UCD Conway Institute of

Biomolecular & Biomedical Research

(Draft) Safety Statement

Funded under the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI), administered by the HEA

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Contents

1. Introduction 2. Structures and Legislation Director and Head of Department Principal Investigators Staff and students Safety Committee Radiation Protection Officer Safety coordinator Training List of names and contact details Legislation 3. Emergency Phone Numbers First Aid & Campus Health Services Incident Reporting 4. Hazard Identification and Control Measures For Conway Institute 4.1. Fire Emergency Procedures Fire Safety Programme Means of Escape Fire Detection and Alarm System Emergency Lighting Fire Drill Fire Fighting Equipment Persons with designated responsibilities Evacuation Routes & Assembly Points Fire Marshals 4.2. Access and Egress Building Layout & Contact List Building Opening Times Access Card System Working Hours Lone Working Late Working Deliveries Visitors 4.3. Electricity 4.4. Housekeeping 4.5. Manual Handling 4.6. Pregnant Employees 4.7. Noise Levels 4.8. Office & Display Screen Equipment (V.D.U.) Safety 4.9. Peninsular Bench Area

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4.10. Personal Protective Equipment 4.11. Autoclaves 4.12. Autoclave Wash-up Area 4.13. Centrifuges 4.14. Gel Electrophoresis 4.15. Radiation Safety Use of Radiochemicals Gamma Irradiator Contamination Monitoring Waste Management Licenses List of Radio Isotopes used 4.16. Biological Agents (General) 4.17. Chemical Safety 4.18. Disposal Services 4.18.1 Autoclaving 4.18.2 Biological Waste 4.18.3 Chemical Waste 4.18.4 General Waste 4.18.5 Sharps 4.19. Storage in Refrigerators, freezers, warm and coldrooms 4.20. Storage of Flammable Liquids 4.21. Use of Gas 4.22. Liquid Nitrogen and dry ice 4.23. Vacuum 4.24. Fieldwork Appendices (to be finalised) 1. Undergraduate Practical Classes 2. 4th Year Honours Students 3. Hazards associated with Wing A Spine Area (Tissue Culture, Prep, Cold

Rooms, Gel Doc, etc.) 4. Hazards associated with Wing B 5. Hazards associated with Wing C 6. Hazards associated with Wing D 7. Transgenic Animal Facility (Colin Travis) 8. U/G Animal Holding Area 9. Frog Facility (Carmel Hensey) 10. Fish Facility (Breandan Kennedy) 11. NMR (Chandralal Hewage) 12. Mechanical / Electrical Workshop 13. Central Stores & Purchasing 14. Chemical Store (General Stores) 15. Special Handlings 16. Proteomics (Stephen Pennington) 17. Flow Cytometry (Alfonso Blanco) 18. Use of Liquid Helium 19. DNA Analysis (Catherine Moss/Alison Murphy) 20. Confocal Microscopy

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21. Use of Liquid Nitrogen 22. Glove material types 23. Chemical incompatibilities 24. Disinfection and Biohazard cleanup 25. Guidelines for Chemical Spill control. 26. Chemical synthesis (P. Malthouse) 27. Handling and Disposal of Radioactive Isotopes

i. Register/Training/Guidelines 28. Declaration Forms

i. Attendance of Induction Course ii. Receipt of Building Safety Statement iii. Use of Isotopes iv. PI Checklist.

29. Chemical Agent Risk Assessment Introduction. Links to CARA Guidelines, Template Assessment Forms and Sample Assessments. http://www.ucd.ie/safety/

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SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION Located on the main UCD Belfield Campus, The Conway Institute occupies over 11,500

sq. meters of laboratory, office and ancillary space. The Institute has a commitment to

provide safe working conditions both for its students and members of staff. The safety

policy of the Conway Institute is outlined in this manual and should be read in conjunction

with Te UCD Parent Safety Statement1

http://www.ucd.ie/safety/code/safety_statements/parenthtml.htm and UCD Safety Office

website http://www.ucd.ie/safety/index.html

No procedures on safety can be complete however without the co-operation of all staff and

students and it is a requirement of all those working in the Conway Institute to read and

abide by the guidelines as outlined in this manual. From time to time current Legislation

may be amended or procedures may change to suit different work practices and our safety

policy must be flexible enough to take account of these changes. Indeed it is the intention

of the Conway Institute that this Safety Manual should not be seen as a final statement on

safety but rather should be read with a critical eye by all members of the Institute and

suggestions on safer work practices relevant to your particular area should be

communicated to your safety coordinator for subsequent incorporation into this manual.

1 University College Dublin Parent Safety Statement, 1998

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SECTION 2

STRUCTURES & LEGISLATION

Director and Head of Department

The Director and Head of Department have ultimate responsibility for Safety in the Institute as

detailed in the UCD Parent Safety Statement:

The term 'Departmental Head' includes all Officers of the College who are directly responsible for

their own work and that of their staff, where applicable. Besides the Heads of Academic

departments, the term is taken to include Deans, Directors or Heads of Administrative and Service

Departments and Managers of any premises administered by the Governing Authority.

The Director and Heads Of Departments in UCD Conway Institute have joint responsibility for

ensuring that:

- The Safety Statement is brought to the attention of all staff and students and is displayed in

prominent locations.

- The objectives of the Safety Statement are fully understood and observed by staff and students.

- Suitable safety inspections and risk assessments are carried out with the Safety Advisory

Committee.

- Staff and students are aware of and understand their responsibilities under the Safety Statement.

- The Safety Statement is regularly reviewed and amended as necessary and any changes are

brought to the attention of staff and students.

Adequate communication channels are maintained so that information concerning safety matters,

including the results of risk assessments, which may affect any or all staff and students, is

communicated to them and any matters concerning safety raised by any member of the Institute is

investigated so that action can be taken.

Meetings are held at least every 2 months with the Safety Advisory Committee to discuss safety

issues and to ensure that the Safety Statement is operating as designed.

UCD Conway Institute safety committee set-up:

1. In UCD Conway Institute the safety committee is to be set up by nomination from the Director.

2. All grades of staff should be represented: students, administration staff, academic, technical and management. Influential members of management and academic staff should be involved in order to emphasise the organisation’s commitment to safety.

3. Members should be provided with training and information on safety and health matters. 4. Committee members to select officers (chair and secretary) and have authority to co-opt

temporary replacement members. 5. The necessary financial resources should be available both for the administration of the

committee (photocopying, printing, HSA guides/booklets, training, accident investigation, etc.) and for implementation of reasonably practicable safety recommendations as authorised by the committee.

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6. The Director / Department Heads should liaise with the safety committee to set out the procedures for Sanction and Reward systems.

A training programme exists to instruct staff and students in the requirements of the Safety

Statement and in the safe systems of work relevant to their work activity.

Staff are adequately trained to carry out their Health and Safety responsibilities as identified within

the Health and Safety Policy.

All accidents and ill health or near miss situations arising out of the research/teaching activity are

thoroughly investigated and recorded in the Accident Book. All hazardous substances are

assessed, monitored and controlled with adequate records kept, and where possible, are

substituted by less hazardous substances.

Material safety data sheets are readily available when and where required.

Any hazardous or dangerous substances are used, stored and handled correctly in accordance with

established rules and procedures.

Staff and postgraduate students are supplied with appropriate personal protective equipment.

All statutory registers, notices and documents are maintained and available for inspection.

Adequate first aid provisions are available and maintained under the control of a qualified first aid

person.

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Principal Investigators (PI):

The safety health and welfare of individual research students and post-doctorate researchers is the

responsibility of the PI. It is the responsibility of each PI to notify the wing manager and other

persons working in the vicinity if they are handling any hazardous substances (see sections 4.15 to

4.22, and 4.6 of the safety statement). In general the PI must:

• Ensure implementation of safety statement within the group.

• Keep basic records of accidents and dangerous incidents within the group and notify the

accident investigator.

• Monitor general safety standards and housekeeping.

• Identification of unsafe conditions, equipment, practices and individuals.

• Establish good communications networks relating to health and safety.

• Report safety, health and welfare concerns, suggestions, and requests from staff and students

to the safety coordinator as necessary.

The PI is also required to follow the general provisions for Staff in the following section.

Staff: • Read and understand the Institute’s Safety Statement and carry out their work in accordance

with its requirements.

• Staff must co-operate in the wearing of the correct safety equipment, using the appropriate

safety devices and following proper safe systems of work.

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of all chemicals used by lecturing staff or used in their

laboratories should be made available to students and post-doctoral workers under their

supervision.

• Staff must co-operate in the investigation of accidents and the reporting of them and also the

reporting to their supervisors of any local hazards of which they become aware.

• All staff will be encouraged to promote ideas on the improvement of health and safety standards

and to make suitable suggestions for reduction in risks.

• Staff must not interfere with or misuse any specified items of safety equipment or any safety

device.

• Staff are advised that strict requirements under the 1989 Act can be used by the enforcing

authorities against such persons if found guilty of reckless behaviour.

• All working areas must be kept clean and tidy, and high standards of housekeeping and

hygiene maintained.

• Do not try to use, repair or maintain any piece of equipment for which you have not received full

instruction or training.

• Lecturing staff who have responsibility for undergraduate students, postgraduate students or

postdoctoral staff must ensure that those under their supervision receive relevant training.

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• When new equipment is brought in, the staff member responsible must provide details on the

hazards and control measures required to the head of department / director for inclusion in the

safety statement.

• Administrative staff must wear appropriate protective equipment when entering a hazardous

area.

• Report to the head of department any defects in plant or equipment.

• Workshop staff should ensure that they do not carry out repairs or servicing on plant or

machinery unless isolated and ensure that any guards removed to carry out repairs are properly

replaced.

• Report to the Head of Department any person abusing facilities and equipment.

• Do not allow untrained persons to use equipment.

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Undergraduate / Postgraduate Students:

• Students must co-operate with staff in the wearing of the correct safety equipment, using the

appropriate safety devices and following proper safe systems of work.

• Undergraduates are required to provide their own laboratory coats and other Personal

Protective Equipment as deemed necessary.

• Undergraduate students are required to read and understand the lab safety guidelines (see

Appendix 1 and 2) prior to commencing work in the lab.

• All students must have access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of all chemicals used

during laboratory practicals.

• Students must co-operate in the investigation of accidents and the reporting of them and also

the reporting to their supervisors of any local hazards of which they become aware.

• All students will be encouraged to promote ideas on the improvement of health and safety

standards and to make suitable suggestions for reduction in risks.

• Students must not interfere with or misuse any specified items of safety equipment or any

safety device.

• Students are advised that strict requirements under the 1989 Act can be used by the enforcing

authorities against such persons if found guilty of reckless behaviour.

• All working areas must be kept clean and tidy, and high standards of housekeeping and

hygiene maintained.

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Consultation - Safety Advisory Committees.

The 1989 Act stresses the importance of consultation with all Staff regarding Health and Safety

matters. University College Dublin is committed to meeting its obligations under Section 13 of the

Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 1989 on consultation. The following are the consultation

arrangements:

Safety Advisory Committees:

In order to involve as many persons as possible in the organisation and implementation of College

Safety policy, safety advisory committees have been established for each laboratory or workshop

based department and for each main building.

Safety Advisory Committee Considerations

• Progress report on the implementation of the Safety Statement. • Draw up health and safety implementation guidelines and present to the Director / Department

Heads for approval. • Accident and dangerous incident statistics. The trends shown by these figures. • Gathering of information from the Health and Safety Authority and other bodies. • Monitoring of staff safety training. • Establishing and maintaining good communications networks relating to health and safety. • Review of safety rules/procedures on systems of work and recommend improvements. • Hazard inspections should be carried out at least every 6 months • To co-ordinate regular safety audits and make recommendations to the director and head of

departments on changes in safety policy. • Action to be taken following identification of unsafe conditions and practices. • Annual review of the Safety Statement. • Meetings should take place at least every two months and minutes should be kept. Members of the committee should be elected or selected every 2-3 years from all various grades of

staff. Some of the committee could change every 2 years and others every 3 years to allow for

continuity.

The functions and objectives of the Committee are to keep under review the measures taken to

ensure the health and safety of all persons on the premises i.e. employees, students and other

persons working or visiting the establishment.

Members of the committee should carry out safety inspections at appropriate intervals. The

committee should determine the types of inspections to be carried out (safety audits, safety tours,

safety sampling and or safety surveys) and the corrective action to be taken if necessary.

The main objective would be to foster co-operation between the Director / Head of Department and

staff to keep health and safety considerations active and to promote the development of ideas for

the betterment of health and safety at work.

UCD Conway Institute Radiation Protection Officer.

Functions of the Radiation Protection Officer:

1. To ensure that all persons working with radiochemicals are aware of the hazards and the

precautions necessary.

2. To ensure records are kept of the ordering and reception of all radioactive materials.

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3. To ensure monitoring equipment is available and that it is properly maintained and

calibrated.

4. To keep a register of all radiation sources and account for their disposal.

5. To make periodic contamination checks of personnel and work areas.

6. To liase with the College RPO and Nuclear Energy Board in all matters relating to Radiation

safety.

Safety Coordinator

Functions of Safety coordinator.

1. Liase with the university safety officer on safety matters.

2. Member of the safety committee.

3. Set-up and maintain storage and monitoring systems of all health and safety records.

4. To co-ordinate the activities of Fire Marshals and those responsible for safety in individual

areas.

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Training

It is the Policy of the Governing Authority of University College Dublin that every employee will

receive safety training on an ongoing basis. Training is not only concerned with imparting facts but

also with notifying staff and students of their responsibilities and equipping them to deal with

emergencies.

The on-going Safety Training needs of employees shall be identified by the Director or Head of

Department in association with the College Safety Officer. When identifying training needs due

regard shall be paid to

- Review of current Legislation

- Method Study/Work Study

- Accident/Incident Analysis

All safety training received will be monitored and updated as required.

The Institute and its Departments will keep training records.

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Table 1. Area Caretakers

AREA NAME PHONE

Safety coordinator Hilda Bohane and Melvin

Fleming

6830 and 6709

Radiation Protection Officer Dr. Peter Smyth 6736

Deputy RPO Dr. Kathy O’Boyle 6760

Deputy RPO Dr. Gethin McBean 6770

Ground floor Prep lab Joan Simon

Jim Brannick

6829/6813

6823

Teaching labs Course specific

Lecturers or Head

Demonstrator.

Reception Area Verona Patchell 6700

Workshops Padraig Ó Murchú 6855

Proteomics Stephen Pennington 2807

DNA Analysis C. Moss/A. Murphy 6955/6815

Flow Cytometry Alfonso Blanco 6836

Confocal Microscope Ann Cullen 6741

Stores. John Ralph 6857

NMR Facility. Paul Malthouse 6763

1st

Floor East Paul Rooney 6756

1st

Floor West

and Radiation Suite

Emer Bonham

6755

2nd

Floor East Phillipa Kavanagh 6758

2nd

Floor West

and Biotech Radiation Suite

John Stephens

6757

Instrument Rooms. Des Butler/Wing Lead 6826

Autoclave rooms John Kelly 6829/6813

Facilities Manager Eric Leonard 6721

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Legislation:

The University is subject to a number of statutory regulations to provide a safe working environment

both for employees and visitors. The most relevant legislation are:

1. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (SHWW) Act, 1989.

2. SHWW (General Application) Regulations, 1993; SHWW (General Application)

(Amendment) Regulations, 2001 and (Amendment No. 2) Regulations, 2003.

The principal objective of these Acts is for the employer to "Ensure as far as is reasonably

practicable, the safety, Health and Welfare at work of all his employees". There is however an equal

duty on employees to take REASONABLE CARE for their own safety and that of others, to CO-

OPERATE in the implementation of safety procedures, and to use safety equipment provided. In

addition to previous legislation the 1993 Regulations introduce specific requirements covering;

• General Safety in the workplace. • Minimum Standards for Safety in the Workplace • The use of Work Equipment. • Personal Protective Equipment. • Manual Handling. • VDU's in the Workplace. • Electricity. • First Aid. • Reporting of Accidents.

Additional Specific Legislation is referred to in the relevant sections in part 4 of this document. Guides to the Legislation:

• Guide to The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 and The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 1993. Health and Safety Authority, 2000.

• Safe Company, a guide to safe working practices, Health and Safety Authority. • Guidelines on preparing your safety statement and carrying out risk assessments. Health and

Safety Authority. • Guidelines on safety consultation and Safety Representatives. Health and Safety Authority,

1994. • Code of practice on the prevention of workplace bullying. Health and Safety Authority, 2002.

