial staff
Provide necessary training and supervision
Monitor that those under their control are doing as directed
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B.2 Responsibilities of all staff and students
In the School (and throughout the University) Health and Safety matters are line
management responsibilities. Accordingly individual members of staff are required to
take responsibility for Health and Safety in all activities under their control. Those
who manage and supervise other staff and students must ensure that staff and
students are aware of the dangers in the tasks they undertake and understand and
are able to implement appropriate precautions. They must ensure and record that
staff and students are provided with appropriate training and supervision. All staff
within the School have a statutory responsibility to report to their line-manager any
unsafe practices of which they become aware. All students should report any unsafe
practices to members of the teaching or technical staff.
This document covers the main health and safety hazards present in the School.
Those in supervisory positions must ensure that the precautions outlined are
implemented in areas under their control. They must also ensure that necessary
precautions are developed, documented and implemented for any activities that
create hazards not covered by this booklet. No one should interfere with, or misuse,
anything that is provided for reasons of health and safety. Any deficiencies in the
School‟s Health and Safety arrangements must be brought to the attention of a
supervisor or the School‟s Safety Adviser. If the matter is not resolved in this way
then it should be brought to the attention of the Head of School.
School Safety Adviser
The Head of School has appointed Dot MacKinnon as School Safety Adviser. The
main duties of the School Safety Adviser is to provide advice to members of the
School on Health and Safety matters and to guide everyone in the development and
implementation of appropriate Health and Safety arrangements. The School‟s Safety
Adviser is assisted by Peter MacDougall, Zoology and Ken Cruickshank,
Cruickshank. Anyone with a Health and Safety problem that they cannot resolve
should address the appropriate safety adviser or contact Mr Martin Cowie, the
Technical Resource Manager.
School Safety Committee
Consultation will be facilitated via the Safety Committee that will meet at least once a
term and more often if necessary. This Committee will provide a primary forum to
assess the continuing effectiveness of the Schools policies on Health & Safety. In
addition these meetings will allow new information to be discussed and disseminated
and further allow questions on Health and Safety issues to be answered. The
committee has the following membership
Co-ordinator: Prof Chris Secombes
Technical Resource Manager Mr Martin Cowie
School Safety Adviser Miss Dot MacKinnon
Building Safety Advisers Mr Peter MacDougall/ Mr Ken Cruickshank
Radiation Safety Advisers Dr Dave Johnston
Biological Safety Advisers Prof. Jim Prosser
Biological Service Unit representative Mr Duncan Wood
Fieldwork Representative Prof Xavier Lambin
Teaching Staff & Disability Representative Dr Trevor Stuchbury
Oceanlab Representatives Mr Owen McPherson
Dr Martin Solan
Teaching Facilities Mrs Cath Clark
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Part 1 Sections A-O Page 7
The remit of the committee is to
1) Keep under regular review the Health and Safety procedures of the School
and make recommendations to the Head of School on steps to be taken to
ensure the effectiveness of the School‟s Health and Safety policy
2) Formally review the School‟s health and safety management system every 12
months and make recommendations for any changes to the Head of School
3) Provide a forum for discussion of health and safety matters raised by
members of the committee or raised by staff and students through committee
members or via formal School Committees
4) Produce minutes of its meetings in a timely manner and publish them along
with any recommendations on the School‟s notice boards and web site.
Particular matters that the committee will consider include:
Reports of health and safety inspections of the School
Reports of all accidents and near misses
The adequacy of the School‟s arrangements for risk assessment
The health and safety content of training for staff and students
Health and Safety information produced for staff and students and how it is
disseminated
Discussion of Health and Safety Matters
Health and Safety matters will be discussed and addressed as and when necessary.
In addition however Health and Safety is discussed as a standing item on the agenda
at the School‟s Staff Meetings. If any student or member of staff has a health and
safety matter, which they believe should be discussed at a meeting, should contact
the School‟s Safety Adviser, or any member of the committee.
Health and Safety management when sharing facilities with other institutions
The School may carry out activities jointly with other schools or with organisations
outside of the University. In such situations the staff concerned must take steps to
ensure cooperation on matters of health and safety with the other organisation and
they must coordinate their health and safety arrangements to the extent necessary
for the effective health and safety management of the project.
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C) Health and Safety Information
C.1 Review of the Safety Handbook
Each year this handbook will be reviewed and relevant sections reissued if any
changes are required after the annual review of the School‟s Health and Safety
arrangements by the School Safety Committee.
All members of staff and all research postgraduate students will have access to a
copy of the handbook. Copies will be available for honours students to consult prior
to and during their project work. Relevant sections of the handbook will be included in
undergraduate course documentation.
New members of staff and postgraduate students can download the file from the
School of Biological Sciences safety web site at:
www.abdn.ac.uk/biologicalsci/safety
Other health and safety information will be circulated directly to all members of the
School and also posted on the Safety notice board located in the Zoology building
common room and east entrance in Cruickshank Building.
The School and Building Safety Advisers maintain a library of Health and Safety
information which members of the School are encouraged to consult. The School
Safety Adviser has also ready access to the larger library of Health and Safety
publications maintained by the University Safety Adviser.
More information also available on the University‟s safety web site
www.abdn.ac.uk/safety/
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D) Risk Assessment
All work with hazardous substances is prohibited unless a „suitable and sufficient‟ risk
assessment has been carried out:
no risk assessment = no work allowed
Risk Priorities to review for work involving the use of -
1. very toxic, acute or chronic substances;
2. materials which are known sensitisers or carcinogens;
3. moderate toxic substances;
4. any other harmful corrosive or irritating materials.
