Safety Manual

Contents

Page No

1 Statement by Director 4

2 Contact Details 5

3 Responsibilities 6

4 Rules and Information 7

4.1 Risk Assessment Protocol 7

4.2 Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) 7

4.3 Use of lifts to transport dangerous goods 8

4.4 Reporting Minor maintenance 8

4.5 Electrical equipment 8

4.6 Unsealed radioactive substances 8

4.7 Magnetic Fields 8

4.8 Oxygen 8

4.9 Cryogenic Liquids 9

4.10 Laser Safety 9

4.11 X-Ray Safety 10

4.12 General 10

5 Emergency Procedures 10

5.1 Evacuation 11

5.2 Specific evacuation instructions 11

5.3 Raising Alarm 11

5.4 Fire fighting devices 11

5.5 Injuries 11

5.6 Reporting accidents or Hazards 12

6 First Aid

6.1 Assistance 12

6.2 First Aid Boxes 12

7 Laboratories

7.1 General Laboratory Rules 12

7.2 Behaviour 12

7.3 Experiments 13

7.4 Waste Management 13

8 Safety Equipment

8.1 Safety shower 14

8.2 Fire Fighting Equipment 14

8.3 Fume Cupboard 14

9 Personal Protection

8.4 Safety Glasses 15

8.5 Laboratory Coats 15

8.6 Footwear 15

8.7 Gloves 15

10 Manual Handling 15

11 Housekeeping 15

12 Building Access

12.1 Working Hours 16

12.2 Regulations for After Hours Work 16

12.3 Overnight experiments 16

13 Applicable Acts & Regulations 17

13.1 Occupational Health & Safety Act 17

13.2 Common Law 18

13.3 Dangerous Goods Act 19

14 Risk Management 19

15 Ordering of Chemicals/Gas 20

16 Hazardous Substances & Toxicity 20

16.1 Forms of Toxicity 20

16.2 Solvents 21

16.3 Storage and Use 21

16.4 Distillation 22

16.5 Quantity 22

APPENDICES

A Emergency First Aid 23

B General Fire Safety & Emergency Procedures 25

C Hazardous Substances 28

D Use and Storage of Dangerous Goods in the Laboratory 33

E Toxic, Explosive & Incompatible Chemicals 37

F Cryogenic Liquid Handling Procedures 38

G Forms

• Hazard and Incident Report Online Form 40

• Experiment Risk Assessment Form 41

• Chemical Requisition Form 43

• Chemical Supervisor’s Logbook 44

• Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist 45

• Office Safety Inspection Checklist 52

• CPR Chart 56

1. Statement by Director

The Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials is committed to making its facilities as safe as possible and aims to protect the health, safety and welfare of all persons working within the Institute, including visitors and contractors.

Laboratory work has many hazards associated with the different specialist areas dealt with in the research work performed by the Institute. A number of basic rules have been put in place to reduce any hazards to health and well being.

Individuals are encouraged to apply commonsense to their work within the laboratories, avoid reckless behaviour and never indulge in practical jokes or unauthorised experiments.

The Institute is committed to implementing the requirements of the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act (2000) which obligate it to:

1. Secure the health, safety and welfare of persons in the Institute

2. Protect persons in the Institute against risks to health.

3. Promote an occupational environment for persons at work which is adapted to their physiological and psychological needs

The OH&S Act obligates both employer and employee to meet these safety objectives by ensuring that both contribute to safety in the workplace.

The employee must ensure reasonable care for the health and safety of fellow workers and must cooperate with the employer regarding any reasonable requirement imposed in the interests of health and safety.

The employer must strive to provide a working environment that is without risk to health. Safety regulations should be seen as a guide to ensuring that these objectives are met wherever possible.

Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse. It is the responsibility of all to act positively to prevent injury, ill health or damage and loss arising from work carried out for the University / Institute.

ISEM expects all persons working within its precincts to recognise that there is a clear duty on them to exercise self-discipline and accept responsibility to do all in their power to prevent injury to themselves and to others and prevent loss to the Institute.

To this end the Institute will:

1. Design and implement procedures for obtaining competent advice on safety and health matters

2. Continue to develop, foster and implement procedures and codes of safe working practice

3. Provide access to safety related training

4. Monitor and assess the workplace environment

Professor S.X. DouDirector

Institute for Superconducting & Electronic Materials

The University’s Occupational Health and Safety Unit’s homepage contains detailed instructions/explanations on a variety of safety related issues. These pages are readily accessible at the following sites:

http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/

http://www.uow.edu.au/eng/about/ohs/

2. Contact Details

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Note: for external number first dial “0”

Ambulance, Police, Fire Department (0) 000

The Wollongong Hospital (Casualty) (0) 4222 5000

Poisons Information Centre (0) 131 126

Emergency Telephone

An emergency telephone is located on the south-eastern side of Building 2, outside the main entrance.

Security & Patrol Staff

24 hours/day, 7 days/week 4555

Mobile Telephone (STD access required) (0) 0407 287 750

Mobile Telephone (STD access NOT required) 6555

First-Aid Officer

Name Extension Room No

Ms Lorelle Pollard 4247 4/109.A

Mr Konstantin Konstantinov 5765 2/105

All Security Personnel are first aid trained.

For a full list of UOW first aid officers see:

http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/reporting/firstaid.html

First-Aid Boxes (Ground Floor) 2/G/14 2/G02 2/G04 2/G06 2/G11 8/G06a

Building Wardens

BUILDING 2 Extension Room No

Ground Floor: Mr Ron Kinnell 5729 2/G13

First Floor Mr Mark Reid 4859 2/103

BUILDING 8 Extension Room No

First Floor: Peter Wypych 3488 8/122

Occupational Health and Safety Co-Ordinator

Ms Ellen Manning 3528

Engineering & School of Physics

ISEM Safety Committee

A. Pan ext 4729 G. Wang ext 5726

J. Horvat ext 5725 K. Konstantinov ext 5765

Out of Hours Contact

Security should be contacted first (ext. 4555).

Department Safety Advisory Officer/Laboratory Manager:

Mr Konstantin Konstantinov 02-4262 5616 (H)

0403 807 006 (Mob)

Prof. S.X. Dou 02-4225 9689

Buildings and Site Maintenance

All calls should be made to the Buildings & Grounds call centre on ext 3217. After hours call security on ext 4555

3. Responsibilities

A united approach and collective responsibility needs to be adopted to ensure the Safety of the ISEM workplace. Only when everyone plays their respective part does the safety ‘jigsaw’ come together successfully.

Director

Responsible for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, that operations within the Institute do not constitute a known hazard to safety and health. In particular the Director is responsible for arranging consultation concerning the review of safety practices and in particular, the introduction of new safety measures, with members of the staff and other Institute representatives

Academics, Visiting Fellows, Senior Technical Staff

Members of the academic and senior technical staff are responsible, under the direction of the Director, for:

1. Demonstrating their personal concern for health and safety in the workplace.

2. Fostering in their students and in laboratory users, proper attitudes towards occupational health and safety and workplace safety.

3. Developing and documenting risk management processes and appropriate safe working procedures, within their areas of responsibility.

4. Ensuring safe working practices are understood and followed by all persons under their supervision.

5. Ensuring that necessary safety equipment, required by regulation or recognised code or practice, is available and used.

6. Instructing members of their research groups in safe working practices.

Other University employees, Postgraduates & Undergraduate Students

All employees of the University and students have a responsibility to themselves and others to:

1. Carry out their work in a safe manner and with due regard to health and safety.

2. Adhere to University and Institute Safety rules.

3. Inform themselves of the safety and health hazards of equipment and materials with which they are concerned, in so far as these hazards may be reasonably foreseen.

4. Follow documented safe working procedures.

5. Follow all occupational health and safety instructions, policies and procedures.

6. Ensure appropriate risk assessment procedures are carried out BEFORE commencing tasks.

7. Seek appropriate guidance and information where necessary before carrying out new or unfamiliar work.

8. Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment/clothing worn.

9. Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures, working alone and working out of hours.

10. Bring any potential hazard to their supervisor’s attention.

Safety Committee

The Safety Committee has an advisory and consultative function for the Director. The function of the Safety Committee, which meets regularly, is to keep under review the measures taken to ensure health and safety at work and to promote the effective cooperation of all members of the Institute.

4. Rules & Information

4.1 Risk Assessment Protocol

In compliance with Hazardous Substances Regulations all operations and experiments involving hazardous materials must have documentation showing an assessment of the risks involved and the precautions taken to minimise any exposure to such risks. Every time a new experiment is to be carried out, or an existing experiment is to be altered from the original, a risk assessment must be performed and documented by the researcher in consultation with his/her supervisor. Please note that supervisors can be made individually liable for breaches of this requirement under the legislation.

