Objectives
Work in the University's laboratories shall be conducted in a safe manner. Good risk management will be achieved by identifying the risks, analysing the extent, evaluation and deploying the appropriate measures.
Measures
- Corrective measures will be taken to remove the cause of an undesirable situation.
- Preventive measures will be taken to prevent undesirable situations from arising.
Organisation
Each unit must develop the necessary local procedures. Safety representatives and working environment committees should be involved. Managers at all levels are responsible for ensuring that procedures are known and followed. Individual staff and students are responsible for following procedures.
Risk assessments
Risk assessments shall be carried out in accordance with internal procedures, regulations and generally accepted standards.
Special focus is directed towards:
- training
- substitution
- general working conditions
- storage conditions
- internal transport
- waste and emissions
- emergency response
- fire prevention measures
People are considered to be in a at-risk group if they work with the following factors:
- sources of radiation
- CMA chemicals (carcinogenic, mutagenic or allergens)
- highly toxic or reprotoxic chemicals
- biological factors in risk groups 3 and 4
- GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
- nanoparticles
The working conditions of anyone in an at-risk group will be surveyed and evaluated with respect to exposure. The following factors will then be considered as a minimum:
- The need for, use of and quality of protection (e.g. extraction).
- The need for, use of and quality of personal protective equipment, including maintenance.
- What other preventive measures have been implemented and their effectiveness.
- What training has been completed.
- What emergency response services have been developed.
- Laboratory infrastructure.
If exposure is considered probable and there are ways to determine whether there is exposure, measurement shall be conducted. If staff or students are deemed to be exposed to hazardous chemicals:
- working methods must be reviewed to reduce or stop exposure.
- staff and/or students must be offered appropriate medical examinations.
- staff and/or students must be assessed with regard to entry in a register of staff on ECOonline.
Training
Each individual must have sufficient training to discharge their duties in a responsible manner and to understand the importance of working safely. In addition to training in local routines, general training in laboratory safety and the University's common routines should be provided. Training shall be documented in terms of both the training provided and who received it.
Reporting
Adverse events must be reported in accordance with common procedures.
References
Document ID
- Compiled by: HSE Unit
- Authorized by: Tove Kristin Karlsen for University Director Gunn-Elin Aa. Bj?rneboe
- Date of authorization: 26.09.2012
- Version: 1
- Case and document no. in ePhorte: 2012/11454-8