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