All of the above are relevant to a University setting and throughout this manual there are guidelines on how staff and students may comply with the requirements of the relevant legislation. Acts, Regulations and Guides may be available for consultation on request to the safety officer or at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/front.html

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SECTION 3

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

UnicarUnicarUnicarUnicare Emergency Line 7999e Emergency Line 7999e Emergency Line 7999e Emergency Line 7999

Phone Location Garda Station 01 - 2693766 Donnybrook St Vincents Hospital 01- 2694533 Mount Merrion Student Medical Centre 3133 Student Centre

CAMPUS HEALTH SERVICES The Student Health Service is located on the first floor of the Student Centre. Opening Hours are: In-term: 9.00a.m. – 5.00p.m, Monday – Friday Out-of-term: 9.00a.m. – 1.00p.m, Monday - Friday The Pharmacy is also located in the Student Centre. Opening Hours are: In-term: 9.00a.m. – 5.00p.m, Monday – Friday Out-of-term: 9.00a.m. – 1.00p.m, Monday – Friday

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First Aid Personnel in UCD Conway Institute

Phone Location Occupational First Aiders

Chandralal Hewage 6870 Basement NMR Anne Hudson 6829 Ground Floor Joan Simon 6829 Ground Floor James Brannick 6823 Ground Floor Michael Coffey 6823 Ground Floor Roisin O’Connor 6823 Ground Floor Lisa Byrne 6823 Ground Floor Mary Kelly 6867/6869 Ground Floor Hilda Bohane 6830 Ground Floor Ciara O'Hanlon 6720 Ground Floor Ann Cullen 6741 1st Floor Biotech Emer Bonham 6755 1st Floor West Madeline Murphy 6818 1st Floor West Sein O'Connell 6799/6820 1st Floor East Amanda O'Neill 6818 1st Floor East Claire Mulvey 6799/6820 1st Floor East Annemarie Griffin 6792 1st Floor East Gemma Feldman 6799/6820 1st Floor East Paul Rooney 6756 1st Floor East Eric Campbell 6798 1st Floor East Andrew Gaffney 6798 1st Floor East Tara McMorrow 6819 1st Floor East John Stephens 6757 2nd Floor West Fiona McGillicuddy 6840 2nd Floor West Sandra Quinn 6838 2nd Floor West Rhona Duane 6840/6839 2nd Floor West Nicola Hogan 6840/6839 2nd Floor West Lorraine Brennan 6757 2nd Floor West Grainne Dunlevy 6838 2nd Floor West Michael Sharkey 6838/6841 2nd Floor West Philippa Kavanagh 6758 2nd Floor East Basic First Aid

Craig Slattery 6798 1st Floor East Niamh Curran 6761 2nd Floor West Dr. Kathy O’Boyle 6760 S058 Office FIRST AID BOXES First Aid boxes are location on the ends of research wings adjacent to Wing Technicians offices and in the teaching and prep labs.

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Reporting of Accidents and Incidents An accident is an unplanned occurrence which causes or has the potential to cause injury to a person or persons and may or may not cause damage to property, equipment or the environment. Statutory Notification The college is required by law to report the following: • An accident causing loss of life to any employee if sustained in the course of their employment. • An accident sustained in the course of their employment which prevents any employee from

performing the normal duties of their employment for more than 3 calendar days not including the date of the accident.

• An accident to a person not at work caused by a work activity which causes loss of life or

requires medical treatment. • Certain prescribed dangerous occurrences Internal reporting procedure • All incidents resulting in personal injury, dangerous occurrences, damage to property and near

misses which could have resulted in the foregoing must be reported within 24 hours by completing a UCD Incident Report Form and returning it to the College Safety Office.

• The bottom copy of this form should be retained for your records and the top three copies sent

to the College Safety Office for distribution to the relevant college authorities. • It is important to report each incident to allow the college to learn from each incident and

hopefully prevent a reoccurrence. • In the Conway Institute the safety officer must be informed of all incidents and must retain a

copy of the incident report form. • Incident forms are available from Departmental Offices and the Services Desks.

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SECTION 4

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL MEASURESFOR UCD CONWAY INSTITUTE

HAZARD INSPECTIONS � The policy of the College is to identify hazards in the place of work and to access the risk to

safety and health and to control risks as far as is practicable so that they are reduced to an acceptable level. Hazard inspections should be carried out at least every 6 months by the Safety Advisory Committee. A record of the inspection should be kept by the Safety Co-ordinator and be available for viewing by the College Safety Officer.

� "Hazard" is taken to mean "any substance, article, material or practice which has the potential to cause harm to the safety, health or welfare of employees at work".

� "Risk" is taken to mean "the potential of the hazard to cause harm in the actual circumstances of use".

� Risk Assessment is based on the linking of the probability of occurrence with the severity of loss and/or injury. In this exercise, risks are graded "High", "Medium" or "Low". This is to help with the giving of priority to the employment of controls and the allocation of resources.

RISK CONTROL Control measures are intended to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Where practicable the College commits itself to the elimination of hazards, whether that be by the provision of access arrangements, machine guarding or the provision of special tools etc. This approach will take into account normal good practice and the use of standards and guidelines where these are available.

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Section 4.1: Fire HAZARDS In common with all premises there is always a risk of fire occurring. Common fire hazards in laboratory areas include improperly stored combustible or flammable materials, use of naked flames (bunsen burners), faulty electrical equipment and smoking in undesignated areas. RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES FIRE SAFETY PROGRAMME

A Fire Safety programme will be developed by the PIs in conjunction with the College Safety Officer

to:

a) Guard against an outbreak of fire.

b) Ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the safety of persons on the premises in the event of

an outbreak of fire.

The Fire Safety Programme will incorporate arrangements for:

a) The prevention of an outbreak of fire through the establishment of a day to day fire prevention

practices.

b) The instruction and training of staff and students

c) The holding of fire and evacuation drills

d) The maintenance of escape routes

e) The provision of adequate fire protection equipment and systems

f) The inspection and maintenance of the Fire Protection equipment and systems

g) The provision of assistance to the fire authorities

A Fire Safety Register is maintained by the Conway Institute.

MEANS OF ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE

It is essential that escape routes are maintained available for use and that the protection afforded

them is not impaired in the operation of the premises.

No person will obstruct a means of escape. Fire Exit routes and doors must never be obstructed.

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FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM

An appropriate standard in respect of an electrical fire alarm system is that set down in IS3218 1989 and Section 5 - User Responsibilities of B.S. 5839, Part 1: 1988 entitled “Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Buildings” Part 1 and code of practice for installation and servicing - details of inspections, maintenance and testing. The system currently installed is an L4 automatic detection system. The fire warning system should be checked regularly and a commissioning and installation

certificate as detailed in Appendix B of B.S. 5839, Part 1: 1988 should be retained on the premises.

The following details will be entered in a log book:

a) Causes of all alarms (genuine, practice, test etc.)

b) Any faults which develop

c) Any period of disconnection

d) Nature of work (inspection, maintenance or test)

e) Any further action required

f) Name of person responsible

It is important to note that each individual call point must be tested at least once in every period of

12 months.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING Every part of the building shall be provided with adequate means of emergency lighting to:

1. Facilitate the means of escape from the building during any interruption or the general lighting

system 2. Indicate clearly a route to a protected doorway 3. Allow safe movement to the exits from the building.

Any requirement for means of emergency lighting to be provided in an escape route shall include the provision of an illuminated exit sign above the protected doorway leading from that escape route. Where means of emergency lighting are designed and installed in accordance with IS3217 1989 and BS5266: Part 1:1975, points to note are: a) Every part of an escape route from a storey or room shall be provided with an adequate means

of lighting and where on any escape route any means of lighting is by electricity the current for such lighting shall be supplied by a protected circuit.

b) Where any stairway forms part of an escape route and the lighting in the stairway is by electricity

the current for such lighting shall be supplied by a protected circuit, separate from any electrical circuit supplying lighting to any other part of the same escape route.

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FIRE DRILL A fire drill shall be undertaken at least every year. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT Hand held Fire Extinguishers used in the Centre shall be manufactured in accordance with the requirements of either 1.S. 290: 1986 or B.S. 5423 1987 Specifications for Portable Fire Extinguishers. They shall be installed in accordance with the recommendations of B.S. 5306: Part 3:1985 code of Practice for the installation and maintenance of portable fire extinguisher. PERSONS WITH DESIGNATED RESPONSIBILITIES The Building Manager is responsible for ensuring that the conditions for safe means of escape in case of fire are maintained at all times. The Building Manager in conjunction with the PIs will also be responsible for ensuring that fire drills are held regularly and an appropriate number of staff are trained in the use of portable fire fighting equipment. The Building Manager will be responsible for informing the College Safety Officer of any structural alterations that may affect the safe means of escape from the building in case of fire. It is the responsibility of the Building Manager to make sure that all fire exits are kept clear, unlocked and functional when the building is occupied. The PI will be responsible for advising the College Safety Officer of changes in the quantities of flammable materials stored and used if these matters are likely to affect safe means of escape in case of fire. Members of staff will have designated responsibilities for fire precautions in the Centre. They must be not only familiar with the above matters but also elementary fire prevention, the need to keep fire doors closed, evacuation procedures etc. After the initial training period all members of the Conway Institute will receive regular verbal instruction from the designated Safety Co-ordinator for their Research Group. Instruction should take the form of a walk over the escape routes, checking fire doors and the position of fire fighting equipment. EVACUATION ROUTES AND ASSEMBLY POINTS Floor plan drawings will be posted on local notice boards indicating fire exit routes and fire extinguishers location (emergency procedures detailed below).

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EVACUATION / FIRE MARSHALS Area Marshal Deputy East Wing Second Floor Philippa Kavanagh Francesca Magnani West Wing Second Floor John Stephens Connla Edwards Second Floor Write Up & Offices Mary Gordon(for Annette Forde) Geraldine Butler East Wing First Floor Paul Rooney Andrew Gaffney West Wing First Floor Emer Bonham Emma Gallagher First Floor Write Up & Offices Suzanne O’Halloran Gavin Ryan First Floor Biotech Ann Cullen Alison Murphy Ground Floor Biotech Ciara O’Hanlon Ground Floor Directorate Ann Mooney Ground Floor Café / Bioinformatics

Ian Jeffery Hilda Bohane

Ground Floor Undergraduate labs Joan Simon, Jim Brannick, Tony Lumsden

Michael Coffey, Joe Cremin

Basment NMR / Lecture Chandralal Hewage Basement Stores / Workshop Luke Millington Padraig O’Murchu Basement Animal Facility Al Byrne ON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM

1. On hearing a CONTINUOUS fire alarm leave the Building via nearest available exit - Follow the Green Emergency Exit signs (running man).

2. Proceed to the Assembly Point (at South East front of Conway Main Entrance) 3. Do Not fight fire unless trained to do so!! 4. Obey Fire Marshall instructions 5. Do Not use lifts 6. Do Not re-enter the building unless authorised to do so.

ON SEEING A FIRE

(a) Break the nearest Break Glass Unit (b) Leave the Building via nearest available exit Follow the Green Emergency Exit signs (running

man). (c) Follow the instructions from 2 above. GOVERNING LEGISLATION Fire Services Act, 1981. Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape) Regulations, 1985. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (SHWW) Act, 1989. SHWW (General Application) Regulations, 1993 and SHWW (General Application) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations, 2003. Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 (No. 15 of 2003)

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Section 4.2: Access and Egress

HAZARDS Inadequate access and egress facilities can result in trips and falls. RISK ASSESSMENT: Low CONTROL MEASURES − PIs will be responsible for these matters in their own areas. Communal areas will be the

responsibility of the Building Manager. − All doors and access points shall be kept clean and maintained. All problems with doors should

be reported to the Facilities Manager. − All passageways shall be kept clear of obstruction. − All floor covering and surfaces shall be kept clean and free of oil and grease and in good

condition. − Stairways shall be provided with handrails and maintained in good condition. − Adequate lighting shall be provided at all entry, exit points and along corridor and passageways. GENERAL ACCESS TO BUILDING Research Activity Research Staff of the Conway Institute will enter the building through the Main Entrance on the ground floor. They will be issued proximity cards programmed with the appropriate access rights. Proximity readers located at stairs and lifts will control access from the ground floor to other floors. The opening hours for the Main Entrance are 9.00a.m. – 5.00p.m. Monday to Friday. Access outside normal opening hours is by access card only. Teaching / Undergraduate Activity Undergraduate students and visiting teaching staff will access the building via the Undergraduate Entrance and are generally restricted to the ground floor teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, lockers and the computer room. Undergraduate student access to the lecture theatre at basement level will be supervised. Access to other areas by undergraduate students will be by appointment through the Undergraduate Office or supervised by a Conway Institute staff member. The opening hours for the Undergraduate Entrance is similar to other academic buildings on campus. 8.00a.m. – 6.00p.m. Monday – Friday, Visitors All visitors must report to the Reception Desk. During normal opening hours i.e. 9.00a.m. – 5.00p.m. Monday – Friday, visitors will enter the building through the Main Entrance on the ground floor. Proximity card readers will restrict access beyond the Reception Area. A building directory and courtesy phone will be available at the Reception Desk. Visitors can gain access to other areas of the building if accompanied by a staff member. Deliveries All deliveries are to arrive via the Service Yard at the rear of the building and taken into the General Store (Conway Institute-Basement). An intercom located on the Service Yard entrance door will

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alert the General Stores of delivery/arrival. The General Store will be staffed between the following times: 9.00a.m. – 1.00p.m. and 2.00p.m. – 5.00p.m. Monday – Friday. LONE WORKING Definition: People who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. HAZARDS Suffering an accident. Falling ill. Attack by another person. RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium GENERAL CONTROL MEASURES − Unsupervised Out-of-hours work by Undergraduate Students is strictly forbidden. − A list of activities planned for Out-of-hours is to be developed. Risk assessments should be

implemented for any procedure/system of work to be carried out Out-of-hours. − Approval forms for Out-of-hours access must be completed. − A register of Out-of-hours access must be maintained at the main Reception Desk. − A register of experiments running Out-of-hours / unattended must be maintained at the

Reception Desk. − Adequate access and egress. − All plant, goods and substances are handled safely by a person working alone. − The worker must not suffer from any medical condition that makes him or her unsuitable for

lone working. − Contact/security arrangements. − Avoidance of high risk activities. − Pager system/man down system? GOVERNING LEGISLATION Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989. Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993: Part III Workplace.

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Section 4.3: Electricity

HAZARDS Electric Burns Electric Shock Fire Trips or falls from loose cables. RISK ASSESSMENT High CONTROL MEASURES

1. All new fixed and temporary wiring will be to the latest Irish standards and, where practicable, in compliance with the national rules for electrical installations.

2. The College will ensure that a competent qualified electrician checks the wiring installation

on the premises. He shall provide a report on the condition of the installation with particular reference to fire safety and outlining the tests done and the extent to which visual inspection was relied upon.

3. Under no circumstances should any employees other than a College Electrician or qualified

person attempt to effect repairs either temporary or permanent to the electrical supply system or to any of the electrical appliances in the Institute.

WIRING, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY The following precautions should be adhered to -

• Any person carrying out work on the electrical installation or any accessories or equipment connected thereto should normally isolate the equipment first by removing the main fuse or locking off the isolator. Live working will not be expected although if there is a chance of inadvertent contact with live parts, then special precautions will be taken by authorised electricians, e.g. the use of insulated test prods, insulating rubber mats and other back-up precautions. In such circumstances a second person must be in attendance to render emergency assistance if required. If in doubt, the circuit must be tested using safe equipment to prove that it is dead.

• Notices must clearly indicate when live working is being carried out. No un-authorised personnel shall be allowed access to such an area while the work is in progress.

• A record should be kept of each item of equipment so that maintenance can be scheduled

and recorded.

• Enclosures, plugs etc. will be maintained as part of the portable appliance of which they form part, but damaged leads, plugs, etc. should not be allowed to remain in service.

• Equipment must be fitted with correctly rated fuses.

• Sufficient sockets will be provided to prevent overloading by use of adapters. Proper plugs

shall always be fitted to electrical appliances and flex firmly clamped.

• Adequate fusing or excess protection, e.g. circuit breakers, must be provided for all fixed and portable equipment and regularly maintained.

• Portable or temporary equipment will be connected by means of switched socket outlets

suitable for the environment.

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• Portable 220-volt AC power tools and equipment if used out of doors (preference is to be given to 110 volt AC equipment to avoid this) must only be used in conjunction with a 30mA residual current device.

• Cables used for outdoor equipment will be to a heavy duty protected or armoured design.

Armouring, if of conducting material, must be earthed.

• Flexible cables should not be run across floors. Where damage at floor level to other cables is possible, protection by ramps, conduit or armouring will be considered and applied.

• Flexible cables will also be adequately protected against external mechanical damage.