The researcher should assess the experiment and implement controls required to allow the experiment to be carried out with minimum exposure to the worker and others in the vicinity. Issues such as the extent of the risk must be evaluated. Should the experiment be carried out in a fumehood or in a separate room, for example the use of Class 1 carcinogens, they are only allowed in designated labs. Any precautions given on the MSDS and procedures to be followed in case of spillage or accident should be noted in the appropriate box on the form. The controls necessary to ensure the risks are identified and minimised must include the necessary precautions and equipment to be used.

The researcher should complete the risk assessment form in consultation with their supervisor.

The risk assessment form is located in Appendix G. After completion and signing by the researcher and their supervisor, this must also be signed by the laboratory supervisor. One copy is retained by the Researcher, one by the Supervisor and one filed in ISEM’s records. The original is saved in the Faculty office.

• A new experiment is defined as one that has not been performed before in the laboratory or one for which there is no risk assessment documentation.

• Any modification that introduces a new hazardous substance constitutes a new experiment.

• Any modification involving a new variable bringing different risks and precautions (eg high temperature, pressure) also constitutes a new experiment.

• Scaling up the experiment does not necessarily involve the same risks and is considered to be a new experiment.

• If in doubt, fill in a new form.

Carrying out a risk assessment for an experiment requires three simple steps.

• Identify the risks/hazards/problems associated with substances and tasks

• Assess the risk of exposure to the hazard/s

• Control the risk by implementation of procedures and precautions showing the standard

When filling out the form the researcher should list the reagents and chemical reaction that he/she will perform on the sheet in the space provided along with the conditions of the experiment and services and equipment to be used. The researcher should consult the Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) for each of the involved substances used and identify hazards associated with them.

4.2 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

These sheets can be obtained from:

• Hard copies are kept within the Institute in Room No 2/G14.

• Supplier – groups should be filing all MSDS that are provided with chemical e.g. Sigma Aldrich web site https://www.sigmaaldrich.com

• Chem Alert system – located via the web http://chemalert.rmt.com.au/uow

4.3 Use of lifts to transport dangerous goods

No one should ride in the lift in the presence of hazardous substances (eg flammable liquids, acids, explosives etc) or gases (eg cylinders of compressed or liquefied gases) or cryogens (eg liquid nitrogen, helium, oxygen) since these are all substances of goods which pose a danger in poorly ventilated and/or confined spaces. This restriction is not intended to stop anyone from using the lift to transport hazardous substances or gases it just means that no one should be in the lift with these goods during that time. In other words, the operation needs to be conducted in a safe manner with respect to the transport of dangerous goods with the lift travelling unaccompanied between the respective floors. This can be achieved by leaving the lift after loading and walking up to the appropriate floor to receive the goods.

When transporting gas cylinders only one cylinder should be loaded into the lift at a time. The cylinder must be property secured on an approved three-wheeled, stable trolley during transport. The trolley itself must be tightly secured to the handrail with the hook and chain attached to the trolley.

4.4 Reporting minor maintenance

Minor maintenance such as leaking taps, inoperative lights, steam leaks, faulty electrical switches etc should be reported to the Laboratory Manager as soon as possible. In cases where safety risk is involved (eg leaking gas taps) or where the Laboratory Manager is not readily available, contact Buildings & Grounds Call Centre on ext 3217.

4.5 Electrical Equipment

The Electrical Maintenance Department is responsible for all electrical wiring to the mains, including plugs and power points. They must check all equipment for connection to the mains including low power devices such as instrument transformers. Double and multiple adaptors should be avoided. When in doubt consult the University electrician. Ensure that all electrical cables and equipment are kept off floors where possible to facilitate cleaning and minimise damage due to flooding.

4.6 Unsealed radioactive substances

Persons wishing to carry out research with radioactive substances must first advise the Director so that suitable safety measures can be arranged.

4.7 Magnetic Fields

Persons with pacemakers or metal prosthetics are not permitted to enter the laboratories in which strong magnetic fields are used. These devices may malfunction in the presence of strong fields. Magnetic recording media (floppy discs, mobile phones, digital cameras, etc), many mechanical watches etc. will be affected by magnetic fields. Do not take them into these laboratories (2/G06, 2/G04 & 2/G11).

4.8 Oxygen

It is important to note that an oxygen-enriched atmosphere increases fire danger. Oxygen also tends to absorb onto clothing and the increased fire hazard persists for an extended period.

4.9 Cryogenic Liquids

Cryogenic fluids are defined as fluids having a boiling point below -150°C at atmospheric pressure. Cold contact burns, frost bite, suffocation, lung disorder and general body cooling can result from exposure to cryogenic fluids. In addition, liquid oxygen and hydrogen present a fire hazard. It should also be noted that liquid nitrogen, although not flammable in itself, is sufficiently cold to condense oxygen out of atmosphere which can then present a hazard.

Liquid nitrogen and liquid helium are kept in laboratories (2/G06, 2/G04 & 2/G11, 2/G02 & 8/G02), to provide the low temperatures needed in many experiments. The liquids are VERY cold and contact with skin/eyes causes severe burns. In most severe cases, frozen parts of body may need to be amputated. Evaporation of cryogenic liquids produces cold gases. They are also extremely cold and can cause burns. Especially dangerous is liquid helium. Avoid any direct contact with these liquids and uninsulated vessels and pipes containing them. Cryogen should always be handled only when wearing protective gloves, safety glasses, covered footwear in a well-ventilated area. Evaporation of large amounts of cryogenic liquids produces inert gases that lower oxygen concentration in air. Suffocation may occur without proper ventilation of the area. If any large spills occur, leave the area immediately! By the time the first symptoms of oxygen depletion are noticed, the body is usually already too weak to escape.

Specific instructions for safe handling of cryogenic liquids can be found in Appendix F.

Persons regularly using cryogens should have completed the relevant training prior to commencing cryogen work.

4.10 Laser Safety

This section should be read in conjunction with the Universities Laser Safety Guidelines at:

http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/workingsafely/radiation/index.html

ISEM operates a Class IV, pulsed Excimer laser from Lambda Physik (COMPEX 301), in building 2/G02, with the following characteristics:

- Gas medium: KrF - λ=248nm

- Maximum pulse energy: 1,200mJ - Maximum power: 11.2W

- Pulse duration (FWHM): 25ns - Repetition rate: 1-10Hz

For safety reasons the access to the laser laboratory (2/G02) is restricted, and must be kept locked at all times. Access for staff, students and visitors is permitted only if accompanied by the ISEM personnel in charge of the laser operation.

All staff and students, who, in the course of their projects, require unsupervised access to the laser room, or laser operation, shall be trained. The training process is carried out in two parts:

1) Formal Laser Safety Course (level LSO 2); this is organised at the university level by the OH&S Department.

2) Specific Operation Training Course; this is carried out at ISEM level by the ISEM staff member in charge of the laser equipment.

The following hazards are associated with the operation of this laser:

- Eye damage (partial or permanent loss of sight)

- Gas poison

- Skin burns

- Electric shock

- Exposure to X-rays

All persons present in the laser room during its operation will:

• wear laser safety glasses at all times,

• remove all items of jewellery (rings, ear rings, wrist watches, etc),

• not look directly into the laser chamber,

• not interfere with the optical train,

• not interfere with the laser gas supply lines,

• not interfere with the laser gas exhaust lines,

• not interfere with the laser power lines,

• wear UV protective clothing (recommended).

It is the responsibility of the laser operator of the day to make sure that all persons present in the laser room comply with the above requirements, before the laser is switched on. It is also the responsibility of the laser operator of the day to make sure that the protective eyewear is always in a satisfactory condition. This shall include inspection of the filter material for pitting, crazing, cracking, etc. and inspection of the goggle frame for mechanical integrity and light leaks.

In the case of malfunction, the laser operator of the day shall not open the laser panels, shall not interfere with the optical train, the gas supply lines, or the gas exhaust lines, and shall report the malfunction to the staff member in charge of the laser equipment as soon as possible.

4.11 X-Ray Safety

This section should be read in conjunction with the Universities Radiation Safety Guidelines at:

http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/workingsafely/radiation/index.html

ISEM operates an X-ray laboratory, situated in Building 1/G12. This lab contains four x-ray analytical instruments, numbered from 1 to 4:

1) Philips PW1730: powder diffractometer, used for routine phase analyses; the choice of radiation is Cu, Mo, Co

2) Philips PW: used for texture analyses (pole figures and φ-scans); the choice of radiation is Cu, Mo, Co

3) Diffraction Technology: 4-circles diffractometer used for single crystal analyses; the choice of radiation is Cu, Mo, Co

4) MAC Science M03X-HF: 3-independent axes diffractometer used for high resolution phase analyses, high temperature (maximum 1,400ºC) phase analyses, thin film (glancing angle); the choice of radiation is Cu, Mo, Co

For safety reasons access to the X-ray lab is restricted, and shall be kept locked at all times. Access for staff, students and visitors is permitted only if accompanied by the ISEM personnel in charge of the X-ray lab, or by the professional officer in charge of the routine operation of the X-ray lab.

