Queen Mary University of London - School of … · Web viewWhen the lab containers are full,...

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences

SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES

SAFETY MANUAL

Health and Safety Manual March 2012School of Biological and Chemical SciencesQueen Mary University of London

1

The manual is arranged in four sections: 1) General laboratory health and safety, and chemical hazards,2) Biological laboratory environment, including agents in hazard groups 1 to 3, 3) Fieldwork4) Psychology.

Contents section

General Laboratory Health and Safety and the Chemical Hazards

General regulations 1Emergency procedures 2Accidents and reporting 3First aid and medical 4Fire 5Security 8Bomb threat 9Chemical contamination of eyes and skin 10Access to the Fogg, Joseph Priestley and Francis Bancroft buildings 11Hazards laboratory 12School Safety Committee 13Assessments under COSHH 14COSHH, BIO-COSHH, Fieldwork and General Risk Assessment 15General laboratory regulations 16Cryogenic liquids 17Gas cylinders 18Refrigerators and deep freezers 19Fume cupboards 20Water, electricity, gas, solid CO2 21Storage of flammable solvents 25Storage of concentrated acids 26Lasers, glassblower 27Ionised radiation 29Ordering of toxic, radioactive and bio-hazardous substances 30Chemical Hazards 31Schedule 1 poisons, cyanides, absolute prohibitions 32Carcinogens, Mutagens and substances toxic to reproduction 35Explosive substances 36Distillation hazards 37Autoclaves 38Centrifuges 39Leaving the laboratory 40

Working Within the Biological Laboratory Environment including Agents in Hazard Groups 1 to 3

Introduction 41Containment 42Authorising work in containment Level 2 and above laboratories 43Training 44Personal protective equipment (PPE) 45Health monitoring and Immunisation 46Storage of Samples 47Use of scheduled substances 48Transporting biological agents 49Disposal of biological agents 50


2

Disinfection 52Emergency procedures 53Biological hazard signs 54Commissioning of Category 3 Laboratories 55Microbiological safety cabinets 56Hazard groups for materials that may be encountered 57Containment for work with cells 58Requirements for Containment level I 59Requirements for Containment level II 60Requirements for Containment level III 61Procedures for work with Genetically Modified Organisms 62Health surveillance for workers carrying out genetic modification experiments 63Policy and procedures for the Management of Clinical Waste 64Clinical waste procedures 65

Fieldwork

Introduction 66Accidents and reporting 67Medical treatment and first aid 68General fieldwork guidelines 71Undergraduate project student and postgraduate student 72

Psychology

PsychologyEthics committee 73

Activities involving animals and related hazards 74

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Reportable accidents and dangerous occurrencesAppendix 2 Health mattersAppendix 3 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH

Regulations)Appendix 4 School grading to conform to Electricity at Work RegulationsAppendix 5 Advice for field workers on LeptospirosisAppendix 6 Advice for field workers on Lyme diseaseAppendix 7 Advice for field workers on Adders (Vipera beris)Appendix 8 Advice for field workers on Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocta)Appendix 9 Advice for field workers on Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)Appendix 10 Conference Risk assessmentAppendix 11 Individual Field work risk assessment Appendix 12 Group field work Risk AssessmentAppendix 13 Overnight formAppendix 14 Accident report formAppendix 15 Low risk non wet lab out of hours Risk Assessment


3

SECTION I

GENERAL REGULATIONS

This Safety Manual provides specific information for staff and students working in the biology laboratory areas within the Fogg and Joseph Priestley buildings. It provides a written record of the customary procedures and a reminder of safety issues of particular relevance to those working in biology laboratories.

Staff and students should familiarise themselves with the College’s Environmental Health and Safety Web pages at

http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk/index.html

These provide details of college policies and procedures, safety courses and links to other useful sites.

The School safety website also has the Biology Division Safety Manual, Chemistry Division Safety Manual and Field Study Manual. As well as this document, these provide a written record of departmental procedures and a reminder of safety issues of particular relevance to work in the divisions and the School overall.

Copies of this manual are available for view or downloading at

http://[email protected]

2. EMERGENCY PROCEDURESIN EMERGENCY DIAL 3333

College Security will set up a conference call to the emergency services and listen in while you report the emergency, and will also summon College staff to your assistance.

3. ACCIDENTS and REPORTING

All accidents, no matter how minor, must be reported to both the School Safety Officer and the College Safety Adviser. Please use the ‘Accident & Dangerous Occurrence Report’ [see Appendix 4] form which can be found in every First Aid Box or can be downloaded here:


The completed form must be returned to:

College Health and Safety [email protected]: 13 5310

A copy must also be returned to:

School Safety [email protected]

Tel: 13 6339


4

http://[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk/index.html%20


An additional copy is to be kept as a record for the Supervisor, PI, or Chief Technician.

If the accident is such that treatment is given by the Health Centre or a casualty department, the form must be completed upon return to the School with copies distributed as advised above.

Please note the following:

The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 requires that certain accidents and dangerous occurrences must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive within seven days of the incident. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. Appendix 1 summarises those accidents and dangerous occurrences that must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.

The full list of reportable accidents and dangerous occurrences is contained in the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985.

The College Safety Adviser is responsible for reporting accidents or dangerous occurrences in the correct manner (see Appendix 5) and it is therefore essential that he is notified as quickly as possible after the accident.

When a reportable accident or dangerous occurrence has occurred, the site of the incident (other than for purposes of making the area safe) must not be cleaned, tidied up, or in any other way disturbed until both the College and Safety Advisers have conducted an initial investigation.

4. FIRST AID and MEDICAL TREATMENT

The appropriate course of action to take in the event of an accident will depend on the nature of the injuries sustained.

In a medical emergency, dial 3333; you can also call (9)999.

Tell the operator that you are calling from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences (Mile End campus) and give your exact location.

Queen Mary, University of LondonSchool Biological and Chemical SciencesFogg BuildingBancroft RoadLondon, E1 4NS

Queen Mary, University of LondonSchool Biological and Chemical SciencesJoseph Priestley BuildingWestfield wayLondon, E1 4NS

Queen Mary, University of LondonFrancis Bancroft buildingLibrary squareLondon, E1 4NS.

There is an emergency telephone at the 3rd floor general office Fogg building, Joseph Priestley 1st floor Stores, or the porters’ desk on the ground floor of the


5

Francis Bancroft building foyer. Follow the dialling instructions displayed above the phone and ask for an ambulance.

Emergency medical treatment may also be obtained at:

The Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of the Royal London HospitalWhitechapel, London E1.(2 Km westwards along the Mile End Road)

Because the route to the Medical Centre can involve negotiating stairs, steps and Bancroft Road, anyone going for treatment should be accompanied in order to guard against possible further accidental injury.

Minor injuries

Minor injuries can be treated using materials from the First Aid boxes which are located in teaching laboratories and the larger research laboratories in both the Fogg and Joseph Priestley Buildings, and in the research laboratories in the Francis Bancroft buildings. The Fogg Building 3rd floor Reception and the Joseph Priestley 1st

floor Stores also have first aid boxes.

A list of current First Aiders in the Fogg building is displayed on each floor. In the Joseph Priestley building they are displayed on notices in Stores and elsewhere. First aider lists are displayed in the Francis Bancroft building. Contact FB security if in doubt.

Non life-threatening accidents may be dealt with at:

Queen Mary Occupational Health department. Ground Floor, Geography Building Telephone - 020 7601 7825 (15 7825 internal)0830-1600 Monday to Friday

5. FIRE SAFETY

The Queen Mary Health & Safety Department officials:

Dennis Browne ext 13 8380 email: [email protected] Keith Vagg ext 13 8384 email: [email protected]

These individuals can be contacted for advice on fire safety procedures, fire safety risk assessment or training.

If a fire breaks out in your presence:

Raise the alarm by breaking the glass on the nearest fire alarm point.

If a fire has taken hold, leave immediately.

Small fires should be put out immediately using the appropriate extinguisher, fire blanket or sand bucket but if it is safe to do so. Do not take any personal risk.

You should make yourself familiar with the locations of fire alarms, extinguishers, fire blankets and the various fire exits from the building.

In the Fogg Building there are alarms in the lift lobby area. In the Joseph Priestly


6



Building there are alarms in the main corridor next to the research laboratory entries and also on the back (South) staircase.

Report any use of the extinguishers, other equipment or discharge to the Safety Adviser or the College Fireman immediately after use in order that they may be replaced or recharged.

When you hear the fire alarm:

On hearing the fire alarm, leave the building by the nearest route. Behave calmly: do not run, do not take risks, use the stairs.

Do not use the lifts. If you are in a lift when the alarm sounds, leave it at the next floor and descend via the stairs.

The "means of escape" routes within the Building are clearly marked with EXIT or FIRE EXIT signs. Please familiarise yourself with all escape routes in the building.

If you find your nearest escape route blocked, follow the EXIT or FIRE EXIT signs in an alternative direction to find a staircase by which you can descend. All staircases descend directly and provide egress from the building at ground level.

If it is safe to do so, turn off your apparatus, close the windows and doors - do not lock the doors - and leave the building by the stairs.

If possible, notify the fire marshal, who should be on the door organising the egress from the building, he/she will then inform the fire brigade of the location of the fire.

If you believe anyone has been left in the building, inform the fire marshal or fire brigade when they arrive.

If the fire alarm sounds in any one stage of the building, all stages are to be evacuated.

In the event of a fire or emergency evacuation both academic and technical staff will assist in ensuring that the building is cleared; please follow their instructions.

On leaving the building you must make your way to the assembly area for your building. Do not stay in front of the building.

Fogg – West Square (behind Student Union) Joseph Priestley – Library Square Francis Bancroft – Geography Square

A map showing the assembly point is located at every fire alarm point.

Do not leave the assembly area or re-enter the building until given permission to do so by a member of staff authorized to do so.

The fire alarms will briefly sound during routine maintenance checks: do not confuse this with the continuous two-tone sound for a fire or a bomb threat.

6. FIRE: MARSHALS

The following staff members are designated fire marshals and it is their responsibility to ensure that their areas are cleared of people in the event of the activation of a fire alarm.


7

You must listen to their instructions and promptly evacuate the building when told to do so.

FOGG BUILDING:Ground Floor: Fraser CoombeFirst Floor: Paul FletcherSecond Floor: John HodsollThird Floor: Kath Smith, Sam Court, Alan Philcox, Sunita Dev-PaulFourth Floor: Charlotte Russell, Joanna SzularFifth Floor: Heike BrinkmanSixth Floor: Caroline Brennan, Steve Pestaille, Fraser CoombeRoof:

JOSEPH PRIESTLEYGround Floor: John Hayes, Janet MacPherson, Bob JanesFirst Floor: Tippu Sheriff, Isaac Abrahams, Agha hah, Jay Paul

Jalal Hamdan, Ian Sanders, Giulia Mastroianni2nd Floor: Andy Chisnell, Raj Joseph

FRANCIS BANCROFTGround Floor: Majid Motavelli5th Floor: Joanna Szular

7. FIRE: SOLVENT STORES (Joseph Priestley Building)

These areas are protected by flood CO2 extinguishing systems, activated by thermostats or manual operation. The system cannot be stopped once it has been activated. Activation of the system also activates the fire alarms throughout the building. Do not enter these areas after the system has been operated until you have been informed that it is safe to do so.

8. SECURITY

College security can be contacted on ext. 13 5000

If you cannot contact College Security in an emergency:Dial (9) 999 and report the emergency, for example fire or injured person. Specify the building and location at Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS.

If possible try to arrange for someone to meet the emergency services when they arrive to direct them to the emergency.

The School of Biological & Chemical Sciences occupies The six storey G. E. Fogg Building on the east side of Bancroft Road (including the bridge over the road), the Joseph Priestley Building on the east side of campus and laboratories in the Francis Bancroft Building.

The Fogg, Joseph Priestley and Francis Bancroft buildings are open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. The buildings are closed on Saturday, Sunday and when the College is officially closed.

Access to the Fogg building is via the ground floor entrance on the east side of the building.

Access to the Joseph Priestley building is through the ground floor atrium entrance.


8

Access to the Francis Bancroft building is through the ground floor entrance in the Library Square.

The room numbering indicates the floor level and room number, e.g. G.04 is room 04 on the ground floor.

Personal property is the responsibility of the individual and it is prudent to guard against thefts at all times. Losses or suspected thefts should be reported as soon as possible both to the College security staff (tel: 5000) and the SBCS Laboratory Services Manager (Fogg 3.20, tel 5287).

9. BOMB THREAT

In the event of a bomb threat, if evacuation is thought appropriate, the alarm will sound as for a fire. You should go to the Library Square and await further instructions from the College security staff and the Police.

In the event of a bomb threat, the fire alarm will be activated and the evacuation procedure is the same.

10. CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION OF EYES AND SKIN

Be aware of the location and use of eye baths and emergency showers. If a corrosive or irritant chemical enters the eye, at once hold the eye open use an eyebath to irrigate with copious quantities of cold water for at least 20 minutes.

11. ACCESS TO THE FOGG, JOSEPH PRIESTLEY and FRANCIS BANCROFT BUILDINGS

ACCESS AND NORMAL WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

During term time the Fogg and Joseph Priestley buildings are open for normal working from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. The Fogg and Joseph Priestley buildings are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and at all times when the College is officially closed.

Access to the Fogg and Joseph Priestley buildings are kept closed by a card-activated magnetic lock and should be securely shut after use. Staff, students and visitors are not allowed to visit the 3rd floor Hazards Laboratory in the Joseph Priestly building except in connection with their work and only then with specific authorisation.

OUT OF HOURS ACCESS AND WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

When the buildings are closed, access is only possible by use of security cards which have been upgraded to allow out of hour’s access by the Head of School or his/her deputy. Loss of a security card must be reported immediately to the Head of School or his/her deputy. A replacement card will be issued but may require payment of a fee. An out of hours RA must be completed before work can begin

Security cards are not transferable and must be returned to the College Security Officer when no longer required.

WORKING ALONE


9

No one is permitted to undertake any experimental work anywhere in the Fogg or Joseph Priestley buildings without someone else being within easy calling distance. Experiments to be performed outside the normal working hours must have the prior approval of your supervisor. Inform any remaining colleagues when you leave that they may be the only persons left in the building.

Should you be the last person to leave your laboratory make sure that it is safe, i.e. water and gas taps are turned off and electrical apparatus is unplugged. To conserve energy ensure safety cabinet lights are turned off and the safety screen is pulled down.

GREEN HOUSES ON ROOF OF FOGG BUILDING

Access to the roof greenhouses is restricted and you must inform someone of your intention to work in them. You should make yourself familiar with the means of escape.

12. HAZARDS LABORATORY

The Large Scale and the High Pressure Laboratories are located on the 3 rd floor of the Joseph Priestley building. Access to the 3rd floor and to either laboratory is restricted to those having a specific requirement to use these facilities. You must not work alone in these laboratories. Examples of the type of work that should be carried out in these laboratories are given below.

Large scale use or production of toxic and flammable gases. Use, or production, of materials known or believed to be explosive or liable to

detonation. Large scale experiments (typically involving > 1 litre of solvent and/or 100g of

reagent). Large scale distillations. Overall responsibility for these laboratories resides with the Head of School or his

designate. Currently Professor D. V. Griffiths oversees the use of the high pressure and hydrogenation facilities whilst responsibility for the proper operation of the large scale laboratories has been delegated to Professor A. C. Sullivan.

Access to these facilities is permitted only if the following conditions are satisfied:

1. Approval for the use of the laboratory must have been obtained from the research supervisor and from the relevant laboratory supervisor.

2. For an experiment that is in Category 1 and/or 2, separate and detailed consideration must have been given as to whether the experiment is essential for the research programme in hand.

3. A written COSHH assessment must be made for the proposed experiment. 4. The research worker(s) know of the extra safety equipment in those laboratories and

know how to use it - especially the safe operation of the auto/manual CO2 system. Further details may be obtained by studying the Chemistry Safety Manual on the School website.

5. That none of the work may be carried out by one person working alone.6. That research workers notify their supervisor and ideally the Stores Manager to provide

an accurate record of when, and by whom, the Hazards Laboratory is occupied.7. Any deficiencies in the facilities or equipment in the roof area and/or roof laboratories

must be reported immediately.

13. SCHOOL SAFETY COMMITTEE (June 2012)


10

Chair of the School Safety Committee J Sullivan Head of School M EvansSchool Manager B. TennisSchool Safety Co-ordinator/buildings Alan PhilcoxChief TechnicianTechnician Representative (Fogg building) S. J. CourtTechnician Representative (Joseph Priestly building) J. Hamdan Deputy Safety Adviser (Joseph Priestly building) C. Bray Postgraduate/postdoctoral Representative P. DuncansonField work Adviser P FletcherSecretary to the Committee A Grocott

The School Safety Committee is always pleased to receive comments and suggestions for improving safety. Please make such comments and suggestions by e-mail or in writing to Mrs. Angela Grocott ([email protected]).

14. ASSESSMENTS UNDER COSHH

The Legal RequirementThe key provision of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (see Appendix 3) is Regulation 6, which requires employers to make suitable and sufficient assessments of the risks to health arising from hazardous substances at work. Each assessment should establish what needs to be done to meet the requirements of the rest of the Regulations.

Regulation 6 includes the following:

An employer shall not carry on any work which is liable to expose any employee [or any other person who might reasonably be expected to be on the premises] to any substance hazardous to health unless he has made a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to health created by that work to the health of those employees or other persons and of the steps that need to be taken to meet the requirements of these Regulations.

The assessment required by section (1) shall be reviewed forthwith if:

There is reason to suspect that the assessment is no longer valid;

there has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment relates, and, where as a result of the review, changes in the assessment are required, those changes shall be made.

Purpose of the Regulation

The purpose of doing an assessment is entirely practical: it is to ensure that correct and sensible decisions will be reached about how to control and respond to hazardous substances arising in the course of work. The principle throughout the COSHH Regulations is that the precautions which should be taken are determined by the nature and the degree of risk in each case. It is therefore essential that, at the outset, a valid and informed judgement is made about the risks to health. This means considering a series of questions about the work to be sure that all relevant aspects have been taken into account. It does not mean carrying out a piece of original research or producing a learned thesis on the properties of a substance. Above all, it is a matter of stopping to observe, listen, read, and think before acting.

A “Suitable and Sufficient” Assessment


11


To be suitable and sufficient, the assessment should go through a series of questions, suggested below. The first six are aimed at establishing the nature and extent of the risk; the last one considers the precautions to take in response to the risk. The risk arising from the work is related not only to the ability of a substance to cause harm but also to the amount of the substance and the ways and extent to which people may come into contact with it. There are a series of model risk assessments available which cover experimental procedures, substances encountered, equipment used and waste disposal procedures, and these are in the model risk assessments folder.

Where groups of people are doing similar work and are similarly exposed to the same types of hazardous substances, the assessment can be based on a representative sample of people. Equally, in situations involving large numbers of hazardous substances, such as research laboratories, the substances can usefully be grouped together for the purposes of the assessment, on the basis of similar hazard or treatment. The assessment does not necessarily have to be done by just one person - several people may be involved in providing information for different questions. However, the information should be brought together at the end of the exercise, and considered as a whole, before taking action.

What hazardous substances are there?

This is a matter of recognising the hazardous substances used in, or arising from, the work. There are, of course, many kinds. They can be in the form of gases, vapours, liquids, fumes, dusts or solids, or they can be micro-organisms. They may arise from materials used, stored or handled in any process, intermediates or by-products produced or given off, or the finished products of any process. They may arise from materials used in activities incidental to production, such as maintenance, cleaning or repairs. They can also arise from accidental spills or leakages.

Hazardous substances can be recognised by obtaining and reading information from suppliers, including their labels on packages and containers (CHIP Regulations), from trade and technical literature and HSE Guidance Notes and data sheets. Of course, hazardous substances can also be recognised as they have always been: by in-house product and process knowledge and by previous experience.

What are the harmful effects?

The effects of those substances on the body should be considered and, where appropriate, the effects of mixtures of substances, which can sometimes be greater than that of each on its own. The effect will partly depend on the form that the substance is in and the way it enters or acts on the body, e.g. by inhalation, ingestion, contact with the skin or absorption through the skin. Information on the harmful action of any substance should be sought from the same sort of sources as in question 1.

Where will the hazardous substance be present?

All possible locations should be considered, i.e. all areas of use, storage, collection, disposal or discharge. The potential for ‘escape’ at each stage should also be borne in mind.

Who may be affected?

The next step is to identify the people who may be affected at each of the identified locations. They could be brought into contact with the substance if they either work with it directly or are in the vicinity of where it is used, stored or collected, or from where it is discharged.


12

How great is the degree and extent of exposure?

Any decision about the degree and extent of exposure must be based, first and foremost, on observation of and enquiry into working practices and experience. This provides a ‘yardstick’ for deciding how precisely exposure needs to be evaluated, and against which to consider the nature of the precautions to be taken.

Besides inhalation routes, exposure can arise from contamination of skin, clothing, food, drink and smoking materials; the significance of all routes should be considered. Where it has been decided to control exposures by containing a substance within a closed system, routine exposure may, depending upon the reliability of the containment, be regarded as negligible.

How do the exposure data compare with recognised standards?

Information on exposure will usually have little meaning unless it is related to some reference point. The next step is therefore to compare the results obtained with accepted standards representing, at least, the “adequate control” required by COSHH Regulation 7.These standards may be prescribed or approved occupational exposure limits for inhaled substances, or else self-imposed working limits or industry standards. The results of the comparison will determine the action which should be taken to limit and further reduce exposure.

What action should be taken in response to the assessment?

Once the risks have been assessed, the next step is to decide what action needs to be taken to meet the requirements of the other COSHH Regulations. Of prime importance is deciding what more needs to be done, if anything, to achieve and sustain adequate control of exposure, or preferably, to prevent it altogether. The control measures should be weighed up in terms of their effectiveness, certainty and reliability, the more sure and reliable methods being preferred. Elimination or substitution of the substances should be the first choice, followed by engineering control measures. Arrangements for maintaining and testing the control measures to ensure they continue to operate as intended should also be worked out. It is also necessary to decide what other precautions may need to be put into effect, such as routine monitoring of exposure, health surveillance procedures and training of employees.

Results

In all but the simplest cases, the assessments should be recorded, to ensure continuity of awareness among managers and supervisors, and to ensure that other people who may need to know are properly informed. Among the latter may be employees or their representatives and Health and Safety Inspectors. Also, unless the assessment is recorded, it will not usually be possible to make a correct judgement about when it should be reviewed. Therefore, unless the assessment can be immediately or readily repeated at any time, or concerns work of very short duration, it should be set down in a record.

Review

The assessment should be reviewed if there is any reason to suppose that it is no longer valid or if there has been a significant change in the work, health surveillance, and new information about health hazards, a change in personnel, or a change in materials, plant, control methods, process or volume of production.


13

Assessment Forms

Suitable forms for the COSHH assessment exercise for chemicals can be obtained from the Chemistry Stores; for a copy of the form see Appendix 13. The form is available electronically from the Safety website; one copy is for the user of the chemical(s), one copy is to be given to the supervisor and one copy to the Safety Officer. N.B. The assessment should include products and by-products as well as reagents and solvents. The form must be countersigned by the supervisor or the appropriate person. Procedures should be subject to periodic assessment and review [33]. Three copies should be made and distributed as for the COSHH forms. There are also COSHH forms available from the Risk Assessment folder or from the College safety website


15. COSHH, BIO-COSHH, FIELDWORK and GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORMS

The assessments under COSHH are the cornerstone of the Regulations and the key to fulfilling the other requirements. They are intended to enable and encourage employers to set priorities for the allocation of resources on the basis of the highest risk, and promote a sensible and flexible approach to reducing the risks presented by work involving substances hazardous to health.

NOTE: Copies of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the COSHH Regulations are available for inspection from the College Safety Adviser.

All risk assessments to be stored within the laboratory / room where the work is taking place, be up to date and available for inspection.

Two copies are needed, one for the work area, the other for reference stored in another location. It is advisable to have electronic versions available in addition to the paper copies in the laboratory.

If the work changes substantially over the course of a project, a new assessment must be written.

After 3 years the assessment must be reviewed and a new assessment written to replace the old one

The risk assessment applies not only to the work being done but the people involved as well, if new members of the group arrive or leave, then new assessments must be written.

16. GENERAL LABORATORY REGULATIONS

The following rules, which are by no means exhaustive, cover many of the situations which you will encounter in a laboratory. Before starting any work you should ensure that you have taken all reasonable precautions against any foreseeable accident, taking due notice of the toxicities of the substances with which you are working.

Passageways

Doorways, landings, gangways and passageways must be kept clear and free from obstructions at all times.

Fire doors, which are clearly marked as such, must not be wedged, propped or tied open except for limited periods when equipment and cylinders are being moved and


14


floors cleaned.

State of Laboratories

One of the best precautions against an accident is a clean and tidy laboratory; a cluttered bench or floor is a prime accident site. Research workers are responsible for keeping their own benches clean and tidy. Cleaning materials are available from the Technical Staff and the Stores. Your co-operation with both the cleaners is required to enable them to do their jobs efficiently and safely.

Food and Drink

Food and drink may not be consumed or stored in the Fogg or Joseph Priestley buildings except in designated areas.

Smoking

Smoking is banned throughout the Fogg and Joseph Priestley building’s and this ban now extends to the whole of the Queen Mary campuses

Eye Protection

Safety spectacles must be worn at all times in any laboratory.

There is a danger to the eyes in all laboratory work from splashes and explosions. The School therefore provides all new workers with a pair of safety spectacles to the current British Standard. These glasses fully shield the eyes and fit over most prescription glasses. The School also has arrangements in place for having prescription safety spectacles made up (see the one of the Safety Officers for details).

You are required to wear safety spectacles at all times in the laboratory: the hazard may not be of your own making but that of a co-worker.

Contact lenses increase the risk to the eyes in the event of an accident. It is not advisable to wear contact lenses in the laboratories unless full goggles are worn. Contact lenses may give rise to many hazards: they may slip at an awkward moment, but more importantly they are difficult to remove quickly in the event of an accident should the eyes be splashed with chemicals. They also reduce the flow of natural fluids to the eyes which help to move any contaminant; moreover, they may trap the contaminant behind the lens and can actually worsen the accident.

Protective Clothing

When carrying out practical work a laboratory coat should be worn. Laboratory coats may be obtained from the Students’ Union shop or Chemistry Stores. The School has no liability to make any payments for damaged clothing.

Protective gloves and aprons are available from the Stores and should be worn when necessary. Workers should be aware that no type of glove can exclude all substances and that glove materials themselves can be allergenic. Contaminated gloves must not be worn. No gloves are allowed outside the laboratory. For further information on gloves please see the College Health and Safety website at



15


Dust Masks

Dust masks for use when working with non-toxic dusts or powders are available from the stores. These masks should always be used when making or scraping thin layer chromatography plates.

Safety Shields

Safety shields and Face Visors should always be used when working with potentially explosive materials. See Section 12.27 for further guidance, including examples of the main compound classes with explosive potential.

Footwear

The wearing of open-toed shoes in laboratories is potentially dangerous in the event of a chemical spillage, and is therefore strongly discouraged. When moving gas cylinders or other heavy objects that could crush the toes or feet, suitable protective footwear should be worn.

Fire Fighting

All new research workers are required to attend a fire fighting demonstration which will normally be held in the first term.

The following are the main types of fire fighting equipment provided in the Joseph Priestley building: CO2 fire extinguishers, foam extinguishers, sand buckets and fire blankets. HFFF extinguishers are located in some specific areas.

Never use foam or water when the fire involves electrical apparatus, an alkali metal or metal alkyls; always use CO2 or dry powder.

When tackling a fire, however small, always ensure that you have a reserve supply of extinguishers, make sure you have a clear exit from the fire area and do not take any personal risk.

If in any doubt about your ability to tackle the fire activate one of the fire alarm call points which are on each floor on the exit routes from the laboratories. Call the fire brigade as detailed on the fire action notice by the call point and as shown in [Sections 5] of these regulations.

Unattended Experiments

Unattended experiments are the most frequent cause of fire and floods. The running of unattended experiments can usually be avoided by careful planning. When experiments or equipment must run overnight, or be left unattended, prior approval must be sought from the academic supervisor or his nominee and a signed notice, available from the Stores or the Technical staff, must be clearly displayed with all the relevant information including the name of the person in charge of the experiment, his telephone number and the emergency procedure to be followed in the event of an accident. A copy of this notice “Danger: please leave on” is reproduced as [Appendix 12]

Distillation experiments should NOT be left unattended unless specially designed Solvent stills’ and other equipment used in the drying of solvents must NOT be left unattended

If any experiment would cause a serious hazard if one of the services in use failed, it must not be left unattended.


16

Waste Disposal (see also College Safety Regulations: Waste Disposal Procedure)

The disposal of all waste materials must be carried out with care and with consideration as to its ultimate destination. Some chemicals (e.g. Schedule 1 poisons such as cyanides, arsenic compounds, etc., Radiochemicals, substances which pose bio-hazards etc.) will only be used under procedures that include specific instructions for their safe disposal.

Before commencing any experiment you should be aware of the procedure for safe disposal of any unwanted products and unused reagents. This information can often be found in the original supplier’s catalogue or in ‘Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory’ by G.D. Muir, in the Aldrich and other suppliers’ catalogues, and in other text books which are available on the COSHH shelf in the Joseph Priestley building Chemistry Stores or the College Library.

Waste Glass:

Clean (i.e. washed and uncontaminated) glass and glassware may be put in the yellow ‘Eurobins’ for disposal.

Winchester bottles, when empty and clean of all chemical contamination, should be repacked in the polystyrene inserts and cardboard boxes in which they were delivered and placed in the designated store room, for which a key is available from the Research Stores.

All other glass, (glass vessels, glass bottles, broken glass, etc., which is contaminated, has traces of chemicals adhering to it or which carries a label or labels) must be put in the glass bin to indicate that it has been in contact with “chemicals”.

Chemicals other than aqueous solutions of low toxicity must not be poured down the sinks.

Solvent residues, including wet residues, must be placed in the appropriate solvent containers which are situated in laboratories. In the solvent delivery system, room (1.30) in the Joseph Priestley Building, there are separate containers which are supplied for the bulk disposal of halogenated and non-halogenated solvents and are clearly marked as such. Halogenated and non-halogenated solvents must never be mixed as they are disposed of by different procedures; also, there is a possibility of a strongly exothermic reaction between the different kinds of solvents. When the lab containers are full, transfer the contents to large containers in the solvent delivery system room (JP 1.30), 10L container for Chlorinated and 25L for non-chlorinated. When these are full (do not fill them right to the top) contact JP Stores for collection and replacement.

The disposal of all other chemicals must be approved by the academic supervisor. Destruction of old bottles of moisture-sensitive reagents such as alkyl lithiums may best be done “in-house” by the research workers involved in their use. A hazard assessment will be required and due care must be exercised as in any other chemical procedure. Inexperienced workers must seek advice from a competent person. If commercial disposal of unwanted or waste chemicals is required then this must be approved by the academic supervisor and arranged through the School Safety Officer, who should first be provided with a list (preferably in electronic form) stating the quantities and locations of the substances involved. Known and unknown chemicals must be packed separately in secure containers, solids being packed


17

separately from liquids, and organic chemicals separately from inorganic chemicals. A list of the chemicals with an estimation of the quantity of each must be placed on the outside of the container. The waste materials will then be taken to a secure area before removal from the College site.

Chemicals must not be emptied into waste bins.

Experiments and procedures that will involve or evolve gas should normally be carried out in fume cupboards (subject to exceptions that may be approved by the Safety Adviser

17. CRYONGENIC LIQUIDS

All persons using cryogenic liquids for the first time are advised to consult the Safety Adviser for detailed instruction in the safe handling of these materials. Thermal gloves should be worn when transferring liquid gases from one container to another and the operation should always be carried out in a well ventilated area. A personal oxygen level alarm should be used if there is a possibility of significant (>2%) O2

depletion or enrichment: see the Safety Adviser for advice.

Liquid nitrogen is available in 160 litre or 200 litre containers. Small 25 litre containers are kept in some laboratories.

Apparatus which is open to the atmosphere must not be cooled using liquid nitrogen since the condensation of oxygen can be very dangerous. Users of argon atmospheres should be aware that this gas condenses at the temperature of liquid nitrogen. If liquid argon becomes trapped in a closed system and is allowed to warm up then a dangerous increase in pressure may occur.

Liquid helium presents special hazards and its use must be discussed with the academic supervisor and Safety Adviser before commencing work.

Do not travel in lifts with cryogenic liquids.

18. GAS CLYLINDERS - see also College Safety Regulations: Use of High Pressure Gases


Gas cylinders present special hazards. The general precautions for handling and storing gas cylinders listed below should be followed at all times.

Only those cylinders in actual use shall be kept in laboratories. These must be chained to a firm support or stored in an approved stand. Free-standing cylinders are dangerous and thus are forbidden in all laboratories.

Where fitted the valve protection cap should be left on each cylinder until it is actually in use.

Do not place any cylinder where it may become part of an electrical circuit.

Never use oil or grease to lubricate the threads of a cylinder.

Never use Teflon tape on oxygen cylinder and avoid using it on other cylinders.

Use only the correct type of pressure regulator for the gas concerned.


18


Never use oil or grease to lubricate the threads of a cylinder.

Pressure regulators should be certified safe by a competent person or replaced at intervals not exceeding once every five years.

The main valve should be opened slowly with a proper key; too rapid opening may cause an explosion.

Never discharge the contents of a cylinder without the use of a pressure valve or a control valve. Where a gas is passed through a liquid mixture, a pressure relief device and an anti-suck-back trap should be used. The correct arrangement is: cylinder - suck-back trap - pressure relief device.

Do not attempt to move a gas cylinder unless you are competent. Protective footwear should be worn. Four-wheeled cylinder trolleys are provided and their use is strongly recommended as they minimise the risk of the cylinder toppling over.

The contents of gas cylinders may also have properties which make them hazardous, e.g. because they are flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc. These properties can be found by reference to the technical information sheets. Other important factors which should be considered are the possible formation of hazardous products, such as acetyl ides formed by the action of copper or copper alloys with acetylene or gases which contain acetylene as an impurity, or the formation of fulminate when mercury is used in the presence of ammonia, etc.

Toxic or flammable gases must be used in fume cupboards. The cylinder used should be of the minimum size needed for the reaction to ensure that all the gas is used in a reasonable amount of time. The system should be tested for leaks using compressed air, nitrogen, or any inert gas before using the chosen gas(es).

Do not, inadvertently or otherwise, connect two different gas cylinders together. Rapid mixing of the contents can occur under such circumstances.

19. REFRIGERATORS AND DEEP FREEZERS

These must be of the spark-free type, whenever possible. Food and drink must not be stored in refrigerators and deep freezers which are used for chemicals etc. Similarly, chemicals must not be stored in refrigerators and deep freezers which have been supplied for food storage.

Only materials which are unstable at room temperatures, recrystallizing solutions in adequately stoppered containers, or reaction mixtures may be stored.

All containers must be clearly labelled (chemical name, your name, and date) and stoppered or sealed.

All refrigerators and deep freezers are regularly checked and defrosted, at which time all unlabelled materials will be removed and destroyed.Refrigerators and deep freezers are operated at pre-set temperatures: do not alter the temperature settings.

20. FUME CUPBOARDS

Fume cupboards may be used for the storing of volatile and/or toxic materials or for experimental work but not for both. Check that the fume cupboard is working before using


19

it. Report any Joseph Priestley fume cupboard failure or suspected failure immediately to Mr Jalal Hamdan (ext 2024) Agha Shah Stores and any such failure in the Fogg building to Alan Philcox or to Alan Philcox in any event.

The efficiency of the fume cupboards is to be checked at regular intervals by the Laboratory Technician. You are required to keep the fume cupboard fronts closed to the “stop” position when not using them and to have them open as little as possible when actually working in them. The efficiency of the fume cupboards drops as the opening is increased. Always leave the fume cupboard clean and tidy.

As soon as you have completed the reaction in the fume cupboard you should remove your apparatus as the fume cupboard could be needed in an emergency.

No experiments which generate large volumes of toxic/flammable vapours should be carried out in the fume cupboards in the research laboratories. The maximum permitted rate of release is about one litre per minute. Larger scale experiments must be first discussed with Dr Tippu Sheriff and suitable space will be found.

Do not leave unlabelled chemicals in fume cupboards or anywhere else. These will be disposed of immediately.

21. WATER

All water taps should be securely turned off when not in use. Where an apparatus is to be connected for long periods, reinforced or plastic tubing must be used and the connection secured with either jubilee or hose clips. The connection should be inspected at regular intervals.

Connections to glassware should be made using 20 SWG tinned copper wire, or jubilee clips, cable ties or special plastic adaptors. Condenser outlet leads must be made secure to the drains or the trough, the outlets of which must be free from blockages. An overnight flood can cause great damage and inconvenience.

Purified water is available on all floors in the Fogg Building.

Ice is available from 4th floor and 3.04 teaching laboratories, as well as purified water. Purified water and ice are available on floors G, 1 and 2 of the Joseph Priestley Building.

22. ELECTRICTY: School Code of Practice to Conform to Electricity at Work Regulations (1989).

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which came into force on 1 April 1990, isMade under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Regulations apply to all users of electricity at work and have statutory force. Infringements of the Regulations may leave individuals open to prosecution.[Appendix 4]. The Regulations and this Code of Practice are applicable to all staff and students working in the School. The purpose of this Code of Practice is to ensure that the College’s and School’s responsibilities under the Regulations are properly discharged. Infringements of this Code may lead to disciplinary action.

In particular, this Code requires procedures to be adopted to ensure that:

The College and the School exercise proper responsibility under the Regulations for the health and safety of its staff at work and others who work in the School.

All electrical equipment in the School is tested by a competent person, i.e. someone


20

who has undergone the training indicated in below and graded 2 or higher - Appendix 2) at regular intervals to ensure that it is electrically safe. Portable equipment which is moved frequently (e.g. stirrer hotplates) should be tested annually, whereas other portable equipment (e.g. glassware ovens) should be tested at least once every two years. The equipment should be labelled to indicate the test result and date, which should also be entered into the School database, currently maintained by Mrs A I. Price-Thomas). Electrical equipment must not be used if the test date on the equipment indicates that the recommended test interval has been exceeded. This equipment should be removed from use until it has been re-tested.

The construction of new equipment and the modification and repair of commercial equipment are carried out in accordance with proper standards of safety.

The documentation describing the results of electrical tests on both existing and new equipment shall be kept by the tester and be available for inspection when required.

Staff and students undertaking any form of work on electrical apparatus are properly trained. Following training, staff and students will be graded into levels of competence as described in the Appendix 2. A record of the results of testing and grading shall be kept by the School’s Safety Adviser.

All members of research, technical, academic and secretarial staff must undergo training in the “Use of portable electrical equipment” before they attempt any work on any piece of electrical equipment. As a result of this training each member of staff will be allocated to an appropriate grade.

Under no circumstances will staff or students engage in work which involves access to live conductors.

All class 1 electrical equipment and supporting framework must be earthed. If in any doubt consult an electronics technician.

Multiple adapters must not be used: their use is forbidden under all circumstances.

Where it is absolutely necessary to work on live circuits, including testing, such activities should only be carried out by a competent electrical craftsman accompanied by a second person with similar qualifications.

Apparatus which repeatedly “blows” a fuse must be sent for inspection to the Electronics Workshop. Wiring or rewiring of electrical equipment or building electrically operated apparatus is prohibited unless the prior agreement of the Supervisor has been obtained. Research workers involved in building or modifying electrical equipment should familiarise themselves with the current wiring standards and regulations before starting work.Work on bench electrical equipment including testing of plugs may be undertaken by staff that have successfully completed a suitable training course and graded at level 2 or higher. A suitable training course would be either one which leads to a recognised qualification for electrical work or one set up and approved by the School Safety Adviser / Head of the Maintenance Department for that purpose.