Flexible cables for portable equipment will be properly mechanically restrained within plugs and couplers.

• It is essential that all accessible metalwork be earthed.

• Live parts of machines should be properly screened. Interlock switches provided for guards

should not be capable of inadvertent operation.

• Flammable liquids should not be used or stored near to, or allowed to come into contact with live electrical parts.

• Where equipment is required for ongoing/overnight experimental work it should be clearly

marked as such and should be recorded in the logbook. Otherwise where appropriate all equipment not in use to be switched off, especially at the end of a working day, unless of a specialist type, e.g. experimental apparatus, fridges, growth cabinets.

FAULTS If for any reason there is an electrical fault either partial or total the Assistant Director Technical Services should be immediately contacted to attend and remedy the matter. Dangerous or defective material should be replaced or remedied in accordance with the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland’s rules. It is important that all extensions, alterations and repairs to electrical circuits are carried out in a proper manner in accordance with E.T.C.I.’s rules. GOVERNING LEGISLATION Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993: Part VIII - Electricity. SOURCES OF INFORMATION National Rules for electrical installations issued by the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland.

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Section 4.4: Housekeeping

HAZARDS The Conway Institute is a large building housing more than 500 individuals. Room type ranges from offices, stores and undergraduate teaching laboratories to specialised research laboratories. The Conway Institute also has 4 large open-plan Research wings, which are shared by many people. Poor housekeeping in the Institute, especially in areas of common use can pose a wide variety of risks to health and safety, including -

• Trips - Materials left lying in aisles

• Slips - On floors with chemical spills, slippery material strewn about

• Falls - Use of inappropriate materials for accessing higher work areas

• Collisions - Blockage of access aisles with materials

• Falling Objects: - Improper stacking of materials

• Fire - Inadequately and infrequent disposal of combustible rubbish.

• Cuts – Broken glass or sharp edges can cause cuts.

• Contamination – Biohazard laboratory waste can contaminate and cause infection. RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES 1. All areas shall be kept clean and tidy at all times. This is particularly important in all areas of

common use. 2. All corridors shall be dry and free from obstruction at all times. Where floors are wet as a

result of cleaning operations, warning signs should be erected to that effect. 3. All spillages shall be cleaned up immediately. 4. All workplaces, passageways and stairs should be adequately lit. Defects in flooring, stair

treads, handrails and lighting must be reported immediately to the wing technician or Safety coordinator.

5. All light fittings, windows will be regularly cleaned and broken light bulbs replaced. Used

light bulbs should be appropriately disposed of. 6. All refuse bins shall be emptied as frequently as necessary to prevent build up of rubbish. 7. All waste shall be properly cleared away daily. 8. Specialised waste bins (sharps, biohazard etc.) shall be handled with care and the relevant

PPE should be worn at all times when handling waste. 9. When using any cleaning materials, which may pose a hazard, protective clothing shall be

supplied and used e.g. gloves. 10. Storage and stacking of goods must be done in specifically designated places and located

in such a manner as to minimise the hazards of goods falling. 11. Goods should not be placed in overhead locations, such as on top of presses and ledges

over doors where they can fall and strike persons below.

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12. Office equipment and their surrounds should be kept clean and tidy. 13. Any signs of vermin (droppings, actual sightings etc) shall be reported at once and vermin

control company requested to carry out a more thorough check. GOVERNING LEGISLATION The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 requires that employers shall ensure that a safe working place and safe accesses are provided for their employees so far as is reasonably practicable (section 6), employers have a duty to ensure that their work does not affect others so far as is reasonably practicable (section 7) and persons having control of premises have a duty to ensure that the premises are maintained in a safe condition and that all means of access are safe so far as is reasonably practicable for persons who are not their employees but are required to use the premises (section 8).

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Section 4.5: Manual Handling

HAZARDS • Incorrect method of lifting • Attempting to lift something which is too heavy • Lifting sharp/awkward shapes • Lifting material contaminated with harmful chemicals. The main injuries associated with manual handling and lifting are:

- Back strain, slipped disc. - Hernias. - Lacerations, crushing of hands or fingers. - Repetitive Strain Injury. - Bruised or broken toes or feet. - Various sprains, strains, etc.

RISK ASSESSMENT: High CONTROL MEASURES

1. Where possible measures shall be taken to reduce the amount of manual handling to a minimum and mechanical handling devices supplied and used in so far as is reasonably practicable.

2. Mobile trolleys shall be used wherever practicable for transporting goods. 3. All appropriate staff shall be trained in safe manual handling techniques. Training will be

organised in conjunction with the College Safety Office. 4. The selection of persons to carry out manual handling or lifting tasks will be based on the

training given, age and physical build. 5. If a member of staff is involved in moving particular items - e.g. gas cylinders, - then

detailed training in these areas will be given. 6. Loads which must be manually handled shall be assessed on the basis of their risk to

health and safety and due caution exercised where there is a risk of back injury etc. The method of handling shall take account of the size, weight, shape, condition and position of the load to be handled.

7. Staff shall be informed of the weight of the load to be handled. 8. Where loads have to be manually handled, safe access shall be assured. 9. Non-slip mats on floor surfaces shall be supplied on areas where there is a particular risk of

slipping. 10. Portable step platforms shall be supplied and used to access loads at high levels. 11. Adequate lighting shall be supplied to ensure that visibility is sufficient at all times. 12. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) must be available as required for the

handling of materials, which could cause injury. See Section 4.10 for further information on PPE.

GOVERNING LEGISLATION The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993: Part VI - Manual Handling of loads

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Section 4.6. Pregnant Employees

HAZARDS • Physical Shocks – including direct blows to the abdomen • Vibration - of whole body • Handling a load – see section 4.5 Manual Handling guidelines • Noise – see section 4.7 Noise guidelines • Excessive heat and cold • Movement and postures which are abrupt or severe or give rise to excessive fatigue • Ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation • Biological agents of risk groups 2, 3 and 4 – including toxoplasma, viruses (e.g. Rubella),

bacteria, etc • Chemicals – including substances which cause cancer, mercury, antimitotic (cytotoxic) drugs,

carbon monoxide, chemical agents of known and dangerous percutaneous absorption, lead and lead substances (for a complete list see Pregnant Employee Regulations, 2000, and Carcinogen Regulations, 1993)

• Pressurisation chambers. RISK ASSESSMENT Medium CONTROL MEASURES • The employee has a duty to notify her employer. The safety coordinator/officer will then arrange

for a risk assessment to be carried out via the safety office. • A risk assessment (in writing) must be carried out specifically on the work done by the pregnant

employee and must take into account her work environment. • If the assessment reveals that there is a risk to the pregnant woman she must be informed

about the risk and what will be done to ensure her safety • The supervisor must assess if there are any practical ways the risk can be avoided (by

adjusting the working conditions, hours of work or by providing suitable alternative work) and if not the pregnant woman should be given safety and health leave under Section 18 of the Maternity Protection Act 1994 for normal pregnancies.

• The regulations are applicable to an employee once the Institute or the supervisor has been notified that she is pregnant, has recently given birth or is breastfeeding.

• Any reference to a pregnant woman in this safety statement will include women during pregnancy, immediately after pregnancy and while breastfeeding, in accordance with the regulations.

The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Pregnant Employees etc) Regulations 2000. With reference to:

The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations, 1993. The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations, 1994. European Communities (Classifications, Packaging, Labelling and Notification of Dangerous Substances) Regulations 1994. The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 1993. The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989.

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Section 4.7. Noise

HAZARDS • Old or malfunctioning laboratory or office equipment or ventilation systems. • Use of radios in open plan labs. • Prolonged exposure to loud noise may lead to increased blood pressure, stress and tiredness. RISK ASSESSMENT Medium CONTROL MEASURES Faulty equipment should be reported and removed from service until repaired. Where necessary, consideration should be given to the purchase of Laboratory equipment, which has been ergonomically designed to reduce noise production. In some cases it may be necessary to locate equipment in such a manner as to absorb or confine the noise produced while in use. Where sound pressure levels are at 85 dBA hearing protection must be provided. Where sound pressure levels are at 90 dBA hearing protection must be worn and warning signs erected. Control of the noise at source must be investigated. Radios if used in the Lab should be by consent of all personnel and any requests to lower volume should be accepted immediately. Requests to monitor the sound pressure levels and where noise complaints cannot be resolved locally they should be directed to the safety coordinator. GOVERNING LEGISLATION The European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Noise) Regulations, 1990. Noise at Work Regulations, 1989. The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993.

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Section 4.8. Office and VDU Safety

HAZARDS • While office work may not be considered a high-risk activity, unsafe work systems may result in

injury or illness. • Poor arrangement of furniture, boxes of office materials or exposed electric/telephone cables

could lead to trips or falls. Sharp corners or open drawers may result in injury. • There is a risk of falling when personnel put items on high shelves or attempt to take items

down. Likewise objects stored above head level could cause injury if they fall. • Inadequate or inappropriately located lighting or ventilation could be a cause of physical stress

and discomfort, as could a poor thermal environment. • Bad workstation design or insufficient desk-space may cause undue fatigue and posture

defects, leading to long-term problems of muscular strain and backache. Poorly designed software and monotonous work may be a cause of stress to VDU users.

• Eyestrain may occur for a number of reasons, including defective eyesight, glare, flickering images on the screen, poor brightness or insufficient contrast.

• Litter and other flammable office waste is a fire hazard. • Paper shredders could be a cause of injury to hands if not switched off while paper is removed. RISK ASSESSMENT: Low CONTROL MEASURES Adequate office space should be provided. All furniture, fittings and equipment should be arranged so that staff can move about without collision with sharp corners of desks, filing cabinets, etc. All items on shelves above head level should be placed properly to prevent falling and causing injury. Stepladders should be provided to access such shelves. Electric or telephone cables should not trail unprotected across the floor. Cable covers should be supplied and used. Floor areas should be kept clear of litter and boxes of office materials. Full regard must be given to manufacturer’s operating instructions for all equipment. It must be maintained in a good state of repair and cleanliness. When changing printer cartridges or loading photocopier toner, staff should avoid contact with skin or clothing. The mains power supply must be disconnected before attempting to move electrical equipment. Paper shredders should be switched off before shredded paper is removed. Sufficient ventilation should be provided, particularly in the vicinity of photocopiers. Sufficient lighting should be provided and be suitably positioned in relation to the workstation. Ambient temperature should be kept at a comfortable setting. Noise levels should also be comfortable. All damaged floor covering, furniture equipment or machinery should be reported and should be replaced or repaired. Dangerous waste, e.g. broken glass, should be carefully disposed of. VDU’s and workstations. • All VDU personnel should receive suitable instruction and training to include the general

principles of ergonomics as they apply to workstations, the proper adjustment and positioning of their chairs, monitors and keyboards, positioning of lighting, etc. to suit the user’s height, reach and other physical characteristics.

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• Employees who habitually use VDUs as a significant part of their normal work are entitled to an appropriate eye and eyesight test, to be carried out by a competent person, before commencement of display screen work, at regular intervals thereafter and if they experience visual difficulties which may be due to display screen work. If an employee purely for VDU work requires special corrective appliances, these should be provided at no cost to the employee.

• The monitor should be of good quality, with a clear stable screen image, free from flicker and

glare and with good brightness and contrast, adjustable to suit individual needs. The screen should also have a swivel and tilt facility.

• The keyboard should be tiltable, with easily readable and usable keys. There should be

adequate space to rest hands and wrists on the desk in front of the keyboard. • The work chair should be stable and comfortable, allowing freedom of movement to give direct

access to various elements of the workstation. It should be adjustable in height and tilt, with special back support if required. A footrest should also be provided if required.

• Computer software should be user friendly and employees should be fully trained in its use. • The work activity should be designed to include short frequent breaks from the display screen,

especially if the computer work is of a monotonous nature. Special Safeguards Photosensitive epileptics must seek medical advice before working on VDU equipment. Pregnant women may have the option to refrain from operating VDU equipment should they wish to do so. VDU operators should be advised that certain drugs such as Valium and Librium affect the speed of eye movements and could lead to eye fatigue. GOVERNING LEGISLATION Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Applications) Regulations, 1993 (S.I. No 44) Part III Workplace and Part VII Work with Display Screen Equipment.

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Section 4.9. Peninsular Bench Area

Research students work in open-plan laboratories comprising peninsular benches, with side benches for equipment. Each alternate bench has workspace for 6 researchers or for 4 researchers with a cold-water sink at one end. The benches have presses underneath, with space for under-bench fridges, freezers, etc. A narrow shelf without a lip along the centre of each bench carries electrical sockets and computer points. The side benches also have sinks with cold water and R/O water taps and with vacuum points. HAZARDS • Cross-contamination along shared benches. • Lack of space on peninsular benches for electric cabling. • Objects falling or being knocked off the central above-bench shelves. • Aerosol contamination in large open-plan laboratories. • Possible build-up of used glassware to be brought to the general wash-up area. • Collection of various forms of waste in the laboratories. • Manual handling of glassware and equipment in the laboratories. • Slips, trips, falls and spillages while taking experiment equipment and apparatus to and from the

equipment rooms or from peninsular bench to side bench. • High levels of noise from electrical apparatus. RISK ASSESSMENT Medium CONTROL MEASURES Good laboratory practice is essential, to minimise bench and air contamination. Section 9, Housekeeping, should be referred to. Researchers must familiarise themselves with the possible hazards arising from the chemicals and procedures of those at adjoining bench-spaces, and must likewise notify other local researchers of hazards pertaining to their own work. All chemicals and other hazards (e.g. hot plates in use) must be adequately labelled. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be used, taking adjacent hazards into account. Experiments should be planned to minimise transport of hazardous materials from one location to another. Heavy items or other hazardous materials should not be placed on the over-bench shelves. Visitors Supervisors shall be responsible for the safety of their visitors and shall ensure that they are informed of any pertinent safety matters. Visiting researchers shall be subject to these regulations as though they were permanently resident in the Institute.

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Section 4.10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

HAZARDS Handling and use of chemicals (corrosive, toxic or harmful solids, liquids or gasses), hot, cold or heavy objects, animals and biohazardous materials. Use of equipment; noise, radiation and mechanical hazards. CONTROL MEASURES 1. Face Protection - Goggles or safety glasses with solid side shields in combination with masks,

or chin length face shields or other splatter guards are required for anticipated splashes, sprays or splatters of infectious or other hazardous materials to the face. − Anyone wearing corrective lenses must either obtain prescription safety glasses by

contacting the Safety Office or obtain over glasses with side protection. − Wearing of contact lenses is not advised in the laboratory setting. For those persons

wearing contact lenses, appropriate safety goggles must be worn. Some soft lenses do absorb organic vapours and corrosive vapours like hydrogen chloride or ammonia. If you notice any discomfort while working with volatile solvents, or corrosive liquids or gases then the lenses should be taken out. You should also notify the people working in your area that you are wearing contact lenses in case of an emergency.

2. Laboratory Clothing - This category includes laboratory coats, smocks, scrub suits, and

gowns. a. Long sleeved garments should be used to minimize the contamination of skin or street

clothes and to reduce shedding of microorganisms from the arms. b. In circumstances where it is anticipated that splashes may occur, the garment must be

resistant to liquid penetration to protect clothing from contamination. c. If protective clothing becomes contaminated, it must be sterilised by autoclaving prior to

laundry. d. Protective clothing must be removed and left in the laboratory before leaving for non-

laboratory areas. e. Protective clothing should be available for visitors, maintenance and service workers in

the event it is required. All protective clothing should be either discarded in the laboratory, disinfected or laundered by the facility.

f. Personnel must not launder laboratory clothing at home. 3. Gloves - Gloves must be selected on the basis of the hazards involved and the activities to be

conducted, please see Appendix 22 for further information on glove material types. a. Gloves must be worn when working with biohazardous and/or toxic or corrosive

materials and physically hazardous agents. b. Temperature-resistant gloves must be worn when handling hot material, dry ice or

materials being removed from cryogenic storage devices. c. Delicate work requiring a high degree of precision dictates the use of thin walled gloves. d. When working with hazardous materials, the lower sleeve and the cuff of the laboratory

garment should be overlapped by the glove. A long sleeved glove or disposable arm-shield may be worn for further protection of the garment.

e. In some instances double gloving may be appropriate. If a spill occurs, hands will be protected after the contaminated outer gloves are removed.

f. Gloves must be disposed of when contaminated, removed when work with infectious materials is completed and never worn outside the laboratory.

g. Disposable gloves must not be washed or reused. 4. Respirators - Selection is based on the hazard and the protection factor required. Personnel

who require respiratory protection must contact their safety advisor for assistance in selection of equipment and training in its proper usage. Disposable masks / respirators should be used only once and discarded. They should be placed over the mouth and nose - never leave a used mask around the neck or head.