The purpose a Risk Assessment is to examine how various materials are actually
used in practice and to evaluate whether or not they are likely to harm the user.
Assess the risk, NOT the hazard.
A risk assessment is a careful examination of what, in a particular situation, could
cause harm to people, so we can then weigh up whether existing precautions are
adequate or whether more should be done to prevent harm.
It may be useful if groups are formed to carry out risk assessments rather than
leaving it to individuals. Any problems can then be approached from various
perspectives and the judgements made are likely to be less subjective.
Sometimes we do not need to make a judgement about whether we should take
certain precautions because legislation decides for us. For Example: If secretarial
staff work all day at computer workstations, the workstations must comply with
certain minimum requirements set out in the Health and Safety (Display Screen
Equipment) Regulations.
D.1 Documenting a risk assessment
Health and safety legislation requires that the “significant findings” of our risk
assessments be recorded.
The “significant findings” of a risk assessment will consist of
1. brief details of how people might be harmed
2. the precautions taken to reduce the risks of harm to an acceptable level
D.2 Who should carry out a risk assessment?
Line managers are responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for
all activities and situations under their control. Many of the dangers they identify will
be common to all parts of the School and can be found listed in section P).”School
procedures for Routine Activities”
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D.3 Reviewing a risk assessment
Once risk assessments have been carried out and the findings recorded, it is not the
end of the matter. Legislation says that a risk assessment should be reviewed if:
1. there is a reason to suspect that it is no longer valid (e.g. if an investigation
into an accident finds that current precautions are inadequate) or
2. there has been a significant change to the matters to which it relates (e.g. if
new equipment is introduced into the procedure or if part of the school moves
into new accommodation).
D.4 Risk Assessment in the Laboratory and in Fieldwork
Laboratory
In the laboratory there are many more situations capable of causing harm. Some
changes to the risk assessment methodology will be needed if it is to be effective in
this more complex environment.
Activities in a laboratory can be separated into three types:
1. Routine activities
2. Standard activities
3. Specific activities
A slightly different risk assessment methodology should be adopted for each type of
activity and templates can be downloaded from safety website.
1. Routine activities - which are part of the general operation of most of the
laboratories in the school can be covered by generic risk assessments
Generic assessments are not specific to a particular situation but can be
applied to all similar situations. Copies of Generic risk assessments should be
held in the laboratory Safety Handbook. Risk Assessments for routine
activities should also preface laboratory procedures in your laboratory
record/note book.
2. Standard activities - which are common laboratory procedures.
Some laboratory activities will have standard procedures associated with
them. If the process has significant potential to cause harm, a risk
assessment should be carried out. The most sensible place to record the
“significant findings” of the assessment would be as part of the written
procedures that already exists for the activity. The step-by-step instructions
describing how the process is carried out should describe, at the appropriate
stage, the health and safety precautions that are required. There should also
be a section in the procedure describing what to do if something should go
wrong (e.g. if there were a spillage).
Undergraduate practical work should also be treated in this way.
Undergraduate experiments are carried out according to set written
procedures and the significant findings of the risk assessments should be
recorded as part of the procedures.
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3. Specific Activities - which are part of a research project but are not
adequately covered by (1) or (2).
Research workers in laboratories where there are health and safety rules
derived from generic risk assessments (see section 1 above) may also make
use of standard processes (e.g. analytical processes) which have been
assessed for risk and for which there are written procedures and specific
health and safety precautions (see heading 2 above). However, much
research work is fluid in nature and cannot be covered by established rules or
set procedures. It is important therefore that research workers should have a
good understanding of the dangers associated with their particular project.
They can then devise and implement appropriate safeguards as the work
proceeds. The purpose of a risk assessment for a research project is to
ensure that those who will be involved in the work:
appreciate where the dangers lie and
understand in sufficient detail the precautions that will need to be taken to
ensure that the work is carried out safely
Fieldwork
Consider risks inherent in the site:
(a) Physical hazards - weather and location
(b) Biological hazards - pathogenic and zoonotic micro-organisms, e.g.
Leptospirosis, or Salmonella spp.
(c) Chemical hazards - pesticides
(d) Man-made hazards - vehicles
(e) Hazards to the environment
(f) Tree felling
(g) Animal handling
Consider risks inherent in the work:
(a) Navigation - need for training in first aid
(b) Chemical hazards - COSHH
(c) Biological hazards - animal handling
(d) Personal safety - risk of attack
(e) Outline communication - lone working to be avoided, “buddy system”
D.5 Risk Assessment in Postgraduate work and
Undergraduate Honours Projects
see also Section G. Independent work
In postgraduate research, a student‟s supervisor must ensure that an adequate risk
assessment is carried out. The supervisor must satisfy him/herself that the student
understands what needs to be done to carry out the work safely. Student and
supervisor should meet before the work begins, systematically examine the dangers
associated with the work and discuss the techniques available to reduce health and
safety risks to acceptable levels. The supervisor should also ensure that the student
is fully aware of any “rules” in the School‟s Safety Handbook that will apply and also
any applicable procedures with health and safety content covering the laboratory
activities to be used.
School of Biological Sciences Safety Handbook August 2008
Part 1 Sections A-O Page 12
To help ensure that adequate risk assessments are always carried out supervisors of
postgraduate students must sign the record of the significant findings of the risk
assessment before work may begin. Because of its very nature, research work
may move into areas not envisaged when the project began. The original risk
assessment might then no longer be adequate. In such circumstances, supervisor
and student should meet again and review and modify the assessment. The student
should document the revised findings and the supervisor should approve them.