All staff and students, who, in the course of their projects, require unsupervised access to the X-ray lab, or the unsupervised operation of the X-ray analytical instruments, shall be trained. The training process is carried out in two parts:

1. Formal X-ray Safety Course; this is organised at the university level by the OH&S Department.

2. Specific Operation Training Course; this is carried out at ISEM level by the ISEM staff member in charge of the X-ray lab.

After the training process is complete, staff members who wish to gain unsupervised access to operate the X-ray analytical instruments are required to apply for a licence to operate X-ray analytical instruments, issued by the EPA (Environmental Protection Authority). For students who wish to gain unsupervised access to operate the X-ray analytical instruments, an exemption from formal licensing will be issued for the duration of their project by Dr David Wexler (ext. 4739; E-mail: davidw@uow.edu.au).

No user of the X-ray laboratory may defeat or override any safety features on the X-ray generators, the safety enclosures, or the goniometers including the collimators, tube shields and shutters.

Women that are pregnant or suspect that they are pregnant and wish to avoid all lab exposure should not enter the X-ray lab. Please contact the ISEM staff in charge of the X-ray lab, or the professional officer in charge of the routine operation of the X-ray lab, in order to make arrangements to get data collected by someone else during the course of their pregnancy.

4.12 General

• Care should always be taken when handling chemicals, especially if they are toxic or explosive.

• Each individual is responsible for familiarising themselves with the available safety devices.

• Each individual is responsible for ensuring that they use protective clothing and footwear.

• No food or drink should be consumed within the laboratories.

• No work on dangerous projects should be conducted out of hours.

• Buildings should be immediately evacuated when the fire alarms sound.

• NO children are permitted in laboratories AT ANY TIME.

5. Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency or fire that may endanger staff and students:

§ In the event of a fire – alert others in the immediate area. Then dial 000 and ask for the Fire brigade and give details and location.

§ Inform the nearest Warden or Lab Supervisor

§ When alarm is raised proceed quickly to the nearest exist as directed by an Evacuation official.

5.1 Evacuation

Upon hearing a continuous alarm (fire alarm bell) or request to evacuate the building, all occupants of the building must leave in an orderly manner by the nearest exit.

In the case of an alarm DO NOT ASSUME that the alarm is being tested. The Building Warden for Ground Floor Building 2 (Mr Ron Kinnel ext 5729, Room 2/G13) and Building 8 Ground Floor (Mr Ian Kirby ext 3353, Room 8/G12) will ensure that the area has been evacuated and inform Security about the evacuation.

5.2 Specific evacuation instructions

• When alarm is raised, if possible, switch off fume cupboards, close windows and leave the room/laboratory closed if you are the last to leave. DO NOT STOP to collect personal belongings.

• If a casualty is found, ascertain his/her condition and administer appropriate first-aid. Inform First Aid Officers and Security (see page 1).

• Proceed quickly (BUT DO NOT RUN) to the nearest exit or as directed by an Evacuation Officer.

• After leaving the building, proceed as directed to the marshalling area i.e. for ISEM staff, Area B (bounded by Blgs 1,2,4, & 8 & 39 (see following). DO NOT RETURN to the building until the “all clear” signal is issued.

5.3 Raising Alarm (only personnel involved in or close to incident)

• If the alarm has triggered automatically, proceed as in 5.1 above.

• If the situation is serious (e.g. a major fire) and the alarm has not triggered automatically, raise the fire alarm by actuating the signal at the fire alarm console. For building 2 this is located inside the building, in a small red and glass cabinet, outside the lifts on the ground floor. If possible, locate a Building Warden and inform him/her of the situation.

5.4 Fire fighting Equipment

Fire extinguishers are installed in all laboratories, in the Chemical Storeroom (8/G06) and in the corridors outside Room G14. A hose reel is located in the eastern corridor (outside the lift). Fire blankets are located above the fire extinguishers in all laboratories. Staff are expected to know their location, and instruction will be arranged periodically.

CO₂ extinguishers (red with black band) are activated by removing the pin and squeezing the handle. They can be used against all fires at relatively close distance (test before use). Smother the fire well with a good layer of CO₂. Never use the fire extinguisher on a person. Water should not be used on laboratory fires except for water-soluble substances such as alcohol or acetone.

All staff and research students should be familiar with the operation of fire extinguishers.

If a fire extinguisher has been used it should be reported immediately the Department Safety Officer or Laboratory Manager. If a person’s clothing catches fire push them to the ground and wrap them in a fire blanket or roll them to smother the flames quickly. If a laboratory coat is handy, it may be used. Contact a First-Aid Officer and Security AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

5.5 Injuries

Call the Institute First Aid Officer (Konstantin Konstantinov ext 5765 room 2:105). If the Institute First-Aid Officer is not available, call any one of the first aid officers listed in Appendix A of this document. The OH&S home page also contains an up to date listing of all University First Aid Officers. In Addition all security officers are first aid trained. If necessary, call an ambulance or take patient to the Casualty Ward of the Wollongong Hospital or to the University Medical Centre. When telephoning for an ambulance please be sure to identify the building and location within the building. Telephone Security (ext 4555) so that they can direct the ambulance driver.

Spilt chemicals must be washed off quickly to prevent burns. Wash the burn area for at least 15 minutes under continuously running cold water. Laboratory G04 is fitted with full body safety shower.

5.6 Reporting Accidents or Hazards

All accidents, injuries and any potential hazard MUST BE REPORTED to the Departmental Safety Advisory Officer or the Laboratory Manager. An accident report form must be completed and submitted immediately. This form is available from the First Aid Officer and also from the University’s Home Page http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/reporting/OHS002-Hazard-Incident_Report_Form.pdf

Damage to equipment must be reported immediately to the relevant staff member or to the Laboratory Manager.

General

All accidents that occur must be reported to the laboratory staff and supervisors who are then required to inform the Director. In the absence of any appropriate laboratory staff or supervisor the accident should be reported to the Director. The Director will then initiate the reporting process to Occupational Health & Safety.

Ensure that you are aware of all procedures that should be taken in the event of any emergency e.g. fire, explosion, chemical hazard, flood etc. You should also be familiar with the location of safety equipment e.g. fire extinguishers.

General information about the University’s Fire and Emergency Procedures can be found in Appendix B

6. First Aid

6.1 Assistance

Currently, there are 57 first aid officers spread throughout the campus (see Appendix A for a list). Any first aid officer can be called on to render first aid. They do not necessarily belong to a particular department or building.

All Patrol Officers from our Security section are available to render first aid in an emergency situation. They are trained to a higher level than other first aiders. Coverage is 24 hours a day. If a local first aid officer is unavailable, they can be called upon (Ext 4555 or Mobile 0407 287 750).

6.2 First Aid Boxes

First Aid boxes are located in Rooms No 2/G14 2/G02 2/G04 2/G06 2/G11 8/G06a

Please Note: First aid supplies are for the treatment of Accident First Aid Only. Any use of the first aid box must be followed up by an accident report obtainable from a First Aid Officer (See Page 2)

Supplies must not be removed for any other purpose.

7. Laboratories

7.1 General Laboratory Rules

• Every staff member, visitor and student must ensure that he/she is correctly attired before undertaking laboratory work. This entails:

• Wearing of dust coats and safety glasses when chemicals are being handled

• Ensuring loose or long hair is constrained to avoid its being caught in machinery

• Wearing strong, ‘closed in’ footwear.

7.2 Behaviour

• Practical jokes, running and general ‘horseplay’ is strictly prohibited.

• Smoking is not allowed in the building. Not only is smoking banned as a matter of University policy, but many chemical vapours are rendered dangerous when inhaled via a cigarette.

• Eating is not permitted in any laboratory.

• Food not to be brought into laboratory area not only because it may become contaminated but it also reduces the likelihood of encouraging vermin to enter the building.

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in any of the laboratories.

• Persons under the influence of, or affected by, alcohol are prohibited from working in any of the laboratories.

7.3 Experiments

Before any experiment is conducted a Risk Assessment Form" must be filled out (see appendix G. You will be required to give a detailed description of the proposed experiment. The details sought will include the names of any chemicals involved, confirmation that you are familiar with the necessary Material Data Safety Sheets, equipment to be used, names of any other individuals involved, any possible associated problems and what action will be necessary in case of an emergency. For more detailed information see Section 4. Risk Assessment Protocol.