Electrical equipment must be switched off and unplugged when not in use. In cases where electrical equipment is left turned on for long periods or permanently, e.g. refrigerated cabinets, ovens, spectrometers, etc. an appropriate notice should be displayed next to the plug and switch.


21

Work on the School’s wiring installation or major electrical equipment, will be undertaken either by the maintenance Department or by a contractor approved by the Maintenance Department. All new work will be covered by a certificate confirming that the installation or equipment has been tested and handed over in a safe working condition.

Wherever possible portable electric tools should be battery operated; failing this, mains equipment should be of the double insulated type (Class 2). Other types of mains operated (Class 1) tools should only be used when protected by a sensitive Residual Current Circuit Breaker. Class 1 tools should not be used in wet conditions or in a confined space.

Ultimately it is the responsibility of the Head of School to ensure that all electrical equipment used in the School, including that owned by members of staff, is tested and inspected regularly. In practice this routine testing will be carried out by those members of academic, technical and research staff with responsibilities for the teaching and research laboratories and for School services.

It is the responsibility of the Maintenance Department to ensure that the mains wiring installations should be tested every five years. An inventory and test record must be maintained and be available for inspection in respect of both sets of inspections.

Subject to the above, it must be a condition of being allowed to work in the School that all such workers do not interfere with the electrical installation or equipment in the School and that any apparatus connected to the supply must not be a source of hazard: for example, sockets must not be overloaded or temporary connections made to cables.

It is the duty of all staff and students to bring to the attention of management any apparent defect in the installation or equipment. It is the duty of management to take immediate action when such reports are received.

By this Code of Practice the Head of School and the Safety Advisers inform staff and students of their obligations under items 10 and 11. Electrical hazards or defects should be reported immediately to your laboratory technician, academic supervisor, or to the Safety Adviser.

23. GAS

Ensure that all gas taps are turned off when not in use. Always use a well made and secure connection at both ends before using the supply. Replace and discard damaged or perished tubing.

Hand torches and bench lamps must not be used by anybody without prior instruction from the College Glassblower (Room G15).

If gas is smelt at any time, check that all taps are closed, ventilate the area for a few minutes and then check again for a smell of gas. If gas is still present report the fact immediately to the Safety Officer or one of the technicians.

24. SOLID CO2

Do not handle the solid with your bare hands: if your hands are moist you may be severely burnt. Always use leather or polyamide gloves. Small pieces are best handled with tongs.

Although acetone is often used to make a cooling bath, butanone or isopropyl alcohol are preferred as they are less flammable. The CO2 should be added to the


22

liquid slowly, and in small amounts, waiting for the effervescence to stop before adding more solid. Do not lean into the dry ice chests; you may suffocate!

25. STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS

Flammable solvents in quantities greater than 0.5 litres should be stored below hand level. Winchesters of flammable solvents must be stored only in the steel or steel-lined cupboards provided in each laboratory, never in under bench cupboards.

Ethers and some alkenes form peroxides and should not be stored for longer than 6 months. Sodium wire residues from bottles of dried solvents MUST be destroyed using methanol by the person emptying the bottle. Bottles containing sodium wire residues must never be put out for general disposal as empty bottles are washed with water.

26. STORAGE OF CONCENTRATED ACIDS

These should be stored in a well ventilated place, separate from organic solvents. In the Joseph Priestley building cupboards with a grey plastic lining are provided under the fume hoods for this purpose.

27. LASERS

The use of lasers must be discussed at the planning stage with the School Safety Advisers and College Safety and Laser Safety Advisers (Paul Cassell).


28. GLASSBLOWING

Any glassware given in for repair must be clean, dry, and free from solvent vapour, before it is sent away for repair

29. IONISING RADIATION

Special regulations apply to the use of radioactive materials and to the X-ray Laboratory.

Only designated radiation workers are allowed to work with radioactive materials and X-rays. Any person who intends to work with radioactive materials or X-rays must discuss the proposed scheme of work in advance with the Radiation Protection Officer, currently Mr. S Pestaille, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, who will make the necessary arrangements and supply further information.

Radioactive materials must not be brought into the School or ordered without the written approval of the Radiation Protection Officer and the School Safety Adviser or his deputy. The users of radioactive materials are required to keep a record of the use and method of disposal of all radioactive materials under their control.

30. ORDERING OF TOXIC, RADIOACTIVE OR BIO-HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

No order will be placed without a completed COSHH form. The Stores Supervisor will not order any toxic gases, Schedule 1 Poisons, Radiochemicals or Bio-hazardous Substances unless the order has been countersigned and approved by the School Safety Officer or his deputy. The Safety Adviser will need to be satisfied that the proper safety precautions will be followed and that where appropriate the


23


correct antidote is available.

Schedule 1 Poisons will be issued from stock after the purchaser has signed the Poison Register. The Stores Supervisor will issue a Hazard Warning Card which shall be kept close at hand while the material is in use. The academic supervisor’s written consent is also required. See also section 14.28 (Schedule 1 Poisons).

31. CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Chemicals must not be transported in the passenger lifts.

Before using any chemical for the first time, you must ensure that you familiarise yourself with all its known hazards. Appropriate Safety information may be obtained from the Research Stores. The College Library has an extensive reference section on chemical hazards, “Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory” by G D Muir, which although not exhaustive, is one of the most readable. Non-inclusion in this and other standard reference works does not mean that the substance is harmless.

A written assessment of the risk of any new procedure is required in advance and this must include any necessary precautions, first aid treatment where known, and the procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency.

Academic supervisors and research workers are responsible jointly for the safe planning of all experimental work. Prior consideration and discussion must take place before chemicals are ordered or taken from the Stores and experimental work is started (see also section 19). The results of this assessment must be recorded on a COSHH form. COSHH, BIO-COSHH and General Risk Assessment forms are available on the School Website. Most chemical work is potentially hazardous and proper care must be exercised at all times in the laboratories. The following specific examples of hazardous chemicals or procedures are meant to illustrate some of the most significant hazards that may be encountered in normal laboratory work.

Benzene: Highly toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Prolonged exposure to high levels of benzene is known to cause cancer of the bladder. Wherever possible benzene should be replaced by toluene, which is less toxic.

Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: Chlorinated solvents and other chlorinated hydrocarbons are toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. Some solvents, e.g. CCl4, CHCl3, and trichloroethene are extremely toxic and potentially carcinogenic. Such compounds should be used as little as possible; if they must be used then the work must take place in a fume cupboard.

Chromic Acid: Use of this traditional cleaning material should be avoided unless it is absolutely essential. Spillage on skin and clothing is particularly damaging. Supersaturated solutions can cause violent reactions with organic matter. Old contaminated chromic acid which has been kept in sealed containers can generate explosive pressures of CO2. Decon 90, micro and other modern detergents are safer than, and just as effective as, cleaning agents. If chromic acid is used, it should be disposed of immediately after use.

Hydrofluoric Acid: Burns from this acid are very severe, exceptionally painful, and very difficult to treat, and take a long time to heal. The use of this acid is normally restricted to the College Glass Service. Any other person who wishes to use this acid MUST consult the Safety Officer and the necessary requirements of the College Safety Adviser must be put in place.


24

Mercury: Mercury is a cumulative poison. Except where it is necessary to permit access of air to register barometric pressure, all mercury surfaces MUST be enclosed.

Work with mercury should always be carried out using a tray to contain any spillages in a fume cupboard or other well ventilated area. Mercury spillages should be cleaned up promptly, using a water pump or Pasteur pipette. Small droplets may be removed with a suitable gum-forming proprietary device or covered with a paste made of equal parts of calcium hydroxide and sulfur which has been made into a slurry using water. Subsequent removal of the whole mass should ensure that all the mercury has been removed (repeat if necessary).

32. SCHEDULE 1 POISONS

Access to and use of these materials is controlled by law. The JP Stores Supervisor is the only member of staff who is permitted access to the Poisons Cupboard.

Schedule 1 Poisons will only be issued against the signature of the relevant academic supervisor, who shall have ensured that all appropriate precautions have been taken. All unused material MUST be returned to the Stores at the end of the day. When not in use the material MUST be kept in a secure locked cupboard.

33. CYANIDES

The following procedure must be used:

Request made to the Joseph Priestley building Chemistry Stores, with COSHH form (copies to both College and School Safety Officers)

Notify Jalal Hamdan, who has been trained to use resuscitation equipment.

Minimum quantity of cyanide issued from Chemistry Stores.

Appropriate First Aider (Jalal Hamdan trained in the use of the oxygen bottle) to be informed before work with cyanide begins.

Working alone is forbidden, and at least one other adequately experienced person should be present. N.B. Experimental workers should be aware of the fact that a significant proportion of people cannot detect hydrogen cyanide by smell.

Unused cyanide must be returned to the Chemical Stores as soon as possible.

34. ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION

The preparation and use of the following is prohibited (Reg. 4. Hazards at Work Act COSHH Regulations 2002):

2-naphthylamine benzidine

4-aminobiphenyl 4-nitrobiphenyl

35. CARCINOGENS, MUTAGENS AND SUBSTANCES TOXIC TO REPRODUCTION:

There is a list of Carcinogens, Mutagens and Substances Toxic to Reproduction on the


25

School Safety Website.

The material must be stored in a secure closed container at all times when not actually in use. The container must be labelled as to its contents, including a clear statement that it is either a known carcinogen or suspected of being carcinogenic.

Disposable gloves should be worn when using the materials and the work should be carried out in a fume cupboard. Consideration should also be given to covering the work surface with a disposable material. At the completion of the work any disposable and covering materials used should be sealed in air-tight containers for proper disposal. Consult senior organic technician in advance.

Safety pipettes must be used when handling liquids. If the skin has been contaminated, soap and water are the safest cleaning materials.

Waste Disposal. The method chosen must not create any hazard either immediately or for the future. The best method is chemical destruction by a competent person.

Biohazards: Advice on the safe handling of bio-hazardous materials should be obtained from School Safety Advisor , School of Biological Sciences and from biological safety officer.

36. EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES

No satisfactory protection can be offered in the event of a major explosion.

Satisfactory protection can only be obtained if the chance of a small explosion is anticipated, so that protective equipment can be built into or around the apparatus. It is essential therefore that all laboratory workers are aware of the possible sources of explosion and correctly assess the explosion hazards of their work.

Compounds which readily detonate include many azides, organic perchlorates, acetylides, peroxides and polynitro compounds. Such compounds must be used only if an academic supervisor considers that it is essential as part of the research programme, in which case approval for the use of the material must be given in writing. Clearly, a detailed assessment of the risks involved and necessary precautions must be carried out in advance and must be agreed in writing between the supervisor and the research worker.

Explosive compounds can be detonated in a number of ways, the following being the most common in a laboratory environment:

Shock - a slight movement is sufficient for the most sensitive compounds.

Friction - stirring, removing a stopper, transfer of material, etc.

Slight heating.

The quantity of explosive material used or made should be kept to the absolute minimum required.

Full precautions must be taken. The explosive substances and any apparatus must be behind a safety screen. A Grade 1 Impact Face Visor should be worn as should heavy duty gloves and a laboratory coat.


26

The apparatus should be sited so that no other worker in the area could be injured if there were to be an explosion in the system in use. Additionally, other workers in the immediate area should be aware of any possible explosion hazards; a clear notice should be displayed at the place of work and on the doors into the laboratory.

Accidents can result from the unwanted formation of explosive material, e.g. the formation of peroxides in old ether bottles, especially di-isopropyl ether. Care should be taken to ensure that such unwanted hazards cannot occur, e.g. by disposing of ethers safely when they are no longer needed.

37. DISTILLATION HAZARDS

Laboratory distillation is considered a routine operation. However, serious fires can result if high standards are not maintained. The recommendations below cover the more obvious sources of danger. Additional precautions may be necessary in special situations. A limiting batch size of 0.5 litres is recommended for normal materials. Less experienced workers are recommended to use appreciably smaller amounts

The solvent delivery system in room 1.30 is set up to provide the following dry solvents; Toluene, Dichloromethane, Diethyl Ether and Tetrahydrofuran. If other larger quantities of other solvents are required which are not on this list then permission must be sought from Dr Tippu Sheriff and Dr Chris Bray.

General Precautions

The following general precautions, many of which apply to all laboratory work, should ensure that distillations are carried out in a safe and efficient manner.

Make sure you know the location of the nearest fire extinguishers etc (see Sections 2 and 14.10).

Safety spectacles must be worn..

Apparatus

Check the apparatus for flaws or cracks before assembly.

Use round bottomed or pear shaped flasks and air Liebig or coil condensers (not double surface condensers which may fail under vacuum).

Procedure

Ensure that the apparatus is not a closed system. Note that a closed system may be created if the distillate solidifies on cooling in the condenser.

Do not fill the still pot more than two-thirds full.

Prevent “bumping” by the use of boiling chips or a boiling stick or, if at reduced pressure, by use of an air bleed. If the compound is likely to oxidise nitrogen bleed should be used.

Never put boiling chips into a flask where the solvent is already refluxing, this will cause the contents of the flask to be ejected.

Use a water, oil (paraffin or silicone), or sand bath or a suitable electric heater.


27

Paraffin oil baths should not be used above 180°C. Oil baths which are discoloured or fume when heated should be discarded.

When distilling highly flammable liquids at atmospheric pressure fit the outlet from the receiving vessel with rubber tubing and lead it to a safe point away from any possible source of ignition

When distilling toxic compounds the whole assembly should be placed in a fume cupboard.

Distillations at reduced pressures must only be carried out using round bottomed or pear shaped flasks. Never use conical flasks!

Distillation apparatus must never be left unattended unless it has been designed for automatic operation.

Automatic operation means that the system includes prevention of overheating, heater cut-out in the event of water failure, etc. The system may then be left if it has been working satisfactorily for at least one hour. It is advised that checks are made from time to time on the distillation. Safety devices have been known to fail!

Drying of Solvents

The drying of solvents by distillation from chemically reactive agents such as sodium-benzophenone presents a particular risk of fire. In addition to the general guidelines concerning distillation, the following additional points need to be noted.

The distillation of flammable solvents in quantities exceeding 0.5 litres must be done in the Solvent delivery Room (1.30). Such solvent stills should be protected by a device which cuts off the electricity supply to the still in the event that the cooling water supply fails.

Solvent stills should not be operated outside normal working hours.

Solvent stills should carry a notice to indicate who is responsible for their operation.

The drying agent must be chemically compatible with the solvent to be dried. Thus alkali metals must not be used to dry halogenated solvents, with which they can react explosively. If in doubt consult your supervisor or the literature.

Lithium aluminium hydride should not be used for drying solvents.

Very hygroscopic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, may require preliminary drying (e.g. by standing over sodium hydroxide pellets) before they can be satisfactorily dried with sodium metal.

Solid residues should not be allowed to accumulate excessively at the bottom of solvent stills. Sodium residues which have become coated with organic material often require extended treatment with methanol (at least overnight) before water can safely be added.

38. AUTOCLAVES

Autoclaves must not used if training has not been provided and satisfactorily completed

A record of training must be kept.


28

Autoclaves must be tested every year

Autoclaves must have a valid insurance certificate

If the autoclave is faulty or damaged in any way it must not be used. The fault must be reported immediately.

39. CENTRIFUGES

Ultracentrifuges must not be used if training has not been provided and satisfactorily completed.

A record of training must be kept.

Centrifuges must be serviced regularly

If the centrifuge faulty or damaged in any way, it must not be used. The fault must be reported immediately.

40. LEAVING THE LABORATORY

Gloves must be removed and disposed of before leaving the laboratory. Gloves must not be worn outside the laboratory (this includes one handed glove wearing), Gloves from the laboratory must be assumed to be contaminated and this contamination must not be allowed to leave the laboratory and be spread throughout the building. If you are transporting samples or small equipment make sure it is free from contamination and transport without gloves.

Lab coats or other protective clothing must not be worn outside the laboratory. Laboratory coats from the laboratory must be assumed to be contaminated and this contamination must not be allowed to leave the laboratory and be spread throughout the building, by casual contact.

For the safety and convenience of those remaining you should carry out the following steps when you finish an experiment and before you leave the laboratory.

TIDY YOUR BENCH

Dispose of all unwanted samples in a safe manner. This includes any samples in refrigerators and the cold room.

Wash and put away all the apparatus you have been using.

Label all samples clearly with your name, sample name, and date of preparation.

WORKING WITH BIOLOGICAL AGENTS IN HAZARD GROUPS 1 to 3

41. Introduction

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH, updated 2002) require the use of biological agents in the workplace to be controlled. The control depends on the level of hazard that the biological agent poses. Biological agents are divided into 4 groups according to the classification awarded them by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP)


29

This section does not deal with the following activities:

Genetic modification

Agents that are pathogenic to plants

Work with Animals

Experiments involving group 4 pathogens

Risk Assessment

Heads of Schools must establish procedures for assessing the hazards and risks associated with biological agents handled in the division. Assessments must conform to the relevant sections of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and associated document “The management, design and operation of microbiological containment laboratories”.

Regulations require that:

Exposure to biological agents must be prevented if this is reasonably practicable;If it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to biological agents, the biological agent involved in the activity should be the least harmful that the nature of the activity will permit. (Often there is no choice but some selection may be possible, for example in teaching and some types of research).

Definitions

Biological agent:In the context of this document “biological agent” means any microorganism(bacterium, fungus, protozoan, virus), cell culture or endoparasite, including any which have been genetically modified, that may cause any infection, allergic reaction, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health.

ContainmentContainment is the way that biological agents are managed in the laboratory environment so as to prevent, or control, the exposure of laboratory workers, other people and the outside environment to the agent(s) in question.

Hazard Group Classification

Biological agents are classified into four hazard groups according to their ability to cause infection; the severity of the disease that may result, the risk that the infection may spread into the community, the availability of vaccines and effective treatment. For the purpose of these definitions, “disease” refers to disease caused by infection. Any biological agent, that appears in a classification list approved by the Health & Safety Commission (referred to as “approved classification”) falls into the hazard group specified there.

The correct group for an unlisted agent must be determined by the consideration of the infection criteria listed below, and taking into account the relevant factors used in making the risk assessment required by COSHH.

Biological samples, such as blood and bodily fluids, that may contain disease causing agents also constitute biological hazards and should be handled as such. The hazard


30

group to which samples should be assigned should be determined by a suitable risk assessment.

Hazard Group 1

Biological agent(s) unlikely to cause human disease.

Hazard Group 2

A biological agent that causes human disease and may be a hazard to employees; it is unlikely to spread to the community and there is usually effective prophylaxis or effective treatment available.

Hazard Group 3

A biological agent that can cause severe human disease and presents a serious hazard to employees; it may present a risk of spreading to the community, but there is effective prophylaxis or effective treatment available.

Hazard Group 4

A biological agent that can cause severe human disease and is a serious hazard to employees; it is likely to spread to the community and there is usually no effective prophylaxis or treatment available

42. CONTAINMENT

The level of containment applied must be determined by carrying out a risk assessment as required by COSHH. The appropriate Hazard Group and Level of Containment will be confirmed to both the project proposer and Head of School, together with other relevant advice.

This assessment should include consideration of:

the biological agent that may be present;

what hazard group they belong to;

what form they are in (including the possibility that they form spores or cysts that are resilient to disinfection, or go through a developmental cycle in which there are non-infectious forms or dependence on an intermediate host);

the disease that they may cause;

how and where they are present and how they are transmitted;

the likelihood of exposure and consequent disease (including the identification of workers who may be particularly susceptible, for example because they are immuno-compromised), drawing on evidence of the prevalence of infection or other ill effect as experienced within a particular type of work or work place;

whether the nature of the activity will permit substitution of a less hazardous agent;

the control measures to be applied, and minimisation of the number people exposed;


31

the need for monitoring procedures;

the need for health surveillance procedures.

