Laboratory Safety Rules and COSHH Introduction

The laboratory is a potentially hazardous environment and therefore responsible behaviour is expected at all times.  Individuals are responsible for their own, and the safety of others in the laboratory. In order, that laboratory procedures are carried out safely, it is important that the following laboratory rules should be read, understood and carried out at all times.

No smoking and no food or drink (& this includes water) to be brought into or consumed in the laboratory.

All student activity in the laboratory must be supervised by at least one member of staff.  Always follow safety instructions issued by staff in charge of particular laboratory sessions.

Outdoor coats and bags must be left in the area indicated.

Long hair must be tied back.

Closed toed shoes must be worn.

Use the stools provided in the laboratory for seating.  DO NOT SIT ON THE BENCHES.

All laboratory users must familiarise themselves with the information on the fire notice and to know the position of the fire extinguisher, fire exit, first aid kit and first aiders list.

If you think that you require medical attention, tell the academic who is leading the session straight away.

When laboratory activity involves the use of substances covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 1999 (COSHH), the HFL Regs (1972) as well as biological materials, then appropriate protective clothing (lab coats, gloves and goggles) must be worn as directed by the staff in charge.

Additional information about the safe use of chemicals (SSDS – Substance Safety Data Sheet) is provided and this must be read, understood and followed before commencing any activities involving the use of chemicals.

If a chemical spillage occurs, immediately inform the staff in charge and follow intructions given in the relevant SSDS and the chemical spillage disposal chart displayed on the walls.  Use the spillage treatment kit if necessary.

Any breakage of glassware should be reported to the staff and disposed of in the bin labelled BROKEN GLASS ONLY.  Use the dustpan and brush provided to clear away broken glass.

Report any malfunctions of equipment and/or apparatus to the staff in charge.Prior to use, carry out a visual safety examination of electrical appliances, its plug and flex.

If you think anything is wrong, DO NOT USE THIS ITEM OF EQUIPMENT.

If you are unsure of what you are doing, STOP and ask advice from a member of staff.

Once your session in the laboratory is completed, please ensure that you leave your work station  clean, tidy and safe for future users.

Any contravention of these rules will result in the student(s) being asked to leave the laboratory.

INTRODUCTION TO COSHH

The practical work carried out in this laboratory is subject to the provisions laid down in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Additionally, the specific handling of potentially hazardous materials is governed by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 1999 (COSHH) and the Highly Flammable Liquids (HFL) Regulations 1972.  The information and instructions in the University’s Health and Safety Code of Practice booklets, ‘Guide to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’ regulations and ‘The Safe Use of Chemicals’ must be followed.

Files are displayed in the laboratory containing:

a)Activity procedure sheets

b)Substance safety data sheets (SSDS)

c)COSHH assessments of the potential hazards and risks associated with particular laboratory activities

d)Current University codes of practice relevant to the laboratory.

Learning objectives

1to be able to perform laboratory calculations

2to learn theory behind SDS-PAGE

3to gain experience on SDS-PAGE

Precautions

Remember you will be handling chemicals, glassware and electrical equipment. Please take all the necessary precautions. Read all labels carefully.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THIS INFORMATION

With proper awareness of the potential hazards and correct application of safe working procedures the risks are minimal.

The major hazards in the laboratory are toxic and corrosive substances that will produce serious physiological effects in contact with exposed skin or by fume inhalation.  There may be a potential hazard from less toxic substances such as those labelled harmful and irritant.  In all cases it is expected that no work be carried out without a full appreciation of the potential hazards and risks involved.

In general, the quantities of substances used are small. However, substances labelled toxid and corrosive must be handled with great care following the rules laid down in the relevant SSDS and procedure sheets.  Handling these substances requires the maximum level of operator protection which means mandatory eye and hand protection.