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5. Footwear – Safety shoes or boots with additional protective toe-cap should be worn where necessary e.g. where personnel are routinely involved in manual handling of equipment and deliveries or during fieldwork.

6. Hearing protection should be provided where necessary see below and Section 4.7, Noise for

further information. General Guidelines

− PPE must be provided where it is not possible to avoid or limit the risk or to protect employees through collective measures.

− PPE must be provided which is appropriate for the risks involved, without itself causing any increased risk, be user friendly and fit the wearer correctly after any necessary adjustment.

− The Sixth and Seventh Schedule of the SH&WW (General Application) Regulations, 1993 should be referred to when deciding on the type of PPE required and the types of work activities requiring the provision of PPE.

− The design and manufacture of PPE provided should comply with relevant European standards (CE mark).

− The type of PPE used must be assessed on a regular basis, and replaced if necessary. − PPE must be stored properly, suitably maintained in good working order and hygienic condition

and replaced if necessary. Defective PPE should not be in use. − Where an employee is required to wear PPE they should be informed as to why it is necessary

to use PPE and be instructed or trained in the effective use, care and maintenance of the specific PPE.

− Where PPE must be used the employer should arrange work practices and equipment to reduce as far as possible the times necessary for the employee to wear PPE without risk to his / her safety and health.

The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 1993, Part V and 6th and 7th Schedules. The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, Part II.

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Section 4.11: Autoclaves

HAZARD • Explosion • Hot Pipe work • Contact with Steam • Burn risk when removing hot material RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES All autoclaves in the Institute will have an examination by a technical engineer (external) in line with the University’s insurance requirements at least once a year. It is the duty of every user to notify the Caretaker or Safety Officer if there is any evidence of wear to an autoclave, which may compromise its safe operation. The only personnel authorised to operate autoclaves in the Institute shall be named personnel who have been trained in their correct and safe use. Standard Training documents must be provided and training records must be kept. New staff/students must be trained in the operation of each autoclave by an experienced user. The manufacturer’s instructions should be carefully read before use of the equipment. The equipment should be tested periodically with thermistors to ensure correct temperatures are being attained. Protective clothing, heatproof gloves and face shields must be worn at all times during loading and removal of materials. Heatproof gloves should periodically be checked for evidence of wear. The water level must be checked and topped up if necessary. (Note: probably not necessary, if self-filling type) When the sterilization process is complete the pressure gauge must be allowed to return to zero before unfastening the bolts and removing the lid. Items should be removed with great care as liquids may boil over when moved. The equipment must be switched off when not in use. Signs indicating that the exterior surface of the autoclave is hot (during use) must be clearly visible around the general area of the autoclave. Any faults must be reported to the Caretaker or Safety Officer at once.

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Section 4.12: Autoclave Wash-up Area.

HAZARDS • Inhalation of chemical Vapours. • Poor Ventilation. • Slips and Falls

• Hot pipe work. • Contact with steam. • Lacerations from jagged edges (i.e. broken glass). • Incorrect methods of lifting. • Lifting glass/plastic ware contaminated with harmful chemicals. RISK ASSESSMENT: HIGH. CONTROL MEASURES. All personnel using the Wash-up Area must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (Safety glasses with side protection, Howie style Laboratory coat fastened to the neck and appropriate disposable gloves), to avoid chemical contact with the eyes, skin or mucous membranes. Personnel should be familiar with Section 4.11. Autoclaves, before working in the Autoclave Wash-up Area. Transport of items from the Basement, First Floor and from the Second Floor to this Facility should be done using appropriate trolleys and should always be routed via the lift. All appropriate staff must be trained in proper manual handling procedures in order to prevent injury. Training will be organised in conjunction with the U.C.D Safety Office and records must be kept. Please refer to Section 4.5. Manual Handling. All cleaning chemicals must be stored under suitable conditions as per their MSDS. Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately. All chemicals must be labelled properly and spill cleanup procedures and materials must be available. Clean all spillages instantly and dispose of waste and used containers appropriately. This will prevent any unnecessary slips and falls. All broken glass must be swept up immediately and discarded into a sharps bin. The Wash-up Area is ventilated. Any attenuation/cessation of airflow must be reported immediately to the Safety Officer/ Caretaker. All equipment to be switched off at end of day.

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Section 4.13: Centrifuges

HAZARDS Entrapment of hands, clothing Foot and leg injury - unbalanced equipment moving and falling from bench Infection/ inhalation of hazardous substances - fine aerosols may be produced from ‘sealed’ containers. RISK ASSESSMENT Low CONTROL MEASURES • New staff/students must be trained in the operation of each centrifuge by an experienced user. • The instructions should be carefully read before use of the equipment. • Standard Training documents must be provided and training records must be kept. • The recommended rotors, buckets, adapters and tubes for each centrifuge should be used. • The maximum capacity of sample containers and the maximum load for each rotor must not be

exceeded. • The load must be symmetrically distributed in the rotor and comply with manufacturer’s

instructions. • Where recommended the centrifuge should be fixed to a working surface following the

specifications of the manufacturer. • The key must not be removed from a centrifuge that is left running. • The access cover must not be opened until the rotating assembly has stopped. • Where applicable once a refrigeration cycle is complete switch off the centrifuge and leave

access cover open to allow any accumulated condensation to evaporate. Ensure that all cooling intake/outtake fans are unobstructed.

Hazardous Materials Aerosols may be generated by centrifuges, which may escape via the vacuum pump without being retained by the filter. Therefore hazardous materials must be centrifuged in sealed containers inside sealed buckets or rotors. The sealed containers should be filled in the appropriate laboratory environment. After centrifuging the sealed buckets or rotor should be returned to the laboratory before opening. Containers used for hazardous material must be decontaminated as appropriate. Procedure for Rotor Disruptions. Non-hazardous materials

1. Isolate centrifuge from the electrical supply. 2. Do not open the centrifuge chamber for at least 30 minutes. 3. Avoid moving defective or damaged components (unless for decontamination) until

inspected by the manufacturer’s representative. If this is not possible, retain all components and debris.

4. Report the incident to the Safety Co-ordinator. 5. Do not reuse the centrifuge until tested by the manufacturer.

Hazardous materials

1. Evacuate the room immediately and do no re-enter for at least 30 minutes. 2. Consult a member of the Safety Committee before taking any further action. 3. Disinfect the centrifuge and surroundings as appropriate wearing protective clothes and

respiratory equipment if necessary. See Appendix 24 for disinfection. 4. Use forceps to handle broken glass or fragments. 5. Place contaminated items in appropriate decontamination and disposal system.

Maintenance A log of centrifuge usage should be kept. Centrifuges should be inspected and serviced every six months. In order to prevent corrosion, spillages should be removed immediately. The centrifuge chamber, rotors and accessories should be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

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Section 4.14: Gel Electrophoresis

HAZARDS Electric Shock Toxic chemical ingestion/inhalation RISK ASSESSMENT High CONTROL MEASURES Do not mouth pipette acrylamide Be sure the power is off before handling electrophoresis equipment and power supplies. Use suitable earth leakage circuit breakers or isolating transformers. Use safety-approved design of electrophoresis equipment. The manufacturer’s operations manual should be carefully read before use of the equipment and no repairs to electrophoresis equipment shall be carried out unless by qualified personnel. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. Gloves and Lab coat) at all times especially when staining with Ethidium Bromide, Bromophenol Blue, Coomassie Blue and silver staining compounds to ensure these toxic reagents do not make contact with skin. Replace glass plates if any nicks or cracks are present.

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Section 4.15. Radiation Safety

HAZARDS There is a risk of malignant diseases and hereditary damage. RISK ASSESSMENT Low CONTROL MEASURES General Anyone planning to work with radioactive substances must first register with the RPO. Once training is complete the Basic Training Checklist form must also be returned to the RPO. All stocks other than 3H and 14C must be kept in the radioactive laboratory and dilution of stocks must be carried out there also. A register of radioisotopes is kept containing information on the quantity of isotope purchased and date, quantity of diluted stock brought out of hot lab and the quantity and method of disposal. Users of radionuclides (other than 3H and 14C) must wear a dosimeter. The Conway Institute RPO, must be notified of any incidents. Procedures for the radioactive laboratory;

1. Those entering/leaving must sign in/out. 2. The standard of cleanliness must be higher than usual. 3. A lab coat, gloves and safety glasses must be worn at all times. 4. A Dosimeter badge monitor (available from the RPO) must be worn at all times. 5. Eating, drinking, smoking and the application of cosmetics must not take place in the

laboratory. 6. Mouth pipettes should not be used. 7. All reagents, equipment and apparatus should not normally be removed from the laboratory. 8. All reagents, equipment and apparatus should be labelled with details of the chemical

compound, radioactive isotope, activity, date and users name. 9. Ensure shielding is adequate - remember to protect the eyes. 10. Work should be carried out in a plastic tray or a tray lined with benchkote. 11. The fume cupboard should be used when the radioactive substance is likely to generate a

radioactive gas or vapour. 12. Your coat, gloves, the work area and any equipment used must be monitored before and

after use. Record counts in the logbook. 13. The hands should be washed and then monitored before leaving the laboratory to ensure

that no contamination is present. 14. If it is essential to carry out work after normal hours there must be two persons in the

laboratory. 15. Report any incident immediately.

The following are the shielding requirements for radioisotopes. Radioisotope Shielding requirements T1/2

3H None 12.43 yr 14C 1 cm Perspex 5730 yr 32P 1 cm Perspex, then lead 14.3 days 86Rb 1 cm Perspex, then lead 18.7 days 35S 1 cm Perspex 87.4 days 86CI 1 cm Perspex 3.01 x 105 yr 45CA 1 cm Perspex 164 days 125I Lead 60 days 22Na Lead 2.6 yrs A record must be kept of the amounts of radioactivity withdrawn from stock containers Records are kept by users within each laboratory.

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Disposal of radioactive materials A record of all radioactive waste disposed of must be kept. Record sheets (available from the RPO) must be filled in and retained for inspection in the user’s laboratory.

• Liquid waste: Non-biodegradable cocktails and toxic solvents Collect in Winchesters, suitably screened in users lab. When full take an aliquot to determine level of radioactivity. Label Winchester and transfer to users bay in the radioactive waste room. Notify the RPO. Biodegradable cocktails and aqueous solutions Collect in Winchesters suitably screened in users lab. When full take an aliquot to determine level of radioactivity. Flush down the designated drain with 5-10 vols of water if levels do not exceed the following limits: 32P86Rb Wait for 5 x T1/2 3H 1.35 µCI/1 1350 µCi/day 14C 1.35 µCI/1 135 µCi/day 35S 86CI 45CA 125I 22Na 1.35 µCI/1 13.5 µCi/l

• Solid waste:

32P86Rb

Put in black bags, label and date. Ensure that no radioactive logo is attached to the bag. Place black bag behind screen in the users bay in the radioactive waste room. After 5 x T1/2 these bags may be disposed of in the ordinary waste. 3H 14C 35S 86CI 125I 22Na Put in black bags, label and date. Place black bag in the appropriate yellow bag in users bay in the radioactive waste room. Ensure that no prohibited substances are put in yellow bags. Tie each yellow bag when it is ¾ full and notify the RPO when your group has six full bags. GOVERNING LEGISLATION/REGULATIONS: Radiological Protection Act 1991. General Control of Radioactive Substances, Nuclear Devices and Irradiating Apparatus) Order S.I. No. 151 of 1993. License No. 161-33-95.

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Section 4.16. Biological Agents (General)

HAZARDS Personnel who work in biological laboratories may handle laboratory animals or other animal organs or microorganisms - namely bacteria, viruses and yeasts, which are capable of provoking an infectious, allergic or toxic response to exposure. Human cell lines, tissue and fluids must also be considered as potentially infectious. Routes of exposure include ‘sharps’ injuries while working with organisms, skin penetration through unprotected cuts and scratches, absorption through the skin or through the mucous membranes of the nose or eyes, inhalation and accidental ingestion. Contaminated laboratory benches, equipment and coats are all possible sources of infection. Personnel working with genetically modified organisms are required to follow the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations, 2001. Biological agents are classified according to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations, 1994 and its Amendments, 1998. Microorganisms have been classified into groups according to their pathogenicity and their risk of infection to humans. Group 1 Organisms, which are a minimal potential hazard to laboratory personnel and the environment. They are not known to cause disease in healthy individuals. Group 2 Organisms, which are a moderate potential hazard to laboratory workers and the environment. They may cause human disease but it is unlikely to spread to the community. Effective prophylaxis or treatment is available. Group 3 Organisms, which are a serious potential hazard to laboratory workers and the environment. They may cause severe human disease with a high risk of spread to the community but there is usually an effective prophylaxis or treatment available. Group 4 Organisms, which are a serious potential hazard to laboratory workers and the environment. They may cause severe human disease with a high risk of spread to the community and there is usually no effective prophylaxis or treatment available. The Conway Institute does not have the facilities for handling Group 4 pathogens, which will not therefore be brought into the Conway Building. RISK ASSESSMENT High CONTROL MEASURES Personnel intending to work with biological agents must notify the University Biosafety Officer and register as ‘authorised users’. Registration Forms and guidance are available at http://www.ucd.ie/safety/code/biosafety/registration.htm They must provide a written risk assessment of the relevant agents and procedures being followed, including containment measures required, taking account of the routes of infection, the scale and nature of the procedures and the immune status of those exposed. They must complete the Infectious Materials (IM) Logbook, detailing the name of each biological agent, the class of hazard, the protection required and the supervisor of the research. It is UCD policy to offer vaccination against the Hepatitis B virus to everyone handling human-derived material of any sort, as a secondary protection against infection and against becoming a chronic carrier of the virus. This vaccination is available to all personnel free of charge. The safety officer should be contacted for further details. The initial handling of human-derived material must be carried out in the Special Handling facility in the basement, see Appendix 15. Information and Training Authorised users must be provided with the appropriate information, instruction and training in safe practices relevant to their work. This should include appropriate laboratory practice and good housekeeping protocols, details of the risk assessments specific to the organisms they are using,

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their hazards and control measures including PPE, safe storage requirements, waste disposal and procedures to be followed in the event of accidents, incidents or spillages. A high standard of personal hygiene is required – users must wash their hands with a disinfectant soap each time they leave the laboratory. ‘Howie’-type coats must be worn, properly fastened, while working in the laboratory. These should be frequently laundered and, if contaminated, they should be rendered safe before laundering. Provision of information and instruction also extends to other persons such as contractors (maintenance and cleaning personnel, for instance), other users of the laboratory and visitors. Procedures Procedures involving biological agents must be carried out under appropriate laboratory conditions. Certain procedures may require the use of a microbiological safety cabinet, either Class I or Class II: • Class I - an open-fronted ventilated cabinet with an unrecirculated inward airflow, where potentially infectious airborne particles are retained on a filter. It provides protection to personnel and the environment and is suitable for Group 1, 2 and 3 organisms where no product protection is required. • Class II - a ventilated cabinet with inward airflow for personnel protection, downward HEPA filtered laminar airflow for product protection (e.g. for cell culture work) and HEPA filtered exhausted air for environmental protection. It is also suitable for Group 1, 2 and 3 organisms. Storage and Transport Storage facilities for biological agents should be marked with Biohazard signs as appropriate. Stored materials should also be clearly marked with biohazard labels. They should be checked frequently and contaminated or unwanted materials should be discarded. Transportation of infectious materials into and out of the Conway Building and along corridors from their storage positions must be in suitable sealed and labelled containers designed for the purpose. Waste Disposal No potentially pathogen-containing waste material may leave the building until it has been appropriately disinfected. Dry waste materials should be put into Biohazard bags that are then sealed and autoclaved before disposal with other regular waste. Liquid wastes should be disinfected appropriately (Appendix 24) or autoclaved before being flushed down the sink with plenty of water. Organic liquid waste should be disinfected appropriately (Appendix 24) and after a suitable contact time (normally overnight) it should be put into a waste container for disposal as organic waste (See Section 4.18.3 Chemical Waste). If infectious waste is also radioactive, both the Biosafety Officer and the Radiation Officer must be consulted about its disposal, since special procedures may be required. Accidents An accident is defined as any incident involving the entry or potential entry of pathogenic material through the skin or mucosa. This includes the contamination of abraded or cut skin, breakage of skin or mucosa by any sharp object, contamination of eyes, nasal or buccal cavities, oral ingestion and inhalation of aerosols generated, for example, by splashing (other than splashes occurring in a correctly operating Class I or II Safety Cabinet). Emergency procedures will depend on the extent of personal injury. The Risk Assessment for the particular pathogen involved should be consulted. All accidents should be reported immediately to the user’s supervisor or safety officer. Depending on the severity of the accident, and specifically if a Group 3 pathogen is involved, the University Biosafety Officer should also be immediately notified. In every case the user or, if that is not possible, their supervisor, will inform the University Biosafety Officer. An Incident Report Form should also be filled in and sent to the Conway Institute Safety Coordinator and the College Safety Office.

