Teaching Laboratories Risk Assessment

Date: Assessed by: Approved by: Building / Location: Assessment ref no: Expiry date:
22/09/2021 Martin Coram Craig Hopper Engineering Building B FSE_EngB_Teaching Laboratories 22/09/2022
2nd floor teaching Risk Assessment
laboratories
2B.019
2B.004-13
Task/Premises: This risk assessment is to cover general risks for the dry teaching laboratories in Engineering Building B. Any specific tasks undertaken in this laboratory
MUST be covered by a task specific teaching risk assessment.
Key: E=essential for all high-risk areas , B=bespoke dependent on type and risk factors of work done in the area , W=work related and/or statutory requirements
Please add as appropriate once known:
LABORATORY HAZARDS

CONTROL MEASURES

Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
Fire prevention Fire Staff and students,  Induction arrangements cover security and fire awareness and include how to locate Low A
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
and protection visitors. and use a fire door to exit the building and the location of the fire assembly point(s).
 All new staff complete fire awareness e-training.
E=essential Smoke  Fire alarm system are in place and tested weekly on day at time to enable users to
If present within identify the sound of the alarm
the building during o 09:30 – Oddfellows Hall
fire o 09:45 – Engineering Building A
Death o 10:00 – Engineering Building B
o 10:15 – York Street Building
o 10:30 – North Basement
Burns
o 10:45 – South Basement
o 11:00 – Active Travel Hub
Smoke inhalation  Fire evacuation practices are carried out annually
 Induction covers the importance of maintaining clear fire exit routes and keeping the
doors closed unless essential. Induction also covers the need for high general
housekeeping standards.
 Monthly self-inspections must highlight any fire risks.
 Ready access to fire extinguishers is available for use by trained users.
 Staff ‘hosts’ responsible for safety and, if required, evacuation of visitors.
 Evacuation marshals attend suitable training and assist where possible during
evacuations during normal working hours.
 Requests to work out of hours include emergency action in case of fire and use of fire
routes and doors.
 The section on chemical storage must also be considered in a DSEAR assessment.
Action in the Not being aware Staff, students and  Users are instructed and empowered to act if they suspect an emergency situation to Low A
event of an of the visitors. activate the fire alarm to trigger evacuation of the building.
emergency evacuation
Lack of awareness  All incidents are reported as required to the person responsible for the area and to a
procedure in the School Safety Advisor
E=essential /unacceptable
event of an  First aid notices are situated in prominent places around the building to be consulted
behaviours when
emergency. when first aid is required for appropriate response
the fire alarm
Injuries/chemical sounds may result o For life-threatening emergencies: Call emergency services on 999, then inform
contamination in assuming that Campus Security.
real alarms are o For serious injuries and illnesses (and out of hours first aid): Call Campus
Lack of practice drill and
assistance out of Security on 0161 306 9966.
subsequently delay
hours evacuation leading o For minor injuries and illnesses 9am-5pm: Locate first aider using QR code
to being trapped by located on the First aid notice
fire or other life  First aid provisions within the area are checked as part of monthly self-inspections in
threatening high risk areas.
incident.  Actions to take in the event of chemical spills/gas leaks are known to those concerned
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
Individuals may not see relevant sections below and may require use of an Emergency Response Team
find the first aid kit,  How to contact Security using the telephone number on the back of staff/student ID
emergency cards is emphasised at Induction. Security contact details are 0161-306-9966, or 69966
showers, fire exits from an internal phone. All Security staff are first aid trained
Accessing high Individuals enter Staff, students,  Access to high-risk areas is restricted by Borg locks/key locks or electronic access Low A
risk areas the area visitors and/or control. The codes/keys/card updates are only permitted for those who have received
unaware of intruders. full area induction and approved by the area responsible person.
E=essential multiple risks  Doors should be closed unless the door is required to be open when passing through it.
May not be aware  The entrance to each high risk area will have signage information provided by and to
of hazards and include the responsible person contact, emergency contacts, any significant hazards
controls due to and control measures there in e.g. PPE that must be worn.
Individuals enter
the area and inadequate or lack  Safety signage displayed will include pictograms depicting hazard warnings (yellow
cause harm to of signage triangles) and mandatory control measures (blue circles). These must be regularly
other individuals reviewed by the responsible person and kept up to date.
