Health and safety

Health and safety law requires institutions to provide a working environment that is safe and without risk to health. Where appropriate, training and information on safe working practices must be provided. Students and staff must take reasonable care to ensure the health and safety of themselves and of others, and must not misuse any safety equipment.

*Note: All practical work must be carried out with safety in mind, to minimize the risk of harm to yourself and to others - safety is everyone's responsibility by law.

Risk assessment
The most widespread approach to safe working practice involves the use of risk assessment, which aims to establish:

1. The intrinsic chemical and physical hazards, together with any maximum exposure limits (MELs) or occupational exposure standards (OESs), where appropriate. All chemical manufacturers provide data sheets listing the hazards associated with particular chemical compounds.
2. The risks involved, by taking into account the amount of substance to be used, the way in which it will be used and the possible routes of entry into the body (Fig. 2.1). In this regard, it is important to distinguish between the intrinsic hazards of a particular substance and the risks involved in its use in a particular exercise.
3. The persons at risk and the ways in which they might be exposed to hazardous substances, including accidental exposure (spillage).
4. The steps required to prevent or control exposure. Ideally, a nonhazardous or less hazardous alternative should be used. If this is not feasible, adequate control measures must be used, e.g. a fume cupboard or other containment system. Personal protective equipment (e.g. lab coats, safety glasses) must continue to be used in addition to such containment measures. A safe means of disposal will be required.
   

The outcome of the risk assessment process must be recorded and appropriate safety information must be passed on to those at risk. For most practical classes, risk assessments will have been carried out in advance by the person in charge and the information necessary to minimize the risks to students may be given in the practical schedule. You will be asked to carry out risk assessments to familiarize yourself with the process and sources of information. Make sure you know how your department provides such information and that you have read the appropriate material before you begin your practical work. You should also pay close attention to the person in charge at the beginning of the practical session, as they may emphasize the major hazards and risks. In project work, you will need to be involved in the risk assessment process along with your supervisor, before you carry out any laboratory work. Any new materials synthesized during the project should be treated with the utmost respect. An example of a risk assessment is shown in Fig. 2.2. In addition to specific risk assessments, most institutions will have a safety handbook, giving general details of safe working practices, together with the names and telephone numbers of safety personnel, first aiders, hospitals, etc. Make sure you read this and abide by any instructions.

Fig. 2.1 Major routes of entry of harmful substances into the body.

Fig.2.2 An example of a laboratory hazard assessment form.

Basic rules for laboratory work Wear appropriate protective clothing at all times - a clean lab coat (buttoned up), eye protection, appropriate footwear and ensure your hair does not constitute a hazard. Never smoke, eat or drink in any laboratory, because of the risks of contamination by inhalation or ingestion (Fig. 2.1). Never work alone in a laboratory. Make sure that you know what to do in case of fire, including exit routes, how to raise the alarm, and where to gather on leaving the building. Remember that the most important consideration is human safety: do not attempt to fight a fire unless it is safe to do so. All laboratories display notices telling you where to find the first aid kit and who to contact in case of accident/emergency. Report all accidents, even those appearing insignificant - your department will have a reporting procedure to comply with safety legislation. Know the warning symbols for specific chemical hazards (Fig. 2.3). Never touch chemicals unless they are known to have minimal hazard: use a spatula to transfer and manipulate solids, and pipettes for liquids. Never mouth pipette any liquid. Use a pipette filler. Take care when handling glassware. Use a fume cupboard for hazardous chemicals. Make sure that it is working and then open the front only as far as necessary: many fume cupboards are marked with a maximum opening. Always use the minimum quantity of any hazardous materials. Work in a logical, tidy manner and minimize risks by thinking ahead. Alway clear up spillages, especially around balances, infrared sample preparation areas, etc., for the next worker. Always clear up at the end of each session. This is an important aspect of safety, encouraging a responsible attitude towards laboratory work.

Fig.2.3 Warning labels for specific chemical hazards.