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Emergency Telephone Numbers

College Emergency Number 7999

College Health Services 7163133 / Ext. 3133 St. Vincent’s Hospital 2694333 UCD Safety Office 1798/1317 UCD Biosafety Officer (Dr.Mark Rogers) 2197/2256 Visitors Supervisors shall be responsible for the safety of their visitors and shall ensure that they are informed of any pertinent safety matters. Visiting researchers shall be subject to these regulations as though they were permanently resident in the Institute. GOVERNING LEGISLATION The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations, 1994 (SI No 146 of 1994) The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) (Amendments) Regulations, 1998 (SI No 248 of 1998) The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Genetically Modified Organisms) (Contained Use) Regulations, 2001 (SI No 73 of 2001) Council Directive 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work.

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Section 4.17. Chemical Safety

HAZARDS Contact with skin. Swallowing of chemicals Inhalation of vapours. RISK ASSESSMENT Medium CONTROL MEASURES The following general precautions apply to the handling, transporting and use of all chemical substances. Chemicals must never be allowed to come into eye contact. Contact with skin and mucous membrane must likewise be avoided. Inhalation of chemical and biological vapours or dust should be avoided. 1. Safety glasses with side protection, Howie style Lab coat fastened to the neck and appropriate

disposable gloves should be worn2. See Section 4.10 for further information on PPE.

2. Additional PPE should be made available where the need is identified by risk assessment e.g.

Disposable Respirators (EN: FFP-2 (S)) should be worn when weighing harmful dusty solids.

3. Eating, drinking, smoking and the application of cosmetics must not take place in the laboratory.

All cuts and abrasions must be covered and good personal hygiene practices must be adhered

to.

4. All persons handling hazardous substances must be fully aware of the potential risks from those

substances and must be adequately trained and equipped to minimise those risks.

5. Activities that may cause the creation or release of large amounts of dust, aerosols or vapours

and work with potentially hazardous chemicals and solvents shall be carried out in the fume

hood.

6. The efficacy of fume hoods should be tested on an annual basis. The filters on clean air

benches/flow hoods will be changed on a regular basis and their efficacy will be assessed on a

regular basis.

7. Facilities for the washing and cleansing of the skin must be made available with the necessary

cleansers and barrier creams.

8. Each lab will maintain an up to date Material Safety Data Sheet Folder. All recommendations

outlined in the MSDS and risk assessment, shall be implemented where reasonably practicable.

9. The amount of hazardous material purchased for use and storage shall be kept to a minimum.

10. Store all chemicals under suitable conditions, as per the MSDS. Incompatible chemicals must

be stored separately3.

11. Ensure the correct equipment for handling and transport of hazardous substances is available.

Bottle carriers should be located where solvents are stored and should be used when carrying

solvents between storage and fume hoods.

12. All waste materials shall be placed in suitable containers, clearly labelled and stored and

disposed of correctly, See section 4.18.3 Chemical Waste.

2 Appendix 22 Glove Material Types. 3 Appendix 23 Chemical incompatibilities.

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13. Where mercury thermometers are in use, mercury spill cleanup kits should be available.

Mercury thermometers should be replaced with spirit filled thermometers where practicable.

14. Clean all spillages instantly and dispose of waste and used containers appropriately (Section

4.18.3). If in doubt, refer to the Wing Manager to ensure that the correct method of disposal is

used.

It is the policy of the Institute to adhere to the guidelines for working with chemical agents as set

down by the College Safety Office. These guidelines are available on the UCD Safety Office

Website http://www.ucd.ie/safety/ The Group Supervisor will ensure that all staff and students are

aware of the hazards associated with specific materials and are trained in how to use and handle

these materials properly. A chemical agent risk assessment (CARA) must be carried out. CARA

guidelines, template forms and sample assessments are also available in Appendix 29.

GOVERNING LEGISLATION CODE OF PRACTICE for the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (SH&WW) (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 1994. SH&WW (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001 and SH&WW (Carcinogens) Regulations, 2001. SH&WW (General Application) Regulations, 1993 and SH&WW Act 1989. European Communities: (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations 2000; (Classification. Packaging, Labelling and Notification of Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2000; (Classification. Packaging & Labelling of Dangerous Preparations) (Amendment) Regulations 1998. EPA Act 1992. Waste Management Act, 1992. Signs Regulations, 1995.

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Section 4.18. Disposal Services

4.18.1 Autoclaving SEE SECTION 4.11, AUTOCLAVES. 4.18.2 Biological Waste Minimisation

In an effort to reduce the amount of Biological waste generated in the Institute, waste minimisation

techniques should be employed. The use of micro and semi-micro techniques should be

considered, and also the use of alternative procedures, which generate less hazardous waste

products.

Disposal and Disinfection

All Conway Institute biological waste is disposed of by outside contractors Novian International Ltd.

T/a Healthcare Waste Management Services of 6 Cathedral Close Tullow Street, Carlow. They

route our waste to Eco-Safe Systems Unit 1A Allied Industrial Estate, Kylemore Road, Dublin 10

who are approved under License 54/2 issued by the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland

and in accordance with the Waste management Act 1996 and Waste Management

(Licensing) (Amended) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 185) to accept a wide range of wastes for

treatment. This includes un-autoclaved laboratory wastes. Wastes not suitable for treatment are

exported from the transfer station for incineration. The movement of hazardous waste from the

Conway Institute is recorded and controlled by the use of C1 forms Waste management (Movement

of Hazardous Waste) Regulations, 1998. A certificate of Acceptance and Destruction of Clinical

Waste/healthcare Risk Waste is received from EcoSafe systems and held on file.

Solid waste (including paper and gloves) shall be collected in yellow UN3291 autoclavable

biohazard bags in appropriate floor stands within reach of the user. When three-quarters full, the

bags will be sealed with a cable tie by the lab attendant, who will be responsible for its safe delivery

to the collection area of the designated outside agency for disposal. Bags of waste are not to be

stored in laboratories - they are a fire hazard and a trip hazard.

Sharps will be disposed of in designated UN3291 sharps containers. There are two types, a

UN3291 cardboard box lined with yellow bag and a smaller UN3291 hard plastic yellow bin. The

former is for sharps such as broken glass, tips, glass pasteur pipettes. The latter is for objects that

would pierce the cardboard box such as razors, scalpels, hypodermic needles. When three quarters

full these will be sealed and removed by the lab attendant to the collection area of the designated

outside agency for disposal.

All liquid waste will be collected in containers for treatment with an appropriate disinfectant (See

Appendix 24). An aerosol-trapping filter shall be fitted between vacuum operated receivers and the

vacuum source. Following the minimum period required (since the last addition of infected material)

for disinfection, the liquid may then be disposed of by autoclaving or other appropriate methods. In

general, disinfectants for the disposal of virus containing liquid should contain chlorine compounds

and detergents, while for bacteria, phenolic compounds are appropriate. Precautions should be

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taken where the bio-burden is high (e.g. whole blood or serum) since the disinfecting properties

may become ineffective at high bio-burden. If there is any doubt, autoclave the waste before

disposal.

GMM / GMO Waste

Class 1 GMM/GMO waste is treated as biological waste (see above). Class 2 GMM/GMO waste

material must be autoclaved on site. It is then treated as biological waste. Refer to the SOP located

in contained areas F094 and S005.

4.18.3 Chemical Waste

Minimisation The Conway Institute is committed to the protection of human health and the environment. To meet these commitments, the Institute strongly encourages its employees to utilise chemical waste minimisation (waste reduction) techniques to reduce the volume and toxicity of chemical waste produced at the Institute. An important benefit from waste minimisation is that it will help reduce the University’s escalating chemical disposal costs. The following describes common Chemical Waste Minimisation techniques: • Chemical Redistribution. Unopened or unused portions of chemicals may be redistributed

within the Institute via the stores. • End of Process Treatment. End of process treatment procedures should be incorporated into

standard SOPs and used where practicable. An example would be to neutralise an acid with a base and flush to drain.

• Management. Audit chemical supplies and use inventory control. Only purchase quantity of chemicals required, particularly so with “problem” chemicals.

• Process Modification. To the extent that it does not compromise vital research, teaching or service, laboratories are encouraged to modify experimental or standard processes to decrease the quantity of hazardous chemicals used and generated. Where possible, micro or semi-micro techniques should be used to reduce the amount of waste generated.

• Product Substitution. Substitute non-hazardous or less toxic materials in chemical processes and experiments

• Purchasing. Purchase only the quantity of chemical required for specific projects. Do not stockpile chemicals unnecessarily.

• Recycling. Investigate the possibility of chemical recycling where possible. • Segregation and Characterisation.

− Eliminate as many unknown chemicals as possible. Disposal companies will not accept unknowns. As a result chemicals will have to be analysed to determine their identity; this incurs additional costs.

− Fill up bottles with chemicals that are the same, as this will reduce the cost. − Do not mix chemicals that may combust. − Do not mix hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste. − Where possible separate Halogenated (e.g. chlorinated) solvents from non-

Halogenated solvents. − Organic wastes should be emptied into labelled containers, and stored in

designated storage areas in each wing or lab. Liquid waste containers should be removed and replaced when 80% full and safely stored for disposal by a licensed waste hauler.

− Separate explosives from the main waste. Not all explosives will be removed, and are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

• Training. Training in waste minimisation techniques should be given. Disposal of Chemical Waste.

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The following are guidelines4 for the safe disposal of chemical waste. If there is any doubt as to whether a chemical may cause harmful effects, if discharged to the foul sewer, either to plant or animal life, treat it as hazardous waste. Environmentally, compounds that lead to eutrophication of watercourses, such as nitrates or phosphates, must also be treated as hazardous waste. • Hazardous chemical waste, which cannot be rendered harmless to persons or the environment

on site, must be labelled accurately, and stored in the designated holding area until collection and disposal by recognised Chemical Waste disposal Company. Mixtures of chemicals should also be labelled as accurately as possible giving percentage composition of the various component chemicals.

• Non hazardous chemical waste5 in solid form can generally be double-bagged and placed in the normal waste bins, or if in liquid form can be flushed to drain with copious amounts of water.

• Water based compounds can be diluted and discharged to the foul sewer (except nitrates and phosphates). Common buffer salts may be diluted with copious amounts of water and discharged via the foul sewer.

• Efforts should be made to neutralise acids and bases. Acids and alkalis should fall within the pH range 6-9.

• Enzymes or catalysts, biological waste, DNA material, mutagenic or carcinogenic waste is classified as hazardous.

• All dyes must be treated as hazardous. GOVERNING LEGISLATION EPA Act 1992. Waste Management Act, 1996. Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Regulations, 1998 European Waste Directives Legislation pertaining to radioactive material

4 Guidelines have been prepared following consultation with the Dept. of Food and Agriculture, Dept. of the

Environment and Local Government, and using ‘Prudent Practices for handling Hazardous Chemicals in

Laboratories’ as a reference text. 5 Nonhazardous Chemical Waste can be defined as having an oral-rat LD50 toxicity value higher than 500

mg/kg, and by having no positive determination for carcinogenicity.

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4.18.4 General Waste

HAZARD • Fire hazard • Trip hazard from improper storage of waste (walkways, escape routes etc.). RISK ASSESSMENT: Low

CONTROL MEASURES:

Regular (daily) emptying of waste paper bins

Smoking is not permitted in the Conway Institute.

Bags of general waste must be placed in, and not beside, the skip.

The skip shall be emptied on a regular basis.

Minimisation

An effort should be made to minimise the amount of General Waste generated and accumulated at

the Institute. Good housekeeping practices should be encouraged e.g. disposal of old catalogues as

soon as new ones become available, the use of computer based catalogues instead of paper copy

ones etc.

NOTE:

General Waste from the Conway Institute will normally leave the Institute via skip disposal by an

outside agency. The Institute and UCD have a duty of care to provide safe access and egress for

persons providing this service. This is discussed in Section 4.2 of the Safety Statement.

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4.18.5 Sharps

Minimisation

Every effort should be made to minimise the use of items that result in a sharps hazard in the

Institute e.g. substitution of plastic Pasteur pipettes for glass ones should be encouraged.

Disposal of “Sharps” including: Scalpel blades, razor blades, hypodermic needles

It should be noted that “Sharps bins” are ultimately sealed and removed for incineration. This

incineration process is currently carried out in Continental Europe at considerable cost. With this in

mind, only “sharps” material should be placed in these containers. Rubber gloves, paper tissue and

other miscellaneous non-sharps waste should not.

HAZARD

• Cuts, infections (especially to cleaning staff).

RISK ASSESSMENT: High

CONTROL MEASURES:

Do not dispose of “sharps” in ordinary waste bins.

Use the special “Sharps” boxes provided, do not overfill, and seal when full. Remove sharps bin

promptly to designated holding area (named) for collection.

Promptly dispose of used blades and hypodermic needles after use. Do not leave out on bench.

Sweep up broken glass and dispose of pieces in sharps box. Carefully check surrounding work area

and adjoining floor.

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Section 4.19: Storage in Refrigerators, freezers and cold room areas

HAZARDS Explosion, Fire Hazardous Chemicals Slips and falls (cold rooms). RISK ASSESSMENT: HIGH CONTROL MEASURES Refrigerators, freezers and cold room areas, if used to store volatile chemicals, must have spark-proof switches and thermostats. Cold storage facilities for volatile solvent must be labelled as ‘ safe for volatiles’. Volatile chemicals and solvents must not be stored in unapproved refrigerators, freezers or cold room areas. Cold storage facilities for volatile solvents must be individually checked by qualified staff. Good housekeeping must be maintained i.e. all loose bottles and tubes to be kept securely in place with tightly sealed lids). All spills to be cleaned immediately to prevent exposure to other people using these facilities. Cold rooms must be fitted with non-slip floors. Cold rooms will have a release mechanism on the interior of the door in case of accidental door closure.

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Section 4.20. Storage of Flammable Liquids

HAZARDS Fire, due to a flammable liquid or the vapour produced by such a liquid. Toxic / Harmful Chemicals. Liquid Spillage. RISK ASSESSMENT Medium CONTROL MEASURES All personnel must be trained in the safe use of solvents and have prepared relevant risk assessments, see Section 4.17, Chemical Safety. Fume hoods must be used when working with hazardous solvents. Proper PPE must be worn, to include fastened laboratory coats, safety glasses, suitable gloves and facemasks if required. Transport of Solvents To avoid spillages, keep transport of organic solvents to a minimum. Winchester bottles of solvent must be tightly capped and must be carried in suitable baskets or on trolleys. Use of Solvents Minimum volumes of organic solvent should be kept on the workbench, always in secure labelled screw cap bottles. Solvents must never be left in open containers on the workbench. To prevent inhalation of harmful vapours, fume hoods should be used when working with solvents. Solvents must be kept away from all sources of ignition, including electrical sources such as fridges, stirring motors and microwave ovens. Remember – vapours from flammable liquids are denser than air and can travel over bench and floor surfaces to remote sources of ignition. Storage of Solvents Solvents must be put away after use and especially at the end of the day. They must be stored in non-flammable containers in fire-resisting cupboards, away from incompatible chemicals, such as oxidising agents. Solvent Waste Waste solvent is as flammable as pure solvent and it must be treated with the same care and attention. It may also be contaminated with other harmful chemicals. It must NEVER be poured down the sink. Waste must be collected in clearly labelled glass bottles with leak-proof, screw cap lids, filled to 80% capacity at most and stored in designated storage areas. Filled containers must be brought to the central solvent storage area for disposal. Segregation and disposal of chemical waste is outlined in Section 4.18.3.

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Section 4.21. Use of Compressed Gases

HAZARDS

• Fire, explosion

• Cylinder with a damaged valve acting as a high-velocity projectile

• Mechanical hazards associated with handling of cylinders

• Asphyxiation

• Release of toxic chemical gas

Characteristics and Hazards of Specific Gases Acetylene Distinctive garlic-like smell. Will ignite or burn instantly from a spark or

piece of hot metal. However, it is lighter than air and less likely to collect in ducts and drains.

Argon No smell. Does not burn. Inert - if allowed to replace oxygen in the air can

cause asphyxiation. Carbon Dioxide No smell. But can cause nose to sting. Toxic. Will cause asphyxiation.

Heavier than air. Will collect in ducts and drains and low-lying areas. Hydrogen No smell. Can form an explosive mixture with air. May react violently with

oxidants. Nitrogen No smell. Does not burn. Inert, except at high temperatures. Non-toxic but

does not support life so will cause asphyxiation if insufficient oxygen is present.