Lack of
or equipment  Out of hours access for staff and students is limited to those who have been granted key
knowledge /training
card access to the main entrance, corridor and area access control system. This is only
Individuals do to understand granted after Departmental health and safety induction and/or the area induction have
not know how to signage to enable been completed along with a risk assessment that includes out of hours working
interpret and/or entrants to know controls and an access request approved by the supervisor/PI
ignore high risk what hazards and  Access may be revoked at any time if non-compliance, such as not signing in the log
area safety controls are book, or staying beyond time boundaries, or other rules are not followed.
signage present in an area
Entrants ignore
safety signage e.g.
not wearing safety
spectacles in
designated areas
Safety signage is
inaccurate
Individuals may
get/be allowed in
without access
permissions due to
doors being ajar
and people not
challenging their
presence or
noticing them.
Working in Lack of The individual and  Induction, including identified specific equipment and technique training must be Low A
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
high risk areas knowledge and others in the provided by the PI/manager or competent delegate and local records kept.
experience vicinity and  Training and development to a competent state must be an on-going process managed
E=essential building by the PI/Manager, competence must be recorded.
Lack of  Training and competency must follow guidance set out in by the Faculty
competence Lack of  Training needs analysis for any task specific and knowledge related aspects of work
and/or training competence and/or need be identified for workers in the area by the PI/Manger as required. This process
training
Inadequate risk must be repeated regularly to ensure competence is maintained.
assessment of Inappropriate  Workspace users to be made aware of Department Health and Safety Policy, the
work and/or action or lack of contents of it and where it is located during workspace inductions
situations action could lead to
incidents and
injuries which
supervision and
training could have
avoided
Working in Thermal comfort Staff, students and  Staff/students must report any failings or concerns to Estates (Helpdesk) by calling Low A
high risk areas visitors. 52424 or using the on-line reporting form.
Extremes of heat  Staff/students should also report to their manager/PI.
E=essential and cold effect Failure of the  Fan heaters or air conditioning units are not to be brought into the space unless
ability to system can result facilitated by Estates.
work/concentrat in uncomfortable
e/manipulate temperatures
experiments
Working in General Staff, students and  High-risk areas are subject to regular air changes. Low A
high risk areas Ventilation visitors.  Provision is managed and maintained by the Estates function.
 Faults are reported to the Estates helpdesk by area users.
E=essential Equipment Lethargy  If it is suspected that ventilation/make-up air is not functioning correctly, the contact
failure
Discomfort number for estates is x52424 from an internal phone or 0161-2752424 from an outside
Insufficient line /mobile.
Lack of ventilation
ventilation either
decreases the
natural or forced
supply of fresh air
and could affect
temperature and/or
odour within the
area leading to
adverse health
effects
Working in Inadequate Staff and students,  Lighting levels are maintained as the building was designed and Estates maintain the Low A
high risk areas lighting Visitors. infrastructure and change/fix the lighting on request. Report any concerns to Estates
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
E=essential Eye strain (Helpdesk) by calling 52424 or using the on-line reporting form
 Windows are provided for natural lighting.
Trips/falls/slips  Good housekeeping is in place to minimise items that individuals may trip over if
Impact injuries lighting is low.

May walk into

something or
something may fall
onto individual as
they reach for an
item
Working in Poor Staff and students,  Reasonable standards of housekeeping are regularly maintained, and checks recorded Low A
high risk areas housekeeping Visitors. on a monthly basis by users.
 Staff and students agree during induction to read and abide by the Department’s health
E=essential Stress from not and safety policy which states the guidelines for housekeeping.
being able to locate  Refer to activity “fire”.
items.
Tripping up on
unexpected items.
Cuts/falls/bruises/
sprains/strains from
slipping on items
left on the floor or
surfaces.
Items can act as
fuel for fire.
Working in Lack of space Staff and students,  Use of appropriate sized furniture. Low A
high-risk areas Visitors.  Reasonable standards of housekeeping are maintained and checked on a monthly basis
by users. Staff and students agree during induction to read and comply with the
E=essential Bruises, sprains Department’s health and safety policy which states the guidelines for housekeeping.
and strains - lack of  Space is kept between equipment to enable safe entry and exit, minimum 1.5m
space can lead to  For rooms with single entry/exit point flammable materials are stored as far away from
injuries through
Safe access and the entry/exit point as possible to maximise the maintenance of safe exit routes in the
collisions with
egress event of a fire/incident.
furniture,
equipment or other
persons.
Egress is restricted
or prohibited by
items stored
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
incorrectly.
