Health and Safety for Researchers

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Health and Safety for Researchers

• Safety Presentation

• Philip Thornton
• Safety Officer
• 5 November 2008

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Think Safety!

• Electricity water
• Cables Hoses
• Naked Flames
• Flammable Material
• Chemicals
• Bottled Gases
• Lasers Radiation
• Heavy or Unstable Loads
• Difficult Access

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Who can help?

• Your Supervisor or Line Manager
• Departmental Safety Advisor
• Technical Staff
• Academic Staff
• Safety Officer

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Fire Precautions

• Risk of multiple fatalities and material loss
• Keep combustible materials to a minimum
• Take care with flammable solvents
• Dispose of waste promptly
• Take care with sources of ignition
• Do not wedge open fire doors
• Do not block fire escapes
• Reports faults promptly

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If fire breaks out

• Raise the alarm by breaking the nearest fire
  alarm call point and shouting Fire!.
• Call the Fire Brigade by dialling the internal
  Emergency Number 3333, or dial 999 on an external
  phone (On the internal phones dial 0 initially to
  get an outside line).
• Do not tackle the fire unless you have been
  trained in the use of fire extinguishers and do
  not take risks.
• Evacuate.

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In Emergency!

• If alarm sounds leave the building!
• Do not return until the all clear is given.
• If it is safe to do so, switch off equipment
  before leaving.
• Only use fire extinguishers, if your exit path is
  clear, you are in no danger and you have been
  trained in their use.

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Familiarise yourself with the location of -

• Exits
• Fire Alarms
• Extinguishers (but do not use unless trained and
  confident)

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First Aid

• Find out who the first aiders are and where you
  can find them.
• Each Laboratory has a First Aid Box - know its
  location.
• Only move casualties if they are in direct danger
  and there is no danger to yourself.

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Employer Duties

• Safe Place
• Safe Plant
• Safe Procedures
• Safe Instruction
• Risk Assessments
• Safety Statement or Departmental Safety Code of
  Practice
• Safety Consultation

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Safety and YOU!

• Take reasonable care of your own safety and
  anyone affected by your actions
• Not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Co-operate with the University on HS issues.
• Not engage in improper conduct or behaviour
• Attend required training courses.
• Report defects in place, plant or procedures or
  safety contraventions (to your manager)
• Do not misuse anything provided for securing
  safety

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Lab Discipline!

• Eating, drinking smoking are prohibited in all
  teaching research laboratories.
• Dont take risks.
• If unsure stop ask for help.

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Risk Assessment

• Before any new potentially hazardous activity
  takes place, it is Risk Assessed.
• A Risk Assessment form must be completed for all
  experimental or project work a copy filed with
  your Department.

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Risk Assessment

• The Risk Assessment Form is available from
  http//www.ul.ie/safety/assessmentsheets/ULRiskAs
  sessmentForm(Rev1-14May99).rtf
• Risk Assessments are prepared by those closest to
  the activity.
• If unsure how to proceed or complete the RA, ask.
• The Risk Assessment must be read and signed by
  everyone who engages in the activity.
• Risk Assessments must be reviewed annually.

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Risk Assessment

• If you are required to engage in any pre-existing
  activity where there may be an element of risk
• Ask to see the risk assessment.
• If no risk assessment exists
• Prepare one yourself if appropriate or insist
  that one is prepared by the individual
  responsible for the activity.

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Chemical Agent Risk Assessment

• Chemical Agent Risk Assessments must be completed
  where hazardous substances are used.
• Forms are available from your Department

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Chemicals

• They must be clearly marked and stored safely.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  must always be worn when handling them.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) must be obtained for
  all hazardous substances.

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Chemicals

• Some chemicals require specialist training before
  an individual is permitted to use them.
• Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
• Aqua Regia
• Check it out with your Department.

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Hazardous Waste

• Follow our Departments procedures for the
  disposal of chemical wastes to ensure a safe
  disposal.
• Never pour liquid chemicals down the drain or
  place solid waste in lab waste bins.

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P.P.E.

• If a risk assessment has highlighted the need for
  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), it must be
  worn.
• If a recommended grade is required, consult the
  appropriate Departmental Safety Advisor or refer
  to the Safety Officer.

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Accidents

• All Accidents, Incidents or occupational health
  problems must be reported to your supervisor. He
  / she must report it to Safety Officer
• Action will be taken to prevent repeat
  occurrences.

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Causes of Accidents
Unsafe Acts
Unsafe Conditions
Inadequate or missing machine guards - defective
equipment - fire hazards - poor housekeeping -
excessive noise etc
Failure to warn others of danger - using
dangerous/wrong equipment horseplay - lack of
controls etc.
Social Pressures
Management Pressures
Inappropriate safety attitude / customs /
attitudes to risk taking / Acceptable behaviour
norms / etc.
Inadequate financial resources - commitment /
policy / standards / training / etc.
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Accidents staff and students
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Accident Causation (June 05 Sept 08)
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Information

• Ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the
  Head of Department.
• University of Limerick Safety Department at
  http//www.ul.ie/safety/
• Advice from
• Departmental Safety Advisor
• Safety Specialists (laser / Radiation / health)

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Remember!

• Safety is the concern of everyone
• Dont take unnecessary risks
• Please ask for help.

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Thank You