All Undergraduate Honours Projects must complete an Honours Project Risk
Assessment Form by „web link‟ before starting project work.
The significant findings of risk assessments for a typical laboratory might therefore be
recorded in three different ways:
In the Laboratory‟s Safety Handbook for routine general laboratory activities
As part of laboratory procedures for standard laboratory techniques
By research workers, as part of their laboratory notes or on forms devised by
the school, for research projects
D.6 Risk Assessment of Work Experience Pupils
When young people i.e. schoolwork experience or sixth year‟s studies, do
experimental work; the risk assessment must be sent to the Education Unit or school,
before the work commences. This is co-ordinated by the Technical Resource
Manager.
D.7 Access to Risk Assessment documentation
There are currently 5 templates available: - Routine, Standard, Specific, Residential
Field course and Fieldwork. Each file has been saved as a Word Template file (*.dot)
Once you have completed the form, remember to select “save as” and then save the
file as a word .doc file.
These templates are also available to download from
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/biologicalsci/safety
An Honours Project Risk Assessment Form must be completed by the student and
their supervisor BEFORE they start their project work.
A copy of the completed form must be sent back to Dot MacKinnon (email
d.mackinnon@abdn.ac.uk) or the buildings safety adviser Peter MacDougall –
Zoology, Ken Cruickshank - Cruickshank.
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E) Safety Training for New Staff & Postgraduates
Staff and postgraduates who are new to the School will receive training in our health
and safety procedures. For staff this training should normally be staggered over the
first few days in the School with some essential training being given on day one. An
individual‟s immediate supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the training is given.
A training checklist should be copied from Appendix 8.
New members of staff/visitors carrying out work in both laboratory and office
environments need only complete, and keep updated, with their supervisor the
Health and Safety Induction/Training Plan Laboratory form (Appendix 8).
If the new member of staff/visitor is solely working in an office environment they have
to complete, and keep updated, with their supervisor the Health and Safety
Induction/Training Plan Office form.
The member of staff/visitor should keep a copy of the form and a record copy should
be kept filed in their main area of work.
Postgraduates carrying out laboratory based research work will receive training in
laboratory safety during the Postgraduate Induction Course. The course contributors
will be the School/Building‟s Safety Adviser, Radiation Adviser and Biological Safety
Adviser.
A record of post graduate training must be kept by the research supervisor. Post
graduate training is also available on a formal basis at faculty level.
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F) Health and Safety Inspections
Health and safety inspections are carried out to help us evaluate whether the
School‟s health and safety arrangements are working in the manner intended.
Inspections will take place at least three times each year and will be carried out by a
team led by the Building‟s Safety Advisers. The other members of the team will be
from the Safety Committee. In addition inspections will be conducted in the relevant
areas whenever there are significant changes in the nature and/or scale of
procedures. Workplace inspections will also provide an opportunity to review the
continuing effectiveness of the policy and to identify areas where revision of the
policy may be necessary.
The inspection team will be guided by a checklist based on the health and safety
arrangements described in this handbook. Appendix 7 Matter to be examined
during the inspection will include (but will not be limited to);
Compliance with School procedures for specific hazards
Adequacy of documented risk assessment (particularly for work
undertaken by undergraduate and postgraduate students)
Completeness of health and safety training
Emergency response arrangements
Arrangements for inspection and maintenance of plant and equipment and
completeness of records.
The inspection team will report to the School‟s Safety Adviser with its findings. The
report will include:
a) positive findings, as well as details of the location and significance of any
failings discovered
b) recommendations for remedial action (including timescale and priorities)
c) Suggestions as to who should carry out particular remedial action
d) The reporting process should not delay remedial measures or prevent
immediate action during the inspection if there is a risk of serious injury or
ill health.) The Head of School will confirm the suggested remedial action.
A follow up inspection will be arranged specifically to ensure that any necessary
remedial action has been taken and is effective. A report on the inspection will be
made to the Head of School immediately after the follow-up inspection. See
Appendix 7
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G) Undergraduate students
The University Health and Safety policy says:
a) Initially undergraduate students should be assumed to be untrained in all
matters of health and safety.
b) Each school should provide undergraduates with the training and
supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety
While working in University premises
On University organised fieldwork
During University work elsewhere
c) Hazardous substances and equipment should not be introduced into
undergraduate practical work until the risks associated with their use have
been assessed and adequate safeguards provided.
d) Written instruction to undergraduates about practical work must always
draw attention to
The hazards of substances and equipment and
The safeguards that are provided.
Undergraduates should also be provided with appropriate training before
practical work begins.
e) Any independent work (e.g. as part of an “honours project”) should be
subject to at least the standard of supervision applied to postgraduate
work (see below)
An undergraduate‟s perception of risk in any given situation may be very different
from that of a member of staff. Staff will have learnt (often by direct experience) what
the dangers are and what the consequences can be of not taking necessary
precautions. Undergraduates might not even recognise the presence of a health and
safety hazard, and even if they do, they are very likely to underestimate its potential
to cause harm.
Those involved with undergraduate practicals should never assume that an
undergraduate would have developed competence in health and safety matters
before coming to University. The assumption must be that new undergraduates are
completely untrained in health and safety matters. It is the tasks of the School (and in
this case the person running the practical) to assist them develop skills that will
enable them to work safely and to provide an appropriate level of supervision while
this development is taking place.
G.1 Practical Work -
1) The health and safety aspects of practical work should be incorporated into the
academic instruction and not treated as a separate topic.