Working in Poor Hygiene Staff and students,  Water temperature at hand wash sink can be adjusted and is limited at source. Low A
high-risk areas Visitors.  Soap and paper towels are provided and maintained by area staff or users
E=essential Discomfort
Inadequate
cleaning, water
burn, no towels can
lead to dermatitis
Working in Water/ Staff and students,  Any hoses, water transfer systems or other equipment that have been identified as Low A
high-risk areas Visitors. potential sources of Legionella (i.e. those not used on a daily or weekly basis) are
Legionella flushed on a weekly basis for two minutes to reduce the possibility of a Legionella
E=essential Legionnaires outbreak. This should be recorded.
disease could be  Eye wash stations and emergency showers should be flushed for 2 minutes every week
contracted from and recorded locally.
inhalation of water  PIs/Manager are responsible for any research or teaching which uses specific water
aerosol containing storage facility such as water baths or coolers and for managing the risk of Legionella
the bacteria from arising from such facilities.
unmanaged/treated  PI/Manager to ensure any potential Legionella containing substances (such as coolant in
water systems workshop equipment) is tested and replaced as necessary.
 Labcup would be a suitable asset management system to manage this process.
Working in Waste Staff and students,  A variety of waste bins/streams are supplied for recycling and disposal needs. These are Low A
high-risk areas management/ visitors. covered in local Induction.
disposal  House services staff dispose of general waste regularly and as requested by area staff
E=essential
or technical teams.
Discomfort from  Hazardous waste including Chemical waste is dealt with by those who generate it
poor housekeeping following risk assessment. Disposal of waste on a routine basis via the correct waste
and odours route as advised by the Technical team usually via hazardous waste stores.
 Disposal may be in-house or, for hazardous chemicals, using an external contractor via
the Hazardous Waste stores facility.
 Spill kits are provided if required and the area induction process ensures users are
aware of how to use and replenish them. Spillages must be cleaned up as soon as is
practicable and disposed by consulting the technician team and/or Department Safety
Office.
 Chemical hazards are assessed via experimental RAs including waste requirements.
 Waste disposal processes are in place for other waste types, see local rules.
Working in Lack of or Staff, students,  Suitable seating is provided in all areas as required. Low A
high-risk areas inappropriate visitors.  The seating is and must be wipe-clean (not fabric) in wet chemistry areas and chemical
seating spillage onto seats must be dealt with immediately. Contaminated seats must be
Sitting or Aches and pains
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
standing from sitting down removed from use and segregated until cleaned and dry and may need to be disposed
(tired legs, of, depending on the chemical.
E=essential Chemical injuries/illnesses)  Ergonomic hazards are dealt with separately.
contact and seating is not
available.
Contaminated
seating may cause
injury e.g.
dermatitis and
burns.
Working in Use of mobile Staff, students,  The use of mobile phones/devices is limited within high-risk areas to use for Low A
high-risk areas phones/devices visitors. researching/looking up information in relation to work being carried out or accessing
appropriate work-based applications.
E=essential Lack of awareness  The use of earplugs and earphones is prohibited within this area.
within surroundings
Earplugs and  If allowed all those wearing earplugs and headphones must have the sound level where
leading to
earphones they can still be aware of the people and activities around them to respond in an
vulnerability. emergency.
Unable to hear  Care must be taken to ensure cross contamination does not occur.
instructions
Unable to hear fire
alarms
Distraction from
work activities
Chemical
contamination of
phone/device.
Working in Ingestion of Staff, students,  Eating and drinking is prohibited in high-risk areas. Low A
high-risk areas substances visitors.  In some spaces e.g. working with chemicals or soldering, this is prohibited.
leading to ill-  Suitable rest facilities away from the work area are provided.
E=essential Eating and drinking
health
I the work area
leading to ross
contamination or
ingestion of
hazardous
substances
Contamination of
equipment with
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
food and/liquids
may lead to
malfunction
Traversing Uneven or Staff, students and  During induction, individuals are advised of the requirement to wear flat, closed toe, Low A
around the damaged visitors. wipe-clean shoes.
high risk area. flooring  Regular checks of the area by users, PIs, managers and Safety Office monitor this.
Chemical burns  Staff/students must report any failings or concerns to Estates (Helpdesk) by calling
E=essential
Impact injuries 52424 or using the on-line reporting form.
 Care should be taken in high risk areas at all times to help prevent injuries or incidents.
Sprains and Strains
Inappropriate
footwear can catch
in flooring that
changes level or is
in dis-repair,
causing trips, slips
and falls.
Traversing Obstructions Staff, students and  Reasonable standards of housekeeping are maintained and checked on a monthly basis Low
around the and/or spillages visitors. by users. Staff and students agree during induction to read and abide by the A
high risk area. Department’s health and safety policy which states the guidelines for housekeeping.
Slips, trips and falls  Trailing cables must be positioned neatly away from walkways or highlighted with
E=essential
Bruises hazard tape.
