Workplace Health & Safety Guidelines for Employees

1. Thornton and Ross Ltd. HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUCTION David E Wilkins

2. Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 • This act of parliament makes it a criminal offence not to comply with the duties it imposes. • Failure to comply could lead to prosecution in the courts with heavy fines and/or imprisonment. • Ignorance is no excuse.

3. Health & Safety at Work Act Duties of Employees (All Staff ). • To take reasonable care of the Health & Safety of themselves & others affected by their acts or omissions.

4. Health & Safety at Work Act • To take reasonable care of the Health & Safety of themselves & others affected by their acts or omissions. • To co-operate with the requirements and duties imposed on the employer to enable those requirements and duties to be complied with.

5. Health & Safety at Work Act • To take reasonable care of the Health & Safety of themselves & others affected by their acts or omissions. • To co-operate with the requirements and duties imposed on the employer to enable those requirements and duties to be complied with. • Duty not to interfere with or misuse. ( equipment, PPE, and Procedures)

6. Company Handbook – policies, conditions of employment, Works Rules, Induction summary. Health and Safety Arrangements Manual – sets out principal procedures and expectations. Departmental Instructions – Give specific details on how to carry out tasks. Control Forms – To record events and results of tests etc. Company Health and Safety Information Cascade

7. Other Legislation dealing with Health and Safety • The Fire Precaution Act 1971 • The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 • The Environmental Protection Act 1990 • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. • etc

8. Risk Assessments • Hazard and Risk – • A hazard is the POTENTIAL of a substance, activity or process to cause harm. • A risk is the LIKELIHOOD of a substance, activity or process to cause harm.

9. Risk Assessment Process • Identify the hazard • Persons at risk • Evaluation of risk level • Risk Controls (existing and additional) • Record of Risk Assessment findings • Monitor and Review

10. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Hazardous Substances are found everywhere. • Nuclear Reactor • Household Sink • Laboratory • Print Works • Offices

11. COSHH Assessment • Identify the Substance or task • Classify the Hazard – Harmful, Irritant, Corrosive, Toxic, Carcinogenic • Identify the route of entry into the body – inhalation, absorption, ingestion, injection • Identify and improve control measures • Monitor and Maintain • Health Surveillance

12. CHEMICALS (Hazard, Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 • Suppliers of chemicals must supply a Safety Data Sheet to the buyer. • Safety Data Sheet is the primary source of information for hazard classification, Occupational Exposure Levels, Spillage Controls, Protection Levels, PPE

13. Safety Signs Blue signs are compulsory. Failure to comply not only puts you at risk, but means you have broken the law.

14. Safety Signs Yellow signs are warnings. Failure to take notice not only puts you at risk, but means you could be breaking the law if you fail to take precautions.

15. Safety Signs Green signs are safety guidance. First aid , emergency exits

16. Safety Signs Red signs are prohibitive and Fire. NO and Fire call points, etc.

17. Fire If you discover a fire. • In all cases, set off the fire alarms via break glass panel. This will summon the rescue team and the fire service, and alert others to evacuate the building. • Go to the control point and inform them where the fire is. Or, if you think it is safe to tackle the fire, at no personal risk, inform someone you intend to do so and send someone to the control point. • Test the fire extinguisher at a safe distance and approach the fire aiming at the base of the fire. • Use one extinguisher and leave.

18. Fire Extinguisher Types

19. Protective Clothing • Safety Glasses. Must be worn in all chemistry laboratories. Must be worn in mechanical workshops Must be worn when transferring cryogenic liquids.

20. Protective Clothing • Lab coats. Cotton laboratory coats must be worn when doing chemical work. If you spill or splash corrosive chemicals on Yourself, it is easier to take off a lab coat than taking off your clothes. (And are cheaper to replace.) Also protects you from flash burns. It is also recommended in Mechanical workshops to protect your clothes and you from oil.

21. Protective Clothing • Shoes. Sandals and open shoes are not allowed in chemical laboratories, Mechanical workshops or when transferring cryogenic liquids. If you spill corrosive chemicals they are most likely to get on your feet. Nylon socks make an awful mess with acids. Metal swarf can be very sharp. Frost bitten toes are hard to fix.

22. Protective Clothing Gloves. • When handling hazardous chemicals wear rubber disposable gloves. Remove and dispose of them before you leave the lab or answer the telephone. • When handling cryogenic liquids wear loose fitting insulating gloves. • When handling sharps wear appropriate gloves.

23. Risk Assessments Risk assessments are the most important and effective recent safety legislation. Before undertaking any task, always identify the hazards and assess the risks. Then implement the measures required to remove or minimise the risk before starting work. All practical work must have a risk assessment, check your lab safety folder and ask your supervisor.

24. Fume Cupboards Always fully close the sash when access is not required. Always keep the sash to the lowest height needed to work. Not all fume cupboards are in operation 24hours, check before leaving reactions overnight. When contractors are working on the roof, by the stacks, the cupboards are locked closed, do not tamper with the locks.

25. Chemicals • Keep quantities you are working with to the minimum required. • Transport with care, in proper containers. • Always label containers • Always wash your hands after handling chemicals. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the labs. • Always dispose waste of correctly.

26. Electrical Safety There is always a risk when working with electricity, particularly supplies over 120volts. • Before using any electrical apparatus check that has been tested for safety. • Special care should be taken when using portable tools, inspect the cables and plugs before use. • When working on live circuits or equipment where authorised to do so, use supplies that are protected by RCCB’s.

27. Radiation Some labs have radioactive materials or radiation generating equipment. Before you work in these areas you must obtain a licence before you start work.

28. Manual Handling Most accidents on are caused by manual handling incidents. • Assess the weight before you move anything. • Break it into smaller loads if possible. • Get help if needed. • Use lifting equipment provided.

29. Gas cylinders Always use the correct, three wheeled trolleys, for transporting cylinders and never move a cylinder with the regulator fitted. Never use PTFE tape, grease or oil when fitting regulators. Any oil based product in an oxygen regulator can cause an explosion. Always use the correct gas regulator on the cylinder. Never mix gas types the regulators are designed to work with the gas they are made for. Always support the cylinder with chains or clamps, never leave it free standing.

30. Keep areas tidy. Many accidents are caused by untidy labs and offices. Trailing leads, spills not cleaned up, cluttered benches. Always keep your work area tidy.

31. Incident and accident reporting Report all accidents and incidents to your manager or a first aider, even if no injury was caused. They will make inquiries and take action to prevent it happening to someone else.

32. Thornton and RossHealth and Safety Induction If in doubt about anything – ask, ask, ask.