2) Written instructions describing how to carry out a piece of practical work must
contain any necessary health and safety information. Written procedures should
always begin by identifying the main dangers associated with the work and the
precautions, which are to be employed. More details of the precautions should be
described at the appropriate stage in the method.
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3) If academic staff believe that there is no significant risk, which requires the
students to take special precautions, a statement to that effect must be made at
the start of the method. The absence of significant risks should be mentioned and
the way the practical was designed to bring this about could be explained. The
purpose is to get students used to a routine in which health and safety is always
addressed before any practical work commences.
4) Health and Safety must always be discussed in pre-practical talks
G.2 Independent work - Honours Projects
Undergraduate students carry out independent practical work as part of their honour
year. While carrying out this work they must be supervised to at least the same
extent as new postgraduates. In some circumstances much higher levels of
supervision may be necessary. The preparation and agreement with the supervisor
of an adequate risk assessment before any independent work begins is critical and
should be recorded in the Honours Project Risk Assessment form. These must be
sent to the appropriate Building Safety Adviser BEFORE THE WORK
COMMENCES. It is a formal requirement of entry to honours in schools within the
School of Biological Sciences that a full risk assessment must have been carried out
before the student is finally permitted to enter the class and commence work.
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School of Biological Sciences Academic
Supervisor:
Honours Project Summary Risk Assessment Form
This form must be used to record the significant risks discussed with the
project supervisor. When completed, the form must be countersigned by the
project supervisor and a copy must be given to the School Safety Adviser
BEFORE commencement of the project work.
Name of student:
Names of others who will be involved e.g. Post doc, technician:
Description of Work
Intended location(s) of fieldwork or laboratory number
Intended start date
Hazard identification Control measures
Describe those aspects of the work that could List those to be used to reduce the risks to an acceptable
create significant risks level
Chemical
Biological
Microbiological infection risks are increased for individuals
who are immunosuppressed (for example as a results of
various forms of chemotherapy) or immunocompromised
(for example as a result of HIV and other chronic viral
infections). If you fall into one of these categories, you
should discuss this risk assessment with your medical
practitioner.
Sharps
Electrical
Radiation
Field
Manual handling
Workstation
Animal House/Aquarium Access
required Y/N
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Prepared by __________________Signature __________________ Date________
Approved by Supervisor _______________Signature ____________ Date________
Approved by Safety Adviser ____________Signature ____________ Date________
Others involved with the work with whom the assessment has been discussed.
Name _______________________ Signature ___________________ Date _______
Name _______________________ Signature ___________________ Date _______
Name _______________________ Signature ___________________ Date _______
List all lab/field risk assessments consulted in the preparation of this project risk
assessment*
Title of Risk Assessment Prepared Approved Approval
by by Date
*Students working at external Institutes must return this form, enclosing copies of
relevant risk assessment forms from their place of work.
Honours Summary Risk Assessment May 2006 JMS/SCB
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G.3 Prompts for filling in a Project Risk Assessment
Anticipate circumstances that could give rise to danger. What will be done to prevent
them arising?
The aim is to produce a list of control measures that must be implemented.
Consider all parts of the work: (e.g. Storage and handling of starting material;
Processing of materials; Analytical operations; Storage of end products; Storage
and disposal of waste.)
Note: The points below are only some of those that will need to be considered.
1. Hazards to Health
a) List all hazardous substances to be used or produced.
b) Obtain Hazard Data Sheets for any substances whose properties are not
thoroughly known.
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/biologicalsci/safety
c) Identify categories of danger: (e.g. Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Toxic for
Reproduction, Very Toxic, Toxic, Harmful, Corrosive, Irritant, Sensitising).
d) Look for more detail in the Risk Phrases on the data sheets.
e) Consider possible exposure routes (e.g. inhalation, skin absorption or direct
skin contact, inoculation by sharps, ingestion).
f) Consider exposure potential and consequences (e.g. amount used, physical
form, volatility, concentration, primary barriers and chances of mishaps,
frequency and duration of work.)
g) Decide secondary containment regimes for the various stages of the work
None required (open bench)
General fume cupboard
Special facility – specify
h) Decide if any protective equipment is needed (e.g. Glasses, goggles, face
shield, gloves (what type?), respiratory protection, other).
i) Consider where stricter control regimes might be required (e.g. For work with
carcinogens)
2. Reactive Chemical Hazards
a) Where is there potential for loss of control (e.g. highly reactive substances,
unstable substances, production of undesired substances)?
b) How will control be maintained?
c) What contingency arrangements are there to cover loss of control? (e.g.
screening, relief venting).
3. Flammable Hazards
a) Identify potential sources of ignition (e.g. flames, hot surfaces, friction,
electricity, static).
b) Decide how sources of ignition will be eliminated or separation from sources
of ignition will be maintained?
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4. Other Hazards
a) Consider: Radiation (ionising and non-ionising), high and low temperatures,
electricity, mechanical hazards (e.g. machinery).
b) Will unattended operation of equipment be permitted? (e.g. overnight
running).
5. Biological Hazards
a) List all biological agents that will be a part of the work. (Micro-organisms, cell
cultures or human endoparasites that could cause infection, allergy, toxicity or
create other risk to human health.)
b) Refer to HSE publication “Categorisation of biological agents according to
hazard and categories of containment” (4th Edition, 1995).
c) Assign biological agents to hazard group 1, 2, 3, or 4 based on infection
criteria.
d) Decide laboratory containment level needed (level 1, 2, 3, or 4).
e) Determine how the requirements of that containment level will be met.
f) Are vaccinations an appropriate precaution?
g) Any work involving genetic modification requires the approval of the
appropriate Genetic Modification Safety Committee before it starts.