 Faults, repairs and maintenance are reported immediately to Estates (Helpdesk) for
Sprains repair/replacement
Strains  Floors kept clean, dry and clear of obstructions particularly exit routes. Spillages to be
cleared immediately – spill kits are available.
Fractures  Cabinet drawers and doors are kept closed when not in use
 Waste bins are supplied for general and recyclable waste reducing the build-up of
rubbish in corridors and spaces.
 Marked pathways are followed.
 Adequate lighting is based on identified activities/tasks in the areas as deemed
sufficient during building design specification. Emergency lighting will turn on if
standard lighting system is faulty to ensure there will always be light in the areas.
 Signage is posted on the doors informing all users of emergency protocols and the
telephone number for Security and first aiders if medical help is needed
Use of display Incorrect posture Staff and students.  Provision of an adjustable chair, adjustable screen height, suitable and sufficient lighting Low A
screen whilst using DSE is maintained in each area. DSE signage detailing advice for correct use of the chair,
Musculoskeletal
equipment screen and seating position are posted in each PC cluster and on StaffNet.
Incorrect injuries/disabilities  Set up workstation to a comfortable position with good lighting and natural light where
Repetitive/ workstation set
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
prolonged use up Limb disorders possible
of equipment  Take regular breaks away from the screen, at least some activity or stretching every
Prolonged use Eye strain
or tasks 20mins and a 5min break away from the workstation every hour.
without breaks
Headaches  Regularly stretch your arms, back, neck, wrists and hands to avoid repetitive strain
E=essential
Electrical injuries. Refer to workstation exercises here
Back pain
hazards
Repetitive strain
Fatigue
Electric shock
Manual Manual Handling Staff, PG students  Staff are trained via SLD courses (TLCO510 or TLCA500 as appropriate), and familiar with Low
Handling and visitors. correct handling technique and seek assistance when needed. Maximum load any
Damage to person may lift is 25 kg at waist height – this may be less depending on the individual
Carrying, equipment Back pain bruises, and any lift above the shoulder or below the knees.
lifting, pulling, sprains, strains,  Any manual handling that falls outside of the scope of the manual handling training or is
pushing heavy fractures. particularly complicated must be specifically risk assessed. Please see Faculty manual
loads e.g. Spillage of Improper manual handling checklist to aid users in considering the risks associated with manual handling
furniture, PCs, chemicals handling- incorrect  Some items may need more than one person to handle. Loads are broken down into
stationery,
posture/lack of smaller, more manageable weights and sizes where possible; journeys are planned to
other Lab
awareness. minimise the time an object is handled. Additional staff are used to open doors and
equipment, assure clear passage.
rigs and Carrying or moving  Lifts used rather than stairs when possible.
chemicals. heavy items can  Adequate rest breaks are taken; handling activities are distributed throughout the team;
cause pain, sprains, staff with known health conditions are not asked to do tasks that may aggravate an
E=essential
strains, fractures existing condition
and if dropped,  Perform kinetic lifting with feet apart, load held close to body and in front of individual
fractures / bruises  Plan route to avoid uneven or poor-quality surfaces
may result.  Identified manual handling equipment is inspected at least annually and records kept
locally. Labcup would be a suitable asset management system to manage this process.
General use of Equipment Staff, students and  All equipment use is suitably risk assessed. Low A
equipment related hazards visitors  All users have received sufficient training. Training records are kept.
 All users are supervised appropriately until competence is assured and recorded.
E=essential Entanglement,
entrapment and
impact/crush
injuries
Use of Electricity Staff, students and  In addition to general use of equipment control measures listed above; Med A
electrical visitors.  If an electrical circuit trips out and the equipment stops working contact estates
equipment (52424), (external line: 0161 275 2424). Only the Estates function must reset tripped
Electric shock by circuits. Access to electrical/fuse boxes is prohibited for all other staff. ALWAYS wait for
contact with
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
E=essential defective parts or estates to check the circuit before attempting to use the equipment.
live wires  All portable electrical equipment in high-risk areas is tested at least annually on the
portable appliance testing (PAT) schedule. Electrical items are labelled with the test
By not following expiry date.
procedures and/or  All fixed electrical equipment in high-risk areas is tested at least 5 yearly on the fixed
resetting trips appliance (FAT) schedule.
without  All new or recently acquired portable electrical equipment must have a portable
authorisation appliance test. This includes items brought from home.