43. AUTHORISING WORK IN CONTAINMENT LEVEL 2 and above LABORATORIES

Heads of Schools must ensure that:

The College Health and Safety Office are informed of plans to work with hazardous biological agents in group 2 and above.

If handling hazard group 3 agents is proposed, the project must be considered by the College Pathogen and Genetic Manipulation Committee which is permanent sub-committee of the College Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee.

Changes in existing procedures that result, or are likely to result in increased risk from biological agents, are notified to the Health and Safety Office.

Work with Hazardous group 3 agents does not start until written permission to start has been received from the Pathogen and Genetic Manipulation Committee.

For group 3 work and above all relevant government agencies must informed, in keeping with current legislation.

The appropriate Hazard Group and Level of Containment will be confirmed to both the project proposer and the Head of School, together with relevant advice.

44. TRAINING

Heads of School are responsible for establishing and enforcing rules that require the following:

Members of a division are properly trained in safe working practices;

Training in safe working practices is an integral part of undergraduate courses where potentially hazardous biological materials are handled; Undergraduates may handle Group 2 agents provided they are adequately trained and supervised;

Records must be kept of all such trained and reviewed and updated on a regular basis;

good microbiological practice is adopted incorporating aseptic techniques together with a high standard of hygiene;

mouth pipetting is prohibited;

Smoking, chewing, eating and drinking are prohibited by members of divisions and visitors in laboratories.

45. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Heads of Schools must establish and enforce procedures, which ensure that:

Appropriate protective clothing and equipment is worn in laboratories where hazardous biological agents are handled;


32

Wearing laboratory coats outside laboratory areas is prohibited;

Wearing of gloves outside laboratory areas is prohibited;

Laboratory coats used by, members of divisions using Group 2 and Group 3 hazards must be autoclaved before laundering. The coats must be regularly laundered.

Separate and well defined storage areas are provided for street clothes and for protective clothing (including laboratory coats). Only high-necked side or back fastening laboratory coats with elastic cuffs are worn in Containment Level 2 and 3 areas.

All PPE is checked and cleaned at suitable intervals.

When discovered to be defective, PPE is repaired or replaced before further use.

Any PPE that may be contaminated by biological agents must be decontaminated and cleaned or, if necessary, destroyed or sent for disposal

46. HEALTH MONITORING AND IMMUNISATION

Heads of Schools must establish procedures by which:

Details of persons in departments working with hazardous biological material must be notified to the Health and Safety Office and the Occupational Health Department;

Appropriate immunisation is offered to these persons, as required by the COSHH Regulations;

Women of child bearing capacity can consult with Occupational Health Department (there is a risk assessment form available from the College Safety Website for pregnant women) if they propose to work with potentially teratogenic biological agents e.g. rubella, cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma gondii.

Members of a division working with hazardous biological material may be required to:

undergo medical examination;

undergo immunisation;

provide serum samples for future reference.

47. STORAGE OF SAMPLES

Heads of Schools must establish procedures which ensure as far as reasonably practical that:

Biological agents are stored and transported in robust leak-proof containers with uncontaminated external surfaces.

Hazardous biological agents in storage are logged with the name of the agent, the identity of an appropriate responsible member of the Division, the nature of the substance and date of acquisition. These records must be available for inspection by relevant government agencies.


33

Records of all stored materials are kept.

Periodic stock checks are carried out.

Surplus materials are safely disposed of, following recognised School procedures.

Refrigerators and freezers containing hazardous biological agents are locked. During defrosting of a refrigerator, the contents must be stored safely. Discarded material must be thawed before being autoclaved or incinerated.

Liquid nitrogen banks are kept in areas that can be readily disinfected if an ampoule explodes. Members of divisions must wear full face visors when banks are opened. Ampoules containing Group 2 and Group 3 hazards must be opened in a class 1 safety cabinet.

Desiccation and freeze drying -Hazardous biological agents should, if possible, be preserved using methods other than freeze drying in view of the risk of implosion and aerosol formation. Class 1 Safety Cabinets must be used for opening ampoules containing Group 2 and Group 3 biological agents. In this operation, gloves must be worn. Both top and plug should be treated as if contaminated.

At the end of a research worker’s term of employment, or when the relevant research is terminated, all project associated hazardous biological agents, including samples that might contain such, are destroyed and accounted for following recognised School procedures.

No hazardous biological materials are taken from the laboratory by a research worker without written approval from the safety advisor and counter signed by Head of School.

48. USE OF SCHEDULED SUBSTANCES

There is a School procedure for the use of scheduled substances, which is available as a Standard Operating Procedure and is on the safety website.

49. TRANSPORTING BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

Heads of Schools must establish and enforce procedures, which ensure that packages containing biological agents are packed and transported in accordance with the College hazardous materials transport procedures.


50. DISPOSAL OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

Heads of Schools must establish and enforce procedures, which ensure that all material containing biological agents is rendered safe before disposal.

51. CLINICAL WASTE

Consult the College clinical was document for guidance:


52. DISINFECTION


34



Heads of Schools must enforce procedures, which state:

The disinfectants to be used under defined circumstances, ensuring that they have been validated for the biological agents being used.

The use of disinfectants is covered by COSHH assessments.

53. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Heads of Schools must establish appropriate procedures and contingency plans for the following:

A major spillage of biologically hazardous material occurs in laboratories;

Breakage of tubes containing biological hazards in centrifuges;

Arrival in the Division of leaking biological hazard containers;

Security personnel have up-to-date list of members of Divisions to be contacted in the event of an accident outside normal working hours.

54. BIOHAZARD SIGNS

The standard Biohazard sign must be displayed outside Group 2 facilities if it is considered that the hazard(s) pose a significant risk;

The Biohazard sign must be displayed on the door of Group 3 facilities;

Signs may also be displayed on safety cabinets, refrigerators etc. if the same considerations apply;

Biohazard signs must not be displayed where there is negligible risk.

Biohazard signs must be removed from decontaminated equipment if it is to be removed to a non-hazardous area.

55. COMMISSIONING CONTAINMENT LEVEL 3 LABORATORIES

Heads of School must ensure that the following certificates have been obtained:

Room saleability certificate

Microbiological Safety Cabinets commissioning certificate.

A Practical Completion Certificate for the building work (if any has been carried out).

Once the certificates have been obtained the Head of School will contact the College Health and Safety Adviser, the Departmental Safety Adviser and the Chair of the Pathogen and Genetic Modification Safety Committee (PGMSC) to arrange an inspection of the laboratory as it will be used.

The School Health and Safety adviser, Departmental Safety Adviser and the Chair of the PGMSC shall also inspect all protocols for use and management


35

of the facilities.

Containment Level 3 Laboratories for which the commissioning Certificate has lapsed must not be used until a new certificate has been obtained. Certification must be obtained every 12 months.

The commissioning Certificate must be displayed on the door to the containmentLevel 3 Laboratory at all times.

Useful references:

“The management, design and operation of microbiological containment laboratories”, (2001), HSE Books, ISBN 0 7176 2034 4

“Safe disposal of clinical waste”, (1992), Health and Safety commission Health Services Advisory Committee, HSE Books, ISBN 0 7176 0447 0.

“Safe working and the prevention of infection in clinical laboratories-model rules for staff and visitors”, (1991), Health Services Advisory Committee.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

COSHH Approved Codes of Practice (Biological AGENTS ACOP), (199), Health & Safety Commission.

“Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents: safe working and the prevention of infection”, (1998), Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens.

Compendium of Guidance from Health and Safety Commission’s Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification. (2000) ISBN: 0 7176 1763 7

56. MICROBIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS

This is defined in the European Standard on Microbiological Safety Cabinets as a:“Ventilated enclosure intended to offer protection to the user and the environment from aerosols arising from the handling of potentially hazardous and hazardous micro-organisms, with air discharged to the atmosphere being filtered”

There are three basic types of cabinet.

Class Description1 An open fronted cabinet designed to protect the operator by continuously drawing air

into the front of the cabinet2 An open fronted cabinet designed to protect the operator from exposure and the work

from external contaminationInward air is directed downwards into a plenum below the work surface and is filtered before being redirected into the work area as a laminar down flow of clean air. The balance of this laminar down flow with the incoming air provides an air curtain at the open front which provides operator protection. The split between exhausted and recycled air on each cycle is normally in the range 20/80 to 30/70


36

3 A totally enclosed cabinet in which operations are conducted through gloves attached to glove ports.Air enters the cabinet through HEPA filter at the side or rear of the cabinet and is exhausted in a similar way to a class 1 cabinet.

Choosing a Cabinet

Class IThis is the traditional cabinet of microbiology and clinical diagnostic laboratories. Its construction is simpler than other types and is therefore cheaper to produce and purchase. It works by drawing air into the cabinet away from the worker and then through a (HEPA) filter. It is the cabinet of choice when the key requirement is the protection of the worker.

Class IIThese cabinets are designed so that the work area is kept clean by a down-flow of HEPA-filtered air across the work. With good working technique it is possible to achieve both a high degree of product protection and an operator protection of the same order as that provided by Class I cabinets. However, their performance is more affected by other factors, such as operator movement and air movements outside the cabinet. They are typically used for cell and tissue culture applications and for other work where product protection from contamination is important.

Class IIIClass III cabinets are designed to completely contain the hazardous agent and are used mainly for work with hazard group 4 organisms or work with hazard group 3 organisms deemed to be at high risk, for example where highly concentrated samples are being handled. They offer the greatest protection to the worker and work, but movements are more restricted and this may affect dexterity.

Laminar flow hoods

Laminar flow hoods should never be confused with MSC’s.

These hoods provide a filtered air-flow which is intended for product protection only. The cabinets must not be confused with class II cabinets as they have no inflow, air passes over the product being worked on (e.g. cell culture) and so they offer no operator protection.

Animal derived material or tissue may only be used after a full risk assessment that confirms the total non-pathogenic and non-allergenic status of the material.

Laminar flow hoods must not be used with any biological material of human origin.

Laminar flow hoods must not be used when handling biological agents (pathogenic organisms).

The microbiological safety cabinet (MSC) is a basic tool in the laboratory for those who work with biological agents, including pathogenic micro-organisms (including genetically modified micro-organisms), cell cultures, human and animal tissues and fluids.

Safe working practices with MSCs

There are four major components that contribute to ensuring safe working with MSC’s:


37

The design, construction and function of the cabinet itself;

Good laboratory design (specifically with respect to the cabinet location and room ventilation;

Safe systems of work that incorporate good operational technique

Regular appropriate maintenance and testing.

MSC Positioning

MSC’s should be sited so as to minimise disturbance of the air flow at the front of the cabinet. Part 2 of BS 5726 gives recommendations on positioning. Particular care must be taken in locating recirculating cabinets where exhausted air may cause air disturbance at the front of the cabinet, adversely affecting containment performance.The key requirements are:

The cabinet has sufficient clearance from walls, corners and doorways;

That no obstacles are placed where they may interfere with the airflow;

That sufficient room is provided for the operator to avoid interference with other workers;

Once the key requirements are met, the location is fixed and the cabinet passes the in situ tests, the position of the cabinet must not be changed, unless full repeat tests are carried out.

Provision of gas

Bunsen burners or other naked flames should not be used in microbial flow cabinets for the following reasons:

Disturbance of air flow;

Fire risk;

Potential damage to the filters;

With open fronted cabinets the use of Bunsen burners may reduce the operator protection by disturbing air flows;

They should never be used in class II cabinets. Exceptionally, they may be provided for class I cabinets, but they should be low profile microburners equipped with a lever control to give full flame only as required, in order to minimise disturbance. To minimise the risk of fire and heat damage, gas provision must be controlled via a solenoid valve, interlocked positively with the operation of the cabinet fan.

Provision of ultra-violet (UV) light

UV light is generally ineffective for the disinfection of safety cabinets. Radiation is directional and therefore for it to have any effect, the cabinet must be totally empty. UV lamps are active microbicidally for a relatively short part of their working life, which is a fraction of their total lifetime as a source of visible (blue) light. If installation is insisted on, then:


38

UV lighting must be installed in a manner that cannot affect the performance or durability of the cabinet, thus only materials unaffected by UV light should be used in construction;

Electrical interlocking must be fitted and operational to prevent direct operator exposure to UV light;

The efficacy of microbicidal activity of the light must be monitored regularly;

The lamp must be changed whenever efficacy has been reduced or at pre-determined times to ensure the light is still effective.

Code of Practice - The proper use of safety cabinets

Before starting the work or placing any biological material in the cabinet the following tasks should be done:

PPE must be worn according to the level of containment;

Remove the night door (Class I and II) or inward filter cover Class III;

Ensure that the cabinet is on and running and sufficient time has been given for air flow to stabilise;

Do not use if the air flow indicator is not in the safe zone;

Prepare thoroughly for the work;

Ensure active solutions of appropriate disinfectants are available according to local codes;

Ensure that the inside of the cabinet is clean and free of clutter;

Ensure that the laboratory is closed;

Ensure all equipment is ready for use;

Place work in the cabinet, so as to ensure that clean and dirty materials are kept separate.

Use of Cabinets

Whilst working in the cabinet the following precautions should be taken:

Do not overcrowd the cabinet.

For open fronted cabinets always work as near to the centre of the work area as possible, but at least 15cm from the front.

For class II cabinets, never obstruct the air in-flow grille or any exhaust grilles. Obstructions will adversely affect the performance, in particular operator protection. Large equipment (e.g. centrifuges, especially air-cooled models) should not be used with an open fronted cabinet unless appropriate testing has been done to establish that containment performance has been maintained.


39

Do not mix sterile with infected materials and avoid passing potentially infected material over clean material.

Dispose of equipment and contaminated material, following School guidelines. Wherever practicable at containment level II, this means disposal into appropriate containers or disinfectants within the safety cabinet. This must always be done at Containment Level III.

Do not allow casual visitors. Other authorised users of the facility should be discouraged from making movements that may affect the performance of the cabinet.

Never use a cabinet if its performance is in doubt. If the alarm sounds, make the work secure, for open fronted cabinets, place the front on the cabinet and inform the appropriate people.

Do not rely on the cabinet to cover for poor practice.

A GOOD CABINET CAN NEVER BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR GOOD PRACTICE OR GOODMICROBIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUE

Clearing the Cabinet after use

After completion of the work the following actions are required:

Check the performance of the cabinet.

Remove samples for incubation, etc., after wiping down flasks, containers etc. as appropriate with disinfectant.

Ensure that all containers for autoclaving and incineration are marked correctly and secured. Only remove contaminated materials from the cabinet as directed by local protocols. Normally, this will mean only when the material can be taken directly to the autoclave, although exceptionally it may be permitted to place containers in a holding area within the containment area.

Wipe all surfaces with disinfectant.

Leave fan(s) on for 5 to 10 minutes.

Where local arrangements require, turn off cabinet and replace front of open-fronted cabinet or inward filter cover (Class III).

Precautions to be adopted for cleaning the interior of MSC’s used for work with dangerous pathogens

The interior of a MSC should be wiped down with appropriate disinfectant or fumigated after use. Normally it will not be necessary to remove the working surface grilles and indeed this should be avoided wherever possible. If absolutely necessary the following precautions should be taken.

Wear appropriate PPE

Use appropriate disinfectant

Use correct tools to remove grilles


40

Take care when cleaning, look for sharp edges

Disinfect gloves before removal

Autoclave all materials that are for disposal

Training and Competence

No person should be allowed to work at a Microbiological Safety Cabinet unless proper training has been given and the person is competent to do the work.Where a supervisor has identified a requirement for training this should be provided before work can commence. The requirements for competence to use a MSC should include full instruction in the following

Classification of cabinets

Appropriate and inappropriate use of cabinets

Mode of operation and function of all controls and indicators

Limitations of performance

How to work at cabinets safely

How to decontaminate after use

Principles of air flow and operator protection tests

Maintenance and TestingAll MSC’s should be regularly tested to ensure their continued safe performance and thereby satisfy legislative requirements

57. HAZARD GROUPS FOR MATERIALS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED

Material Appropriate Hazard GroupHuman blood Normally Group 2 but 3, if Group 3 infection suspectedHuman brain Normally Group 2. Group 3 if Creutzfeld-Jacob infection

suspected, but derogation from full Containment Level 3can be applied.

Human sputum and lung tissue Group 3 if TB possible. Group 2 if TB unlikely on clinical grounds but safety cabinet must be used unless TB eliminated by microbiological tests.

Cell cultures See table belowOther human material Normally Group 2. Group 3 if Group 3 agents are suspected.Non-human primate material Normally as for human tissues (see above). Group 3 if

seropositive for Hepatitis B virus of unknown status.Viral nucleic acid As for intact virusSewage, sludge, polluted water etc Normally group 2Other environmental samples Normally Group 1 or 2 depending on risk, Group 2 for

unidentified organisms cultured from samples.Microbial toxins At least as for source organism, depends on concentration

factor.


41

58. CONTAINMENT FOR WORK WITH CELLS

Hazard Cell ContainmentLow-uncertain Well characterised/authenticated finite cell

lines of human or primate origin.Non-human, non-primate cell lines which have been authenticated, have a low risk of endogenous infection with a human pathogen and present no apparent hazard to the laboratory worker.

CL2 and use of safety cabinet

Medium uncertain Cell lines/strains not fully authenticated or characterised

CL2 and use of safety cabinet

High-defined Cells with endogenous pathogens and cells deliberately infected.

Containment appropriate to thepathogen

High uncertain Primary cells from blood, Lymphoid cells, neural tissue of human or simian origin.

Containment appropriate to thepotential risk

59. REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTAINMENT LEVEL 1

The laboratory should be easy to clean. Bench surfaces must be impervious to water and resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents and disinfectants.

Effective disinfectants must be available for immediate use in the event of a spillage. Disinfection is not a substitute for autoclaving

If the laboratory is mechanically ventilated, it is preferable to maintain an inward airflow while work is in progress by extracting air to atmosphere.

All procedures must be performed so as to minimise the production of aerosols.

The laboratory door must be closed when work is in progress.

Laboratory coats or gowns must be worn in the laboratory at all times and removed when leaving the laboratory.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), including protective clothing, must be stored in a well defined place:

Checked and cleaned at regular intervals.

When discovered to be defective, repaired or replaced before further use.

PPE, which may be contaminated by biological agents, must be:

Removed on leaving the working area.

Kept apart from uncontaminated clothing.

Decontaminated and cleaned or, if necessary, destroyed.

Eating, drinking, taking medication, smoking, storing food and applying cosmetics is forbidden.


42

Mouth pipetting is forbidden. The laboratory must contain a basin or sink that can be used for hand washing.

Hands must be decontaminated immediately when contamination is suspected and before leaving the laboratory.

Bench tops must be cleaned after use.

Used glassware and other materials awaiting disinfection must be stored in a safe manner. Pipettes for example, if placed in disinfectant, must be totally immersed.

Contaminated materials whether for recycling or disposal, must be stored and transported in robust and leak-proof containers without spillage.

All waste material, if not to be incinerated, must be disposed of safely by other appropriate means.

Accidents and incidents must be immediately reported to and recorded by the person responsible for the work or other delegated person. Accident report forms are available from the SBCS safety website, QMUL website and APPENDIX


Containment level 2 is suitable for work with pathogens in Hazard Group 2 and with biological materials which contain or could contain such organisms. Laboratory personnel must receive instruction and training in handling pathogens and an appropriate standard of supervision of the work must be maintained.

The requirements for a CL2 laboratory are laid down by the HSE (“The management, design and operation of microbiological containment laboratories”).

Minimum containment requirements of the COSHH Regulations for work in CL2

Containment measures CL2Air handlingThe work place is maintained at air pressure negative to atmosphere

No, unless mechanically ventilated

Input air and extract air to the workplace are to be filtered using high efficiency particulate adsorption (HEPA) or equivalentSecurity and accessAccess is to be restricted to authorised people only

Yes

The workplace is to separated from any other activities in the same building

No

Efficient control, e.g. rodents and insects Yes, for animal containmentAn observation window, or alternative, is to be present so that occupants can be seen.

