Health and Safety in the Laboratory

Why do we need to have a Health and Safety policy?

• Protection for employers + employees 

• Project work experience students 

• Provide a safe working environment 

Health and Safety Legislation

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (1999)

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002

• Control of Pollution (special waste) Regulations 1998, Collection and Disposal of Waste Regulation 1992, Environmental Protections Act 1990

• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)

What is the aim of the Health and Safety at work Act?

To prevent accidents and protect personnel from risks within the workplace

What are the employer responsibilities within the Health and Safety at work Act?

• Written health and safety policies if more than 5 employees

• Infection training

• Supervision and training of inexperienced staff

• Safe working environment

What are the employee responsibilities within the Health and Safety at work Act?

• Ensure they work in a safe manner considering the safety of themselves and others

• Not interfere with anything provided for health and safety

• Respect health and safety

• Co-operate with the employer

• Keep vaccinations up to date

The Health and Safety policies are ..

• Tailor-made to the individual employers 

• H+S and risk assessment templates can be obtained from HSE web page

• Must be read by all staff members and visitors e.g. placement students/work exp

• Must be displayed in an easily visualised area - local rules

Examples of ‘Local Rules’

• Only authorised personnel are admitted to the laboratory​

• Wear protective clothing provided ​

• Long hair is to be tied back​

• Fingernails to be short and free from polish​

• ALL jewellery to be removed​

• Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted in the laboratory​​

• Wash hands regularly and prior to leaving the lab

Health and Safety at Work Act

• PPE

• Toilet and washing facilities and areas for rest and refreshment

• First aid facilities 

What are the main hazards of Laboratory work?

• Chemical Spills + Chemical spills on Skin

• Simple Breakages

• Eye Contamination

• Aerosol Release 

Chemical Spills are ..

• Spillage of chemicals that should be dealt with immediately 

• Spills are usually either chemical or biological

Every laboratory should have a spillage kit which should contain ..

• Absorbent towels

• Absorbent material i.e. cat litter 

• PPE i.e. goggles, apron, gloves 

• Forceps for picking up broken glass etc.. 

• Water and disinfectants 

Simple Breakages may usually be dealt with by ..

• Covering the debris with paper towels

• Removal of residue with spill kit if necessary 

• Glass can be swept into a dustpan and supposed of in sharps waste

• Disinfecting the area as per COSHH guidelines 

What should occur is a tube has broken in a centrifuge?

The main electric should be turned off and disinfectant should be used and the debris removed with forceps

What should happen if any wounds occur from simple breakages?

Clean thoroughly with sterile saline and apply a clean dressing

Seek medical attention where necessary

What should occur if chemical spills on skin occur?

• Irrigate the affected area with sterile saline or cold tap water 

• Remove any contaminated clothing 

• See COSHH hazard data sheet for possible antidote

• Seek medical attention 

If Eye Contamination occurs, what should be done?

• Do not allow the eye to be rubbed 

• Apply sterile eye bath solution, sterile saline or tap water to the eye for 2-3 mins, using an eye bath if available 

• Continue for at least 15-20 minutes for any corrosive solution and medical treatment should be sought 

• Solution should not be aimed directly into the eye but towards the medial canthus of the eye, to prevent sharp debris being forced further into the eye 

If noxious fumes or contaminants are released e.g. if a fume cupboard ventilation or room ventilation fails, what should occur? 

• The occupants of the room should leave immediately for 20-30 minutes to allow dissipation. Call for assistance if required 

• Make sure all personnel are aware that the area is unsafe (signage use) 

• Trained, senior personnel wearing protective equipment (e.g. mask) should clean the room thoroughly 

Risk Assessments should..

• Identity the hazard

• Identify the personnel at risk

• Assess the risks 

• Implement control measures 

• Inform/train staff

• Monitor and review 

• Maintain written records