Fires, burns,  All equipment that has been permanently relocated to be PAT testing before use.
electrocution from  All mains powered home-built equipment requires PAT testing before use
powering  For high voltage equipment (above 1000V) see separate section below.
components  Use equipment as per manufactures guide.
connected to the  Visual inspections of equipment for obvious defects are carried out with any defects
mains power reported and use stopped immediately.
source that may be  PAT stickers are checked for validity.
defective  Training covers the need to ensure that electrical equipment is kept dry making sure
that wires and cables never make contact with liquids. Extra care is taken when filling
Can cause fire water systems not to get electrical components wet.
and/or burns  Items are switched off and made safe after use.
Work at Height Falls Staff and students,  Users who are required to use steps, ladders or other access equipment must complete Med A
visitors, external the working at height training course available through SLD TLCO500. Others may use
B=bespoke / contractors access equipment if essential and if they are supervised.
W=work
Falling objects  Following training, users must read sign and follow the specific working on ladders risk
related assessment
Users fall from  Any work at height that falls outside of the scope of the working at height training must
ladders or other be specifically risk assessed e.g. use of tower scaffold, MEWP.
height or drop  Identified working at height equipment is inspected at least annually and records kept
items which can locally. Labcup would be a suitable asset management system to manage this process.
injure others  Pre-use visual checks must be done by the user EVERY time especially of any locking
through direct mechanisms.
impact or indirectly  Different types of working at height equipment e.g. access steps, ladders, foot stools,
through damaging are available to allow users to choose the most appropriate for the task. Some
equipment equipment has extra control measures e.g. some access steps contact with the ground
when stood upon.
Use of Contact with hot User and others in In addition to general use of equipment control measures listed above; Med A
equipment surfaces the area
B=bespoke / Prolonged  Display warning signs in the area to warn of high temperatures and hot equipment.
W=work exposure to high  Users allow samples/equipment to cool before handling and/or use heat resistant gloves
Contact can cause for hand protection (BS EN07).
related temperatures
burns and/or fire if  If handling hot items cannot be avoided heat resistant gloves and appropriate handling
combustible
Activity Hazard Who might be Existing measures to control risk Risk Result
harmed and how rating
materials in vicinity equipment e.g. tongs are used.
 Good working practices in place: tidy workspace, free from combustibles and flammable
materials, safe location for tool cooling.
 PPE: lab coat, safety glasses (BS EN 166) and heat resistant gloves for hand protection
(BS EN 407) are utilised as appropriate.
 Temperature is monitored for correct and stable temperature with calibrated
thermocouple and never left unattended without experiment in progress sign.
 Equipment is switched off after use.

Use of hand Sharp cutting Users /Others in In addition to general use of equipment control measures listed above; Med A
tools (like edges proximity / Visitors
 Use of ‘open bladed’ tools, e.g. scalpels is avoided if possible or substituted e.g.
Sharp / pointed
Scissors.
tools, Scalpel
 Users make safe after each use, e.g. razor blades to be put in sharps bin after use,
blade, and so Risk of cuts and knives to be replaced into protective cover.
on). puncture injuries  Items are placed in safe storage immediately after each use. Cutting tools should never
B=bespoke / be unattended.
W=work  Cutting tools are not placed too close to the edge of a workstation to avoid falling off
related onto legs and feet
 Use of cut resistant gloves are considered when appropriate.
 Safe cutting techniques are used e.g. cut away from the body and away from the hands
and fingers
Use of Local LEV failure or Staff, Students and  All users must be trained/instructed to use fume cupboards or other extraction Med A
exhaust inadequate flow Visitors equipment that relies on functioning LEV to minimise exposure as identified as part of
ventilation leading to the induction process. Users must also be instructed on how to ensure LEV is operating
(LEV) exposure to effectively, how to carry out pre-use checks and how to report issues.
hazardous Contamination or  All LEV should be captured on the Allianz system and subject to statutory inspection in
E.g. in fume substances exposure to line with written scheme of examination. This is at least every 14 months.
cupboards,
airborne  LEV must be checked prior to use as per check sheet with records kept.
extractions
substances in the  LEV must have a monthly self-inspection that highlights any issues if a pre use check
hoses...
area or external to has not been completed within that month.
B=bespoke / the building (e.g.  LEV must have a velocity check monthly with records kept.
W=work the roof) where the  Any faults identified are reported to the Estates helpdesk and Department Safety Office
related LEV vents to due to as soon as possible and the LEV put out of service until repair.
failure of the LEV,  Recirculating LEVs require annual service and records recorded on labcup.
lack of knowledge,  Estates contact the department to discuss potential work that may impact on LEV.
failure or lack of
alarms, inadequate
pre-use/monthly
checks
Action plan

Ref Further action required Action by Action by Done

No whom when