6. Field Work
Consider risks inherent in the site:
a) physical hazards - weather and location
b) biological hazards - pathogenic, micro-organisms, e.g. leptospirosis
c) chemical hazards – pesticides
d) man-made hazards – vehicles
e) hazards to the environment
Consider risks inherent in the work:
a) training in navigation, first aid
b) chemical hazards COSHH
c) biological hazards - animal handling
d) personal safety - risk of attack
e) routine communication - lone working to be avoided, “buddy
system”
7. Supervision
Identify under what circumstances those carrying out the work will need to refer back
to their supervisor:
It may be helpful to identify particular parts of the work in the following (or similar) risk
categories:
a) Those parts, which may not proceed without, direct supervision
b) Those parts, which may not proceed without a detailed written system of,
work being agreed with the supervisor
c) Those parts where the student may proceed without further reference to the
Supervisor (providing that the controls identified in the risk assessment are
applied).
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H) Postgraduate students
The University Health and Safety Policy says
a) Each department must make arrangements to provide postgraduate students
with such supervision as is necessary to ensure their health and safety
b) The duty to supervise postgraduates is delegated by the University to the
Head of School and thence to the member of staff directly responsible for the
postgraduate
c) New postgraduates should be trained in School Health and Safety Policies
and Procedures.
d) Supervisors must not discharge their duty to supervise by relying solely upon
a postgraduate’s status or apparent competence. They must be able to
demonstrate that they have exercised an active supervisory role.
e) Active supervision does not mean constant attendance. Supervisors must
ensure
Post graduate projects are assessed for health and safety risks
Necessary precautions are agreed with the postgraduate (and in all but
the most elementary circumstances are committed to writing)
Regular checks are carried out to ensure that the postgraduate is working
to agreed procedures
Postgraduates understand the significant alterations in agreed procedures
must not be introduced without the supervisor’s knowledge.
f) Each department must make formal arrangements to cover for the
temporary absence of a postgraduate’s normal supervisor.
The relationship between supervisor and student is a critical factor in ensuring safety
in postgraduate research. Supervisors must ensure that students are competent to
carry out practical work safely and students must work in accordance with
procedures agreed with their supervisors.
Some postgraduate students will have completed a first degree at Aberdeen and may
already have demonstrated competence in health and safety matters to staff in the
school. However staff will initially know very little about the abilities of students
coming to Aberdeen from other institutions. These students will need to receive
training in the school‟s health and safety procedures and be under close
supervision during the early stages of postgraduate study. (See section E -
“Health and Safety Training”). Supervisors must ensure that postgraduate students
appreciate the dangers in the work they are to carry out and understand the
precautions, which should be taken. It is mandatory that supervisors require
postgraduate students to produce written risk assessments for any laboratory
or fieldwork. The supervisor must approve the assessment before the work
may begin.
1) Student must be aware that unauthorised initiatives are not permitted. Students
must at all time work within the scope of the risk assessment agreed with their
supervisor and refer to their supervisor before making significant changes.
2) Supervisors must tell the student where help and advice can be obtained when
the supervisor is not available.
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I) Accidents
Staff and students should report accidents as soon as possible to their immediate
supervisor and School Safety Advisor. The following must be reported:
Any incident in which anyone is injured (regardless of how minor the injury
might appear at the time and regardless of whether they need medical
treatment)
Any incident in which someone could have been injured (but in which perhaps
by chance or “good luck” prevented injury). These incidents are sometimes
referred to as “near misses”.
There are several reasons for reporting accidents. The most important is to enable
us to take action to prevent a similar accident happening in the future (perhaps with
more severe consequences). We may also need to report the incident to the Health
and Safety Executive or to our insurers.
I.1 Reporting Procedure
1. Accident report forms are available from Building Safety Advisers and are also
available on the web http://www.abdn.ac.uk/bioscience/safety/
2. The immediate supervisor of the injured person or the person in charge of the
area where the incident happened should complete the form.
3. Completed forms should be sent to the School Safety Adviser. A copy will be
sent to the University Safety Adviser within 48 hours of the accident. These
accidents and incidents are reported at the schools safety committee meetings.
4. Serious accidents should be reported immediately to the University Safety
Adviser by telephone (extension 3894). The University Safety Adviser will
ensure that the Health and Safety Executive and our insurers are notified if
necessary. Any accident involving ionising radiation must be reported by
telephone to the University‟s Radiation Protection Adviser (ext. 76 - 52515)
5. The member of staff responsible for the injured person should initiate an
investigation into the accident to discover its cause. They should contact the
School or Building Safety Adviser for assistance if required.
6. If the accident is reportable to the Health and Safety Executive (The University
Safety Adviser will inform the School and Building Advisers if this is the case)
7. The Head of School and line manager must receive a copy of the accident report
and the results of the investigation into the accident.
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J) Fire Safety
Fire is probably the greatest single safety-related threat to the School and to
members of the School. Even if everyone were to escape safely from the building, a
fire could destroy our facilities and all our documents and data. It is important
therefore that we do as much as we can to prevent a fire starting. If despite our best
efforts a fire should start, a fast and effective response can help save life and
property.
J.1 Fire prevention
The University‟s no smoking policy eliminates one of the main ways in which a fire
can start. Our systems for inspecting electrical equipment should reduce the
chances of faulty electrical equipment being a source of fire. Other important
precautions are:
Avoid large accumulations of material, which might easily burn (e.g. waste
paper, cardboard, plastics)
Do not obstruct the ventilation of electrical equipment or place material
immediately above or close to electric heaters
Do not overload electrical sockets by connecting too many appliances to a
single socket.
