SAFETY BOOKLET - School of Life Sciences - Heriot-Watt University

24muddy shores unless it is known that it is safe to cross. Beware especially of quicksand! At first sight,sand appears to be firmer than mud, but some sediments are thixotrophic, that is they behave like liquidswhen puddled, e.g. by treading feet.The following points must be observed:Never fool around on the seashore!Do not enter the sea. In particular, diving and swimming are forbidden during intertidal seawork.Never work with your back to the sea.Tread very carefully whether on rock, sand or mud.Always stay close to at least one other person, who can assist in the case of difficulty. NEVERWORK ALONE.Do not run or jump on the rocky shore.Be especially careful on boulder shores, as apparently firm boulders can tip and unbalance you.Use rubber gloves to handle sediments and water if there is any suspicion of the presence ofpollution.Do not put bare hands in effluent streams or in the channel water downstream of them.Watch out for pockets of mud beneath apparently firm shingle or seaweeds.Test every footstep on mud before putting your weight on your feet, and proceed slowly. Puch astick into mud to test its consistency.If you continue to sink into the mud more than a few inches, do not remain there.Tread especially carefully close to river channels in estuaries where the mud might be softer anddeeper, or where quicksands might be present.DO NOT WORK WITHIN 50 METRES OF ANY CLIFF, UNLESS YOU ARE WEARINGAN APPROVED HARD HAT.Students or other workers will not be forced to go somewhere where they are frightened. If you feelreally unsafe do not go! Similarly, there should not be any bravado about going rashly onto dangerousshores.Workers must wear appropriate, preferably warm and waterproof clothing. Wellington boots are ideal– however, old worn wellington boots do not grip on rocky shores.NOTICE FOR ALL FEMALE STAFF AND STUDENTS IN SCIENCE ANDENGINEERINGExposure to Health Hazards during pregnancyRecent developments have highlighted possible health hazards when pregnant females are exposed tocertain teratogenic or carcinogenic substances. To avoid such hazards staff and students whose workinvolves contact with chemicals are required to inform their Head of School or the University HealthService as soon as they know they are pregnant so that steps can be taken to remove them from riskduring the period of pregnancy.It is essential that there is no delay in this as the risks are greater during the early months of pregnancy.19/08/02