Health and Safety for Researchers

1. Health and Safety for Researchers Safety Presentation Philip Thornton Safety Officer 18 November 2009

2. Think Safety! • Electricity + water • Cables & Hoses • Naked Flames • Flammable Material • Chemicals • Bottled Gases • Lasers & Radiation • Heavy or Unstable Loads • Difficult Access

3. Who can help? • Your Academic Supervisor or Head of Department • Departmental Safety Advisor • Technical Staff • Academic Staff • Safety Officer

4. 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

5. 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 (061) 213333, or dial999on 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.

6. 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.

7. Familiarise yourself with the location of - • Exits • Fire Alarms • Extinguishers (but do not use unless trained and confident)

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

9. UL’s Health and Safety Duties • Safe Place • Safe Plant • Safe Procedures • Safe Instruction • Risk Assessments • Safety Statement and/or Departmental Safety Code of Practice • Safety Consultation

10. 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 H&S issues. • Not engage in improper conduct or behaviour • Attend required training courses. • Report defects in place, plant or procedures or safety contraventions (to your academic supervisor / HOD / Chief Technical Officer) • Do not misuse anything provided for securing safety

11. Lab Discipline! • Eating, drinking & smoking are prohibited in all teaching & research laboratories. • Don’t take risks. • If unsure stop & ask for help.

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

13. Risk Assessment • The Risk Assessment Form is available from: http://www.ul.ie/~safety/assessmentsheets/ULRiskAssessmentForm(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.

14. 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.

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Hazardous Waste • Follow your 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.

19. 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.

20. Accidents • All Incidents (both accidents and dangerous occurrences) and occupational health problems must be reported to your supervisor. They must report it to Safety Officer • Action will be taken to prevent repeat occurrences.

21. ACCIDENT PYRAMID F E Bird and G L Germain, 1969

22. 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.

23. Accidents staff and students

24. Accident Triggers (2006-2009)

25. Health and Safety Training

26. 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)

27. Remember! • Safety is the concern of everyone • Don’t take unnecessary risks • Please ask for help.

28. Thank You