J.2 On discovering a fire
If you discover a fire, it is important to take the following steps in the order given:
1) Sound the alarm (No fire is so small that the alarm does not need to be
sounded. A fire extinguisher should not be discharged onto a fire until the
alarm has been sounded).
2) Get someone to call the fire brigade by dialling 9-999
3) Warn others in the area (Shout “fire” and bang on doors! Some people do not
always respond immediately to fire alarms)
4) Only if you can do so without putting your own safety at risk, attempt to fight
the fire with a suitable extinguisher
5) Otherwise, close the door to the area where the fire is (to contain the fire) and
leave the building and await the arrival of the fire brigade.
At the assembly point (See Appendix 2 for locations) , report to the person in charge
the Fire Officer who will be at the information post. Provide them with information
about what has happened.
j) See Appendix 2 for detailed statements on Fire Safety for
Cruickshank, 23 St Machar Drive and Zoology Building.
J.3 On hearing the fire alarm
If you hear the fire alarm:
1) Check the rooms near to yours, if you can, to ensure the occupants have
heard the alarm and have left
2) Leave the building by the nearest exit and go to the assembly points
3) Anyone teaching or supervising groups of students should ensure that all the
students leave the building by the nearest exit and go to the assembly point.
4) If you have any information about someone who might be still in the building,
report to the person in charge.
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Note: Do not re-enter the building until the fire alarm has been silenced.
J.4 Extinguishers
There are four main types of extinguisher used in the University. The applications
for which they are suited are summarised below:
Water Foam Carbon Dry
Dioxide Powder
Wood, paper textiles etc.
Petrol, oil, fats, paints etc.
Electrical hazards
Water must never be used on burning liquids or electrical equipment.
All extinguishers are checked every 12 months and the date of last inspection is
shown on the extinguisher.
J.5 Escape routes
Corridors and escape routes must be kept clear. Combustible materials should not
be stored in corridors or on escape routes where they could become a source of fire
and smoke.
Furniture and other items should not be placed so they partially block escape routes.
Narrowing of escape routes will reduce the rate at which people can leave the
building in an emergency. In a corridor filled with smoke, furniture can create a
serious obstacle for someone who is trying to find their way out.
Fire doors will help prevent the spread of smoke and fire through a building and
make it easier for people to escape. Fire doors should therefore be kept closed and
not wedged open.
J.6 Fire drills and alarm tests
Fire drills are held in the Department once each year to enable us to test the
efficiency of our fire evacuation arrangements.
Fire alarms for
Cruickshank are tested every Tuesday at 12:10 hrs
23 St Machar Drive are tested every Tuesday at 12:00 hrs
Zoology are tested every Tuesday at 12:20 hrs
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K) First Aid
First aid arrangements are co-ordinated by Norman Little – Cruickshank, Susan
Blaney – Zoology, Owen MacPherson – Oceanlab/Culterty and Tim Barton –
Cromarty. They should:
Ensure that the locations of First Aid materials are clearly indicated.
Ensure that there are adequate supplies of first aid materials.
Use of any first aid equipment must be reported to a first aider and an incident report
filed.
K.1 Minor injuries
First aid boxes or cabinets are located in or near all laboratories. Staff and students
should ensure that they are aware of the nearest location of first aid supplies. A first
aider should be contacted and asked to assist with any injury except for minor
scratches and cuts. Even minor scratches should be washed thoroughly in cold
running water before applying a plaster. The assistance of a first aider is particularly
important if you are injured while working with substances, which could cause harm if
they enter the body through a break in the skin.
K.2 Major injuries
An ambulance should be called by dialling 9-999. Do not attempt to call an
ambulance by calling the University switchboard or another University school.
Someone should be sent to the front door of the building to look out for and direct the
ambulance. A first aider should be contacted to administer first aid to the casualty
while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
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L) Spillage and other uncontrolled releases
It is a mandatory part of the risk assessment that consideration be given to the
appropriate procedures for dealing with spillage. In most cases the amount of
spillage will be small and the worker concerned should be able to clean up with
assistance. When large amounts e.g. Winchester of liquid is spilled, extra procedures
are required.
Those listed below are the most commonly use substances.
If you require assistance you should be able to provide safety data information to
those assisting with the cleanup.
List of Personnel trained: Norman Little, Dot Mackinnon, Brian Stewart, Susan
Blaney
L.1 Highly Flammable liquids (HFL)
Ensure that there is no source of ignition (e.g. an open flame or a spark from a
thermostat or other electrical equipment) in the vicinity. Remember that vapour
spread quickly. Open window for extra ventilation and close doors to contain. Instruct
others to keep at a safe distance.
Wear a lab coat, safety glasses and nitrile gloves
If the HFL miscible with water, it may be flushed away with a large excess.
If the HFL is not miscible with water, the liquid can be absorbed with Ecozorb
granules. Then contact the Technical Resource Manager.
Spillage Kits containing Ecozorb granules can be found at the following locations:
Zoology Building
on the 1st and 4th floors by the lifts
inside G7 prep lab
outside Lab B3
outside the store.
Cruickshank location
Inside greenhouses
Outside G01
Inside 1:01
Outside 2:04
23 St Machar Drive
Outside room 2
If the ventilation is inadequate, ensure that everyone leaves the room immediately
and contact the Appropriate Building Safety Adviser (who in turn might need to call
the University Safety Adviser or Department of Chemistry tel 2942) from where
breathing apparatus scan be collected and used by trained personnel to clean up the
spill. Ethers are a particular hazard as many are anaesthetic and may render those
exposed unconscious so breathing apparatus must always be used unless the
spillage is small.
