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A GUIDE TO LABORATORY SAFETY

School of Engineering and ScienceFebruary 2009

HEALTH, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE

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BE AWARE AND ALERT

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BE AWARE AND ALERT

Lab safety must be placed at the highest priority level

You are responsible for safe behaviour in the laboratory

Maintain a safe approach and attitude to your work in a laboratory. Think about safety and remain aware of the potential for danger and accidents.

Prevention of accidents and injuries is better than cure

In case of accidents (however small) notify the staff in charge

Describe the type of injury or accident as well as the location

In case of emergency call the emergency services: 000

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LABORATORY HAZARDS

Eye injuries

Skin absorption of chemicals

Inhalation of fumes, mists, gases, etc.

Chemical burns

Slips and falls

Fires

Electrical shock

Long hair and bulky clothing

Rings, watches, and dangling jewelry

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PERSONALPROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

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PERSONALPROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Use proper type glove for the hazard or chemical involved

Use safety glasses with side shield, full face shield, or goggles

Protect feet and legs from spillage of corrosive chemicals

Use chemical resistant aprons

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MEDICAL EMERGENCY

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MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Remain calm

Initiate life saving measures if required

Call for emergency response, 000

Do not move injured person unless there is danger of further harm

Keep injured person warm

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Ensure that you connect the equipment to the correct electrical supply (Ask if not sure)

Report any damaged, broken or malfunctioning electrical equipment and power outlets

Always keep liquids away from electrical sources and electrical equipment

Make sure electrical circuits are not overloaded (power boards and adaptors)

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FIRE SAFETY

Be aware of the exit route out of the work area and the building (Look out for posted signage)Keep exit routes clear of obstructionsNever leave bare flames unattendedReport fire hazardsRespond to all fire alarmsKeep combustible materials well away from heat sourcesDo you know how to use a fire extinguisher?

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FIRE ALARMS

Use C.A.R.E. procedures

Close doors

Alert others, activate alarm

Report fire - call 000

Evacuate the building

Do not use elevators, stay clear of building and do not re-enter until authorised

Do not hesitate to activate an alarm - seconds count

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CHEMICAL HAZARDS

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CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Ensure chemicals are stored in appropriate containers Ensure containers have the correct label Do not dispose of chemicals in the water waste – follow the correct

disposal procedure Contact the technical officer in charge or the OH&S (Occupational

Health and Safety) office for information on the proper storage and disposal of chemical substances

Follow manufacturers recommendations wherever available Be aware of chemical safety warning signs Treat small mess and major spills as dangerous

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REMEMBER

•Accidents can easily happen

•Watch out for yourself and your colleagues

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WE WILLPROVIDE

ASSISTANCEANDGUIDANCE

TO MINIMISETHE RISKOF ACCIDENTS

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ASSESS THE RISK FOR YOURSELFAND BE AWARE OF SPECIFIC RISKS

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ASSESS THE RISK FOR YOURSELFAND BE AWARE OF SPECIFIC RISKS

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ASSESS THE RISK FOR YOURSELFTHE RISK MATRIX

Negligible Marginal Critical Catastrophic

Certain High High Extreme Extreme

Likely Moderate High High Extreme

Possible Low Moderate High Extreme

Unlikely Low Low Moderate Extreme

Very Unlikely Low Low Moderate High

Concequence

Prob

abili

ty

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TAKINGRESPONSIBILITY

FOR

YOUR OWN SAFETY