Chem Safety
Chemical Safety in the School of Engineering
Chemical Safety
Chemicals often have hazards associated with them, whether they be laboratory reagents, common cleaning products, engineering oils, woodworking dusts, or soldering fluxes. These hazards can be associated with fires or explosions, or can be due to the hazards presented to the health of individuals.
Further information, guidance and policies can be found on the University's Health and Safety Services website: Chemical SafetyLink opens in a new window
Acquisition and Storage of Chemicals
Before purchasing or acquiring any chemicalLink opens in a new window the substance needs to be categorised and an assessment made as to whether the substance can be stored safely. An assessment also needs to be made regarding the availability of the required engineering controls (such as fume cupboards, glove boxes), specialist personal protective equipment and a suitable waste stream.
A risk assessment must also be carried out on how the chemical might be used. This can be done as part of a general risk assessment, or in certain circumstances, using a CoSHH AssessmentLink opens in a new window.
Information on ordering chemicals and gases through OPeRA and LabCup can be found here: Chemical/Gas Safety in School of Engineering.Link opens in a new window
Nano-technology
If you are considering a project which uses of produces nano-materials, please read the University's guidance: Nano TechnologyLink opens in a new window
Substances with additional requirements
Below is a list of materials which may have requirements in addition to the substance assessment
| Lead or Lead Compounds | Lead or lead compounds might be disturbed, displaced or released into the atmosphere, whether that be through maintenance or research activities. Work with lead not liable to result in significant exposure
Medical surveillance when
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| Vinyl chloride monomer | Medical surveillance when this material is used, stored or polymerised. |
| Ortho-tolidine and its salts. Dianisidine and its salts. Dichlorobenzidine and its salts. | Medical surveillance when these substances are used. |
| Carbon disulphide. Disulphur dichloride. Benzene, including benzol. Carbon tetrachloride. Trichlorethylene. | Medical surveillance when these substances are used, or given off as vapour. |
| Any substance/compound assigned a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) in EH40 | Exposure monitoring when it is believed exposure levels are approaching half the assigned WEL |
Health surveillance is arranged via Occupational Health. Exposure monitoring is arranged via Health and Safety Services.
In all cases a suitable current risk assessment must be provided.
| Drug Precursors 鈥� (Home Office requirements) due to their potential for mis-use | Category 3 substancesLink opens in a new window |
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| Controlled Drugs (Home Office requirements) |
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| Substances covered by the Chemical Weapons Convention | Schedule1 substancesLink opens in a new window |
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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Chemical hazards to human health are regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) Regulations 2002, which require the safe acquisition, storage, use and disposal of of such substances, follow a simple pattern of:
- Identify the nature of the hazard - see Safety Data Sheets Link opens in a new windowand Chemical Hazard level.
- Assess the risk - see CoSHH Assessment Link opens in a new windowand General Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window
- Control the risk - see Hierarchy of Control Link opens in a new windowand
- Review the controls
Useful Links
Chemical SegregationLink opens in a new window
Chemical Incompatibility Guidance
Chemical Storage Cabinet GuideLink opens in a new window
Good Lab PracticeLink opens in a new window
LabCup chemical inventory systemLink opens in a new window
Flammable LiquidsLink opens in a new window
Laboratory and Workshop Gas SafetyLink opens in a new window
Chemical Training
COSHH Assessment WorkshopLink opens in a new window