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L.2 Non flammable organic liquids
These are mainly halogenated solvents, which produce toxic vapours, so for any
sizeable spill breathing apparatus is necessary. Otherwise the clean up operation will
be the same as above.
L.3 Acids
Concentrated acids can produce toxic vapours. Warn others to keep at a safe
distance. Unless the area is well ventilated, contact the appropriate Building Safety
Adviser. Acid resistant overalls gloves and boots must be worn. Acids should be
neutralised with sodium bicarbonate – take care to limit the rate of heat evolution.
The resulting slurry can be flushed to waste with a large excess of water.
L.4 Gas cylinders
All gases except oxygen should be treated as asphyxiates. Red on the body or
shoulder of the cylinder indicates that the gas is inflammable; Yellow indicates that it
is toxic.
Eliminates sources of ignition and warn others to keep a safe distance, open
windows and close the lab doors on the way out.
Wear lab coat, breathing apparatus and heavy-duty gloves.
Leaking CO2, O2 and N2 can be vented slowly to the outside atmosphere.
All others should be vented slowly into a large volume of running water, preferably in
a fume cupboard.
L.5 Solids
Wear a lab coat, safety glasses and nitrile gloves. The solid should be mixed with
sand. Inform the Building Superintendent who will arrange disposal.
L.6 Biological Agents
The containment of any release of biological agent must follow the procedures
approved within the risk assessment for the organism in question and also be
reported to the Building Biological Safety Adviser.
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M) Inspection and maintenance of Plant, Equipment
and Vehicles
The following equipment in the School requires periodic inspection and maintenance
if it is not to become a source of danger to staff, students and members of the public.
Martin Cowie is responsible for ensuring that inspection and maintenance is carried
out and that appropriate records are maintained and assigns each category of
equipment to the Supervisor of the Research Group. It is imperative that equipment
is withdrawn from use if the planned maintenance has not been carried out, and the
Technical Resource Manager notified immediately.
There must be a system in place which must alert staff if a contractor should fail, for
any reason, to carry out the maintenance work at the required time. It is not
acceptable for the user to rely wholly on the contractors (or on Estates) to ensure that
the maintenance is carried out at the required intervals. It is usually acceptable for a
user to rely on a certificate or other document issued by a contractor to evidence that
maintenance has been carried out. It is not usually necessary for the school to have
to monitor the actual maintenance work to confirm it has been carried out correctly
unless the user has reason to doubt the competence of the person or organisation
carrying out the work.
Users should ask themselves the following questions:
1) Have we identified all equipment which needs regular maintenance (including
inspection and testing)?
2) Do we know what maintenance is required?
3) Have we determined who will carry out the maintenance?
4) Has contact been made with the designated responsible person to ensure that
maintenance takes place at the required intervals?
5) Do we have effective systems in place which will alert us if maintenance is not
carried out at the required times?
6) Where is the documentation on file, which evidences that maintenance, has been
carried out?
Below is a list of some of the equipment found in the school which requires
maintenance at regular intervals:
Equipment Maintenance Carried out by Maintenance
required interval
Portable electrical Visual inspection Dept(if the dept has Visual inspections
equipment and "PAT" testing technical staff) at least every 12
otherwise Estates months and "PAT"
tests every 2-3
years
Lifting equipment Inspections by a Insurance inspector Every 12 months
"competent person" (arranged through
Estates)
Maintenance as per MATSS or At intervals
manufacturer's contractor recommended by
recommendations commissioned by manufacturer
dept
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Accessories for Inspections by a Insurance inspector Every 6 months
lifting "competent person" (arranged through
Estates)
Autoclaves Inspections by a Insurance inspector At intervals
"competent person" (arranged through recommended by
Estates) the inspector -
usually every 12
months
Maintenance as per School or contractor At intervals
manufacturer's commissioned by recommended by
recommendations the dept the manufacturer
Pressure vessels Inspections by a Insurance inspector At intervals
and pressure "competent person" (arranged through recommended by
systems Estates) the inspector -
usually every 12-24
months
Centrifuges Maintenance as School or contractor At intervals
manufacturer's commissioned by recommended by
recommendations the school the manufacturer
Fume cupboards Examination and Contractor arranged Every 6 months
test by Estates
Microbiological Examination and Contractor At least every 12
safety cabinets test commissioned by months,
the dept recommended
every 6 months
Other local Examination and Contractor arranged At least every 12
exhaust test by Estates months
ventilation
Ladders Visual inspection School Recommended at
least every three
months
Road vehicles Examination and Garage Every 12 months
test (MOT) commissioned by
the school
Maintenance as Garage At intervals
manufacturer's commissioned by recommended by
recommendations the school the manufacture
Further advice on maintenance requirements, maintenance intervals and on the
setting up of management systems to ensure regular maintenance can be obtained
from the School Safety Adviser.
Further details can be found in Section P of this handbook
Autoclaves, Breathing Apparatus, Centrifuges, Electrical Equipment, Fume
Cupboards, Lifting Equipment & lifting tackle, Local exhaust ventilation systems,
Microbiological safety cabinets, Pressure equipment and Vehicles.
School of Biological Sciences Safety Handbook August 2008
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N) Ionising and non-ionising radiation
All workers who use ionising radiation must wear monitor badges. These are
obtained from Dr. Les Noble (Room 427-Zoology), and Dr David Johnston, Room
1:06–Cruickshank). Unless the period of work is very short i.e. as part of an honours
project a medical examination will be arranged. Full-time badge holders must inform
the School Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) one month before they leave the
School so that a final blood test may be arranged.