No

Safe storage of a biological agent YesA laboratory is to contain its own equipment. NoDisinfection and disposal proceduresThe work place is sealable to permit disinfection

No

Specified disinfection procedures YesSurfaces impervious to water and disinfectants. Yes, for bench


43

Incinerator for the disposal of animal carcasses.

Accessible

Protective equipment and proceduresInfected material, including any animal, is to be handled in a safety cabinet or isolator or other suitable equipment

Yes, where aerosol is produced

The laboratory door must be closed when work is in progress.

The laboratory must contain a wash hand basin located near to the laboratory exit. Taps must be of a type that can be operated without being touched by hand.

Bench surfaces must be impervious to water, easy to clean and resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents and disinfectants. Disinfection is not a substitute for autoclaving

There should be adequate space (24m3) in the laboratory for each worker.

General tidiness and cleanliness is essential, benches should be kept clear and as clean as is practicable. There must be sufficient bench space to ensure safe working procedures.

Laboratory procedures which give rise to infectious aerosols must be conducted in a microbiological safety cabinet, isolator or otherwise be suitably contained.

When undertaking procedures that are likely to give rise to infectious aerosols, a Class 1 microbiological safety cabinet (BS 5726:1992 or unit with equivalent protection factor or performance) must be used. Safety cabinets should exhaust to the outside air or to the laboratory air extract system (double HEPA filtration is not essential at Containment Level 2 and there is no need to consult with HSE before adopting the re-circulation mode for air discharged from a safety cabinet.) Some other types of equipment may provide adequate containment in their own right, this must be verified.

Sealed buckets must be used for the centrifugation of all Hazard Group 2 microorganisms any material which might contain them.

In most laboratories operating at Containment Level 2 where there is mechanical ventilation simply to provide comfortable working environment, it may not be practical to maintain an effective inward flow of air. The often-constant traffic in and out of Containment Level 2 rooms may interfere significantly with attempts to establish airflow patterns.

Where a laboratory is ventilated specifically to contain airborne pathogens in the event of an accident, then engineering controls and working arrangements must be devised so as to counter the risk of airborne transmission to other areas. Maintaining an inward flow of air is necessary only when work is in progress. ‘Atmosphere’ in the context may be taken as to mean either the external air and/or other parts of the laboratory suite or building.

Effective disinfectants must be available for routine disinfection and immediate use in the event of a spillage.

Hands must be decontaminated immediately when contamination is suspected and before leaving the laboratory and when contamination is suspected, after handling infective materials.


44

Laboratory coats must be worn in the laboratory and removed when leaving the laboratory.

When gloves are worn, these must be changed or washed before handling items likely to be touched by others not wearing gloves. E.g. telephones, paperwork, computer key boards and where practicable, equipment controls should be protected by a removable flexible cover that can be disinfected.

An autoclave for the sterilisation of waste materials must readily be accessible in the same building as the laboratory, preferably in the laboratory suite.

Materials for autoclaving must be transported to the autoclave in robust containers without spillage.

There must be a means for the safe collection and disposal of contaminated waste.

Contaminated waste must be suitably labelled before removal for incineration.

Access to an ‘incinerator’ may be taken to mean an incinerator at another site, but whether local or distant; carcasses for incineration must be transported in secure containers.

Used laboratory glassware and other materials awaiting sterilisation before recycling must be stored in a safe manner. Pipettes if placed in disinfectant must be submerged.

Bench surfaces must be regularly decontaminated according to pattern of work.

Books and papers must be kept separate from areas where biological materials are being handled.

Eating, drinking, taking medication, smoking, storing food and applying cosmetics is forbidden.

Mouth pipetting is forbidden.

Sealed buckets must be used for the centrifugation of all Hazard Group 2 microorganisms any material which might contain them.

All accidents and incidents must be immediately reported by the person responsible for the work or other delegated person. Accident report forms are available from the SBCS safety website, QMUL website and APPENDIX 5.


Containment level 3 is suitable for work with pathogens in Hazard Group 3 and with biological materials which contain or could contain such organisms. Laboratory personnel must receive instruction and training in handling pathogens and an appropriate standard of supervision of the work must be maintained.The requirements for a CL3 laboratory are laid down by the HSE (“The management, design and operation of microbiological containment laboratories”).

Minimum containment requirements of the COSHH Regulations for work in CL3


45

The basic level requirements for working at Category I and II are applicable to Category level III work, however since the level of containment is higher, there are more specialised protocols and procedures which must be observed.

Local rules and Assessments

Comply with policies, local rules, risk assessments and standard operating procedures.

Risk assessments must be carried out where they are required including COSHH, BIO-COSHH and GM risk assessments.

Risk assessment is the responsibility of managers and principle investigators.

All activities must be covered by written standard operating procedures (SOP).

Managers and principle investigators must monitor activities to ensure compliance with risk assessments and SOP’s and implementation of controls.

Risk assessments, standard operating procedures and controls must be reviewed and amended where there are significant changes to activity or risks.

Principal investigators must keep risk assessments, SOP’s and other records (both paper and electronic). These records must be available for inspection.


46

Containment measures CL3Air handlingThe work place is maintained at air pressure negative to atmosphere

Yes, on extract air

Input air and extract air to the workplace are to be filtered using high efficiency particulate adsorption (HEPA) or equivalentSecurity and accessAccess is to be restricted to authorised people only

Yes

The workplace is to separated from any other activities in the same building

Yes

Efficient control, e.g. rodents and insects Yes, for animal containmentAn observation window, or alternative, is to be present so that occupants can be seen.

Yes

Safe storage of a biological agent YesA laboratory is to contain its own equipment. Yes, so far as is practicably possible.Disinfection and disposal proceduresThe work place is sealable to permit disinfection

Yes

Specified disinfection procedures YesSurfaces impervious to water and disinfectants. Yes, for bench and floor (and walls for animal

containment)Incinerator for the disposal of animal carcasses.

Accessible

Protective equipment and proceduresInfected material, including any animal, is to be handled in a safety cabinet or isolator or other suitable equipment

Yes, where aerosol is produced

Security and access

Access should be restricted to authorised persons.

Safety signs are required on all entrance doors for, i) authorised persons only, ii) biological hazards and iii) containment level 3.

Other safety signs should also be on all entrance doors (e.g. chemical hazards, radiation hazards, flammables and gas cylinders etc.)

Laboratory should be locked when not in use.

General

Laboratory is composed of lobby and laboratory rooms.

Laboratory should contain its own equipment (so far as is reasonably practicable).

Laboratory must be sealable to permit fumigation.

Laboratory should be separated from other activities in the building.

Laboratory should have adequate ventilation and temperature control.

Suitable means of communication should be provided (e.g. telephones or computers etc.)

Suitable means of detection and warning of emergencies should be provided (e.g. fire detection / alarms, and gas monitors / alarms etc.)

Observation windows or alternatives (e.g. CCTV) means of viewing occupants should be provided.

Effective inward airflow and negative pressure must be maintained and extracted exhaust air must be HEPA filtered before discharge.

Air supply extract systems should be interlocked and using other means of control to prevent positive pressurisation.

Air extracts and inputs should not interfere with microbiological safety cabinet performance.

Adequate space and light should be provided for each worker.

Procedures that produce infectious aerosols must be contained (e.g. safety cabinet, centrifuges, shakers etc.)

Laboratory ventilation and microbiological safety cabinets should be inspected maintained and tested every 6 months.

Laboratory sealability must be validated every 12 months.

Validated standard and emergency fumigation procedures are required.

Lone working should be avoided.


47

Avoid sharps unless absolutely required.

Avoid generating aerosols.

Biological agents and hazards and genetically modified organisms should be safely and securely stored.

Multiple containment should be used for the storage of hazardous substances and materials.

Biological agents and hazards and genetically modified organisms should be safely and securely transported.

Multiple containment should be used for the transport of hazardous substances and materials.

Use suitable robust containers and label accurately for internal transport inside and between buildings

. Disinfect equipment and working surfaces after use where required.

Do not store or consume food or drink within the laboratory.

Do not store outdoor clothes or bags within the laboratory.

Good personal hygiene should also be observed.

Cover cuts and broken skin with waterproof dressings.

Handwash (Howie) sink with emergency eyewash should be near the exit doors of both lobby and laboratory.

Taps should operate without being touched by hand.

Soap and paper towel dispensers should be provided.

Emergency eye wash hose can be used for cleaning eyes, mouth or body in case of personal contamination risk.

Wash hands after completion of work activities and immediately if contamination is suspected after handling hazardous substances.

Waste Inactivation and disposal.

Dispose of waste safely using appropriate containers and correct waste route (e.g. clinical waste, sharps bin, autoclave, chemical waste etc.)

Waste should be properly and completely inactivated using a validated means before disposal.

Validation and monitoring of effectiveness is required to prove that the inactivation method works.

Effective disinfectants should be available in the laboratory.


48

Disinfectants should be suitable for the biological agents or and genetically modified organisms used in the work. (Following manufacturer’s instructions).

Autoclaves should be in the laboratory.

Autoclaves should be maintained and inspected every 12 months.

Validation of autoclave effectiveness is also required.

Monitoring of autoclave effectiveness is also required.

Waste bags should not be overfilled

Waste should be properly handled, safely stored, transported and disposed of.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate PPE should be worn.

Suitable laboratory gowns should be used where required and regularly cleaned.

Suitable gloves should be used where required.

Suitable eye protection should be available.

Specialist gloves should also be available.

Disposable clothing should used where required.

Boots, shoes aprons etc. should also be available.

Gloves should be worn for all work with infectious or hazardous material.

Gloves should be removed before handling items likely to be touched by others not wearing gloves.

PPE should be removed before leaving the work area and kept separate from personal clothing.

PPE should be stored in a defined place maintained and cleaned regularly.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) should be used when required.

Gowns should be autoclaved before laundering or disposal.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures should be prepared in advance and made available to the workers in the laboratory for familiarisation and implementation.

Names and contact details of PI’s, responsible persons and safety officers should be available in the laboratory.

First aid facilities should be provided.

Assess the situation before taking action.


49

Inform others of accidents and isolate the area or evacuate if required.

Seek assistance and use PPE if required.

Seek first aid and medical treatment if required.

Decontaminate the work area or laboratory after accident or incident.

Report accidents and incidents immediately to supervisors, use the accident report form Appendix 5 at the end of this document, or from the School safety website or QMUL website, return the form to the safety office and a copy to the safety advisor and PI.

Keep in mind that the incident may require health monitoring.

Spillages

Prepare emergency procedures for dealing with spillages.

Spillage procedures should be part of the risk assessment process.

Minor spillages may be dealt with using disinfectants.

Major spillages require evacuation and fumigation of the laboratory.

Instructions, spill kits and PPE should be provided.

Instructions should be provided on laminated sheet near equipment when required.

Notify others and isolate area. (if required).

Evacuate the laboratory if risk of airborne infection.

Allow aerosols to settle.

Contain spillages with tissues or granules where required.

Cover with suitable disinfectant, allow sufficient contact time, sweep debris gently (do not brush), pick broken glass carefully.

Put all debris in a suitable container.

Put into action decontamination procedures.

Personal Contamination or injury

Remove all contaminated clothing as quickly as possible and leave the laboratory.

Remove all contamination from skin eyes and mouth by washing. With water.

Minor cuts and abrasions should be encouraged to bleed.

Wash wounds with soap and water.

Dress wounds. Use PPE when helping injured persons.


50

Seek help where required, ring for first aiders ext 3333.

Emergencies should be taken straight to hospital, explaining the nature of the incident.

Report all accidents following School procedure.

Information, Training and Instruction

Information should be provided to all workers on hazard risks, control measures, monitoring, health surveillance etc.

Instruction should be provided to all workers on actions and precautions to be taken, use, storage, transport, disposal, emergency procedures etc.

Training should be provided to all workers on detailed and effective application of control measures etc.

All workers must be adequately trained and supervised.

WORKING WITH BIOLOGICAL AGENTS IN HAZARD GROUPS 1 to 3

62. PROCEDURES FOR WORK WITH GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

IntroductionIt is college policy that procedures for risk assessment and safety management set out in current legislation and in Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (ACGM) Guidance notes shall be in place before work that falls within the official definition of Genetic Modification (GM) is started.This paper sets out the frame work for the safety management of work that is subject to the requirements of the “Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No. 2831)

It is the responsibility of the Head of School in which GM work is to be done to notify the College Secretary and Registrar at the earliest possible date that work involving GM is being planned. Completion of a risk assessment form, which has been approved by the appropriate local Genetic Safety Modification Safety Committee, with copies to the college GM co-ordinator, will constitute notification.

Appropriate risk assessments for GM projects are made and recorded, that they are laid before a properly constituted Genetic Modification Safety Committee and that work does not start until the committee has made its recommendations;

Workers receive appropriate instruction and training both in specific techniques and in the principles of good laboratory practice, and that necessary health surveillance is instituted for those involved in or affected by a GM project.

It is the responsibility of project supervisors to ensure that all working practices throughout the duration of the project comply with written laboratory rules, other legislation (e.g. COSHH and radiation safety), and with terms of the assessment approved by the appropriate Genetic Modification Safety Committee

Genetic Modification Safety Committees (GMSC)


51

GMSC report to the College Health and Safety Management Group through the Chair of the Clinical Medicine & Dentistry Health and Safety Committee. They are set up as necessary to provide advice, independent project management, on the safety aspects of all GM work undertaken by college departments and to approve GM projects. The membership and area of responsibility of all such committees must be notified by their respective convenors to the Secretary and Registrar of the College as well as the College GM co-ordinator and to the Chair of the College Clinical Medicine & Dentistry Health and Safety Committee.

The duties of the GMSC

The duties of the GMSC’s in the College are:

To review their own membership in light of current guidance.

To ensure that the premises where the work is to be done are correctly registered with the HSE as centres for genetic modification.

To review the microbiological safety arrangements in each laboratory to be used for GM work and to determine the Containment Level facilities which are required for the work.

To receive proposals for GM projects and to review the classifications proposed for GMO (containment level and class).

To review the proposals for containment measures based on safety and environmental risk assessments.

To give approval where the committee is satisfied regarding the classification and containment proposals for containment level/class 1 operations and in other cases to forward the proposals to HSE with recommendations.

To advise the college if any proposal brought to it appears to be subject to the Genetic Modification (Deliberate Release and Risk Assessment) Regulations 1997 so that appropriate policies, procedures and notifications can all be put in place.

To verify the names of all workers involved in or affected by GM work have been notified to the College Medical Adviser with such project data as may be necessary for any health surveillance and/or the compilation of occupational health records.

To make recommendations to individual divisions and to the college on suitable forms of training for workers performing experiments involving GM.

To consider accidents and incidents in any GM laboratory, to advise accordingly, and to confirm that Appropriate College authorities and HSE are notified (if necessary), of any significant release of genetically modified organisms which present a hazard.

To ensure that appropriate data are obtained from project operators and that returns are made to statutory authorities at the required intervals.

To send minutes of its meetings to the College Clinical Medicine & Dentistry Health and Safety Committee and to send copies of all formal proposals, with outcome, to the office of the College Secretary and Registrar.

Organisation of GM committees


52

A College Genetic Manipulation C0-ordinator and Deputy Co-ordinator shall be appointed by the Chair of the College Clinical Medicine & Dentistry Health and Safety Committee. The GM Co-ordinator will liaise with the College GM committees; provide information and expertise to the committees as necessary and co-ordinate the submission of annual reports and notifications to the HSE, College Secretary and Registrar.

Each committee should include the following where possible:

A molecular biologist with suitable experience-preferably of at least Senior Lecturer status.

A microbiologist

A Biological Safety Officer (BSO) responsible for the premises covered by the committee or his deputy.

Up to 6 further individuals, 2 of who should not be involved in GM work and a lay member.

The GM Co-ordinator shall be a member of each GM committee. The Co-ordinator, or

Deputy Co-ordinator shall normally attend each meeting. Copies of minutes and project proposals shall be sent to the College GM Co-ordinator.

The committee shall elect a chairperson and a secretary from among their number. The Secretary will be responsible for preparing formal minutes of meetings. In addition to the committee members Heads of Schools/Departments in which genetic modification is taking place shall receive copies of the minutes.

The committee may second additional members such graduate students, technical staff.

All records of the project applications should be kept by the BSO and copies sent to the office of the College Secretary and Registrar.

The quorum for annual reports shall be the Chair, the Secretary, the BSO and the GM Co-ordinator.

The quorum for project review shall include the molecular biologist, the chairperson and the GM Co-ordinator.

When new projects are reviewed by the Committee, the project proposer shall normally attend in order to answer questions from the GM committee.

63. HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FOR WORKERS CARRYING OUT GENETIC MODIFICATION EXPERIMENTS

The names of all staff who will be involved in GM work should be notified to the Occupational Health Service (OHS) with details of the category of work in which they will be involved. Any staff member declaring a history of any disorder of the immune system or other serious disease will be asked to attend the OHS for interview. Those undertaking low risk work (i.e. Class I) with no identifiable risk to human health will, in general, need no further surveillance.

Staff involved in all other categories of work will be reviewed annually by questionnaire (supplemented by examination and investigation if necessary). The OHS will issue two


53

health questionnaires and, if the worker defaults, will inform the chair of the local GM committee.

The OHS staff will rely heavily on the advice of the GM committees concerning Health Surveillance. They will need details of possible ill effects and protective measures, e.g. vaccination.

All staff will be provided with advice on those specific conditions which might compromise the health of workers undertaking GM experiments.

Notes for Guidance, and Where to Obtain Further Help

The first point of contact for college GM / pathogen / bio-toxin advice and function is Dr. Mark Ariyanayagam [email protected] , tel. 13 8378, based on Mile end campus. Dr Ariyanayagam is the College ‘GM-BSO’ under the GM Contained Use Regulations and advises the College GMSC (GM Centre 774) in that capacity.

The GM risk assessment form along with the College Policy and Procedures / Guidance for GM work is on the H & S website http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk/procedures/index.html#gmo.

The submission of a draft GM assessment is to be sent to Dr Ariyanayagam and this is the starting point for the peer-review process of a GM risk assessment by the college GMSC. GM Class 2 and 3 assessments require HSE approval, which is co-ordinated through Dr Ariyanayagam (any work that classifies as GM Class 4 work or any work with non-GM HG 4 organisms are not permitted in the College- as the college does not have a license or any approved facilities.

Statutory notification

Any use of a pathogen / toxin that falls under the Schedule 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 (ACTSA) should be notified to Dr Ariyanayagam in advance so that the Home Office / Met Police approval and any required security are obtained / implemented.

Members of the Local GMSC: as current (June 09)

Prof Ian Phillips; Represents SBCSDr Shane Wilkinson; Local division BSO for SBCS

The full “official” text of the regulations, plus detailed explanations and guidance can be found in the booklet “A Guide to the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2000” (HSE Books, ISBN 0-7176-1758-0) copies of which are held by the college GM co-ordinator and the College Safety Officers.

Guidance can also be found in the ACGM Compendium of Guidance (HSE Books, ISBN 0-7176-1763-7, http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/gmo/acgm/acgmcomp/ The compendium gives advice on “inherently safe microorganisms”, and how to undertake the required risk assessment. It also gives guidance on the containment measures required and the classification of activities with GMO’s. Further information can also be found at the HSE website www.HSE.gov.uk and the college website http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk The ACGM newsletters can also be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/gmo/acgm32/ at the time of editing (June 09 the news letter was number 32)

For guidance on the categorisation of biological agents please see: Advisory Committee On Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP)


54

http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/gmo/acgm32/

http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk/

http://www.HSE.gov.uk/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/gmo/acgm/acgmcomp/

http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk/procedures/index.html#gmo


www.dh.gov.uk/ab/ACDP/index.htm

Exclusions

Currently, work with non-GM HG 2 and 3 organisms do not require peer-review process but this may change with ongoing changes to work with human and animal pathogens.

64. POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CLINICAL WASTE

Over the last few years a substantial body of new and revised legislation has come into force to impose controls on waste management.

Clinical Waste Definition

Any waste which consists wholly or partly of animal or human tissue, blood or other bodily fluids, excretions, drugs or other pharmaceutical products, swabs or dressings, or syringes, needles or other sharp instruments, being waste which unless rendered safe may prove hazardous to any person coming into contact with it.

Any other waste arising from medical, nursing, dental, veterinary, pharmaceutical or similar practice, investigation, treatment, care, teaching or research, or the collection of blood for transfusion, being waste which may cause infection to any person coming into contact with it.

Contemporary attitudes and legislation require us to minimise the environmental impact of waste production, both in terms of volume and hazard.

Therefore the College has set up suitable routes for the disposal of the different types of waste produced on site and has put in writing adequate descriptions of the waste and mad rules to ensure that all waste produced is entered into the correct waste stream.

The producer of the waste has a duty-of-care to ensure that an adequate written description of the waste is given on a Waste Transfer Note to permit its safe handling throughout its route to final disposal.

Under the Duty-of-Care all persons producing or handling any waste are obliged to ensure that it is transferred only to persons or organisations complying with the legislation.

65. CLINICAL WASTE PROCEDURES

Packaging

All clinical waste produced is sent for incineration and must leave the College in yellow plastic bags or sharps boxes. Divisions are responsible for ensuring that all containers of clinical waste are free from external contamination to permit safe handling in transit.The following rules apply:

Yellow bags must be of a minimum strength: Low density plastic: 225 gauge; high density plastic 100 gauge.

Clinical waste which is potentially infectious must be autoclaved before it leaves the care of the division of origin (consideration of potential infectivity must be included in the COSHH risk assessment for all work with viable material and all work


55

http://www.dh.gov.uk/ab/ACDP/index.htm

with human tissue samples); such material must not be into yellow bags until it has been autoclaved.

Sharp items such as needles, scalpel blades; microscope slides, glass pipettes and broken glass contaminated with clinical waste must not be put into yellow bags, but must be put into a suitable primary container inside the bag or in a sharps box.

Yellow bags must be filled so as to be able to seal the bag; they should not contain more than 6kg.

Yellow bags must be sealed by twisting the neck and securing with either adhesive tape (wound round three times) or cable ties.

The bag must also be identified by writing the telephone extension number of the laboratory of origin with permanent black marker.

Yellow bags must be clean and dry on the outside to permit safe handling.

Sharps boxes must be secured shut, have identifying tape or tie and phone number of the laboratory of origin written on it with permanent black marker.

The contractor will refuse to take clinical waste that does not comply with these rules; offending items will be returned to the supervisor/PI of the laboratory of origin.

Segregation and Transport

The segregation of clinical waste from all other waste is essential

In no circumstances should black bags be used for clinical waste.

When transporting clinical wastes, attention should be paid to the health and safety of staff and visitors, waste disposal operatives and the general community.

Waste transportation should be in containers used only for that purpose and should be easy to load, empty, clean and lock. Yellow bags containing clinical waste must only be handled by the neck and carried away from the body. Clinical waste bags and sacks must never be thrown.

Disposal

Some clinical waste may discharged into the sewerage system. The sewerage system should not be used ass a disposal route without the consent of the Regional Water Authority or Sewerage Authority. Advice must be sought from the College Health and Safety Advisors.

Disposal of all other clinical waste must be through recognised systems on each of the campuses. Advice on these systems can be sought from the College Health and Safety Advisors

Pre-treatment Prior to Disposal

Autoclaving should be used for the most hazardous wastes such as pathology waste.

Material to be autoclaved must be contained in light blue or white/clear bags, with light blue printing designed to be used in autoclaves.


56

All bags should carry an indicator such as autoclave tape to show that they have been subjected to heat treatment.

The bags should be placed in yellow clinical waste bags to be disposed of by the approved procedure.

Spillage from Bags or Boxes

Any bag or box will not be removed from the stores by contractors if broken or leaking. Bags should be re-bagged causing as little disruption as possible.

Spillages should be cleared up using hypochlorite granules.

Waste should not be handled without suitable protective clothing.

Protective Clothing

An appropriate risk assessment should be carried out for the packaging, segregation and transport of clinical waste. This should be referred to, to ascertain the correct protective clothing to be worn.

Coveralls or lab coat to ankle.

Leather palm gloves (surgical gloves will not prevent needle stick injuries).

Safety shoes with closed in toe-caps.

Industrial aprons or leg protectors should be worn to protect legs against the possibility of needle stick injury.

Emergency Procedures For Injuries Sustained Whilst Handling Waste

Any person who sustains a cut, sharp or needlestick injury whilst handling waste should;

Encourage bleeding where skin is punctured.

Wash thoroughly with copious amounts of soap and warm water. Do not use a scrubbing brush.

Ensure that your manager/PI or immediate senior is informed promptly of the incident. The injured person should complete an accident form.

During working hours (0830-1600 Monday to Friday) report immediately to:

Occupational Health Telephone - 020 7601 7825 (15 7825 internal) or alternatively Telephone – 020 7601 8070/1//213 Out of working hours (1600 – 0830 and at weekends and bank holidays) contact: Medical Virologist on call (via hospital switchboard – Whitechapel)

FIELDWORK

66. INTRODUCTION


57

Fieldwork has potential dangers that can be minimised by the sensible actions and recommendations detailed in the handbook. Many of these are mandatory, however observation, awareness and common sense remain your main protection.

YOUR OWN SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!

67. MEDICAL TREATMENT AND FIRST AID

Due to the nature of the work being carried out the usual procedures for medical treatment and first aid within the College are not applicable. In the case of fieldwork, first aid is of the utmost importance and this must be backed up with knowledge of the local medical situation, i.e. location of local hospital, doctors, and emergency services.

Carry a small first aid kit and learn how to cope with minor accidents, grazes, insect stings, etc. Even better, take a course in first aid. Know the locations of the nearest telephones and doctor.

Emergency kit: Carry a reserve of warm clothing, high sustenance food, matches and a survival bag to counter the effects of exposure if incapacitated or marooned by fog or nightfall.

There should be sufficient numbers of HSE-approved first aiders according to the total size of the group and/or the number of independent groups, all supervisors should be given basic first aid training and first aid kits should be provided so that each independent group has immediate access to first aid supplies;

When activities are undertaken in remote or hostile areas where access to safe refuge, medical treatment or emergency services is difficult or restricted, it is essential that you are thoroughly prepared.

68. GENERAL REGULATIONS – see Section 1

69. ACCIDENTS AND REPORTING

To comply with legislation all accidents must be reported using an accident report form(s) [see appendix 13] which should be carried on the field trip. Although the accident may have occurred off the Queen Mary campus, the incident must still be reporting following standard Queen Mary Health and safety procedures. Forms can be downloaded from the School safety website or the following web page.


One copy of the completed form must be returned to:

College Health and Safety Office [email protected] Tel: 13 5310

A second copy is to be returned to:

School Safety Co-ordinator [email protected] Tel: 13 3669

A copy is to be kept as a record for the Supervisor, PI, or Chief Technician.


58




You must always report any accident or personal injury however slight. Remember that medical complications that might arise from an accident are often delayed.

Failure to report an accident could jeopardise an insurance claim.

If the accident is such that treatment is given by the Health Centre or a casualty department, the form must be completed on return to the School. Copies of the accident report should be sent to the research supervisor, the Safety Officer, Head of School and the College Safety Adviser.

The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 requires that certain accidents and dangerous occurrences must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive within seven days of the incident. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Appendix 1 summarises those accidents and dangerous occurrences that must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.

The full list of reportable accidents and dangerous occurrences is contained in the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985.

The College Safety Adviser is responsible for reporting accidents or dangerous occurrences in the correct manner, through an accident report form, and it is essential that he is notified as quickly as possible after the accident.

When a reportable accident or dangerous occurrence has occurred, the site of the incident (other than for purposes of making the area safe) must not be cleaned, tidied up, or in any other way disturbed until the relevant authorities have investigated

70. SOLO FIELDWORK IS DISCOURAGED

Do not attempt solo fieldwork. Discuss with the course leader or supervisor and make arrangements for someone to accompany you.

71. GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

All students taking part in fieldwork should observe sensible standards of behaviour, conduct themselves with good manners and consideration with regard to others, property and activities.

The College holds no responsibility to students who have accidents while carrying out unauthorised activities.

Observe conservation guidelines.

Do not disturb the environment more than is absolutely necessary.

Do not collect specimens unless strictly required for serious study. If in a foreign country be aware of local rules and customs regarding property

ownership, protected species status and or religious customs.

Do not leave litter.


59

ASSESSMENTS UNDER COSHH (see relevant section above)

COSHH, BIO-COSHH, FIELDWORK and GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORMS (see section 15)

For assistance or advice in completing Fieldwork Risk assessments contact Paul Fletcher;

[email protected]: 3718

GENERAL SAFETY

Personal responsibility and liability

Fieldwork involves some inherent special risks and hazards, resulting from the location and/or the weather. In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, course leaders and project supervisors will follow safety precautions and take every reasonable care to ensure the safety of members of their parties. However, the potential dangers make it imperative that you should co-operate by behaving responsibly in order to reduce the risk of accidents to yourself and others. You are required in law to observe all safety provisions and may be held legally liable if accidents arise through failure to meet your obligations.

Obey all safety instructions given by your party leaders or project supervisors. Anyone not confirming to the standards required will be dismissed from the field course or suspended from the project.

Stay with the party, except by clear arrangement with the leaders.

Assemble, where told, to receive specific instructions regarding likely hazards.

Observe instructions for reporting after the completion of work.

Health and fitness

You must meet basic physical requirements to complete the activity, and must complete a confidential medical questionnaire (section) before being accepted onto the activity. The questionnaire must be sent to the College Medical Adviser who will advise, in confidence, the Head of School (HOS) of any potential problems.

Attendance

You may not leave the party under any circumstances unless you have obtained specific permission from the leader beforehand.

Proper clothing

Wear adequate clothing and footwear for the type of weather and terrain likely to be encountered. Consult the course leader about precise instructions but typical recommendations could include:

Shirt, warm sweater, brightly-coloured anorak, with hood;

Loose-fitting trousers (jeans are potentially dangerous when wet and subjected to a wind; they can rapidly cause hypothermia);

Head gear (in addition to the anorak hood), gloves;


60


Cagoul and waterproof over trousers for wet weather;

Nailed boots or ones with rubber mountaineering soles (sports shoes are unsuitable for mountains, quarries etc.);

Wellingtons should only be used for work in water up to 30cm deep;

Headgear and eye protection as appropriate.

Leaders and supervisors will refuse to allow ill-equipped students into the field, because they have a responsibility to see that students observe the provisions regarding personal safety.

Safety wear

You must wear a safety helmet whenever there is a risk from falling objects (e.g. at mines, quarries, cliffs, construction sites etc).

Transport

You must not operate vehicles, boats etc. unless authorised to do so by the HOS.

All vehicles and means of transport must be insured

All operators of such vehicles must be trained or licensed to do so.

All vehicles must be complicit with all laws, rules and regulations governing the use of such vehicles.

All requirements of statutory bodies must be enforced and adhered to.

Cliffs, steep slopes

You must keep away from the edges of cliffs, quarries and similar sheer faces, particularly in gusting winds. Ensure that rocks above are safe before venturing below. Quarries with rock faces loosened by explosives are especially dangerous.

Never work under an overhang.

Avoid dislodging rocks on steep slopes.

Do not work directly above another person.

Never roll rocks down slopes or over cliffs.

Do not run down steep hill or scree slopes.

Beware of landslides occurring on clay cliffs.

Coasts

Do not climb cliffs, rock faces, crags, trees or any other object unless this has been approved as an essential part of the work.


61

Take great care when walking or climbing over wet or slippery rocks.

Take care not to be trapped by the tide.

Avoid areas of soft mud or quicksand.

Road and rail cuttings and embankments

Beware of traffic when examining road cuttings or embankments. Wear high-visibility clothing and have someone act as a lookout. You are forbidden to enter railway and motorway cuttings and embankments unless you have obtained special permission.

Working mines, quarries building sites

Always contact the person in charge before entering any working mine, quarry or construction site.

Avoid touching any machinery or equipment.

Keep a sharp lookout for moving vehicles, cables, overhead equipment etc.

Never pick-up or touch unexploded explosives, wires, detonators or any odd-looking manufactured object. It you find anything suspicious you must inform the management immediately.

Comply with all safety rules, blast warning procedures and instructions given by officials. You are liable to prosecution if you do not.

Beware of sludge lagoons.

Do not enter unsupported or inadequately supported trenches.

Take care in areas of landfill that are not fully compacted.

Always report your departure on leaving the site.

Old mines, caves

Do not enter old mine workings or cave systems until it has been approved as an essential part of the work. You may only do so then by arrangement, with proper lighting and headgear, and never alone.

Always remember that dangerous gases can accumulate in unventilated workings.

Ensure that someone on the surface knows your location and expected time of return. Be sure to report after returning.

Solo work

Do not attempt solo fieldwork, Discuss with the Course Leader or supervisor and make arrangements for someone to accompany you.

Location

Before embarking on fieldwork, ensure that you are fully informed on the nature of the terrain and the range of weather conditions that may be experienced, so that you take


62

appropriate clothing and footwear. Find out where to obtain local weather forecasts and tidal information (e.g. RAF, Coastguard). Carry a map and a reliable compass. Always know your location on the map and your route to safety.

Overseas work

For overseas work, establish whether inoculations/vaccinations are recommended (DHSS leaflet SA40 & SA41). Obtain form E11 (from DHSS) to enable you to reclaim certain medical expenses if incurred. Consult SBCS Safety Advisor about the project well into advance.

Make sure that adequate medical insurance cover has been obtained for work abroad, especially for the United States.

Inform others

Make sure that somebody knows where your group is working and when you expect to return. This will normally be your course leader or supervisor but it could be, for example, the hostel warden. Make a habit of reporting your return.

Beware of the time

Leave sufficient time at the end of the day to return safely to base before nightfall.

Distress signals

Carry a means of signalling, e.g. whistle, torch, mirror, flares. The international distress signal is 6 blasts of a whistle (or flashes, or shouts), repeated after a pause of one minute. The answering signal is 3 whistle blasts (etc).

72. UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT STUDENT AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY IN FIELD WORK

Projects and research protocols

If you are a student carrying out project work under the supervision of a member of staff, you must read the research protocol prepared by that member of staff. You must also write your own research protocol, reviewing the possible dangers of your work and listing actions to minimise the danger. Your supervisor will help you to write the protocol

Note: In the following, HOS refers to the Head of School or his/her appointed officer.

Regardless of the type of activity, a research protocol assessing the risks of the work must be written to comply with legal requirements, though in many cases, e.g. local site visits, visits to exhibitions, one would expect the "risk" to be minimal. It is important that once the assessment has been carried out, approval and agreement are given in writing by the HOS for the agreed safe system of working. Any significant change to the agreed system must be referred back for approval. The College holds no responsibility to students who have accidents while carrying out unauthorised activities.

Risk Assessment

Before any activity is undertaken, the Supervisor must ensure that an appropriate and suitable risk assessment has been carried out and that a safe system of work has been devised and agreed with the HOS. The completed risk assessment form must be signed by


63

the research worker, the supervisor and the HOS as a record of agreement, and copies should be kept by the research worker, supervisor and the HOS.

A SBCS Method Statement and Risk Assessment form is available on the SBCS web site. A completed example form is also available, as well as a model risk assessment in the appendix.

There must be adequate supervision of all research workers undertaking the identified activity(ies). Where more than one person is assisting in the supervision (e.g. another staff member, a post-doctoral research assistant, an experienced post-graduate research student), then their role, function, responsibilities and actual period(s) of supervision must be clearly defined. If a research worker is jointly supervised by someone from another institution, and the person’s work falls within the purview of that institution, then a risk assessment must also be drawn up by that institution and a copy kept by the HOS at QMUL.

A General Risk Assessment may also be required for equipment and instrumentation used, this form can be downloaded from the School Safety Website.

Both the supervisor and the research worker must keep emergency contact telephone numbers. A programme of each day's activity should be available, identifying the nature or purpose of the activity, any equipment or specialist clothing/equipment necessary, departure and arrival times, reporting points/stages and times, emergency arrangements and the chain of command.

All programmes, safety arrangements and safe systems statements must be regularly updated in the light of experience.

Contact between supervisors and research workers must be maintained on a planned and frequent basis.

All supervisors must be qualified in First Aid and experienced in respect of the work to be carried out.

All participants must be capable of meeting the basic physical requirements to complete the activity, and complete a confidential medical questionnaire [see appendix 11] before being accepted onto the activity. The questionnaire must be given to the supervisor or sent to Mr. Alan Scott, Safety Advisor within the SBCS - or if the participant prefers, it may be sent to the College Medical Adviser who will advise, in confidence, the HOS of any potential problems.

No pressure must be placed on any individual to undertake tasks that are beyond his/her competence or confidence to do.

Appropriate first aid must be provided and medical cover arranged (this includes the provision of medical and accident insurance cover). [Also see Appendix 1]. All research workers should be advised to carry a small personal first aid kit with them on all fieldwork activities.

Participants in outdoor programmes and activities must wear adequate protective clothing and suitable footwear, carry insect repellent cream or spray where appropriate, and should have appropriate equipment.

It is important that at all times reasonable standards of personal hygiene are maintained, and that suitable facilities are available for this.


64

Only recognised, competent, licensed and insured drivers may drive passenger-carrying vehicles and other vehicles belonging to or hired by the School.

All equipment must be suitable for the purpose or function it was intended and must be regularly checked and maintained in a safe condition at the commencement of and during the activity. Adequate training must be given in the use of this equipment prior to any external activity, except where the purpose of the activity is to train.

All dangerous substances, specimens, and items of equipment must be handled, stored and transported safely, and kept away from food and clothing. The handling and transportation of dangerous substances is covered by reference to the appropriate section of the Road Traffic Act, the COSHH Regulations 1994, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 and the Air Navigation Order (available in the Library) and must be adhered to in all instances. Where there is doubt contact the local police. All vehicles carrying dangerous substances must carry appropriate signs that detail the nature of the substance(s) and emergency contact details.

Fire risk must be kept to a minimum and care must be taken in the transport and storage of inflammable substances.

All accidents must be logged on appropriate College report forms (form WS/A200 – SBCS Web Site – Health and Safety) and statements taken by all concerned. Where emergency services or external medical aid is required to deal with the accident, the HOS must be informed immediately. The School of Biological Sciences will deal with the necessary "administration" of the incident and NOT the research worker or supervisor. This includes contacting parents/next of kin, issuing statements, arranging transport and dealing with any other general or logistic matters.

Contingency plans should be made in advance to meet emergencies brought about by accident, weather, or other anticipated but unscheduled occurrences.

All safety rules and rules governing legal access including "rights of way", whether or not supported by legal requirement, must be strictly observed when visiting sites.

All activities must be conducted in a manner that will cause minimum harm to the environment and no harm or damage to any person's property. Permission to take samples or to cause minor alterations to property must be obtained from the owner or manager.

At the end of each activity there must be a review of the safety system to ensure that any problems that arose are noted. Any actions necessary to prevent a recurrence must be instituted immediately.

Small Group or Independent Activity

The desirable minimum group number for fieldwork is 2, though it must be accepted that in very exceptional situations it may be necessary for individuals to carry out work on their own. Such cases must be recognised as potentially dangerous, and all safety requirements must be strictly observed. If they are not, then permission to undertake solo fieldwork will be withdrawn. In such cases it is important that the supervisor is not only aware of the nature of the environment, but is aware of the potential hazards and dangers which might befall the student working alone. A full risk assessment must be carried out and, within the safe system agreed between the supervisor and the student involved, there must be a stringent requirement for reporting each day at local level. This may mean that someone other than from College agrees to act in the capacity of a local supervisor. This reporting by the research worker would identify the area chosen for the day's activity before leaving in the morning and reporting back in the evening. All researchers working alone in


65

the field, or travelling long distances in remote areas, should have a mobile phone or 2-way radio to contact the supervisor/local supervisor in emergencies.