7.4 Waste Management

7.4.1 Glass disposal

All broken laboratory and broken domestic glassware must only be placed into the cardboard glass disposal containers located in all ISEM laboratories.

Note: that these containers are not to be used for sharps disposal (syringe needs, scalpels, blades etc).

Only chemically clean glassware is to be placed into the bins. This means, where necessary any broken beakers or flasks must first be rinsed carefully to remove any residual chemicals. The washings should be placed into the appropriate residue container.

7.4.2 Sharps disposal

Syringes, needs, scalpels, blades etc must be placed into the special sharps disposal containers provided for this purpose and located in each of ISEM's laboratories.

7.4.3 Chemical waste

Solvents must not be poured down the sink. They must be collected in 5L plastic dangerous goods approved solvent residue containers. The University has a waste disposal contractor. However generally, if the wastes are in containers which are sound and clearly labelled and the solid is dry you can give these to Roger Kanitz of the Chemistry Department and he will organise disposal. He can be contacted via the Chemistry Department and is generally located in Bldg 41.340.

7.4.4 Chemical Spills

Chemical spills must be dealt with promptly and in the first instance the appropriate MSDS (full copies kept in library 2/G10, lab 2/G04 and lab 1/122) should be consulted before an attempt is made to clean up. Staff should be consulted if hazards exist with the chemical involved. See Appendix B for full details.

Spill kits - To deal with spills that may occur, all laboratories should have a spill kit prepared and available at all times. The contents of the kit should be determined after considering the materials and substances that will be used in the laboratory.

When a chemical spill occurs:

§ Establish what material has been spilt and what personal protective measures should be followed (consult MSDS)

§ Prior to commencing clean up ensure you are wearing appropriate protective equipment. Note that even small quantities of volatile materials spread over a surface in a confined space could generate significant concentrations of fumes, requiring respiratory protection to be worn.

§ The first step in a spills procedure is containment (make use of spill kit)

Organics - use vermiculite as absorbent

Acids or alkalis - first neutralise then absorb with paper towel, cloth or mop

Mercury - cover with sulphur then remove with dust pan and broom before placing in sealed container

§ At the completion of a spill clean up, all absorbent or contaminated material should be placed in sealed containers, labelled and disposed of as contaminated waste.

7.4.5 Used Oil

Used oil (from vacuum pumps, oil mist filters, compressors etc.) should be disposed of correctly. Incorrect disposal methods can result in environmental damage and it is illegal. Used oil should be poured into plastic bottles of 5 litres, closed tightly, and given to Mr Greg Tillman, Department of Materials, Bldg 1, Room 132, tel.: 3024. He will arrange for the bottles to be picked up and incinerated by the appropriate service. This procedure also applies to the disposal of oil-contaminated water.

8. Safety Equipment

8.1 Safety Shower

These showers (Located in 2GO4 and 1/122) are provided to wash off chemicals that may be splashed on the skin of personnel. Large volumes of water should be used to wash any chemical contaminants away. It may be necessary to remove contaminated clothing.

8.2 Fire Fighting Equipment

Extinguishers

CO₂ Fire extinguishers (Colour coded red with a black band) are for use on electrical and flammable liquid fires. This type of extinguisher can be used on all types of fires, however re-ignition may take place once gas dissipates. These extinguishers are provided to extinguish minor files only. If there is any risk from fire the building must be evacuated immediately. Extinguishers are located in each laboratory and also in the corridor outside Room G14 and in the corridor connecting Buildings 2 & 4.

Metal powder extinguishers (corridor outside 8/G05 and in lab 2/G04) should be used for flammable metal powder fires (eg lithium)

Fire Hose - located on the ground floor immediately outside the lift/elevator.

Fire Blankets - located in each laboratory.

8.3 Fume Cupboards

§ Ensure that the fume cupboard is switched on and working effectively BEFORE USE. Note that any drafts from doors and windows can reduce the effectiveness of the fume cupboard.

§ Check that the previous user has cleaned the fume cupboard after use and ensure that you leave it in a clean condition. Remove all waste.

§ Fume cupboards must be used where hazards are associated with the chemicals employed and front cover should be lowered at all times except when manipulating the contents of the cupboard to ensure efficient fume extraction.

§ All fume cupboards should have regular checks of their face velocity. The face velocity is 0.5 metres/second.

§ Ensure there is enough space in the cupboard to enable proposed work to be carried out safely.

§ Position apparatus and material to the centre and rear of cupboard to minimise disturbance to air flow at the face. Wherever possible place all required equipment in the cupboard before commencing procedure.

§ Before commencing ensure that the cupboard is working correctly. It is not enough to just switch on the fan.

§ Wherever possible keep the sash of the cupboard as low as possible whilst working.

§ At completion of work remove all waste and decontaminate the cupboard.

§ If hazardous chemicals are being stored in the cupboard then the exhaust fan should be kept running continuously.

§ It should be noted that any work involving the use of perchloric acid must be carried out in fume cupboards that are specifically designed for use with perchloric acid.

9. Personal Protection

Appropriate personal protective equipment must be used where hazards exist.

9.1 Safety Glasses

Safety glasses and face shields are provided for use in laboratories and should be worn at all times in the laboratories where chemicals are being used. Those who wear glasses need not wear safety glasses. It is recommended that face-shields are used for hot or corrosive liquids or carrying our reactions under a vacuum.

9.2 Laboratory Coats

Laboratory coats should be work at all times in laboratories where chemicals are being used. They need not be work in instrument rooms or offices. All experiments involving any danger of explosion or implosion must be set up in the fume cupboard.

9.3 Footwear

Substantial footwear such as covered shoes, must be work in the laboratories at all times. Sandals worn with woollen socks, thongs or bare feet are not an acceptable alternative. Staff who have long hair must ensure their own safety by tying their hair back, or wearing a hair-net.

9.4 Gloves

Gloves should be worn when handling hazardous chemicals. Care must also always be taken to ensure that you do not contaminate other surfaces e.g. touching door handles etc. whilst wearing gloves. If, while you are using chemicals, you need to open cupboards or leave the room etc you must firstly remove your gloves to prevent contamination.

10. Manual Handling

• Be aware that lifting and carrying excessive weights is hazardous and can cause injury, though often any injury may not be immediately apparent.

• Employ correct methods of lifting. DO NOT over-reach and ensure stable footing at all times. Do not bend your back when lifting heavy objects. Bend your knees so that all the strain is taken by the legs rather than by the back.

• If heavy lifting or pushing and pulling is involved, seek help from other staff.

• If working at heights is necessary, ensure that a second person is present and take particular care with footing. Ensure all supports etc are strong and reliable.

For more specific information and guidelines see the National Standard for Manual Handling (NOHSC:1001 [19990]) and the National Code of Practice for Manual Handling (NOHSC: [1990).

11. Housekeeping

• In order to prevent unnecessary hazards to those working and/or visiting the Institute and its facilities it is imperative that all equipment is kept in clean, working order.

• Any spillages must be immediately cleaned up.

• Work areas and equipment to be thoroughly cleaned after use

• Do not clutter up the fume cupboard.

• Place broken glass in the special broken-glass bin.

• Bottles and glassware to be kept off the floor.

• Generally, avoid accumulating rubbish.

• No heaters/radiators are to be used in any laboratory containing flammable solvents.

• Smoking is completely banned in ALL areas of University Buildings.

• Food and beverages must not be consumed in laboratories or instrument rooms. If equipment cannot be left during a meal break, arrangements should be made for another individual to stand in during an earlier or later meal break

• Regularly check rubber tubing for carrying cooling water to instruments for perishing. All connections must be secured with hose clamps or other suitable means.

• Sinks must be checked before leaving water running to avoid blocking and consequent flooding.

• Equipment left running should be shielded and labelled with name and telephone number of person to be contacted.

• Floors to be kept tidy and dry

• Benches to be kept clean and free from chemicals and equipment that are not being used.

• Entry/exit and walkways to be kept free from obstruction.

• Advise any contractors working in the area of potential hazards.

• First Aid equipment and fire fighting equipment to be free from obstruction

12. Building access

12.1 Working Hours

Visitors other than scientific colleagues are not normally permitted in research laboratories and in any case are not allowed in the buildings after 10.00pm or on weekends and holidays.

When scientific colleagues are in laboratories all safety regulations apply to them.

Children are not permitted in laboratories.

Normal working hours are weekdays 8.00am – 6.30pm. For safety reasons After Hours work require a more detailed arrangement, as follows:

No maintenance/modification of any equipment should take place after hours. When after hours category 2 work is being performed it is recommended that at least two people are within close proximity.

12.2 Regulations for After Hours work

All persons requiring After Hours Building Access are required to have an Authority COMPLETED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR. Authority forms are available at the EEC and must be countersigned by the Dean. Staff and students are encouraged to complete work in category 2 by 10.00pm.

All persons having such authorised access will agree to the following:

When accessing and departing University Property

• Ensure that perimeter doors to buildings are securely fastened after entering or leaving the building.

• Doors must be closed and locked on entry and exit even if found open.

• Ensure doors to internal areas are secure when you leave.

• No equipment may be operated unless two people are present.

• No equipment may be operated unless the operator has received training and been given permission to operate the equipment.

• The bearer will report any breaches of safety rules.

• Ensure equipment that should be turned off, is turned off when you leave including internal lights in rooms.

• Persons will be familiar with emergency telephone numbers and procedures.

• Report immediately to University Security Officers any breaches of security or suspicious activity. Contact Ext. 4555 or locate an emergency telephone or attend the Security Office in Union Building, Building No. 11.

• Persons will not lend keys, access cards or security codes to any other person. Any breach of this condition will result in loss of privileges and disciplinary action.

• Persons will not give access to buildings or areas to persons who are not authorised.

• Persons will carry this authority and University Identification Card and if necessary show keys and demonstrate security codes used to access alarmed areas.

• Persons will be accompanied by another person (i.e. must not be working alone).

• Persons will vacate the building upon request of security staff.

12.3 Overnight Experiments

All potentially hazardous reactions unattended at any time between 6.30pm and 8.00am must be set up in fume cupboards and carry a “please leave on” notice with a name and telephone number for contact in case of an emergency. Large instruments should have visible typed instructions for an emergency situation. For lengthy and/or overnight experiments electrical cutout units should be fitted, if available.

Work can be categorised as follows:

13. Applicable Acts & Regulations

Working in or managing a laboratory requires knowledge and understanding of a wide range of legal requirements concerning environmental and safety issues. The most applicable Acts relating to safety are the Occupational Health and Safety Act, together with the newly introduced Hazardous Substances Regulations.

The major acts and Regulations which apply to laboratories depend on the nature of the work carried out but include:

13.1 Occupational Health & Safety Act

The Act lists the various responsibilities of employees and employers and their rights in the workplace. It also quantifies the responsibility of employers for visitors on their premises.

Under the Occupational health & Safety Act, Workcover Inspectors have authority to issue Prohibition and Improvement Notices (PIN) to prohibit further work taking place, in case of serious breaches or to improve and control a hazard, within a given time, if the breach is not very serious. These Inspectors also have the power to issue immediate on the spot fines.

13.1.1 Responsibilities

Employer:

Additionally, the employer is also responsible for the safety of non-employees including students, visitors, contractors. The Act also outlines the liability of supervisors and managers who are directly responsible for particular areas under their control, as well as areas where they can influence the management of any potential hazards. It is the responsibility of supervisors to ensure that workers in their care are aware of any safety or hazardous aspects of their work and of the actions necessary. Where possible, supervisors should design projects that have minimal safety risks.

Employee:

In return for their rights to a safe and healthy workplace, employees have a duty and responsibility to ensure the health and safety of others at work by working safely and cooperating with their employer in implementing a safe system of work.

ISEM Safety Committee:

The function of the Safety Committee is to keep under review the measures taken to ensure health and safety at work and to promote the effective cooperation of all members of the Institute. It should advise and make recommendations to management in the development of safe working systems and the implementation of ISEM’s safety procedures and practices.

13.2 Common Law

In common workplaces an employee injured as a result of an accident would be entitled to workers compensation. In cases where a student or a visitor is injured as a result of an accident in the laboratory, compensation is obtained through common law.

13.2.1 Negligence

For a common Law case to succeed negligence must be established. To make out a case of negligence under common law three elements must be satisfied: These are known as duty, breach and damage.

• Each person working in, managing or in control of a laboratory has a duty of care to take reasonable care of those persons who may be hurt by their actions. In assessing this duty of care one must establish a “standard of care” expected from a “reasonable person”.

• Another area of duty is the statutory duty where Acts or Regulations require you to do or not to do certain things. Here, legislation specifies what the duty of care must be.

• The second element of negligence is breach which is demonstrated when the accident occurs as a result of breaching the duty of care or breaching the statutory duty.

• The third element relates to damages resulting from the accident.

To help identify some of these elements the following are provided as an example:

Example 1

While conducting an experiment which involves heating a flask containing a flammable material, the researcher leaves the laboratory unattended for enough time for the solution to overheat. A fire starts and is followed by an explosion, which shatters a glass window onto a garden outside the building. No one is in the lab at the time and no one is standing outside the window.

In this case there was an obvious breach of the duty of care by allowing the solution to overheat. A ‘reasonable person’ in a similar situation would have been expected to ensure that the heating is properly controlled and that dangerous flammable vapours are not produced. There is also an obvious breach of statutory requirements by leaving the experiment unattended and allowing the development of an unsafe condition.

In this case, however the third element of damages was not satisfied. As no one was injured, no case under the common law of negligence can be made.

Example 2

A supervisor is demonstrating an experiment involving heating a flammable material to two inexperienced students. He walks away from the laboratory to answer the phone in his office without giving any directions to the students. The solution overheats, a fire starts followed by an explosion. Unfortunately, one of the students suffers severe and permanent injuries.

In this instance the student could probably make a clear case for compensation under the common law of negligence by easily satisfying the three elements of duty of care, breach and demonstrated damages as a result of personal injury.

In discussing Common Law, it should be pointed out that students are also under the same obligations to take care and to work safely. The element of common law and statutory duty of care apply to students working in laboratories; especially students who would be expected to know the hazards inherent in their work and their experiment or project.

13.3 Dangerous Goods Act

The Dangerous Goods Act regulates the way in which “dangerous goods” are transported and stored. Large storage areas for gases and flammable solvents on university premises are licensed for that purpose and comply with the Dangerous Goods Act. Other small storage areas for chemicals in university departments often do not.

Small amounts of dangerous goods do not need to be licensed. These minor or exceptional quantities are listed in Appendix D. Care must be taken not to exceed these quantities in the chemical storeroom since this is not only dangerous but would require the University to complete an application for additional storage sites as part of its existing dangerous goods license.

Many commonly used chemicals have dangerous properties. They may be flammable, toxic and/or explosive, carcinogenic or be sensitive to the skin. It is therefore prudent to treat all chemicals as potentially dangerous and be careful in their handling to prevent, inhalation, skin absorption, fire and/or exposure to risk of explosion.

Chemical spills should always be cleaned up IMMEDIATELY, after firstly consulting the appropriate MSDS. Broken or chipped glasses should not be left lying around. All chemical bottles and apparatus should be put away when finished with.

Neutralise acid spills with sodium bicarbonate and alkali spills with boric acid. Mercury spills should be vacuumed up with a suction flask or dusted with sulphur powder. Clean the mercury thoroughly, because mercury vapours form fine droplets and are highly toxic.

Protective clothing and protective safety glasses must always be worn when working with hazardous chemical substances. Individuals should be aware of the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, exits, safety showers, eye washes in the laboratory.

Any dangerous or potentially dangerous laboratory situation should be brought to the immediate attention of the Laboratory Supervisor or Manager.

The two pieces of legislation relevant to transport, use and storage of chemical substances in the laboratory are:

• Hazardous Substances Regulations; and

• Dangerous Goods Act

13.3.1 Hazardous Substances Regulations

The aim of these Regulations is to protect people at work from the adverse health effects caused by exposure to workplace hazardous substances. These regulations are very comprehensive and broad in their scope but in general terms the University and the Institute must:

• Maintain a chemicals register

• Ensure all chemicals are properly labelled

• Ensure information about chemicals is freely available

• Arrange for staff and students to be trained in the safe handling and use of chemicals

• Assess risks associated with the use of hazardous substances, and

• Conduct a health surveillance if a substantial risk is found

• Maintain records of training, risk assessments and monitoring.

These regulations provide a uniform National mechanism and framework under the OH&S Act for achieving control the use of hazardous substances in the workplace. The objectives of the Regulations are to minimise the risk of adverse health effects from exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Specific requirements of the Regulations are detailed in Appendix C.

14. Risk Management

Hazards other than chemical ones also need to be considered when carrying out workplace risk assessments. Anyone can carry out a risk assessment, however if you are unsure ask your supervisor. A copy of the Risk Assessment Form can be obtained from the Forms Folder in ISEM’s library or from Appendix G of this document.

Risk Management defines the scope of work to be undertaken, identifies potential hazards and then determines actions to be taken to eliminate or reduce the risks. Fore more detailed information about requirements of hazardous substances legislation see Appendix C.

Risk Assessments MUST be conducted BEFORE an experiment is undertaken. A summarised approach to a risk assessment is as follows:

• Determine scope of experiment – purpose of project, where, when, how, who will perform work and their level of knowledge, skill and expertise.

• Identify substances and processes to be used – as well as any wastes likely to be generated including quantities, physical forms and methods to be used.

• Determine potential hazards involved – obtain information on substances used (MSDS), likely hazards and what can possibly go wrong.

• Evaluate level of risk – based on available knowledge of hazards and what can go wrong.

• Determine actions and controls to be taken - protective equipment, use of fume cupboard, handling procedures or disposal methods and steps which will be taken should something go wrong.

• Monitor and review – to ensure that initial evaluation and controls were effective, and if not how the process could be improved next time.

15. Ordering of Chemicals/Gas

You must fill out the appropriate requisition – i.e. Chemical Requisition or Gas requisition (see appendix G). Before any chemicals or gases will be ordered you will need to produce a completed, appropriately authorised Risk Assessment Form. The Risk Assessment is required each time a NEW experiment is contemplated or where an existing experiment is changed and therefore the risks altered. See Section 4 – Risk Assessment Protocol - for details on the Risk Assessment procedure.

16. Hazardous Substances & Toxicity

Do not confuse toxic with hazardous. A hazardous chemical is only potentially hazardous, dependant on how it is handled.

Toxicity is the ability of a substance to produce injury after reaching an appropriate site in the body while its hazard is the risk that a substance will adversely affect health when used in a certain way.

The concept of a hazard may be generalised to include physical objects (eg equipment) or operations (eg work practices) as well as chemicals.

In some instances there may be:

• extreme toxicity but low hazard e.g. a sealed nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery, or

• low toxicity but extreme hazard, e.g. carbon dioxide in a beer brewing tank which has no sign.

To assess whether a chemical hazard exists you need to ask:

• Can the chemical escape from its container and significantly contaminate the environment?

• How easily can the chemical gain entry to the human body?

• What are the consequences for humans of the chemical on sensitive body organs?

For the effects that chemicals may have on organs we rely on experience, literature and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) which by law must accompany all chemicals now purchased.

16.1 Forms of Toxicity

The word toxic is used loosely to cover every adverse effect of a substance. You need to understand the term more fully, since a hazard assessment, if involving chemicals, must assess the effects that chemicals may have on sensitive parts of the human body. A toxicologist divides toxicity into a number of subdivisions:

16.1.1 Toxicity

Toxicity refers to how effective a substance is as a poison and the term is reserved for the acutely poisonous properties of the material. The toxicity of a material is most commonly specified by the LD50, the lethal dose of poison needed to kill 50% of organisms under specific test conditions.

16.1.2 Corrosivity

Corrosivity refers to how corrosive a substance is to the skin, eye or gut. Strongly acid or alkaline materials will damage the eyes, skin and gut (if swallowed).

16.1.3 Mutagenicity

Mutagenicity refers to the ability of the substance to cause mutations in test systems and is most commonly tested on a bacterial system (e.g. Ames Test) or human cell culture.

Mutagenicity of PAHs (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene) in a test system does not necessarily imply carcinogenicity or teratogenicity in humans, nor does the opposite hold. The findings provide a useful guide for caution in dealing with the substance under investigation.

16.1.4 Carcinogenicity

Carcinogenicity refers to the ability of the substance to cause cancers and is usually tested on experimental animals.

There is a general presumption that if a chemical can cause cancer in animals, it causes cancer in humans as well. However, experimental animals differ greatly in their cancer rates, and often very high doses are required to cause cancers. In an appropriate response the US

FDA requires that any compound known to cause cancer in even one type of experimental animal be withdrawn from use in food for human consumption.

Epidemiologists, those studying diseases which affect a large number of people, have examined many human activities for evidence of carcinogenicity. They have found that cigarette smoking, and working with asbestos statistically increases the risk of cancers in humans. In general however, little human data are available, and rarely for a single chemical.

16.1.5 Teratogenicity

Teratogenicity refers to the ability of a substance to cause birth defects.

Thalidomide is the best-known example of a teratogenic substance and chemicals for use as drugs are now exhaustively tested for toxicity, carcinogenicity and teratogenicity, a process costing millions of dollars for each chemical. Chemicals for use in foods are not tested as thoroughly and be aware that most of the chemicals which you handle in the laboratory have not been tested at all! It is presumed that workers in the chemical industry will be careful with them and not ingest them.

Properties of some of the more commonly used compounds are listed in Appendix 5, and references for many more compounds may be found in the books listed in Appendix 7.

16.2 Solvents

To minimise the risk associated with organic solvents, the following guidelines should be adhered to.

16.2.1 Transport of solvents and toxic materials

All winchesters (solvents, acids etc.) must be transported in the carriers that are provided.

16.3 Storage and use

Laboratories having four or more people must never contain greater than 18 winchesters of flammable solvents. Smaller laboratories should have proportionally less. Solvents must be stored in the fire-proof lockers where provided, and not in cupboards under fume hoods. Ethers should not be stored for long periods (see distillation 6.3).

Some solvents, such as benzene and carbon tetrachloride, are very toxic (see Appendix 5). Wherever possible, fume cupboards or hoods should be used for the handling of any organic solvents, especially when undertaking chromatographic work and rotary evaporation.

16.4 Distillation

Old solvent stock and ethers must be tested for peroxides (use starch-KI paper) before distillation. It is important to note that having removed stabilisers by distillation, more rapid peroxide formation will occur during storage.

16.5 Quantity

The largest bottle of flammable solvent that may be left on the open bench is of 500 mL capacity.

1. Simple First Aid

If possible, First Aid should always be carried out by a qualified First Aid Officer (listed on following pages). This is a simple guide only and does not represent a comprehensive list of procedures. It is important to be aware of any dangerous firstly to yourself. Do not place yourself in a position of danger. Remain calm and try to think calmly before responding.

2. Bleeding

If available put on protective gloves. Try to stop the bleeding at once by applying pressure. If the wound is large squeeze the sides of the wound together. Direct pressure may be necessary on the bleeding point. Elevate and rest wounded part. Apply a wound dressing (first aid cabinet) and bandage firmly. Do not cut off circulation. If there is an embedded object, do not remove the object - apply direct pressure,

3. Shock

Keep patient lying down, lower head and maintain an open airway. Cover with a blanket or clothing, but take care not to overheat. Do not give anything to eat or drink if the casualty is likely to be transported to hospital. Do not leave casualty, monitor and record breathing and pulse regularly – reassure – seek medical aid.

4. Fainting

Once you have checked that the casualty’s breathing, lay the casualty down flat with legs slightly raised. Loosen tight clothing, allow space for fresh air. Check for any illness or injury. Reassure casualty.

5. Burns and Scalds

If serious, send promptly to hospital, after immersing the part in cold water for at least ten minutes or until the pain stopes. Put a clean, dry, non-stick dressing on the burn or scald. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN IT. DO NOT use adhesive dressings. DO NOT burst blisters or remove clothing sticking to the burn or scald. DO NOT apply any lotions, ointments or oily dressings. – seek medical aid.

6. Chemical Burns

Remove all contaminated clothing and flush the burns with plenty of cold water for at least 20 minutes. Apply a clean, dry, non-stick dressing. For an extensive spill do not hesitate to use the safety showers – SEEK MEDICAL AID URGENTLY.

7. Chemicals in Eyes

Gently hold the eye open with head tilted, flush the eye (preferably using an eye wash shower) for at least 20 minutes. If contact lenses are in place remove them immediately before flushing – seek medical aid.

Wash your hands before treating wounds, burns or eye injuries.

Report all accidents and incidents to the Department Safety Officer and/or the First Aid Officer.

Remember that chemicals can enter your body through: Inhalation - Ingestion - Absorption

Occupational First Aiders

First Aiders

Please Note: ALL Security Officers are first aid trained and can be contacted on extension 4555.

The following is a guide to the more comprehensive University of Wollongong Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures. You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with this information.

1. Fire Emergencies

When a fire occurs or in the presence of smoke NO MATTER HOW MINOR IT MAY APPEAR TO BE, contact the Fire Brigade.

Rescue any affected persons

Alert others to the emergency and contact Fire Brigade on 0-000, and Security on 4555. Advise of the building and room location. DO NOT shout fire – this may cause panic.

Contain fire by closing the doors and windows, IF PRACTICAL

Extinguish the fire with an appropriate extinguisher, IF YOU ARE TRAINED AND IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

• Activate any type of alarm device available (eg break glass panel)

• If trained in use of extinguishers and/or fire hoses attempt to extinguish or control fire it safe to do so.

• If fire is severe or producing quantities of smoke, try to close doors and windows before evacuating the area.

• Obey all directions given by wardens. Under the OH&S Act you have a duty to comply with directions given by Wardens, non compliance is an offence and penalties apply.

• If not involved with controlling the emergency, stay well clear of the danger area.

• Never use lifts/elevators in Fire emergencies.

• Wait at your evacuation point

• Do not reenter the building until the “all clear” is given

• Always follow the instructions of wardens and security officers

• There is no excuse for not evacuating.

2. Hazardous Materials

• Identify the substance(s) involved and assess level of risk

• Contact Fire Brigade on 0-000 and Security on 4555

• Contain substance(s) as much as possible -close doors & windows, IF SAFE TO DO SO.

• Evacuate as required

• Wait at your evacuation point

• Do not reenter the building until the “all clear” is given

• Always follow the instructions of wardens and security officers

• There is no excuse for not evacuating.

3. General Laboratory Safety

Almost all laboratories use chemicals in a wide variety of situations. Students and laboratory personnel, although trained in their particular fields are often unacquainted with the elements of fire prevention. The following information is designed to provide a general guide to fire safety and emergency procedures in the laboratory.

3.1 Flammable liquids

If an amount of flammable liquid stored in the laboratory exceeds 100 litres an approved flammable liquid cabinet must be installed and licensed with the WorkCover Authority of New South Wales.

It is essential that you are familiar with the information provided on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the flammable liquid you are handling. The following is a guideline to assist you:

• Do not store or use flammable liquids close to an ignition source e.g. Bunsen burner, soldering iron, furnace, filament lamp etc.

• Ensure containers are labelled in the correct manner and in a legible condition.

• Do not store flammable liquids with non compatible chemicals

• Flammable liquids are not to be stored in passageways where they may jeopardise escape in the event of fire.

• Do not store on high shelving as this may result in accidental breakage and spillage.

• Clean up any spill immediately, following MSDS instructions.

• NEVER use more than 2.5 litres of flammable liquid in a fume cupboard at any one time (Australian Standard 2243.8 – Safety in Laboratories – Fume cupboards, Section 2.1.2).

• Decanting of flammable liquids should take place in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition source.

• Place solvent impregnated rags waste etc in a property constructed metal container with self closing lid. This will prevent the possibility of spontaneous combustion.

• NO SMOKING in any laboratory (or in any University building).

• Know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.

• Flammable liquids are not to be stored in domestic refrigerators as a spark from the motor or the internal light may ignite fumes causing an explosion. Flammable liquids requiring refrigeration should be stored in refrigerators that are intrinsically safe (refrigerators that have spark proof wiring).

3.2 Explosive and Unstable Substances

Many chemicals are prone to react violently, either spontaneously or due to contact with other chemicals or agents. This can result in an explosion or fire. Dangerous instability of a chemical should be indicated by a warning label on the container by the supplier and the MSDS should be readily available for each chemical, containing information regarding chemical instability or associated hazards.

Special precautions are necessary when working with substances which may be explosive or unstable or with reactions which may produce these substances.

• Ensure adequate planning BEFORE undertaking work. If unsure of the use of substances seek expert advice.

• Laboratory supervisor must be advised if unstable substances are to be used and the reason for using them.

• Ensure that you have carefully read the Material Safety Data Sheets.

• If the reagent to be used is obtained commercially carefully read and take note of any warning labels.

• Use fume cupboard and appropriate protective clothing, face and eye protection.

• Use minimal amounts of substances.

3.3 Compressed Gases

Gas cylinders represent a potential hazard due to the high pressures involved and also to the nature of the gases sometimes used in them. Potential hazards associated with the use of compressed gas in laboratory include leakage or escape of flammable gas which can produce an explosive atmosphere.

The following is a guide for general precautions to follow when handling compressed or liquefied gases.

• Material Safety Data Sheets readily accessible

• Be aware of cylinder content

• Be aware of hazardous properties of contents Red for fuel

Yellow for oxidising agents

Green for inert gases

• Never use a cylinder that cannot be identified POSITIVELY

• Never use compressed gas without appropriate knowledge of its nature and associated hazards

• Separate fuel cylinders away from oxidising cylinders

• High pressure oxygen must never be allowed to come into contact with oxidisable material such as cotton waste, oil, grease etc

• Handle cylinders carefully to avoid damaging valves. (If the tap is damaged on a high pressure cylinder the escaping gases can cause violent damage to people and property)

• Close cylinder valve when not in use

• Store cylinders in well ventilated area, away from heat and other ignition sources (approx 3 metres)

• All cylinders should be secured in an upright position so that it is impossible for them to fall. Secure cylinders to wall or trolley, by chain to prevent them being knocked over

• Safety glasses should be worn when handling cylinders

• NO SMOKING in any laboratory or University building

• Gas cylinders are heavy and should not be moved without suitable trolleys

• Know the location of fire extinguishers and be familiar with their use

• Gas supplier contact number should be available for expert advice

3.4 Chemical Spills

A chemical spill in the laboratory can range from a minor incident which can be dealt with by staff immediately, to a potentially hazardous situation that may pose danger to both laboratory and workers which requires expert assistance. Spill management and response strategies should be included in the laboratory’s emergency plans and personnel trained in the procedures to follow.

During a chemical spill emergency all occupants of the building are to follow, without question, the directions of the wardens and university security personnel. The following are guidelines for management of chemical spills

The purpose of hazardous substances legislation is to ensure the safe use of chemicals. The dangerous goods legislation deals with the safe transport and storage of chemicals. The hazardous substances legislation deals with the handling of chemicals after they have been removed from storage and are in use.

1. Compliance

The sequence of steps which should be taken as the Institute works towards complying with Hazardous substances Regulations are:

2. Definition of Hazardous Substances/Dangerous Goods

Gases, fumes, vapours, liquids, solids, fibres, dust or particles that give rise to health or safety concerns. An additional classification within the category is dangerous goods.

Any hazardous substances which could present an immediate threat to safety if persons were exposed to it is a dangerous good.

3. Hazardous Substances

The nature of hazardous substances and extent of the risk posed by them vary greatly. In an office hazardous substances may be found in things such as photocopier toners, ozone from laser printers etc. In University depots there will be a number of hazardous substances which require special handling. Employees need to identify hazards they may be exposed to at their workplace. Any substance including powders, dusts, solids, gases, fumes and vapours that are used or produced in the course of work should be identified and checked to ensure what, if any, are the controls and conditions for its use or application.

Hazardous Substances defined by Worksafe Australia can be found in the following publications:

• List of Designated Hazardous Substances

• Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances

4. Regulation

Hazardous Substances Regulations aim to minimise risks to employees due to workplace hazardous substances exposure. The regulation applies to ALL places of work in which hazardous substances are used or produced and to all persons who have been, are, or may become, exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace. The regulations place a duty on manufactures, suppliers and the University as an employer to ensure that:

• All hazardous substances used at work have adequate labels and Material Safety Data Sheets,

• Employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances used at work are provided with information and training on the nature of these hazards,

• Employees have the means of assessing and controlling exposure to such substances,

• Employee representatives in workplaces have access to this information,

• Provision is made for assessment or risks of, and control of, exposure to hazardous substances, and

• Emergency services have access to relevant information on hazardous substances in places of work.

5. Supply of Hazardous Substances

Before supplying a substance for use at work, the manufacturer or importer of the substance must determine whether the substance is hazardous. If the substance is listed in the List of Designated Hazardous Substances or fits the criteria for hazardous substances set out in the document Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances (both published by Worksafe Australia), then it is considered to fall within the Regulation.

6. Material Safety Data Sheets

The supplier must supply a current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSD) for the substance. The MSD must disclose the following information about the ingredients of the hazardous substance to which it relates. This can be either its chemical name or its generic name if it is appropriate to do so.

(a) For each Type I ingredient - its chemical name

(b) For each Type II ingredient - its chemical name; or

bif the identify of the ingredient is commercially confidential, its generic name

(c) For each Type III ingredient - its chemical name; or

- its generic name

Type I, II and III refers to Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances published by Worksafe Australia.

An MSDS must clearly identify each hazardous substance to which it relates; and it must set out the following information in relation to each such substances:

• Its recommended uses

• Its chemical and physical properties

• Information relating to each of its ingredients, to the extent required by clause 11

• Any relevant health-hazard information

• Information concerning the precautions to be followed in relation to its safe used and handling

This information should also include:

Name and Australian address and telephone numbers (inc emergency number) of the manufacturer and importer.

The label should

• Clearly identify the hazardous substance; and

• Name and Australian address and telephone numbers (inc emergency number) of the supplier

• Disclose information relating to each ingredient required by clause 11

• Provide basic health and safety information about the substance, including any relevant risk phrases and safety phrases.

