Health and safety in the laboratory

• What does COSHH stand for?

  Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
• What is the main requirement of COSHH?

  Employers must control hazardous substances
• What are the steps to prevent/reduce exposure to hazardous substances?

  1. Identify health hazards (SDS/MSDS)
  2. Conduct risk assessment
  3. Provide control measures
  4. Ensure control measures are used
  5. Maintain control measures
  6. Provide training and information
  7. Monitor health in appropriate cases
  8. Plan for emergencies
• What types of substances are covered by COSHH?

  Chemicals, fumes, dust, vapours, gases
• Which substances are NOT covered by COSHH?

  Lead, asbestos, radioactive material
• What should be considered before a COSHH assessment?

  Activities involving hazardous substances
• What does "as low as is reasonably practicable" mean in COSHH?

  Control measures must minimize risk effectively
• What are the steps to making a COSHH assessment?

  1. Identify potential exposure in the laboratory
  2. Determine how substances are harmful
  3. Identify jobs/tasks leading to exposure
• What do safety data sheets (SDS) provide?

  Information on dangerous substances
• What are workplace exposure limits (WELs)?

  Defined limits for substance exposure
• How can substances enter the body according to COSHH?

  Breathing, skin contact, injection, swallowing
• What is the main objective of COSHH?

  Prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances
• What are the control measures under COSHH?

  • Use control equipment (e.g., fume cupboard)
  • Ensure proper worker behavior
  • Provide personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Minimize hazardous material quantities
  • Use less hazardous materials
• Who is responsible for providing PPE?

  Employers are responsible for PPE
• When should PPE be used?

  When other measures are inadequate
• What types of PPE are mentioned?

  Respirators, gloves, clothing, footwear, eye protection
• What should emergency plans include?

  Equipment, procedures, trained personnel, waste arrangements
• What is the difference between hazards and risks?

  Hazard is potential harm; risk is likelihood
• What is the purpose of a risk assessment?

  Examine potential harm to health
• What is the risk assessment process?

  1. Systematic examination of premises and processes
  2. Identify potential harm to people
  3. Implement controls and precautions
• What questions should be asked during a risk assessment?

  What are hazards? Who is at risk? Severity of outcomes?
• What are the specifics for forensic laboratories regarding sensitive material?

  • Evidence storage in secured areas
  • Drugs and explosives licenses required
  • Compliance with the Human Tissue Act 2004
• What does the Human Tissue Act 2004 regulate?

  Removal, storage, use, and disposal of human tissues
• What is required for the Home Office biometric programme?

  Buccal swabs for DNA extraction
• What types of databases are included in the Home Office biometric programme?

  Fingerprint, photograph, and DNA databases