H&S in the lab Flashcards
Why is it important to have a health and safety policy?
protect employers
protect employees
protect work experience students
provide a safe working environment
protect clients and their animals
Name 4 different legislations relevant to H&S in labs
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (1999)
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002)
Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1988, Collection and Disposal of Waste Regulation 1992, Environmental Protections Act 1990
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
Describe health and safety executives
Health and Safety Executives (HSE) are the enforcement body of the HSC.
What is the aim of legislation?
Aim of legislation is to prevent accidents and protect personnel from risks within the work place.
Legislation applies to ALL businesses to ensure a safe working environment for both staff and visitors.
What are the employer responsibilities?
written health and safety policies if more than 5 employees
induction training
supervision and training of inexperienced staff
safe working environment
“local rules”
Give some examples of lab local rules
Only authorised personnel are admitted to the laboratory
Wear the protective clothing provided
Long hair is to be tied back
Staff must have received adequate training and supervision
Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted in the laboratory
Wash hands regularly and prior to leaving the lab
Name some employee responsibilities
ensure they work in a safe manner and also consider the safety of themselves and others
respect health and safety
co-operate with the employer
not interfere with anything provided for health and safety
keep appropriate vaccinations up to date
What should risk assessments do/include?
Identify the hazard
Identify the personnel at risk
Assess the risks
Implement control measures
Inform/train staff
Monitor and review
Maintain written records
Describe COSHH
Introduced to manage and control the risks associated with hazardous substances
Includes all pharmaceutical products and chemicals
All employers and self employed persons must make assessments of all potential hazards and risks that could occur from such substances
All employers are required to provide adequate control measures to risk associated with these.
Describe RIDDOR
Dangerous occurrences are required ‘by law’ to be reported to the HSE or local authority.
There are 3 main categories:
major or fatal accidents
‘three day’ accidents
dangerous occurrences and near misses
Must be reported ASAP by phone then written confirmation within 7 days (form 2508)
What does Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1988 cover?
Fumes / anaesthetic gases
What does Collection and Disposal of Waste Regulation 1992 cover?
Clinical waste, cadavers, sharps, glass waste, chemical waste etc…
What does Environmental Protections Act 1990 cover?
Disposal of waste from domestic and industrial establishments.
Describe disposal of waste
All businesses have a duty of care to ensure waste is stored and disposed of responsibly
Hazardous Waste Regulations control the disposal of hazardous / clinical waste and pharmaceutical waste.
Waste is separated into two categories
Hazardous
Non- Hazardous
Describe hazardous waste
cytotoxic and cytostatic pharmaceuticals
infectious waste (viable micro-organisms or toxins)
sharps contaminated with blood or pharmaceuticals
photographic chemicals
Describe non-hazardous waste
any pharmaceuticals other than cytotoxic / cytostatic
offensive waste – unpleasant waste that is not hazardous
domestic rubbish
Describe first aid in the laboratory
all personnel should know who is the first aid officer
always know where the first aid box is!
ensure it is correctly stocked
nominate a person to be responsible for this task
report accidents in the accident book
What should be in place for spillage of chemicals?
Spillage of chemicals 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
P.P.E i.e. goggles, apron, gloves
forceps for picking up broken glass etc.
water & disinfectants
What should be done if a chemical is spilt on skin?
“dilution is the solution to pollution”
irrigate the affected area with sterile saline or cold tap water
remove any contaminated clothing
see hazard data sheet for possible antidote
seek medical attention
What should you do in the case of eye contamination?
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 solutions 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
What should be done if glass breakage occurs?
imple accidents may usually be dealt with by:
covering the debris with paper towels and pouring over them a liberal amount of disinfectant
removal of residue with spill kit if necessary
glass can be swept into a dust pan and disposed of in sharps waste
if a tube has broken in a centrifuge, disinfectant should be used and the debris removed with forceps
What should be done if there is a release of aerosols?
if noxious fumes or contaminants are released e.g. if a fume cupboard ventilation of room ventilation fails
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
trained, senior personnel wearing protective equipment i.e. mask should clean the room thoroughly
How do you deal if you are overcome by fumes?
Patients should be quickly moved to fresher air
Check ABC’s where required and act accordingly
Solvents/cleaning fluids can often cause headaches, vomiting, leading to unconsciousness and some more severe chemicals may cause the heart to stop
Medical attention should be sought if symptoms show particularly if prone to asthma
