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

9Academic staff supervising research students are directly responsible for their own research students.For undergraduate students the laboratory supervisors are responsible for the students assigned to themwhilst practical work is being carried out. The appropriate protective clothing must be worn at all times,and the local rules of each laboratory are to be read and observed.All members of the School must make themselves familiar with the information in the University SafetyHandbook. It is essential for all persons to be aware of all the possible hazards of any work oroperation that they is carrying out and take whatever precautions are necessary to ensure their ownsafety and that of others.If any new, or possibly dangerous, technique is to be carried out advice MUST be sought from theSupervisor or School Safety Officer BEFORE commencing the work.Never be afraid to report an incident, however trivial. By doing so you may help to avert a moreserious accident in the future.SAFETY OF CONTRACTORS, CLEANERS AND VISITORSArrangements for contractors, and University Estate and Building Services staff to carry out work in theschool should be made through the Facilities Manager or his deputy. No outside contractor maycommence work without a signed “Permit to Work” form.Special arrangements must be made for any “restricted access” laboratory which is kept locked exceptwhen in use because of a particular risk of exposure to flammable, toxic, carcinogenic or radioactivechemicals, or pathogenic micro-organisms. Before permitting entry of professional, contractors, staff ofthe University’s Estate and Building Services staff, cleaners or other person not specificallytrained/authorised to carry out scientific work in that laboratory, the Facilities Manager should informthe person(s) supervising the laboratory of the projected visit, and consult the supervisor (or, failing that,the School Safety Officer), on potential health hazards and any special precautions to be taken.A leaflet describing safety procedures for visitors, contractors, etc is available from the School office.RISK ASSESSMENTUnder the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, it is necessary to assess all risksfrom potential hazards (not just radioactive chemicals and substances covered by COSHH) to thehealth and safety of employees whilst at work, and to others who may be affected by that work,including students, visitors, cleaners and contractors. University policy is that these considerationsextend to class practical work as well as research projects and other work within schools.19/08/02