Required Reading

SBCS Basic Fieldwork Safety Booklet that can be found on the SBCS Safety web site

Separate advice accounts below:-see appendices, SBCS Safety web site or Field Work Safety Manual.

Appendix 7 Advice for field workers on LeptospirosisAppendix 8 Advice for field workers on Lyme diseaseAppendix 9 Advice for field workers on Adders (Vipera beris)Appendix 10 Advice for field workers on Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocta)Appendix 11 Advice for field workers on Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

73. PSYCHOLOGY

Ethics Committee

Psychology research may require Ethics Committee approval.www.qmul.ac.uk/research/ethics

www.qmul.ac.uk/research/policies/docs/research-humans.pdf

For low risk out of hours work use, low risk RA Appendix 15

74. ACTIVITIES INVOLVING ANIMALS and RELATED HAZARDS

Animals may be encountered in teaching and research experimental projects, in the course of field work or as a result of building infestation by pests.

Hazards include:

Trauma injuries caused by biting, kicking, scratching or stinging;

Diseases caused by exposure to animal-borne pathogenic micro-organisms and parasites or by venom and toxins;

Allergies caused by animal fur, dander, excretions and toxins.

Blood aerosols caused by surgical procedures.

Risk Factors:

The risk of traumatic injury may result from improper, careless or rough handling or if animals are startled by sudden threatening movements;

Parasitic infection may occur from handling or close contact with wild animals or by contact with infested bedding materials, excreta, hair or fur;

Infectious diseases may be transmitted by bites or scratches, contact with excreta, secretions, body fluids and tissue from infected animals. Wild animals including


66

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/research/policies/docs/research-humans.pdf

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/research/ethics

rodents, birds and species encountered in field work studies are likely to carry pathogenic micro-organisms and parasites whilst of the various species used for laboratory or field work experimental studies show the greatest risk of infection is from primates

Allergies often arise from repeated exposures, by inhalation or skin contact, to animal proteins in excretions, hair, fur body tissue etc.

Risk Control Measures:

Avoid contact with wild animals where possible;

Trained persons should only handle animals used for experimental field-work or laboratory studies using appropriate protective clothing and suitable restraining devices and equipment (including drugs);

Where animals are housed or kept there should be suitable general or local exhaust ventilation supplemented if necessary with personal respiratory equipment to prevent or reduce exposure to airborne dusts and aerosols;

Safe systems of work which minimise the release of dusts and aerosols should be adopted;

Personal protective clothing including overalls and gloves should be worn where necessary to prevent skin contact by excretions and to prevent traumatic injuries;

The cleaning of buildings fouled with animal and bird excreta should be undertaken after thoroughly wetting the contaminated area for at least 10 minutes with a disinfectant (e.g. 5 parts commercial Chloros or Domestos in 95 parts water). The treated excreta should be collected in a plastic bag which is sealed before disposal or hosed down. Employees should wear gloves, overalls, a dust respirator (and eye protection if concentrated disinfectant preparations are used)

Persons at Special Risk:

Employees at special risk from animal related-hazards are technical staff working Biological Service Units.

Health Surveillance:

Health surveillance including pre-employment and periodic clinical examination and lung function tests are required for employees defined as at special risk.

Exclusions:

It is unlikely that this model assessment will be adequate for work with animals administered with hazard group 2 or above pathogenic organisms, radioactive substances or toxic chemicals.

Relevant Statutory Provisions and Other Guidance:

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986


67

Code of Practice for the housing and care of animals used in scientific procedures: Home office.

Guidance on the use, testing and Maintenance of Laboratory and Animal Flexible Film Isolators: Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens.

What you should know about allergy to laboratory animals; Education Services Advisory Committee, HSC

Health and safety in animal facilities: Education Services Advisory Committee, HSC

75. notes

Appendix 1

REPORTABLE ACCIDENTS AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCESThe following accidents and dangerous occurrences are required by law to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive within 7 days of the incident. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. The College Safety Adviser is responsible for the statutory reporting of accidents and dangerous occurrences and it is essential, therefore, that he is notified as quickly as possible after any incident which may be reportable.Reportable accidents and dangerous occurrences include:

Fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis;

Fracture of any bone in the arm or wrist, but not a bone in the hand;

Fracture of any bone in the leg or ankle, but not a bone in the foot;

Amputation of a hand or foot, or a finger, thumb or toe, or any part thereof if the joint, or any bone is completely severed;

The loss of sight of an eye, a penetrating injury to an eye, or a chemical or hot metal burn to an eye;

Either injury (including burns) requiring immediate medical treatment or loss of consciousness, resulting in either case from an electric shock from any electrical circuit or equipment whether or not due to direct contact;

Either acute illness requiring medical treatment or loss of consciousness, resulting in either case from the absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin;


68

Any other injury which results in the injured person being admitted into hospital for more than 24 hours, or the person injured being absent from their place of work for three or more days (Saturday and Sunday are included in this period whether they are normally worked or not);

Any ignition or explosion of explosives where the ignition or explosion was not intentional;

Electrical short circuit or overload accompanied by fire;

Explosion or collapse of any pressure vessel where the pressure inside the vessel was above or below atmospheric pressure;

The full list of reportable accidents and dangerous occurrences is contained in the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985. The College Safety Adviser has a copy of these regulations available for inspection.When a reportable accident or dangerous occurrence has occurred, the site of the incident (other than for purposes of making the area safe) must not be cleared, tidied up, or in any other way disturbed until both the College and School Safety Advisers have carried out an initial investigation.


69

Appendix 2 HEALTH MATTERS Organisers of fieldwork expeditions must give consideration to the maintenance of the health of participants. Where necessary the advice of the Institution Occupational Health Adviser might be sought.

Basic Fitness Activities may be much more strenuous than the normal work of participants and organisers should ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable, people intending to take part are sufficiently fit. If necessary they must be encouraged in advance to improve their level of fitness. Participants should be asked to make a declaration as to whether or not they are knowingly suffering from any physical disability or medical condition that could compromise their health and safety during the particular activity. Examples of such conditions could include haemophilia, diabetes, epilepsy and any associated medication used on a regular basis.

Medical questionnaire To identify pre-existing medical conditions to ensure that research workers are fit to undertake the proposed field course work they must complete a medical questionnaire that must be returned to the supervisor or Alan Scott in the SBCS or the College Medical Adviser [see appendix 5].

Injury and Illness in the Field Prompt medical attention must be sought in the event of illness. Sometimes trivial injuries become serious if they are not treated promptly (e.g., wounds become infected more readily in the tropics than in temperate climates). Expedition leaders must be on the look out for symptoms of illness, injury or fatigue and take appropriate action.

First Aid In non-urban environments, the field course leader should be competent in the recognition and treatment of exposure to extremes of temperature and have at least a rudimentary knowledge of first aid. In group working, the leader must carry a first aid kit. Lone workers must carry a first aid kit, survival bag, torch, whistle, compass, map, emergency food and emergency warm clothing.

Health Education Participants must be instructed in the likely health hazards of the areas they are visiting and how to avoid them. Particular attention should be given to:

Physical hazards of the environment (hypothermia, frostbite, snow blindness, dehydration, altitude sickness, sunburn, etc).

Chemical hazards.

Avoidance of infection from pathogenic organisms.

Dangerous animals and plants.

Livestock (e.g. cattle, sheep, pigs).

Avoidance of gastro-intestinal infection and food poisoning.

Basic personal hygiene.

Care of feet.

Safe use of insect repellent.

Immunisation


70

Medical advice on the need for immunisation must be sought where necessary. The requirements for various countries are given in the DHSS Travellers Guide to Health leaflet. Immunisation must also be given if fieldwork could result in exposure to certain pathogenic organisms. Tetanus immunisation is recommended for people performing manual tasks where there is a significant risk to cuts or whose work involves handling soil or contact with animals. Dental Health Members of expeditions going to areas where dental treatment is expensive or difficult to obtain are advised to have a dental check up before they go if they have any doubts about their teeth.


71

Appendix 3

THE CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH REGULATIONS 2002 (COSHH REGULATIONS)The COSHH Regulations were made in the form of a statutory instrument under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. This means that the enforcement procedures and penalties for non-compliance with the regulations are the same as for the 1974 Act once the COSHH Regulations came into force on 1st October 1989.The formulation of the COSHH Regulations is the most significant development in occupational legislation since the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. The 1974 Act places a general responsibility on employers to do all that is “reasonably practicable” to ensure the health and safety of employees, and a subsection extends this responsibility to protection from harmful substances.The COSHH Regulations are designed to safeguard employees, subcontractors, visitors - both official and personal guests - and students (i.e. anyone who might reasonably be expected to be on the premises) from substances which might be hazardous to their health, such as chemicals, dusts or micro-organisms. It should be noted that the COSHH regulations do not place any new general duties on employers or employees; they simply set out the principles which will allow the existing duties to be complied with and readily enforced. The requirements of the regulations represent what is already considered by industry to be good practice, and these are currently followed by many reputable organisations.Central to the requirements of the regulations is the carrying out of an assessment of any process which may involve exposure to substances hazardous to health. The assessment is the key to all the other regulations and is intended to identify the nature and degree of risk, and thus to enable those responsible to determine the precautions needed to comply with the other regulations.For most manufacturing companies and university laboratories the enforcing authority is the local Inspectorate of the HSE. For some premises, notably catering establishments, offices and shops, the enforcing authority is the local Environmental Health Department which is part of the district or metropolitan council.Factory inspectors and environmental health inspectors have broad enforcement powers. Prosecution is seen very much as a last resort, but, if a prosecution is successful, heavy fines and (at least in principle) imprisonment is possible. Those prosecuted may include: research supervisors, teaching laboratory supervisors, technicians, heads of department, and even the chief administrator (for us, the College Secretary) and/or the chief executive officer (for us, the Principal), as well as the institution itself (the College), i.e. any employee who has failed in his duty under the 1974 Act and the COSHH Regulations is liable to be prosecuted personally. However, a more likely form of action is the issue of an improvement notice requiring certain actions to be carried out by a specified date or, in more serious cases, a prohibition notice requiring a process or area to be shut down until certain remedial work has been completed.The following notes on the COSHH Regulations were issued by the Health and Safety Executive to conference delegates at various seminars held in 1988 to clarify the new regulations. They give a general outline of the COSHH Regulations, but in no way attempt to be an authoritative statement of the law. The section devoted to ASSESSMENTS UNDER COSHH expresses the views of the HSE, but the final decision as to interpretation will, of course, lie with the Courts.

I. Introduction

The aim of the COSHH Regulations is to set out, in a legislative framework, the essential measures necessary to control exposure to substances hazardous to health.

The broad scope of Regulations means that the same principles of control can be applied to all substances hazardous to health. The flexible nature of the requirements allows the precautions to match the risk and facilitate the introduction


72

of technical developments. Revocation of many existing relevant statutory provisions should substantially simplify and improve standards of compliance.

The Regulations require an assessment of the risk to health that may arise from the use of substances at the workplace, the establishment and the maintenance of the necessary control measures, and, if appropriate, monitoring of exposure and health surveillance. The Regulations apply not only where employees may be affected but also in the case of any person who might reasonably be expected to be on the premises.

II. Application

The COSHH Regulations apply to substances classified as being very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive, or irritant under the Classification Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances Regulations (CHIP) 1984. They also apply to all other substances hazardous to health arising from work activities and include mixtures and compounds.

The Regulations apply to micro-organisms, but do not cover hazards which arise directly from a person suffering from a disease, except where that person is an in-patient at a hospital, e.g. catching a cold from a co-worker is not included, but contracting a disease through working with pathological samples is included. COSHH will not apply where the Control of Asbestos at Work and the Control of Lead at Work Regulations are in force.

III. Prohibitions

Certain existing prohibitions are continued (e.g. the Carcinogenic Substances Regulations) and there will be revisions in line with a forthcoming EC Directive.

IV. Assessment (see section 11)

The purpose of an assessment is to enable a decision to be made about measures necessary to control substances hazardous to health arising from any work activity. It allows the employer to show that all the facts pertinent to the work have been considered and that an informed and correct judgement has been reached about the risks, the steps which need to be taken to achieve and maintain adequate control, the need for monitoring exposure at the work place, and the need for health surveillance.

An assessment entails a systematic review to consider which substances, or types of substances, employees or other persons are liable to encounter, what are the effects of those substances, where the substances are likely to be present, and the ways and extent to which any groups could potentially be exposed.

The detail involved in its preparation should be commensurate with the nature and degree of risk arising from the work.

V. Control

The employer must ensure that the exposure of employees or any other person who might reasonably be on the premises to any substance hazardous to health is either prevented or adequately controlled.

Inhalation of substances assigned a maximum exposure limit (MEL) should not exceed those limits and should be reduced below them to the greatest extent that is reasonably practicable.


73

Inhalation of substances which have been assigned an occupational exposure standard (OES) should be reduced to that standard. If exposure exceeds the OES, control will still be deemed to be adequate provided that the employer has identified why the OES has been exceeded and is taking appropriate steps to comply with the OES as soon as is reasonably practicable. Control to the OES, or below it, can always be regarded as adequate so far as exposure from inhalation is concerned.

In all cases, prevention or adequate control of exposure should be achieved by measures other than personal protective equipment (PPE) to the greatest extent that is reasonably practicable; i.e., the use of engineering controls is the first objective and PPE should only be used as a last resort.

VI. Use of Control Measures

Every employer who provides any control measure should ensure that it is properly used and every employee should make full and proper use of any control measure provided.

VII. Maintenance, Examination and Testing

Every employer who provides any control measure in pursuance of COSHH Regulation 7 (i.e. to control the exposure of employees) should ensure that it is maintained in an efficient working order and in good repair. The employer should ensure that thorough examinations and tests of engineering controls are carried out. In the case of local exhaust ventilation plant this should be done at least once every 12 months. Respiratory protective equipment has to be examined at suitable intervals and, for all control measures, a record (or summary) of the examinations has to be kept for 5 years.

The objective of the Regulation is to ensure that all control measures which have been provided to meet the requirements of Regulation 7 (1) perform as originally intended, thereby continuing to effectively prevent or adequately control exposure. The nature and content of the thorough examination and test depend on the particular engineering controls under consideration and the nature and degree of risk posed by the hazardous substance.

VIII. Monitoring Exposures

Monitoring of exposure should be carried out when it is required to ensure that exposure is adequately controlled. It is required when failure or deterioration of the control measure could result in a serious risk to health or where it is necessary to demonstrate that a MEL or OES is not exceeded.

A record should be kept showing when the monitoring was done, what monitoring procedures were adopted and what the results were.

IX. Health Surveillance

Where it is appropriate for the protection of the health of employees the employer should ensure that they are under suitable health surveillance. Health surveillance should be treated as being appropriate where the employee is exposed to one of the substances in Section 81- 86 or Hazard group 3, 4 (biology section).

It is also appropriate where the exposure of the employee is such that an identifiable disease or adverse health effect may be related to the exposure, there is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or effect may occur under the particular


74

conditions of work, and there are valid techniques for detecting signs of the disease or the effect. Any judgement as to the likelihood that a disease or adverse health effect may occur must be related to the nature and degree of exposure. If, following an assessment, it can be shown that it is most unlikely that any disease or adverse health effect will result, then exposure can be deemed not to be significant and health surveillance is not required.


75

Appendix 4

SCHOOL GRADING TO CONFORM TO ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS (1989) (MADE UNDER THE HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK ACT (1974)Category 0: not competent, should seek advice from electrical technician on any perceived

electrical problem

Category 1: visual inspection of portable appliances only

Category 2: visual inspection of portable appliances and rewiring of plugs and equipment isolated from mains supply [50-240v AC only]

Category 3: as 2 plus use of portable isolation transformer for working on ‘live’ equipment

Following the programme of training and testing given within the School all staff (technical, research and academic) and all research personnel will be graded into one of the four categories detailed above.


76

Appendix 5IMPORTANT

LEPTOSPIROSIS

ADVICE FOR FIELD WORKERS

KNOWLEDGE PREVENTION DIAGNOSIS TREATMENTBe aware What to do Know symptoms Seek medical advice

KNOWLEDGELEPTOSPIROSIS is a spirochaete bacteria. There are several serotypes but there are two important ones:

Weil’s disease is usually carried by wild rats but occasionally may occur in other rodents. The spirochaetes are voided in urine and can enter the body through open wounds such as cuts and scratches, or through mucous membranes (eyes and mouth). People at risk are those who handle wild rodents or work in places where rats or other rodents live and have recently urinated (e.g. on the edges of canals, drains, ditches, rivers, lakes and ponds, or around farm buildings and rubbish tips, storage and waste disposal areas, tunnels and sewers).

The Hardjo form of leptospirosis is carried by cattle. Like Weil’s disease, the organisms are voided in cattle urine and can enter the body through open wounds such as cuts and scratches, or through mucous membranes (eyes and mouth). People at risk are those who work in contact with cattle or on land recently grazed by cattle (>60% of UK cattle herds may be infected).

PREVENTIONAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING – wear the right clothing for the environment in which you are working. Wear gloves when handling wild animals.TREAT CUTS AND SCRATCHES IMMEDIATELY – if you get cuts or scratches, clean them immediately with antiseptic swabs and cover them with waterproof plasters.DO NOT ENGAGE IN FRIVOLOUS BEHAVIOR, such as splashing someone with water.WASH YOUR HANDS, after handling animals or vegetation and always before eating, drinking or smoking.SAMPLES COLLECTED IN THE FIELD – these should be handled with caution and disposed of safely. Clothing and equipment require decontamination.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTFlu-like symptoms (above normal temperatures and/or chill feeling, pains in joints and muscles – calf muscle pain is often noticeable – a feeling of having an influenza – like illness) usually occur early in the disease. In severe cases secondary symptoms develop rapidly and lead to kidney problems or jaundice. If you have any symptoms and have been handling animals recently or working in places where you are at risk (especially if you have been cut and/or urinated on) then inform your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor why you are worried; the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat with antibiotics.

FOR FURTHER ADVICE, CONSULT YOUR ADVISOR, SUPERVISOR OR THE SCHOOL SAFETY OFFICER


77

Appendix 6IMPORTANT

LYME DISEASE

ADVICE FOR FIELD WORKERS

KNOWLEDGE PREVENTION DIAGNOSIS TREATMENTBe aware What to do Know symptoms Seek medical advice

PREVENTION

AVOID TICK HABITATS – when possible.APPROPRIATE CLOTHING – wear long trouser tucked into socks. Light coloured clothing will help you spot any ticks. Brush off clothing before entering house or laboratory.USE REPELLANTS – on your clothing and repellent collars for your pets may be useful.CHECK FOR TICKS – undress and check for ticks, they usually crawl about for several hours before burying their feeding tube into your skin.REMOVE TICKS – remove any unattached ticks by gently tugging repeatedly with tweezers at the place where the feeding tube enters the skin (save the tick for future reference; if you think have left mouth parts in the skin, see a doctor as the wound may now become infected).

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Check for any rash or red patch, especially one that expands over several days. The red patch can be quite large (1 – 18 inches). It may be ring shaped. Flu-like symptoms (low grade fever, chills, headache) often occur early in the disease. Meningitis-like symptoms, such as stiff neck, difficulty in concentrating, remembering and fatigue, can occur later in the disease. If you have any symptoms and have been handling animals recently, walking your dog or working in places where you are at risk then inform your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor why you are worried; the earlier it is diagnosed the easier it is to treat with antibiotics.

FOR FURTHER ADVICE, CONSULT YOUR ADVISOR, SUPERVISOR OR THE SCHOOL SAFETY OFFICER


KNOWLEDGE – THE DISEASE AND TICKS

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spirochaete bacterium. The spirochaete is transmitted to people by the bite of a tiny tick Ixodes ricinus. Ixodes ricinus is found on vegetation and animals in grassland, marshland and woodland habitats. The tick is most active feeding from April to October.

