1 A GUIDE TO LABORATORY SAFETY School of Engineering and Science February 2009 HEALTH, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE

2 BE AWARE AND ALERT

3  Lab safety must be placed at the highest priority level  You are responsible for safe behaviour in the laboratory  Maintain a safe approach and attitude to your work in a laboratory. Think about safety and remain aware of the potential for danger and accidents.  Prevention of accidents and injuries is better than cure  In case of accidents (however small) notify the staff in charge  Describe the type of injury or accident as well as the location  In case of emergency call the emergency services: 000

4 LABORATORY HAZARDS  Eye injuries  Skin absorption of chemicals  Inhalation of fumes, mists, gases, etc.  Chemical burns  Slips and falls  Fires  Electrical shock  Long hair and bulky clothing  Rings, watches, and dangling jewelry

5 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

6  Use proper type glove for the hazard or chemical involved  Use safety glasses with side shield, full face shield, or goggles  Protect feet and legs from spillage of corrosive chemicals  Use chemical resistant aprons

7 MEDICAL EMERGENCY

8  Remain calm  Initiate life saving measures if required  Call for emergency response, 000  Do not move injured person unless there is danger of further harm  Keep injured person warm

9 ELECTRICAL SAFETY

10 ELECTRICAL SAFETY  Ensure that you connect the equipment to the correct electrical supply (Ask if not sure)  Report any damaged, broken or malfunctioning electrical equipment and power outlets  Always keep liquids away from electrical sources and electrical equipment  Make sure electrical circuits are not overloaded (power boards and adaptors)

11 FIRE SAFETY  Be aware of the exit route out of the work area and the building (Look out for posted signage)  Keep exit routes clear of obstructions  Never leave bare flames unattended  Report fire hazards  Respond to all fire alarms  Keep combustible materials well away from heat sources  Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?

12 FIRE ALARMS  Use C.A.R.E. procedures  C lose doors  A lert others, activate alarm  R eport fire - call 000  E vacuate the building  Do not use elevators, stay clear of building and do not re-enter until authorised  Do not hesitate to activate an alarm - seconds count

13 CHEMICAL HAZARDS

14 CHEMICAL HAZARDS  Ensure chemicals are stored in appropriate containers  Ensure containers have the correct label  Do not dispose of chemicals in the water waste – follow the correct disposal procedure  Contact the technical officer in charge or the OH&S (Occupational Health and Safety) office for information on the proper storage and disposal of chemical substances  Follow manufacturers recommendations wherever available  Be aware of chemical safety warning signs  Treat small mess and major spills as dangerous

15 REMEMBER Accidents can easily happen Watch out for yourself and your colleagues

16 WE WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF ACCIDENTS

17 ASSESS THE RISK FOR YOURSELF AND BE AWARE OF SPECIFIC RISKS

18 ASSESS THE RISK FOR YOURSELF AND BE AWARE OF SPECIFIC RISKS

19 ASSESS THE RISK FOR YOURSELF THE RISK MATRIX NegligibleMarginalCriticalCatastrophic Certain High Extreme Likely ModerateHigh Extreme Possible LowModerateHighExtreme Unlikely Low ModerateExtreme Very Unlikely Low ModerateHigh Concequence Probability

20 TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY