Lab Safety

legislation concerning safety

• health and safety at work act
• COSHH 2002
• control of hazardous to health
• RIDDOR 2013
• reporting of injuries,diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations
• DSEAR 2002 dangerous substances and explosive atmosphere regulations

major accidents

• COMAH2015
• control of major accident hazards
• backfield oil storage facility explosion and fire in December 2005
• initial explosion produced a shock that registered 2.4 on the Richter scale

other hazards

• manual handling operations regulations (MHOR)
• must carry out risk assessment and implement procedures that will reduce the risk of injury from handling equipment or products
• lifting things,moving materials around the workspace

display screen equipment regulations

• this includes devices that have an alphanumeric display regardless of the display process.includes conventional computer screens as well as laptops and tablets and smart phones
• the use of this equipment is associated with neck shoulder and arm pain and can lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury)
• RSI can lead to people being unable to work
• screen use can also lead to eyestrain and fatigue
• the HSE issue guidelines about the type of screen and office equipment/furniture that should be used to reduce the risk of injury
• this is also guidance as to the amount of time spent in front of a screen

other hazards

• electrical safety
• working at heights
• lone working
• working with vehicles
• noise
• asbestos

ethanol

• if ethanol is ingested then drinking a large quantity of water immediately and is recommended to call a physician
• is ethanol come in contact with skin then it needs to be cleaned with plenty of water for a minimum of 15 mins