Nitrous Oxide Sweet-smelling. Colourless. Non-flammable, but strongly supports

combustion. Oxygen No smell. Non-toxic. Will not burn but supports and accelerates

combustion. Materials not normally considered combustible might be ignited by sparks in oxygen-rich atmospheres.

Gas Mixtures 5 % Carbon Dioxide 95 % Oxygen 5 % Carbon Dioxide 95 % Air Compressed Air RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES Use of Piped Compressed Gases

• Gases that are piped in the Conway Institute include CO2, N2, O2, Acetylene (one outlet), and N2O (one outlet). Gas Safety Data Sheets shall be available for all piped compressed gases.

• All staff using compressed gases should be instructed in safe techniques for their use. • PPE should be used, including protective clothing, suitable gloves and face or eye protection as

appropriate. • All tubing must be compatible with the gas in use and the work conditions. Natural rubber tubing

must never be used with oxygen. • Where gases are in use, constant and thorough ventilation must be maintained. When

flammable gases are in use all ignition sources must be removed from the immediate area. • All valves must be tightly shut when not in use. All outlets shall be regularly checked for

leakage. All leakages must be reported immediately to the Floor Manager. • Outside piping for compressed gases must be properly insulated.

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• Only a Designated Person has the authority to take a system, or part thereof, into or out of use. A Permit to Work system shall be used in such case.

Compressed Gas Cylinders- Delivery of Compressed Gas Cylinders: -

1. Only cylinders supplied and pre-filled by a reputable company may be used. 2. Gas cylinders should be transported in open vehicles. 3. On delivery, cylinders should be kept in an upright position and should be handled by

trained personnel only. 4. Cylinders should always be moved on an approved trolley, by pushing – never by pulling.

Use of Compressed Gas Cylinders: -

1. Gas Safety Data Sheets shall be available for all compressed gas cylinders in stock. 2. All staff using cylinders should be trained in the safe use of cylinders and techniques in the

safe manual handling of cylinders. 3. When handling gas cylinders, suitable PPE should be worn – protective clothing, suitable

safety shoes, industrial gloves and face or eye protection as necessary. 4. Where cylinder gases are in use constant and thorough ventilation must be maintained. 5. When flammable gases are in use all ignition sources must be removed from the immediate

area. 6. All regulators and tubing used shall be compatible with the cylinder contents, cylinder

pressure and working conditions. 7. When disconnected from equipment the regulator should be removed from the cylinder. 8. Gas must not be transferred from one cylinder to another. 9. All cylinders and their peripherals should be regularly checked for leakage. 10. Cylinders must not be moved with equipment. The valves must be shut and they must be

properly secured in a suitable cylinder trolley when being moved. They must not be rolled along the ground. Cylinders must not be transported in private vehicles.

11. Any cylinder involved in an incident shall be removed from service and set aside, clearly marked to be returned to the supplier where applicable.

Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders: -

1. The storage area for gas cylinders must be well ventilated and weather protected. Cylinders should be stored in an upright and secure position at all times, out of direct sunlight.

2. Full cylinders should be stored separate from empty cylinders. Empty cylinders should not be stored for longer than necessary.

3. Other products, especially oil, paint and corrosive liquids should not be stored in the same area as gas cylinders.

4. The minimum number of cylinders possible should be kept in storage. 5. Storage arrangements should ensure adequate turnaround of stock. 6. Cylinders containing flammable or toxic gases must be stored separate from other

cylinders. Flammables must be separated from other cylinders by at least 3 metres or by a fire resistant partition.

Gases may be identified by the cylinder colour. Therefore cylinders must not be painted or the markings thereon interfered with or changed in any way. Neither must the cylinder valve or its threads be tampered with or modified in any way. Colour coding on cylinders is currently being replaced, as shown in the table below. However it may be several years before all cylinders are painted in the new colours. Gas Old Cylinder Colour (BS349) New Cylinder Colour (EN

1089-3) Valve Thread

Oxygen Black Black with white shoulder Right hand Acetylene Maroon Maroon Left hand Argon Blue Green Right hand Nitrogen Grey with black shoulder Grey with black shoulder Right hand Carbon Dioxide

Black or black with two vertical white lines

Black/black with two vertical white lines, with grey shoulder

Hydrogen Red Red Left hand Helium Brown Brown Right hand

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To prevent the interchange of fittings between cylinders containing combustible gas and non-combustible gas, the valve outlets are threaded in opposite hands. The actual valves in all gas cylinders, whether they contain combustible or non-combustible gas, are opened by turning anti-clockwise, closed by turning clockwise. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Escape of Gas: - If a gas escape is large, LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Close all possible doors. Put up a NO ENTRY sign. Inform the Floor Manager (or Security Personnel outside normal working hours). It may be necessary to operate the nearest Fire Alarm point. For small non-toxic leaks, inform the Floor Manager, ventilate, evacuate, seal and secure the area. GOVERNING LEGISLATION Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Applications) Regulations, 1993, Part IV – Use of Work Equipment. Guidance Documents British Standards Institute, BS 349:1973 – Specification for Identification of the Contents of Industrial Gas Containers. British Standards Institute, EN 1089-3:1997 – Transportable Gas Cylinders. Gas Cylinder Identification (excluding LPG). Colour Coding. British Standards Institute, BS EN ISO 2503:1998 – Standards for the Design and Testing of Regulators Operating at Pressures of up to 300 bar. Safe under pressure: Guidelines for all who use BOC gases in cylinders July 1993.

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Section 4.22. Liquid Nitrogen and Dry Ice

HAZARDS Freeze Burn, Frostbite Asphyxiation Mechanical Hazards associated with Handling Dewars

Liquid Nitrogen Non-toxic, inert, colourless, odourless, non-corrosive, non-flammable

liquefied gas. It may cause suffocation due to Oxygen depletion, when released into a confined area since large volumes of gas are produced on vaporisation: 1 Vol. of liquid nitrogen expands to produce almost 700 Volumes of nitrogen gas. Contact with liquid or cold vapours can cause frostbite or freeze burns in exposed tissues. Boiling point -195.8°C.

Dry Ice White solid pellets, which sublimates at -78.5°C. (Solid Carbon Dioxide) RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES All staff working with low temperature liquefied atmospheric gases or with systems that require such gases should be trained in their safe use. Special attention should be given to the insidious nature of the risks, due to the rapidity of the effects coupled with the fact that an operator may be completely unaware that a hazardous condition has developed. There should be hazard-warning signs where cryogenic gases are used. Any pictogram used should comply with the Health and Safety Regulations (Safety Signs and Signals) 1995 and BS5378. Care must be taken when using Liquid Nitrogen in the Laboratory, when refilling Dewars of any size, and in the transport of Liquid Nitrogen within and between Labs or buildings.

• Wear Required Personal Protective Equipment: 1. Cryogenic gloves 2. Lab coat with sleeves pulled over cuffs of cryogenic gloves 3. Laboratory full face shield over safety glasses

• Full length trousers / pants and footwear that covers the entire foot must be worn. • Never refill Dewars or transfer Liquid Nitrogen alone. • Use only in well-ventilated areas; open a door if you are in a small room. • Use only approved unsealed containers. Never seal it in any container (it will explode). • Never dip a hollow tube into liquid nitrogen; it may spurt liquid. • Specific safety footwear must be worn when transporting Dewars larger than 20 Litres. • Dewars must be properly secured when being moved. • Do not use lifts/ do not travel in a lift with Liquid Nitrogen. • Consult the MSDS and Standard Operating Procedures for Liquid Nitrogen (Appendix 21)

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Emergency Procedures:

• If there is a large spill of Liquid Nitrogen, evacuate the room / building leaving the doors and windows open to ventilate the room. Report the incident immediately to your supervisor or a member of the technical staff.

• For skin contact with cryogenic liquid nitrogen, remove any clothing that may restrict circulation to the frozen area. Do not rub frozen area, as tissue damage may result. As soon as practical, place the affected area in warm water that has a temperature not in excess of 40°C (105°F). Never use dry heat. Call the Unicare Emergency Line 7999 as soon as possible.

• In the case of massive exposure, remove clothing while showering the victim with warm water. Call the Unicare Emergency Line 7999 immediately.

• If the eyes are exposed to the extreme cold of the liquid nitrogen or its vapors, immediately warm the frostbite area with warm water not exceeding 40°C (105°F) and call the Unicare Emergency Line 7999 immediately.

Reporting Procedures: Report any incident or near miss within 24 hours, using the UCD report forms, available in the Secretary’s office and Main reception. Guidance Documents B.O.C. Cryoproducts ‘Recommended Safety Precautions for Handling Cryogenic Liquids’ B.O.C. ‘Care with Cryogenics’. Appendix 21.

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Section 4.23 Vacuum

HAZARDS

• Implosion, flying glass

• Toxic / harmful solvents and other chemicals

• Electric hazards with rotary evaporators, freeze dryers, etc. RISK ASSESSMENT Medium CONTROL MEASURES All personnel must be trained in the correct use of vacuum apparatus. Suitable PPE must always be worn, to include fastened laboratory coat, safety glasses, suitable gloves and a facemask if required. Suitable thick-walled glassware should always be used, e.g. Buchner flasks rather than normal conical flasks. Glassware must be free from all cracks, chips or flaws, with special care taken to avoid star cracks. For volumes of 1litre or more, the glass vessel should be enclosed in tape or plastic mesh to restrain fragments in case of implosion, especially where rotary evaporators are involved. Water, solvents and corrosive gases should never be allowed into the building vacuum system. A trap must be inserted between the apparatus and the vacuum inlet. All harmful vapours must be exhausted through a fume hood.

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Section 4.24. Fieldwork

Staff and students involved in independent fieldwork are necessarily responsible for their own safety in the field, and the following further advice is offered: 1. Discuss likely safety problems or risks, and check equipment, with the supervisor before

departure and commencement of work. Wear adequate clothing and footwear for the type of weather and terrain likely to be encountered. Shirt, loose-fitting trousers, warm sweater, brightly coloured anorak with hood are normally desirable.

Waterproof jacket and over-trousers are desirable for wet weather. Jeans are undesirable tending not to give sufficient protection when wet and in a cold wind unless over trousers are also worn. Suitable footwear includes walking boots with rubber mountaineering soles and Wellingtons, which are best for wet areas.

2. Plan work carefully, bearing in mind your experience and training, the nature of the terrain

and of the day’s weather. Be careful not to overestimate what can be achieved. 3. Do not go into the field without leaving word, and preferably a map showing expected location

and time of return. Never carelessly break arrangements to report your return. 4. Check weather forecasts. Keep a constant lookout for changes. Do not hesitate to turn back

if the weather deteriorates. 5. Know what to do in an emergency (e.g. accident, illness, bad weather, on come of night). 6. Carry at all times a small first aid kit, some emergency food (chocolate, biscuits, glucose

tablets), a survival bag (or large plastic bag), a whistle, torch, map, compass and watch. 7. Know the international distress signal:

(a) 6 whistle blasts, torch flashes or waves of a light-coloured cloth; (b) 1 minute pause; (c) Another 3 blasts (flashes, waves) at 20 second intervals

8. Always obtain permission to enter private property. Be careful to report back after completion

of work. 11. Take special precautions when working offshore:

Small boats should normally be used only with an experienced boatman or colleague. Always wear a life jacket. Aqualung equipment should only be used by experienced divers.

12. Ensure you are conversant with the particular safety and health requirements if you work in a

new environment.

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APPENDIX 1: Undergraduate Practical Classes. The undergraduate Biochemistry and Pharmacology shared labs are situated on the ground floor of the Conway Institute. Lab 1 has 96 student places, Lab 2 has 60 student places and the In Vivo Lab has 24 student places. Academic staff responsible for each practical class should provide students and demonstrators with safety guidelines for each practical. Brief safety notes should be provided which highlight any particular hazard the student is likely to encounter in each specific lab session. Students should not be admitted to attend practical classes without Lab coat and safety glasses. It is the responsibility of all teaching and technical staff present to ensure student compliance in the wearing of lab coats and safety glasses and provide other necessary PPE. General Lab Safety 1. Wear a clean white lab coat at all times in the lab, to protect you and your clothing from

contamination and spillage’s. The lab coat should be Howie style with elasticated cuffs and snap-fasteners up to the neck.

2. Safety Glasses or over glasses with side protection must be worn. 3. Keep all unnecessary items, such as coats, out of the lab and off lab benches. 4. Eating, drinking and smoking are strictly forbidden. Do not place anything in your mouth while in

the lab. Generally avoid any contact with the facial region. 5. Disposable gloves are provided and should be worn during the practical. Cuts should be

covered with waterproof dressings. Gloves may become contaminated with potentially hazardous chemicals or biological materials during routine practical procedures, if so they should be removed immediately to the appropriate waste bin and replaced with clean gloves. This will prevent spreading the contaminant to yourself, your experiment and to lab equipment.

6. Disposable masks / respirators should be used only once and discarded. They should be placed over the mouth and nose, never leave a used mask around your neck or head.

7. Always use pipetting aids when measuring liquids in pipettes. 8. Only work in the lab during the authorised time period and never work alone. 9. Do not leave boiling solutions unattended, remove from the source of heat to a safe place and

leave a caution notice. 10. Work in a safety conscious manner. Keep your work areas as clean and tidy as is practicable.

Good housekeeping is a vital element of good lab practice. Ensure that your work area is left clear at the end of each practical.

11. Students should familiarise themselves with the different types of solid or liquid waste bins provided and segregate their waste accordingly:

i. General uncontaminated waste, ii. Chemical wastes, iii. Sharps waste, iv. Radioactive waste, v. Biological waste etc.

12. Never use an item of equipment before receiving instruction in its use and being aware of the hazards involved. Observe any specific notices attached to individual pieces of equipment.

13. In the event of a fault with electrical or electronic equipment, contact your demonstrator. Do not attempt to use or repair faulty equipment yourself.

14. Any student failing to follow safe practices in the lab will be asked to leave and will face disciplinary procedures.

15. Always wash your hands immediately after lab work, and if you leave the lab for coffee etc. Never wear your lab coat outside of the lab.

Safety in handling lab reagents 1. All lab chemicals, microorganisms and biological samples should be treated as potentially

hazardous and appropriate care must be taken at all times. 2. Students should familiarise themselves with safety labels and signs appearing on all chemicals. 3. If in doubt about the safe handling of any chemical or biological sample the student should

assume a material is hazardous and seek advice from a lab demonstrator. 4. All chemicals and reagents prepared in the lab must be clearly labelled with;

i. type of reagent ii. concentration iii. date of preparation and, iv. your initials.

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5. When adding chemicals to test tubes or boiling solutions in test tubes, ensure that the open end of the test tube is not pointing at anyone.

6. All culture vessels, petri dishes containing cultures etc., must be labelled with the organism name, the date, the culture medium and your initials

7. All test tubes containing cultures must be kept upright in the test tube racks provided. 8. Microbial cultures and preparations must not be removed from the lab. 9. Ensure that chemical spills are cleaned up immediately and appropriately. In the event of

spillage of a culture, cover the area immediately with disinfectant and notify the demonstrator in charge of your practical class.

Accidents or breakages in the lab 1. Any personal accidents, breakages to equipment, or spillages of reagents must be reported

immediately to the demonstrator in charge of your practical class. 2. Any medical expenses incurred as a result of a reported incident during the lab session will be

reimbursed on condition that appropriate PPE was in use at the time of the incident. Receipts should be handed in to the Department secretary’s office.

3. Be aware of the locations of the first aid kit, eye wash stations, fire exits. 4. Any splashes of reagents onto your skin must be thoroughly rinsed with water under a running

tap. 5. Broken glassware must be disposed of in the appropriate sharps containers provided. 6. Waste chemicals must be carefully disposed of in the appropriate containers provided in the

lab. 7. Items contaminated with biological material, microbial cultures etc., must be set aside for

disinfection or sterilisation. 8. If unsure about disposal procedures, consult with the demonstrator in charge. 9. All accidents involving injury to persons, damage to property or any near miss that almost

resulted in either must be reported on the official UCD accident report forms by the demonstrator. Accident report forms should be submitted to the School / College or UCD Conway Institute Safety Officer.

Safety in the in vivo lab 1. Due precautions must be taken when handling animals. When administering dosing solutions

by injection, make certain that the animal is securely held and that the syringe needle is firmly in place.

2. If you are bitten by an animal, report to your demonstrator as in 8 above. You should receive a tetanus injection as soon as possible. Tetanus is available at the student health centre (ph. 7163133). Any medical expenses incurred as a result of a reported incident during the lab session will be reimbursed. Receipts should be handed in to the School/ College secretary’s office.

