Safety

Safety

1INTRODUCTION

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is the duty of an employer to have an up-to-date written statement of health and safety policy, including the arrangements for carrying out that policy; the statement and any revisions must be brought to the attention of employees. It is therefore essential that every member of the department reads this safety guide each year and constantly refers to it for details of safe practice.

2GENERAL AIMS

It is the duty of all members of staff:

-to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions during work;

-to be familiar with stated safety policy by periodic reference to it;

-to look out for any revisions;

-to follow its provisions and

-to co-operate with other members of staff in promoting health and safety.

3RESPONSIBILITIES

The person with overall responsibility for safety is the Headmaster. His authority is delegated through the appointed safety officer of the Harper Trust who will maintain a constant communication with departments.

Within the department, the responsibility for ensuring that staff are made aware of Health and Safety issues is that of the Head of Department.

The Head of Chemistry and BHS from this Department sit on the School’s Health and Safety Committee.

4NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS MADE BY LAW OR REGULATIONS

The COSHH Regulations 1988, revised 1994

These require employers to make risk assessments before employees and others use or produce substances considered as hazardous to health: micro-organisms and those classified as toxic, corrosive, harmful or irritant. Staff must consider carefully what they are doing when using substances hazardous to health and be sure that practice is consistent with the precautions and restrictions in these assessments.

5NOTES FOR GUIDANCE ON MICRO-ORGANISMS

Before and after work with microbes, pupils should wash their hands with soap and warm water. Any cuts should be covered with waterproof plasters.

A significant risk of work in microbiology is the generation of microbial aerosols, where fine droplets of water containing cells and/or spores of microbes are released into the air and can penetrate the respiratory system. Appropriate safety measures minimise the risk of aerosol formation.

Use stock cultures of ‘harmless’ bacteria for all subculturing work.

Petri dishes must always be sellotaped down after inoculation.

Take great care if cultures have been exposed to antibiotics. Lids must NOT be removed except for sterilisation before disposal.

All cultures must be sterilised by the technician before disposal.

Further guidance can be found in the appendix.

If in any doubt, seek advice from JMS.

6LOCAL REGULATIONS

Emergency procedures and other School requirements.

Fire: staff must follow the normal school procedure in case of fire. Staff must be aware of the risk assessment for heating activities.

Injury: staff must follow the normal school procedure regarding accidents and first aid. They should be aware of the location of first aid boxes and equipment and aware of remedial measures to be carried out while awaiting qualified assistance.

Protective clothing: goggles or safety spectacles are always to be worn by teachers, technicians and pupils when they observe or take part in operations involving chemicals in which there is a risk to the eyes. Technicians must wear a face shield when handling large quantities of chemicals and clearing up after a spillage.

Reporting procedures: injuries or suspected injuries to a pupil or member of staff must be reported using the BMS report form following referral to the Medical Centre.