78

Appendix 7

Adder (Northern viper / Vipera berus) The only poisonous snake in the United Kingdom. Typically about 0.01ml of venom is injected at one bite, which is enough to kill small animals on which it feeds. Snake bites to humans and domestic animals are generally speaking uncommon and the outcome is very rarely fatal. In Britain around 50-100 cases of adder bite on people are reported each year, and probably at least as many go unreported. The majority of cases are reported to be people who picked the animals up in ignorance, but a number of bites occur through accidents, e.g. stepping on an adder whilst hill-walking, or placing a hand on an adder whilst gardening.

Identification: Adults are typically 55-60 cm long (up to 90 cm reported), females slightly longer and more stoutly built than males.

Distinguishing features: a dark, almost always continuous zig-zag (or pattern of joined diamond shapes_ running dorsally from the neck to the tail, which ends in a forward-pointing spear shape. There is usually also a dark V, H, X or M shape on the rear of the head. The flanks are marked with dark round blotches. In adult males these dark markings are often black, contrasting strongly with the grey, whitish, silvery or buff ground colour. In females, the markings are usually deep reddish brown or dark brown, while the ground colour may range from sandy or yellowish-brown, to dark brown or sometimes orange-brown. Young adders usually have similar markings and coloration to adult females. At birth, adders measure around 15cm.

Habitats: Throughout UK with localised distribution within suitable habitat patches. Strongholds include Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, south-west Wales and North York Moors. It is most often found on sand, chalk, greensand and peaty substrates. Most often associated with heathland areas, wet heath, acid grassland, chalk grassland, moorland, mires/fens/bogs, rocky hillsides, railway cuttings/embankments, disused


79

quarries, coastal cliffs and dunes, young or partially felled conifer woodland and open broad-leaved woodland. Adders prefer a sunny, open aspect and are found in areas with good common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) populations.

Adder bite effects: Generally a bite is characterized by one or two small puncture marks (which may bleed) and be accompanied by localized pain, which in some cases can be intense. There is often a short period from a few to 20 minutes or so prior to the further symptoms. Redness and hotness of the bitten part may follow, together with swelling, and throbbing in the region of the bite. In some cases these may be the only symptoms. Swelling may be accompanied by tenderness in the armpit of the bitten arm and in the groin of the bitten leg, a raise in body temperature, giddiness, disturbed vision, colicky abdominal pain and drowsiness and diarrhoea. Fainting, loss of consciousness and difficulty in breathing (which may fail altogether) or swallowing may be experienced, with swelling of lips and gums. Symptoms and signs of shock and salivation and sweating may appear in advanced stages of venom reaction.

Medical help should be sought in the event of every adder bite. The effects of severe envenoming do not usually reach a peak until six hours after the bite so there is enough time to get to hospital. You should go immediately to the nearest casualty department and report as soon as possible and without waiting to see the effect of the bite. The bitten person should whenever possible avoid walking on a bitten foot or the driving of a vehicle. In some cases, fainting and unconsciousness may occur within five minutes and it is best for the bitten person to lie down while waiting for transport. If time, ask someone to telephone and inform the hospital of an impending arrival. If fainting occurs, trained first aid help may be important. The effect of venom can cause low blood pressure and pulse, and lifelessness in the bitten person – call for an ambulance under such circumstances. Antivenom may be stocked in hospitals in areas where adder bites are a possibility and should only be administered by medical staff.

Basic first aid: consider patient’s other medical problems, use recovery position, seek telephone advice from a hospital if a long distance from hospital. If the person collapses, use the recovery position during transportation. Do not give patient alcohol or aspirin. First Aid: Immobilize the bitten limb and minimize the patient’s physical effort (advise to lay down and not to move). Make a sling for an arm, a splint for a leg – this slows the absorption of the venom, keep affected part below heart level. Reassure the casualty and arrange urgent removal to hospital. If casualty becomes unconscious, open the airway and check breathing. Complete ABC of Resuscitation if required and place the casualty in the Recovery Position. Arrange removal to hospital.

Source: http://www.geocites.com/braguk/aboutadder3.html


80

http://www.geocites.com/braguk/aboutadder3.html

Appendix 8Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata)

The name Water Hemlock is, though incorrectly, often popularly applied to several species of Oenanthe, the genus of the Water Dropworts, which of all the British umbelliferous plants are the most poisonous. The species most commonly termed Water Hemlock is Oenanthe crocata, the Hemlock Water Dropwort, a common plant in England, especially in the southern counties, in ditches and watering places, but not occurring in Scandinavia, Holland, Germany, Russia, Turkey or Greece. Description---It is a large, stout plant, 3 to 5 feet high, the stems thick, erect, much branched above, furrowed, hollow, tough, dark green and smooth.


81

The leaves are somewhat celery-like in form, and the flowers are in bloom in June and July, and are borne in large umbels. There is considerable variety in the form of the leaf segments, the number of rays in the umbel, and of the involucre bracts. The lower leaves, with very short, sheathing footstalks, are large and spreading, reaching more than a foot in length, broadly triangular in outline and tri-pinnate. The leaflets are stalkless, 1 to 1 1/2 inch long, roundish, with a wedge-shaped base, deeply and irregularly lobed, dark green, paler and shining beneath. The upper leaves are much smaller, nearly stalkless, the segments narrower and acute. The roots are perennial and fleshy, of a pale yellow colour. They have a sweetish and not unpleasant taste, but are virulently poisonous. Being often exposed to the action of running water near which they grow, thus they are easily accessible to children and cattle, and the plant should not be allowed to grow where cattle are kept, as instances are numerous in which cows have been poisoned by eating these roots. They have also been eaten in mistake, for either wild celery or water parsnip, with very serious results, great agony, sickness, convulsions or even death resulting. While the root of the parsnip is single and conical in form, that of the Oenanthe crocata consists of clusters of fleshy tubers similar to those of Dahlia, hence, perhaps, one of its popular names: Dead Tongue.Both stem and root, when cut, exude a yellowish juice, hence the specific name of the plant and one of the common names (Yellow Water Dropwort) by which it is known. The juice will stain the hands yellow. The generic name, Oenanthe, is derived from the Greek ainos (wine) and anthos (a flower), from the wine-like scent of the flowers. The author of Familiar Wild Flowers states that the name 'Dead Tongue' was given from the paralysing effect of this plant on the organs of speech. No British wild plant has been responsible for more fatal accidents than the one in question: a party of workmen repairing a breach in a towing-path dug up the plants and ate the roots, mistaking them for parsnips; another party, working in a field, thought that a few of the leaves with their bread and cheese would prove a tasty relish: in each case death occurred within three hours. On another occasion eight boys ate the roots, and five died - and the other three had violent convulsions and lost their reason for many hours. INGESTION OF ANY PART OF THE PLANT MAY BE FATAL.

Very small amounts are sufficient to cause death. Rapid hospital care should be sought if the slightest ingestion of juice or plant part occurs.


82

Appendix 9Poison Hemlock (conium maculatum)

Plant Description: Biennial herb with smooth, purple-spotted or –lined, hollow stem; taproot solid and parsnip-like; leaves, large, 3-4-pinnately divided, the leaflets very small; flowers small, white, in umbrella-like clusters.Where Found: Forst or natural area at edge of ponds, creeks, marshes; weedy in disturbed areas and waste places, marshy areas and ditches.Poisonous part: All parts. Leaves mistaken for parsley and seeds mistaken for anise. “Cup of hemlock” once used by the early Greeks for capital punishment.


83

Symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscular weakness, paralysis, nervousness, trembling, dilation of pupils, weak pulse, convulsions, coma. This plant is deadly poisonous, the alkaloids produced by the plant can cause paralysis of respiratory muscles.Severity: HIGHLY TOXIC; MAY BE FATAL IF EATENSeek immediate medical help if any part of the plant is ingested.


84

Appendix 10

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road London E1 4NS

Tel: 020 7882 3200 Fax: 020 7882 7732 Email [email protected] Website www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/contact/index.html Last updated March 2012

CONFERENCE AND MEETING RISK ASSESSMENT FORMTo be used when you are attending conferences and meetings off-campus which do not have an element of fieldwork.

Note: please read the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences SAFETY HANDBOOK before completing this form which is available in electronic form on the school website. This form must be completed electronically (at any appropriate length), countersigned and logged with the School Office before fieldwork commences. This applies to all fieldwork irrespective of whether it is a complex overseas exercise in mountainous terrain or a couple of interviews in the Mile End Road; it includes laboratory work undertaken off College premises, and other off-campus activities such as conferences; if uncertain whether a Risk Assessment is required, ask the School Safety co-ordinator.

Name of person completing the form:

Staff UG PGT PGRPlease tick

student number (if applicable)

Names of people included in the risk assessment:Name Home address Mobile

Activity (e.g. EGU conference):

Dates:

Location:

Does this include an overnight stay? Yes No


85

http://www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/contact/index.html


Accommodation details:

Contact number:

Signature of worker:

Name and Countersignature:

(Research Supervisor - Students, Project Leader – Research Staff, Head of School – Academic Staff)

Risk Assessmentidentify and describe risks as follows, estimate significance in terms of their SEVERITY (high, medium and low risks) and specify steps taken to minimise risks.

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD

SEVERITY OF HAZARD

RISK(i.e. likelihood)

STEPS TAKEN TO MINIMISE RISK

Low Med High Low Med High

- EXAMPLES –IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD

SEVERITY OF HAZARD

RISK (i.e. likelihood)


Lone travel to unfamiliar countryLong-haul flightVehicle hire and unfamiliar roads

low

medium

high

low

medium

high

Ensure travel has been arranged through a recommended supplier where possible.

Carry a mobile phone Adequate currency Check vaccination requirements Be aware of DVT issues Don’t drive whilst tired

Emergencies:Specify any relevant medical/health problems that might arise:

Name next of kin with contact details including mobile phones

Provide details of the Hospital Accident and Emergency Department (or other medical assistance) nearest to the field site:

LOG THIS FORM WITH THE SCHOOL OFFICE. KEEP A COPY AND TAKE IT WITH YOU ON YOUR FIELDWORK


x x

86

Appendix 11


Tel: 020 7882 3200 Fax: 020 7882 7732 Email [email protected] Website www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/contact/index.html 1.1.1 Last updated March 2012

STAFF AND STUDENT INDIVIDUAL FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT FORMTo be used when you are organising fieldwork associated with your own research e.g. your IGS, PES, RGC, MA/MSc dissertation, PhD fieldwork and other research activities. Submit the form 7 working days before the date of travel.Note: please read the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences SAFETY HANDBOOK before completing this form which is available in electronic form on the school website. This form must be completed electronically (at any appropriate length), countersigned and logged with the School Office before fieldwork commences. This applies to all fieldwork irrespective of whether it is a complex overseas exercise in mountainous terrain or a couple of interviews in the Mile End Road; it includes laboratory work undertaken off College premises, and other off-campus activities such as conferences; if uncertain whether a Risk Assessment is required, ask the School Safety co-ordinator.

Name of person completing the form:

Staff UG PGT PGRPlease tick

student number (if applicable)

Names of people included in the risk assessment:Name Home address Mobile

Project Title:

Dates:

Location:

Does the fieldwork include overnight stay? Yes No



87



Nature of environment in which work will be undertaken: (e.g. urban, remote mountainous, lowland river;….)

Brief description of nature of field work: (e.g. sampling sediments, house-to-house questionnaire survey, coring, institutional questionnaires, ….)

field location contact names, address and phone:

Reporting-in Details (including means of reporting and frequency):

Have all necessary permissions been sought and documents obtained? YES/NO

Attach copies of al relevant documents

Have all vehicle drivers been properly instructed and their eligibility to drive checked? YES/NO

Signature of Fieldworker:





SEVERITY OF HAZARD



Low Med High Low Med HighNatural Physical Hazards (e.g. extreme weather, mountains, cliffs,marshes, quicksand, water).

Biological Hazards


88

(e.g. dangerous plants/animals/insects, harmfulsoil and water micro organisms).

Chemical Hazards (eg. pesticides, contaminated soils, chemicals brought onto site, etc.).

Societal and Other Hazards Affecting Personal Safety(e.g. potentially dangerous equipment, buildings, quarries, powerlines, traffic/transport, exposure to criminal activity)

- EXAMPLES –IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD

SEVERITY OF HAZARD

RISK (i.e. likelihood)


Natural Physical Hazards

Working in a tidal environment – risk of being cut off by the tide.

low

medium

high

low

medium

high

Ensure knowledge of tide times before going on fieldwork.

Only work on sites in a falling tide

No lone working Pre-arranged reporting in

procedures Carrying mobile phone


x

x

89

Natural Physical Hazards

Outdoors for long periods of time – risk of sunburn/heatstroke

low

medium

high

low

medium

high

Where cool clothing, sunhat, sunscreen and sun glasses.

Drink plenty of water. Use shade where possible.

Societal Hazards

Questionnaires in urban high street – risk of abuse or personal assault (mugging, attack), traffic.

low

medium

high

low

medium

high

Only work in busy, public areas in daylight

Carry out ethics review assessment

Carry mobile phone Work in pedestrian areas where

possible Avoid carrying expensive

electronic equipment.

Emergencies:Specify any relevant medical/health problems that might arise:

Name next of kin with contact details including mobile phones




x

x

x

x

90

Appendix 12


Tel: 020 7882 3200 Fax: 020 7882 7732 Email [email protected] Website www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/contact/index.html Last updated March 2012GROUP FIELDWORK RISK ASSESSMENT FORMTo be used when you are organising fieldwork for an undergraduate or postgraduate taught module.

Note: please read the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences SAFETY HANDBOOK before completing this form which is available in electronic form on the school website. This form must be completed electronically (at any appropriate length), countersigned and logged with the School Office before fieldwork commences. This applies to all fieldwork irrespective of whether it is a complex overseas exercise in mountainous terrain or a couple of interviews in the Mile End Road; it includes laboratory work undertaken off College premises, and other off-campus activities such as conferences; if uncertain whether a Risk Assessment is required, ask the School Safety co-ordinator.

Module:

Dates:

Location:

Module Leader:

Contact phone number:

Number of Students:

Names of Staff:

Does the fieldwork include overnight stay? Yes No


Have all necessary permissions been sought and documents obtained? YES/NO

Attach copies of al relevant documents


91



Have all vehicle drivers been properly instructed and their eligibility to drive checked? YES/NO

Signature of module leader:





SEVERITY OF HAZARD



Low Med High Low Med HighNatural Physical Hazards (e.g. extreme weather, mountains, cliffs, marshes, quicksand, water).

Biological Hazards(e.g. dangerous plants/animals/insects, harmfulsoil and water micro organisms).

Chemical Hazards (eg. pesticides, contaminated soils, chemicals brought onto site, etc.).

Societal and Other Hazards Affecting Personal Safety


92

(e.g. potentially dangerous equipment, buildings, quarries, powerlines, traffic/transport, exposure to criminal activity)

Emergencies:

Identify emergency procedures that can be deployed.

2 List persons trained in first aid.

3 List persons authorised to drive vehicles.

4 Nominate individual delegated to assume responsibility for leading the course in the absence of the module leader.




93


94

Appendix 13

DANGER – PLEASE LEAVE SWITCHED ON

NAME……………………………………………………………………….

HAZARDS –

SERVICESIN USE –

DATE START………/………./………

DATE FINISH………/………./………

IN EMERGENCYCONTACT - TEL. NO.

OR TEL. NO.

APPROVED BY

NAME:……………………………………………………………………..

DATE ………./………/……….

TEL. NO……………………………………………………………………


95

Appendix 14 FORM HS/A2005QUEEN MARY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

ACCIDENT AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE* REPORT

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS USING BLOCK CAPITALS THROUGHOUT(Use back of form for extra information if necessary)

Send completed form to: Mrs M Giguere, Health and Safety Office, Mile End. Tel ext: 13 5310

Name of person reporting incident: ________________________________ Tel. ext: __________

Date of Incident ___/___/200 Time of Incident ___:___Location of Incident* Charterhouse Sq

Date Reported ___/___/200 Mile EndWhitechapelW SmithfieldOther location

Data on injured person

Surname:__________________________________________________

Forenames: _______________________________________________ Age____ Sex M/F*

Address; Home/Term time____________________________________________________________________

Department/Institute:_________________________________________ Tel ext: ___________________

Where did the accident/occurrence* happen? (Building and room number or external location)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of witnesse(s): __________________________________________ Tel ext: ___________________

Describe any treatment given_________________________________________________________________

Will the employee be absent from work for more than 3 days? YES/NO*

Name of Head of Department: ____________________ (ext) ________________________________________________________________________________________________


Describe the injury/occurrence*

(continue on back if necessary)(continue on back if necessary)

Why did the accident occur?

(continue on back if necessary)

96

FURTHER TREATMENT (PLEASE TICK APPROPRIATE BOX)None [ ]Referred to Casualty [ ]Advised to see own GP [ ]Ambulance Service called [ ]Re-attend Health Centre [ ]___________________________________________________________________________________________PLEASE TICK APPROPRIATE BOXAcademic & Related [ ] Trainee † [ ] Technician [ ]Secretarial & Clerical [ ] Child Visitor† [ ] Porter [ ]Postgrad/Postdoc [ ] Security [ ] Contractor [ ]Visitor [ ] Catering & Domestic [ ]Undergraduate student [ ] Maintenance [ ]† IMMEDIATELY TELEPHONE EXTENSION 13 7870, HUMAN RESOURCES: TRAINEES * PLEASE DELETE AS APPROPRIATE.


Describe the injury/occurrence*

Why did the accident occur?

97

Appendix 15

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences

Lone Working Risk Assessment FormTitle Information from School

School Assessment No.

Title of Activity:

Location(s) of work:

Brief Description of Work * :

Prohibited work activity for lone workers includes the following:

Entry in confined spaces, use of ladders, scaffolding, use of dangerous machinery, work on or near live electrical conductors.

College lone working procedures:

http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk/Documents/procedures/general/5319.pdf

4.1 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION :

Identify all the hazards specific to the lone working activity; evaluate the risks (low / medium / high); describe all existing control measures and identify any further measures required.

HAZARD(s) RISKL / M / H

Cross Reference to Risk Assessment

CONTROL MEASURES

RISK AFTER CONTROLL / M / H

WORKPLACE:Identify any hazard specific to the workplace

PROCESS and EQUIPMENT:Identify any hazards specific to the work process. E.g. electricity

VIOLENCE and INDIVIDUAL:


98

http://qm-web.safety.qmul.ac.uk/Documents/procedures/general/5319.pdf

Identify the potential risk of violence and any specific hazards relating to the individual.

WORK PATTERN:Consider how the lone worker's work pattern integrates with those of others workers, in terms of both time and geography.OTHER:Please specify.

4.2 Persons at Risk:

Identify all those who may be at risk.

TYPE NAME TYPE NAME

Staff StudentOthers Visitors

4.3 Training and Supervision :

Identify the level of information, instruction and training required. Consider the experience of workers. Identify the level of supervision required.

TRAINING AND SUPERVISION: YES NO N/A

Has necessary information, instruction and training been given?

Is suitable supervision in place?(Identify all necessary supervisory measures).

4.4 Additional Information:

Identify any additional information relevant to the lone working activity, including emergency procedures first aid provision.


99

4.5 Assessment carried out by:

Assessment carried out by: Dates:Name: Date:Signature: Review Date:

4.6 Names of Persons Involved in Lone Work:

Name: Signature: Date:

Prepared by: Author: Robin Kerrigan, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS,

Tel: +44 (0)020 7882 5431 Fax: +44 (0)020 7882 7830 Date Prepared: 30 January 2012 Date Reviewed: 31 Januar


100

Queen Mary University of London - School of … · Web viewWhen the lab containers are full,...

Documents

Transcript of Queen Mary University of London - School of … · Web viewWhen the lab containers are full,...