3. If you are handling animals routinely, it is advisable to have the full course (3 injections) of immunisation against tetanus.

4. Any student with a history of an allergic condition (asthma etc) should advise their demonstrator and additional personal protection should be provided where necessary e.g. disposable mask / respirator may be worn during animal handling.

5. Never leave unprotected sharps, scalpel blades, hypodermic needles, etc., on the bench. Sharps must be disposed of only in the sharps bins provided.

6. Animal carcasses and tissue waste must be placed in a black plastic bag and placed in the specified bins provided, for disposal by the technical staff. If in doubt seek advice from your demonstrator.

7. Care must be taken where water baths and electrical equipment are being used. Please sign this safety statement to indicate that you have read and understood the lab safety guidelines prior to commencing work in the lab. Signed: Student: Date:

Demonstrator: Date:

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APPENDIX 2: 4th

Year Undergraduate Students The safety of Fourth Year students is the responsibility of their academic supervisors. The students work in the open-plan wing research laboratories, along side the postgraduate students associated with their academic supervisor. HAZARDS Inexperience – they are unused to working on their own project in a research laboratory. Chemical and biological agents. Unfamiliar equipment. General hazards associated with working in a research laboratory. Specific hazards associated with the research wing in question. RISK ASSESSMENT Medium CONTROL MEASURES

• A written risk assessment should be carried out before bench work commences on all 4th year projects. This may be done as part of the initial literature survey.

• There must be strict supervision of 4th year students by both academic staff and postgraduate students.

• All experiments, and any risk assessments carried out on them, must be vetted in advance, ensuring that the safest methods are employed. The safety of projects must be reassessed when changes or additions are made.

• 4th year students must be advised about the hazards of the agents they are using. The wing managers and research students around should be made aware of the chemicals, cultures and techniques to be used by the 4th year students in their vicinity.

• All 4th year students must wear a white coat and safety glasses while doing work in the laboratory. They must wear protective gloves as appropriate, and change them regularly to prevent contamination.

• Students should not use any equipment until they receive proper training in its safe use. They should be made familiar with proper laboratory techniques and the possible associated risks.

• Work should be done on the smallest possible scale, to reduce exposure. • Where appropriate, work should be done in a fume hood, tissue culture cabinet or other

restricted area. • Good laboratory practices and housekeeping should be maintained to prevent unnecessary

contamination and exposures. • Lone working should not be permitted for 4th year students. • Other relevant sections of the Safety Statement should also be consulted.

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APPENDIX 11: NMR facility – 300MHz and 500 MHz magnets NMR laboratory – Conway Building basement rooms B034-38 (magnet room, sample preparation room, data handling room and staff rooms) Use of NMR spectrometers is a privilege and all the users must work cautiously around the NMR laboratory. Failure to do so can result in costly instrument damage and serious personal injuries which could be fatal. Each user must understand the hazards present in the laboratory and follow all the safety practices. The superconducting magnets attached to the electronic equipments are always on and active. These magnets have very strong static magnetic fields, 300 MHz (70,000 Gauss) and 500 MHz (117,000 Gauss) when compared to the earth’s magnetic field (0.6 Gauss at equator). The strength of the magnet falls off as you move away from its centre. All the NMR users will have to undertake pre-work training program prior to being allowed to use the NMR facility. Compliance with the Good Laboratory Practice is mandatory. All service personnel and visitors must gain the permission to access the NMR facility by contacting the NMR manager or the Director of the NMR service. Hazards UltraShield superconducting magnets Cryogenic liquids Chemical and medical compressed gas bottles Control Measures 1. Warning signs are placed at the both entrances to the NMR facility. The strong magnetic field

can cause damage to medical implants and pacemakers which could be fatal. Do not enter to the NMR facility if you have any medical implants or pacemakers.

2. Strong magnetic fields can cause damage to personal electronic items (mechanical watches, plastic cards with magnetic strips, mobile phones, metal jewellery etc). These items should not be in a close proximity to the magnets.

3. Strong magnetic fields can attract metal objects which could cause damage to the magnet and also occur personal injuries. No DIY tools, metallic objects and portable electronic equipment should be taken close to the magnet.

4. Metal objects can be attracted to the magnet. These objects can cause personal injury. If the objects strike the magnet they can distort magnet’s internal structure which can cause the magnet to release its cryogenic liquids in gas form (quench), especially liquid helium. In this situation liquid helium expands rapidly and displaces all the air (oxygen) in the room. If there is any danger of helium gas escaping from the magnet, leave the area immediately and notify all personnel in the vicinity of the danger. Evacuate if necessary.

5. The liquid helium and liquid nitrogen used in the magnets are extremely cold. Prolonged contact with liquid nitrogen or even brief contact with liquid helium will cause frostbite. Therefore Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gloves, face shield and safety footwear must be worn all the time. If these cryogenic liquids do come into contact with the skin, use warm water (below 40oC) and never use dry heat. All incidents must be reported see Section 3 of the main document.

6. Filling of the magnet with liquid nitrogen weekly and liquid helium quarterly is necessary to maintain the magnet. This should be done by the trained personnel only. PPE and safety footwear must be worn all the time. See Appendix 18 and 21 for more details of handling liquid helium and liquid nitrogen respectively.

7. There are number of compressed gas bottles in the NMR facility. Always use a correct regulator and proper fittings for withdrawing the gas from bottles. PPE and safety footwear must be worn all the time when working with compressed gas bottles.

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APPENDIX 15: Special Handlings (Basement)

Samples of human tissues and body fluids must be considered as potentially infectious (HIV virus,

Hepatitis, Mycobacterium) and work involving such materials must be carried out in the Special

Handlings facility in the basement. Contaminated animal samples or tissues must also be handled

in this facility. Appropriate work practices must be followed. Major hazards are from autoinoculation,

ingestion, and aerosol formation during handling and mucous membrane exposure.

A risk evaluation of the work to be done with human tissue or body fluids is also required and

should be carried out prior to commencing work.

It is University policy that everyone handling human-derived material of any sort is offered

vaccination against the hepatitis B virus as a secondary protection against infection or against

becoming a chronic carrier of the virus. This vaccine is available to all personnel free of charge.

Please contact the safety coordinator or your wing manager for further information.

Links:

http://www.ucd.ie/~biosafe/htm3.html

The following sites also contain practical information and Code of Practice for work with human

samples.

http://search.cf.ac.uk/safty/policy/index.html#bs

http://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/Manuals/BSM/BSM_TOC.html

Equipment and Procedures

A risk evaluation of the work to be done is required and should be carried out prior to commencing

work.

Storage of Samples: samples should be stored in the facility where possible. Guidelines for storage

and notification of the Biosafety Officer as set down in section 4.16 must be adhered to.

Work within Safety Cabinet until material has been inactivated. Extracted DNA, RNA or purified

protein samples may be removed and stored in the research labs as required.

All potentially contaminated waste must be Autoclaved or disinfected according to Appendix 24

before removal for disposal.

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APPENDIX 18: Use of liquid helium Liquid helium is supplied by the BOC Ireland when it is necessary to fill the magnets associated with NMR and Mass Spectrometers. Only qualified and trained personnel should be involved when handling liquid helium. Liquid helium is extremely cold, 4K (-269C). Prolong or even brief contact with liquid helium will cause frostbite. Liquid helium in the dewar or in the magnets may quickly boil off without any warning. Due to large expansion ratio (1:760), helium gas can quickly displace all the oxygen in the room and therefore cause asphyxiation. Temperature of the room will also drop increasing the risk of hypothermia. Safety: 1. Prior to handling Liquid Nitrogen the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be

worn: Cryogenic gloves, Lab coat with sleeves pulled over cuffs of cryogenic gloves, and Laboratory full face shield over safety glasses.

2. Specific safety footwear should be worn when transporting Dewers larger than 20 Litres Equipment and Materials: Use only approved unsealed containers / Dewars rated for liquid helium:

1. Never use a Dewar that does not have a pressure relief valve or pressure venting lid/stopper.

2. Never use Dewars with makeshift or homemade lids/stoppers. 3. Use pressure venting lids/stoppers supplied by the Dewar manufacturer

Following steps should be taken when handling liquid helium.

1. Read MSDS and manufacturer documents relating to liquid helium safety.

2. Follow standard safety requirements associated with cryogenic liquids (see also Appendix 21).

3. Personal Protective Equipment and safety footwear must be worn all the time.

4. Never handle liquid helium alone.

5. Use only in well ventilated areas. Open a door / window when you are in a closed environment.

6. Before transporting liquid helium dewar from outside the building to the specified area, make

sure dewar is in good condition and release the gas pressure already built up in the dewar by

opening the vent value / pressure relief value.

7. If there is a large spill or boil off, evacuate the room immediately leaving the doors open to

ventilate the room.

8. If these cryogenic liquids do come into contact with the skin, use warm water (below 40oC) and

never use dry heat.

9. All incidents must be reported see Section 3 of the main document.

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APPENDIX 20: Confocal Microscopy Facility Author: Ann Cullen Core Technician

Hazard Risk Control Measures Slips, trips and Falls Laser Cooling Unit (Laserpure5). Noise Exposure to Laser Light

Low Low Low Low

• Ensure all cables, wires, etc for the computer, lasers and microscope are positioned to the rear of the instrument.

• Do not obstruct cooling fans during operation • Do not tamper with or remove the protective grills on

the front of the unit • Ensure adequate room ventilation to dissipate heat

• Monitor noise levels periodically to ensure they are

within health and safety limits

• Appropriate training in the correct use of the equipment will be provided by trained personnel prior to use

• Warning labels have been fixed near apertures or

moveable parts where exposure to laser light is possible.

• ‘Fail-to-safe’ interlock devices have been installed by

the manufacturer.

• Do not deviate from published operating or maintenance procedures.

Governing Legislation: The instrument is designed and manufactured to comply with applicable performance standards for Class 3b laser devices as defined by USHHS, CDRH/FDA, OSHA and EN 60825-1 standards known to be effective at the date of manufacture. It is not possible to anticipate every hazardous situation. Therefore, the user must exercise care, common sense and observe all appropriate safety precautions applicable to Class 3b lasers and high-voltage electrical equipment during installation, operation and maintenance. Other relevant legislation includes the following contained in the General Application Regulations 1993 (SI No.44 of 1993) General Provisions Regulations 1993 (Part II, Gen. App. Regs.1993) Workplace Regulations 1993 (Part III, Gen. App. Regs. 1993) Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1993 (Part VII, Gen. App. Regs 1993) Exposure to Noise Regulations 1990 (SI No. 157 of 1990)

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APPENDIX 21: Use of Liquid Nitrogen General Safety:

1. Prior to handling Liquid Nitrogen the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn: Cryogenic gloves, Lab coat with sleeves pulled over cuffs of cryogenic gloves, and Laboratory full face shield over safety glasses.

2. Specific safety footwear should be worn when transporting Dewers larger than 20 Litres Equipment and Materials: Use only approved unsealed containers / Dewars rated for liquid nitrogen:

1. Never use a Dewar that does not have a pressure relief valve or pressure venting lid/stopper.

2. Never use Dewars with makeshift or homemade lids/stoppers. 3. Use pressure venting lids/stoppers supplied by the Dewar manufacturer

Procedure: 1. Wear required PPE as above. 2. Never refill Dewars or transfer Liquid Nitrogen alone. 3. Use the dipper for small aliquots. 4. Use only approved unsealed containers / Dewars rated for liquid nitrogen. 5. Use only in well ventilated areas; open a door if you are in a small room. 6. Never dip a hollow tube into liquid nitrogen; it may spurt liquid. 7. Dewars larger than 20 Litres will be lifted and poured by two people. 8. Do not use a Funnel. 9. When transporting liquid nitrogen within laboratories and between laboratories in the same

building: a. Wear Required PPE as above. b. Do not transport Liquid Nitrogen in Open Containers. c. Do not use lifts/ do not travel in a lift with Liquid Nitrogen.

d. If you are carrying a Dewar containing Liquid Nitrogen:

i. Make sure Dewar is your ONLY load (no books, coffee, other items). ii. Carry transport Dewar as far away from your face and body as possible. iii. Watch for other people who may run into or bump into you.

Emergency Procedures:

• If there is a large spill of Liquid Nitrogen, evacuate the room / building leaving the doors and windows open to ventilate the room. Report the incident immediately to your supervisor or a member of the technical staff.

• For skin contact with cryogenic liquid nitrogen, remove any clothing that may restrict circulation to the frozen area. Do not rub frozen area, as tissue damage may result. As soon as practical, place the affected area in a warm water bath that has a temperature not in excess of 40°C (105°F). Never use dry heat. Call the Unicare Emergency Line 7999 as soon as possible.

• In the case of massive exposure, remove clothing while showering the victim with warm water. Call the Unicare Emergency Line 7999 immediately.

• If the eyes are exposed to the extreme cold of the liquid nitrogen or its vapors, immediately warm the frostbite area with warm water not exceeding 40°C (105°F) and call the Unicare Emergency Line 7999 immediately.

Reporting Procedures: Report any incident or near miss within 24 hours, using the College report forms.

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Technical Services

LIQUID NITROGEN SAFETY

A. REFILLING DEWARS IN LABORATORIES

1. Never refill Dewars or transfer Liquid Nitrogen alone.

2. Make sure that there is good ventilation. Open a door if you are in a small room.

3. Use Dewars rated for liquid nitrogen

a. Never use a Dewar that does not have a pressure relief valve or pressure venting

lid/stopper.

b. Never use Dewars with makeshift or homemade lids/stoppers.

c. Use pressure venting lids/stoppers supplied by the Dewar manufacturer

4. Dewars larger than 20 Litres will be lifted and poured by two people

5. Do not use a Funnel

6. Wear Required Personal Protective Equipment:

a. Cryogenic gloves

b. Lab coat with sleeves pulled over cuffs of cryogenic gloves

c. Laboratory full face shield over safety glasses

B. DISPENSING LIQUID NITROGEN FROM STORAGE TANKS

1. Dispense only into Dewars that are rated for liquid nitrogen. (See A.3 above)

2. Dispense only into Dewars that are:

a. Equipped with carrying handles or wheels

b. Stable/not in danger of tipping over easily

3. Persons filling Dewar(s) will be in constant attendance during filling

4. Prevent Splashing. Place filling hose at or below the mouth of the receiving Dewar

5. Wear Required Personal Protective Equipment (see A.6 above)

C. TRANSPORTING LIQUID NITROGEN BETWEEN BUILDINGS

1. Use Dewars rated for liquid nitrogen. (See A.3 above)

2. Never Transport Liquid Nitrogen in an Open Container

3. Wear or Carry Required Personal Protective Equipment (see A. 6 above)

4. Do not use lifts/ do not travel in a lift with Liquid Nitrogen.

5. Do not use unstable wheeled carts or Dewars

6. Outside transport of wheeled vessels containing any cryogen should be undertaken by no less

than two persons. Avoid grates, large cracks in pavement, or other hazards that could cause

tipping.

7. In the case where it is necessary to transport any volume of liquid nitrogen by car/van,

a. Correct safety restraints must be used.

b. Windows of the vehicle must be fully down to allow air circulation in case of an incident.

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c. If an incident or spill occurs the driver should pull in immediately and evacuate the

vehicle.

D. FURTHER INFORMATION

• Read MSDS for Liquid Nitrogen Safety.

• Unicare Emergency Line 7999.

• Report any incident or near miss within 24 hours, using the College report forms.

