ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 

 

 

ITEM
CONSIDERATION
SPACE Minimum legal requirements

Sufficient work space

Safe passageways

Access to cupboards

LIGHTING General level

Lighting for fine work

Shadow spots

Glare

Colour

ATMOSPHERE General ventilation

Airconditioning (especially placement)

Air movement (draughts, dead spots)

Heat

Cold

NOISE Levels of noise

Hearing protection (provision for)

PHYSICAL HAZARDS Machinery used

Obstacles

CHEMICAL HAZARDS Reagents used

Waste products

Disposal

Fume cupboards (provision)

Monitoring

Spill procedures

RADIATION Type

Monitoring

Spill procedures

Protection

WASTE DISPOSAL Nature of waste

Restrictions

Fume cupboards

Special containments

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION Emissions

Protection of sensitive equipment

ERGONOMICS Furniture

Placement

Height of furniture and equipment

PROCEDURES Manual handling

Storage

Repetitive movement

PROTECTION Gowns, gloves, mask, respirator, hearing protection, footwear
MEDICAL CONSULTATION Use of poisons, carcinogens, pesticides and so on
PHYSIOLOGY Staff selection appropriate to need
TRAINING Written operation procedure
PROJECT SPECIFIC Specific local hazard

Use of carcinogen

Use of UV light and so on

Table 12: Safety impact checklist

 

BACK to the top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the Chemical Contents List

REFERENCES