Guidance information and publications produced by the Health and Safety Department which are relevant to hazardous substances used within the University. Chemical LaboratoriesLaboratory hygieneFollowing Code of Practice CS CoP001 Laboratory hygiene will minimise risk to laboratory users.Good laboratory practiceThe object of Code of Practice CS CoP002 Good laboratory practice is to provide a standard for good laboratory practice when working with chemicals rather than attempt to be specific regarding either substances or procedures.Please also ensure you have read and understood all the Codes of Practice relating to chemical hazards. Substances of particular concernSome hazardous substances have a particular hazardous aspect and this Code of Practice should be reviewed prior to working with them, CS CoP009 Substances of particular concern.Guidance and advice on more common hazardous substances is linked below. COSHH Guidance and advice on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2005 Instruction, supervision and training Guidance and advice on instruction, supervision and training Sensitisers Guidance on sensitisers in the workplace, including laboratory animal allergens (LAAs). Animal Allergens (AAs) Information and guidance when working with animals and animal allergens (AA), possible health effects and control measures. UK CLP Regulations The UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS) aims to make all classification etc of substances harmonised the world over to reduce confusion and aid risk reduction measures. Since the 1st January 2021, the EU CLP has now been implemented as the UK CLP. Storage of hazardous substances Guidance on storage of hazardous substances Solvents A large number of organic solvents are in regular use in many University schools. Disposal of chemicals All chemicals used in laboratories must be disposed of safely and legally. Misuse of Drugs Act The Misuse of Drugs Act is the main piece of legislation covering drugs and their categorisation. Drug Precursor Chemicals Companies who deal in precursor chemicals need to be licensed or registered with the Home Office. UK REACH REACH (Registration, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) is the system for controlling chemicals out on the market in Europe. Since 1st January 2021, EU REACH was replaced by UK REACH with some changes as highlighted below. Nanotechnologies Nanotechnology involves the creation and/or manipulation of materials at the nanometre (nm) scale (1-100nm) either by scaling up from single groups of atoms or by refining or reducing bulk materials. Mercury Hazards associated with mercury and disposal methods. Ethidium Bromide Ethidium Bromide is a potent mutagen which has been commonly used as a nucleic acid stain for many years. Ethers Ether (diethyl ether, ethyl ether) is an extremely common solvent that is routinely used in varying quantity in laboratory procedures through out the University. Hydrofluoric acid Hydrofluoric Acid is classed as a hazardous substance, therefore the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2005 must be complied with. DSEAR Guidance on the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) Explosives and desensitised explosives Guidance on the licensing and safe storage of explosives and desensitised explosives. Safety Data Sheets Safety Data Sheets should be consulted prior to beginning work with any chemical and also when completing your risk assessment. Dry ice Guidance on storage, handling and transport of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). 3D Printers Guidance on 3D printers Chemical Weapons Convention Overview of the requirements of the CWC declarations. Asbestos guidanceAll guidance on asbestos in the University can now be found on the Estates Department asbestos webpages.Asbestos information This article was published on 2024-07-22