N.1 Radiochemical Experiments
Before commencing experiments a form available from the DRS needs to be
completed to describe the nature of work intended. The form is submitted to the
Radiation Protection Service at Foresterhill for approval by the radiation protection
officer (Dr Brian Heaton phone 52515 and Ms. Penny Wade 53811, Foresterhill).
After submitting the form the proposed radiation worker will be asked to have a
medical examination. Depending on the nature of the work proposed and the likely
risk Dr Heaton will assign the worker as a classified or non-classified radiation
worker. The former category involves the wearing of a film badge that detects
ionising radiation. The badge is changed monthly. Only once clearance is obtained
from the radiation protection officer will work be allowed in controlled and supervised
areas.
A Risk Assessment of the experiment/s to be carried out needs to be completed and
submitted to the RPS.
N.2 Registered Radiation workers
Workers who wish to use radioactive material must have attended a course on
radioactive materials that is organised annually by the University Bio-Medical Physics
Dept. and must also have passed the associated written test.
N.3 Buying and storing Radio-chemicals
The Buildings are only licensed to hold specified levels of certain radioactive
isotopes. Before ordering materials, research workers should discuss proposed new
work in advance with the RPS.
Radioisotopes must be ordered through the School stores ordering procedure. Follow
the guide lines on ordering printed in the front of each group‟s stock book and must
be updated each time an order, useage or disposal is made – as must the
Isoinventory database. Only with the approval of the RPS or one of his deputies may
isotope orders outside of historical group limits be made as we are licensed for
specified maximum quantities of 3H 14C, 35S, 32P, 125I and 65Z. All isotopes must be
stored in the stock laboratory, in the appropriate locked refrigerator or freezer. The
register of all radio-chemicals is maintained on the Isoinventory software, and a hard
copy kept in the stock books for each group.
N.4 Use of Radioisotopes
Radioisotopes may only be used in two categories of room: the controlled and
supervised areas. The controlled areas are clearly labelled and only classified
workers or persons working under conditions of a written system of work may enter.
Procedures to be used must be described in writing to the RPS and at least one dry
run carried out without the radioisotope. Every attempt should be made to contain the
procedures in easily cleaned plastic trays, and the use of disposable equipment is
School of Biological Sciences Safety Handbook August 2008
Part 1 Sections A-O Page 31
advised wherever possible. At the end of the procedures the working area and/or the
plastic trays containing the procedure must be cleaned. Levels of radioactivity should
be determined with the appropriate counter and/or at least two swabs taken and
counted by liquid scintillation. The daily record sheet, on the door of each area,
should be completed with the levels of activity of usage and spillage recorded. If the
surface levels are above background the action taken should also be shown, and
reported to the RPS. Each individual is responsible for leaving the room safe and
tidy. There will be checks on background levels made at the end of each week‟s use.
The supervised areas in the Zoology Building are
a. The notified area in room G23
b. The notified areas in room 216 and 219
c. Occasionally rooms B2, B3 and B3a
d. Occasionally the Aquarium Operating theatre.
No radiochemicals can be stored in a-d.
The supervised area in the Cruickshank Building is G26
A running, dated account of the amount of radioisotope used and disposed of and
monitoring records must be kept in both the worker‟s lab book, updated in the group
stock book and on the Isoinventory database THE SAME DAY. In addition the
general laboratory procedures in the University Local Rules must be followed.
- In case of spillage or accident
a. Know beforehand what you must do.
b. Consult the decontamination procedures in the room in which you are working
c. Inform the RPS and RPA
N.5 Disposal of waste
a. Solid waste can be taken away but it must be safely double wrapped so that there
is no possibility of sharp exposed surfaces. All radioactive waste should be stored
in plastic bags supplied by the University. Solid waste levels must be entered into
the Isoinventory database and assigned to a specific bag. When this bag is ready
for disposal the level of waste in it must be obtained from Isoinventory and the
appropriate coloured* label (available from the RPS or a Deputy) filled in and
attached. These bags should be marked in accordance with the University Local
rules by filling in ALL details requested on the coloured label.
b. High activity waste: This must not be stored, seek the advice of the RPS before
commencing the work.
c. Low activity waste: Liquid can be poured down the sink provided that the levels
are within those of the Local Regulations. Plastic vials with liquid scintillant will be
removed as solid waste if properly packaged as above.
N.6 X-ray equipment
Permission to use this equipment in the Zoology Building must be sought from Susan
Blaney tel 2870. Only trained personnel can operate the equipment. Access to the
equipment is restricted to users who must wear a chest monitor badge. The x-ray
equipment is provided with shielding to prevent accidental exposure and therefore
must not be moved or tampered with unless thoroughly checked prior to use.
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O) Work involving Genetic Modification
Work involving genetic modification must not commence until it has been approved
by the Genetic Modification Safety Committee for the campus where the work will be
carried out and, where necessary, the Health and Safety Executive.
Those wishing to carry out work involving genetic modification should contact Prof.
Jim Prosser(Cruickshank), Prof K. Killham (Cruickshank) who can provide details of
how an application to a Genetic Modification Safety Committee should be made.
Note: Individual members of staff should NOT submit applications direct to the
Health and Safety Executive. Applications should in the first instance always be
made to a Genetic Modification Safety Committee.
GMO application form is available to download as word or pdf file from Safety web
site at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/biologicalsci/safety
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