For each hazardous substance supplied, the University must ensure that:

• It obtains an MSDS for the substance before or on the first occasion on which it is supplied

• MSDS are readily accessible to any employee who could be exposed to the substance

• MSDS are not altered, otherwise that where it is appropriate that an overseas MSDS be reformatted by the employer.

The University must also ensure that the label:

• Clearly identifies the hazardous substances.

• Provides basic health and safety information about the substance, including any relevant risk phrases and safety phrases.

If the hazardous is decanted into other containers for use within the next 12 hours then it need only be labelled with the product name and relevant risk and safety phrases. If the substance is decanted for immediate use then it need not be labelled provided it is cleaned immediately after it has been emptied of the substance.

7. Hazard Registers

The University must ensure that a register is kept and maintained for all hazardous substances used at the employer’s place of work. This register can be located in 2/G09, 2/G04, 8/G05 and 1/122.

The University Register must:

• List all hazardous substances used at the University’s place of work

• Contain all relevant MSDS (if any) for each of those hazardous substances

• Be readily accessible to all employees

8. Risk Assessment

The University is required to consult with employees who are likely to be exposed to risks arising from hazardous substances used at work and with employee representatives with regard to:

• Hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control, risk monitoring, training and provision of information

• Any proposed changes to systems of work associated with hazardous substances that may affect health and safety.

In implementing its risk assessment the University must:

• Identify all hazardous substances that are used or produced at the employer’s place of work

• Ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment is made of the risks to health created by work that involves possible exposure to any of those hazardous substances.

If, after undertaking the risk assessment the University concludes that there is no risk to health, a notation is to be made in the University register. The University must indicate that each stage of the assessment process has been duly completed. Should an assessment identify a risk to health created by the work, the University must ensure:

• The steps necessary to control the hazard are undertaken in accordance with the Regulation

• A report is prepared on the assessment

• The assessment to be revised whenever there is evidence to indicate that the assessment is no longer valid

• It implements any necessary preventative or remedial action indicated following health surveillance

• Whenever there is a significant change in the work to which the assessment relates

• The assessment must be reviewed at intervals not exceeding five years.

The University must ensure that any report prepared under this clause is readily accessible to any employee or other person working at the University’s place of work who could be exposed to a hazardous substance to which the report relates.

9. Control of Hazards

If an assessment identifies a risk to health created by work that involves possible exposure to a hazardous substance of any employee or other person working at the University’s place of work, the University must ensure that exposure to the substance is prevented, or, if that is not practicable, adequately controlled so as to minimise the risks to health caused by the substance. So far as is practicable, the University should seek to ensure that prevention or adequate control of exposure to hazardous substance is achieved by measures other than the provision of personal protective clothing and equipment. All equipment must be properly maintained and used.

The University must ensure that no employee or other person working at the place of work is exposed to an airborne concentration of a hazardous substance in their breathing zone at a level greater than that established by the appropriate exposure standard.

In response to the result of the risk assessment the Institute may invoke elements of the “hierarchy of Control” which is the listed top-down sequence of measures designed to protect individuals:

1. Eliminate the hazard

2. Substitute it for something less hazardous

3. Isolate the hazard or operator

4. Install engineered measures

5. Apply safe work practices and training

6. Use personal protective equipment in support of another

7. Do nothing if the results indicated “very infrequent exposure and very low severity”.

Caution needs to be exercised in the selection of a control strategy to ensure it is appropriate. It is not appropriate to install mechanical extraction ventilation if it is going to draw contaminated air into someone else’s breathing zone.

10. Monitoring the Hazard

If assessment indicates atmosphere monitoring is necessary the University must ensure:

• Appropriate monitoring in accordance with a suitable procedure

• Results of the monitoring to be recorded

• Any employee or other person working at the employer’s place of work that may be or may have been exposed to a hazardous substance that has been monitored is provided with the results of the monitoring

• Monitoring records are readily accessible to any such employee or person.

11. Health Surveillance

Health surveillance must be provided for each employee who could be exposed to a hazardous substance. Further, the Regulations set out specific requirements for how the surveillance is to be undertaken including the notification and storage of medical records.

12. Employee Duties

An employee is required to promptly report to their Supervisor or University any matter that, to their knowledge, will affect the University’s ability to comply with the Regulation. An employee failing to report any relevant matter to the University could be held in breach of the Regulation and face a fine.

13. Training

Induction and on-going training must be provided to any employee who is likely to be exposed to any hazardous substance at the workplace. Induction and ongoing training must be commensurate with any risk to health caused by a hazardous substance that has been identified by the assessment.

A record must be kept of any induction and ongoing training.

A substance exhibiting dangerous physical, chemical or biological properties is classified as a dangerous good (GS) and is assigned a United Nation (UN) Number. This classification and the UN Number are universally used during the manufacture, packaging, shipping, transport, storage and use of that substance.

1. Classifications

Dangerous goods are classified according to the main type of risk involved. There are nine major classes which are assigned specific hazard labels (diamonds). This classification is internationally recognised and is required to be prominently displayed to highlight the main hazard associated with the DGs being stored, used or transported. The following table lists these nine classes.

Some substances exhibit properties that justify being assigned more than one classification. Such substances are classified according to the major hazard, but may bear a subsidiary risk label to identify a secondary but important property associated with that substance.

Classification Table

a Substances in PG I and PG II must be kept in containers of maximum size 5L, and those in PG III I in containers of no more than 25L capacity. Further packaging groups (for “combustible liquids”) exist for tanks of diesel and heating Oil (C1) and for tanks of engine oil, lubricating oil and olive oil (C2). Licensing is only required if the quantity of diesel and heating oil exceeds 500,000L.

b A dangerous goods licence is required for the storage of any quantity greater than that specified. Quantities are measures as the sum of litres and kilograms. A dash means that no exemption quantity exists i.e. any quantity of the material may be kept, provided it is stored correctly.

2. Dangerous Goods storage

Chemicals belonging to different classes and subclasses should, in general, be stored separately. This avoids possibly dangerous interactions between the different types of dangerous substances. Separation can be achieved either by means of an impermeable physical barrier (e.g. the wall of a storage cabinet) or by a suitable distance, usually one to several metres.

General safety criteria as well as class-specific recommendations for the storage of DGs are listed below:

2.1 Storage of large quantities of dangerous goods

For large quantities of dangerous goods purchased, stored and not used on a daily basis, a storage room must be provided. Safety criteria for such a storage room include:

• Dedicated for that purpose

• Gas cylinders and packaged DG shall not be stored together

• All principles of segregation shall be adhered to

• Walls, ceilings, doors and roof shall be made of fire resistant materials

• Floor shall be non-combustible, impervious and provided with a spill catchment

• Property ventilated to avoid build up of toxic/flammable vapours

• Entrance shall display hazard identification symbols and Hazchem Code

• No heat or other sources of ignition are to be allowed inside or in the vicinity of the storeroom

• No smoking, eating or drinking allowed in the storeroom

2.2 Laboratory storage of minor quantities of dangerous goods

The safe storage of minor quantities of laboratory reagents used on a regular basis would contribute to the overall safety in the laboratory and would help minimise the risks and avoid accidents. Some of the safe practices for the storage of dangerous goods in a laboratory include:

• Chemicals stored in a neat and orderly manner

• Minimum quantities to be stored in the laboratory

• Keep a register of all chemicals stored

• Chemicals are not be stored on the laboratory floor

• Materials and containers affected by sunlight stored away from direct sunlight

• Leaking packages are to be removed and replaced

• Large/unused quantities are to be stored in specially ventilated cabinets and lab cupboards

• Obtain and read MSDS for any special precautions

• Use plastic or stainless steel trays whenever possible to retain any spills

Safe storage of chemicals on shelves and racks include:

• Glass containers >1L or 1Kg shall not be stored higher than 1.5m from the floor

• Shelving material shall be compatible with the chemicals stored, or suitably protected from them

• Shelving property designed

• Incompatible chemicals not stored together …. Horizontally or vertically

• Solid chemical stored on upper shelves above liquid chemicals

• Liquid chemicals stored below eye level

2.3 Segregation rules for Dangerous Goods Storage

The following are basic rules:

• Segregate organic from inorganic chemicals

• Oxidisers and organic peroxides should be segregated from all other classes especially flammable combustible materials

• Acids are incompatible with alkali, hypochlorite, cyanides and class 4.3DG

• Class 4.3 shall be kept away from water sources (rain or other liquid chemicals)

• Flammable materials are to be kept away from flames and other sources of ignition

• Radioactive materials to be stored in a cupboard/safe capable of shielding the radiation.

2.4 Class specific storage of dangerous goods