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APPENDIX 22: Glove Material Types Natural rubber Natural rubber has excellent abrasion, cut and tear resistance, standing grip and temperature resistance. It remains flexible and durable in temperatures ranging from zero to 300 degrees F. Natural rubber, however, has poor flame resistance. Natural rubber withstands all liquids that mix with water, such as acetones and alcohols, but not those that do not, such as petroleum and oil-based solvents. Natural rubber is a hydrocarbon; it swells and degrades in contact with hydrocarbon fluids such as kerosene and gasoline. It's not recommended where resistance to grease, oil or petroleum solvents is required. Neoprene Neoprene provides excellent resistance to a broad range of hazardous chemicals, including acids, alcohols, oils, caustics, inks, grease, detergents, refrigerants, ketones and fertilizers. Neoprene provides good abrasion resistance, but not as good as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or nitrile, and good cut resistance, but not as good as natural rubber. Neoprene has excellent tactile strength and resembles natural rubber in feel and flexibility, but is much more chemically resistant and impermeable to gases, vapor and moisture. Neoprene performs well and resists degradation in continuous contact up to 200 F and in intermittent contact up to 300 F. Above that, it hardens and become less resilient. Neoprene remains flexible and performs well in the range of minus-10 F. Below that, it stiffens, becoming brittle around minus-40 F. Nitrile Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that provides excellent resistance to a wide range of solvents and hazardous chemicals, as well as punctures, cuts, snags and abrasions. Nitrile offers excellent protection against oils, greases, acids, caustics and many petroleum products. Nitrile is used to make soft, flexible, thin-gauge gloves that withstand less-permeating chemicals in intermittent contact. Nitrile is also used in heavier-gauge gloves that provide greater resistance to chemical and physical hazards. The thicker the nitrile glove, the greater its resistance to chemicals, but the less flexible it becomes. Depending on glove type and application, nitrile gloves function well between minus-25 and 300 F. Nitrile gloves have better resistance to cuts and abrasion than neoprene or PVC gloves. Polyvinyl chloride PVC is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer that provides excellent resistance to most acids, oils, fats, caustics and petroleum hydrocarbons, in addition to outstanding abrasion resistance. Although fairly flexible, PVC lacks the tactile sensitivity of rubber. PVC gloves are useful in alcohols and glycol ethers, but not in aldehydes, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogen compounds, heterocyclic compounds or nitrocompounds. Depending on the type of glove and application, PVC gloves perform well between 25 and 150 F. PVC begins to melt around 180 F, but for brief contact, PVC gloves may be effective in temperatures of around 212 F. Special PVC formulations may remain usable down to minus-30 F. Butyl Butyl rubber provides superior resistance to highly corrosive acids and is excellent for handling ketones and esters. This synthetic rubber also provides the highest permeation resistance to gases and water vapors of any protective material used to make gloves. It does not offer the strength, though, of natural rubber. Butyl provides good resistance to bases, alcohols, amines and amides, glycol ethers, nitrocompounds and aldehydes, but does not perform well in halogen compounds and aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons. Viton Viton is the most chemical resistant of all the rubbers and protects against such toxic and highly permeating chemicals as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated triphenyls, benzene and aniline. This fluoroelastomer provides excellent resistance to aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents. However, Viton gloves do not work well in ketones. Viton provides excellent resistance to gas and water vapors, and is flexible, but offers minimal resistance to cuts or abrasion. For applications where Viton is recommended for chemical resistance, and protection from physical hazards is also needed, heavier-gauge Viton gloves perform best. Viton gloves are used primarily in applications where the life span of other gloves is too short to be economical.

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Viton is a different material to nitrile. If there is a risk that chloroform may be poured directly onto the gloves or the glove will be immersed in chloroform then viton gloves should be used otherwise nitrile can be used. Viton gloves can be difficult to work with.

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APPENDIX 23: Chemical Incomapatibilities

Chemical Is Incompatible With

Acetic acid Chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds, ethylene glycol, perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates.

Acetylene Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury

Acetone Concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid mixtures

Alkali and alkaline earth (e.g. powdered aluminium or magnesium, calcium, lithium, sodium, potassium).

Water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated metals hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, halogens.

Ammonia (anhydrous) Mercury (e.g. in manometers), chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine, hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous)

Ammonium nitrate Acids, powdered metals, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrates, sulphur, finely divided organic or combustible materials.

Aniline Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide Arsenical materials Any reducing agent Azides Acids Bromine See Chlorine Calcium oxide Water Carbon (activated) Calcium hypochlorite, all oxidising agents Carbon tetrachloride Sodium Chlorates Ammonium salts, acids, powdered metals,

sulphur, finely divided organic or combustible materials

Chromic acid and chromium trioxide Acetic acid naphthalene, camphor, glycerol, alcohol, flammable liquids in general

Chlorine Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane (or other petroleum gasses), hydrogen, sodium carbide, benzene, finely divided metals turpentine

Chlorine dioxide Ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide

Copper Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide Cumene hydroperoxide Acids (organic or inorganic) Cyanides Acids Flammable liquids Ammonium nitrate, chromatic acid hydrogen

peroxide, nitric acid, sodium peroxide, halogens

Fluorine Everything

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Chemical Is Incompatible With

Hydrocarbons (e.g. butane, propane, benzene)

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium peroxide

Hydrocyanic acid Nitric acid, alkali Hydrofluroic acid (anhydrous) Ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous) Hydrogen peroxide Copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their

salts, alcohols, acetone, organic materials, aniline, nitromethane, combustible materials

Hydrogen sulfide Fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases Hypochlorites Acids, activated carbon Iodine Acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous)

hydrogen Mercury Acetyene, fulminic acid, ammonia Nitrates Sulphuric acid Nitric acid (concentrated) Acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid,

hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen sulfide, flammable liquids, flammable gases, copper, brass, any heavy metals

Nitrates Acids Nitroparaffins Inorganic bases, amines Oxalic acid Silver, mercury Oxygen Oils, grease, hydrogen, flammable liquids,

solids or gases Perchloric acid Acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys,

alcohol, paper, wood, grease, oils Peroxides, organic Acids (organic or mineral) avoid friction, store

cold Phosphorus (white) Air, oxygen, alkalis, reducing agents Phosphorus pentoxide Water Potassium Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water Potassium chlorate Sulphuric and other acids Potassium perchlorate (see also chlorates) Sulphuric and other acids Potassium permanganate Glycerol, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde,

sulphuric acid Selenides Reducing agents Silver Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartartic acid,

ammonium compounds, fulmunic acid Sodium Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water Sodium nitrate Ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts Sodium peroxide Ethyl or methyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid,

acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, furfural

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Chemical Is Incompatible With

Sulfides Acids Suffuric acid Potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate,

potassium permanganate (similar compounds of light metals, such as sodium, lithium)

Tellurides Reducing agents

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APPENDIX 24a: Liquid Disinfection. Decontamination of a spill site or contaminated equipment: The standard surface decontaminant is 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution for general disinfection of surfaces; using bleach routinely at greater concentration is not advised because of its corrosive properties. The alternatives to 1:10 bleach are 70% ethanol or 70% IMS. Ethanol or IMS should be used for routine disinfection of biological safety cabinets. Chloris Chloris is supplied to the stores by Thompsons. It is similar in composition to household bleach and contains the active ingredient Sodium Hypochlorite (5%). The MSDS is available in each lab MSDS folder (if not, contact the stores). Dilution and use:

• Chloris should be diluted 1:10 to yield a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. This dilution of Chloris provides the ideal concentration of sodium hypochlorite (0.5%) for general disinfection of surfaces, decontamination of a biohazardous spill site, or to wipe or soak potentially contaminated materials for a period of time to kill all pathogenic agents present.

• For liquid disinfection, dilution of Chloris (5% sodium hypochlorite) by the volume of the liquid being disinfected must be considered; 0.5% sodium hypochlorite is again the target concentration. Thus, 900 ml of infectious liquid may be disinfected by adding 100 ml of undiluted Chloris.

• Chloris solutions and waste containers must be labelled clearly with the hypochlorite concentration, date and waste type as applicable.

• The disinfecting properties of diluted bleach degrade with time; diluted bleach solutions should be used within seven days of their preparation.

Contact time: Chloris solution requires a very short contact time (less than 5 minutes), however because the sodium hypochlorite degrades over time and is rapidly inactivated by contact with organic materials, longer contact times are recommended for decontamination of biohazard spill sites (minimum, 20 min) and for biohazard liquid disinfection (overnight). Shelf life: The disinfecting properties of sodium hypochlorite degrade with time. Undiluted Chloris should be stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and used within 6 months of purchase. Diluted solutions of the Chloris (0.5% sodium hypochlorite) should be used within seven days of their preparation.

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APPENDIX 24b: Biohazard Spill Clean-Up Procedures The following procedures are provided as a guideline to biohazardous spill cleanup. 1. Inside the biological safety cabinet: a. Wear laboratory coat, safety glasses and double gloves during cleanup. b. Allow cabinet to run during cleanup. c. Apply disinfectant and allow a minimum of 20 minutes contact time. d. Wipe up spillage with disposable disinfectant-soaked cloth or tissue. e. Wipe the walls, work surface and any equipment in the cabinet with a disinfectant-soaked cloth. f. Discard contaminated disposable materials in appropriate biohazardous waste container(s) and

autoclave before discarding as waste. g. Place contaminated reusable items in biohazard bags or in autoclavable pans with lids before

autoclaving and cleanup. h. Expose non-autoclavable materials to disinfectant and allow 20 minutes contact time before

removing from the biological safety cabinet. i. Remove protective clothing used during cleanup and place in a biohazard bag for autoclaving. If

disposable, treat as medical waste. j. Run cabinet 10 minutes after cleanup before resuming work or turning cabinet off. 2. In the laboratory, outside the biological safety cabinet: 1. Clear area of all personnel. Wait 30 min for aerosol to settle before entering spill area. 2. Remove any contaminated clothing and place in biohazard bag to be autoclaved. 3. Wear a disposable gown, shoe covers, safety glasses and gloves. In a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3)

facility, respiratory protection may be required. 4. Initiate cleanup with disinfectant as follows:

i. Soak paper towels in disinfectant and place over spill. ii. Encircle the spill with additional disinfectant being careful to minimize aerosolization

during pouring while assuring adequate contact. Start from the periphery and work toward the center.

iii. Decontaminate all items within the spill the area. iv. Allow 20 minutes contact time to ensure germicidal action of disinfectant before passing

items to clean area. v. Wipe equipment with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, followed by water, then 70% ethanol or

isopropanol. vi. Place disposable contaminated spill materials in appropriate biohazardous waste

container(s) for autoclaving. vii. Place contaminated reusable items in biohazard bags in autoclavable pans with lids or

wrap in newspaper before autoclaving and cleanup. 3. Inside Centrifuge a. Clear the immediate area of all personnel. Wait 30 minutes for aerosol to settle before

attempting to clean up spill. Keep centrifuge closed. b. Wear a laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves during cleanup. c. Remove rotors and buckets to nearest biological safety cabinet for cleanup. d. Thoroughly disinfect inside of centrifuge. e. After thorough disinfection of rotor or rotor cups, remove contaminated debris and place in

appropriate biohazardous waste container(s) and autoclave before disposing as infectious waste.

4. Outside laboratory, during transport a. Transport biohazardous material in an unbreakable sealed primary container, placed inside a

second unbreakable lidded container. Label the outer container with the biohazard symbol if material is Risk Group 2 or higher.

b. Should a spill occur in a public area, do not attempt to clean it up without appropriate PPE. c. As an interim measure, wear gloves and place paper towels, preferably soaked in disinfectant,

directly on spilled materials to prevent spread of contamination. To assure adequate contact, surround the spill with disinfectant, if available, taking care to minimize aerosols.

IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT THE PROPER PROCEDURES OR NEED ASSISTANCE, CONTACT A SENIOR STAFF MEMBER.

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APPENDIX 26. Chemical Synthesis

VACUUM DRYING OVEN HAZARDS: - Risk of burns from high temperature of oven - Risk of explosion, flying glass and contamination by chemicals after explosion - Mixing of chemicals inside the oven RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES: - Before using check the integrity of the device, look for cracks in glass - Check the temperature value on the thermometer inside the device through the glass door before touching the device - Check the inside pressure on the vacuum gauge before trying to open the door. - Do not try to force open the oven door when there is a pressure difference between inside and outside, it should open smoothly by hand when the pressure is equilibrated VACUUM DESICCATOR HAZARDS: - Risk of explosion, flying glass and contamination by chemicals after explosion - Mixing of chemicals inside the desiccator RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES: - Check for cracks on the desiccator before using it, do not use a cracked or broken desiccator - When opening, carefully release the vacuum using the stopcock on the top of the desiccator - When the pressure is equilibrated, open the desiccator by slowly slipping the top part over the bottom part, keeping firm hold of both parts. ROTARY EVAPORATOR HAZARDS: - Risk of explosion, flying glass and contamination by chemicals after explosion - Risk of burns from hot water-bath RISK ASSESSEMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES: - Check the integrity of the evaporator before use, check for cracks in glass including star cracks - Check the temperature of the water bath before use - Always reduce or increase the inside pressure slowly

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UV-LAMP HAZARDS: - UV-Light is damaging to eyes and skin - Electric shock RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES: - Do not look into the UV lamp directly - Do not expose your skin to the UV light for a long period - Do not use the UV-lamp if it is wet or any of its parts are damaged HEAT GUN HAZARDS: - Risk of fire with low flashpoint solvents - Risk of burns - Risk of electric shock RISK ASSESSMENT: Medium CONTROL MEASURES: - Do not use the heat gun when working with low boiling point solvents - Do not use the heat gun if its wet or any of its parts are damaged - Use care when touching exposed metal of heat gun

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APPENDIX 27

Declaration Forms

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UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research

Induction Course

Declaration Form

This form should be countersigned by the Safety Coordinator when completed.

I, confirm that I have attended the UCD Conway

Institute Induction Course, (date: ).

Signed:

Personnel Number:

Conway Safety Coordinator: Date:

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UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research

Building Safety Statement

Receipt and Compliance Declaration Form

This form should be countersigned by the Safety Coordinator when completed.

I, confirm that I have read the Building Safety

Statement for UCD Conway Institute. I have noted who the Safety Officers for the

building are, and I understand and will comply with all aspects of the safety

statement as required.

Signed:

Personnel Number:

Conway Safety Coordinator: Date:

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UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research

Use of Radioisotopes

Declaration Form

This form should be countersigned by the Safety Coordinator when complete.

I, confirm that I have attended the

UCD Conway Institute Induction Course Radioisotope Users, (date: )

UCD Conway Institute Radioisotope Users Refresher Course, (date: )

I understand the procedures set out for the safe use of Radioisotopes in UCD Conway Institute. I have noted who the Radiation Safety Officer in the Conway Building is and agree to follow his/her direction where appropriate.

Signed:

Personnel Number:

UCD Conway Institute Safety Coordinator: _________________

Date: ______________________

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UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research

PI Checklist

Declaration Form

This form should be completed by all UCD Conway Institute Principal Investigators

and returned to the UCD Conway Institute Safety Coordinator.

As PI in the Conway Institute, UCD I understand that I must (please circle where applicable):

Read the UCD Conway Institute Safety Statement Y

Adhere to the Institute guidelines regarding building access Y

Carry out risk assessments on projects Y

Register with the University Biosafety Officer Y / N

Carry out risk assessments for procedures involving the use of

potentially infectious biological agents, human or animal samples Y / N

Register with the Environment Protection Agency for use of

Genetically Modified Organism’s Y / N

Read and understand the chemical agent risk assessments (CARA)

guidelines Y

Carry out Chemical Agent Risk Assessments (CARA) Y / N

Register with the UCD Conway Institute Radiation Protection Officer Y / N

Draw up training procedures for specific projects Y

Keep records of staff training Y

Ensure that all waste generated is disposed of appropriately Y

Signed:

Personnel Number:

UCD Conway Institute Safety Coordinator: ____________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________

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APPENDIX 29 CARA Guidelines, Templates Assessment Forms and Sample Assessments. CHEMICAL AGENTS RISK ASSESSMENT (CARA). Introduction. The Regulations require that the Institute must not carry on work which is liable to expose any employee to any substance hazardous to health unless a suitable and sufficient assessment has been made of the risks created by that work to the health of those employees and of the steps which need to be taken to meet the requirements of the Regulations. The Group Supervisor will ensure that all staff and students are aware of the hazards associated with specific materials and are trained in how to use and handle these materials properly. A chemical agent risk assessment must be carried out by either: 1. The supervisor of a project using hazardous chemicals should arrange for a competent

member of the research group to carry out the risk assessment or carry it out him/herself.

2. Technical staff in laboratories where undergraduates use hazardous chemicals. This

assessment may be carried out with the assistance of academic staff involved in the practical.

The written risk assessment of the chemical agents must take the following into consideration:

1. Hazardous properties 2. Information provided by the supplier of the hazardous chemical agent including

information contained in the relevant safety data sheet and any additional information as may reasonably be required to complete the assessment.

3. The level, type and duration of exposure. 4. The circumstances of work involving such agents and the quantities stored and in

use in the workplace. 5. Any occupational exposure limit value or biological limit value contained in an

approved code of practice. 6. The effect of preventative measures taken. 7. Where available the conclusions from health surveillance already undertaken. 8. Any activity including maintenance and accidental release in respect of which it is

foreseeable that there is a potential for significant exposure. The written risk assessment should be followed up with:

1. Arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies. 2. Information and training as required. 3. Health surveillance or occupational monitoring if required. 4. Approval by safety coordinator. 5. Reviews at regular intervals or following significant changes in work practices.

It is the policy of the Institute to adhere to the guidelines for working with chemical agents as set down by the College Safety Office. These guidelines are available on the UCD Safety Office Website. http://www.ucd.ie/safety/ The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/front.html