Management of Health and Safety within the School
University College Dublin prioritizes the safety of its employees and students by ensuring a secure work environment and conducive study conditions The University is dedicated to taking all reasonable measures to prevent any adverse effects on the safety of third parties resulting from its actions and activities.
The Head of School is tasked with ensuring that all school activities are conducted safely, minimizing any potential risks to the health and safety of university employees, students, and third parties.
All employees are required to actively cooperate with the University to ensure health and safety in the workplace, avoiding any actions that could jeopardize their own safety or that of their colleagues and others This collaboration is vital for effective safety management within the University In line with safety regulations, employees must take personal responsibility for their safety while performing their duties and adhere to all relevant safe working procedures.
The University promotes active employee participation in safety initiatives and invites suggestions or feedback on safety issues These contributions can be submitted to the local Safety Committee for effective handling.
Refer to the University Parent Safety Statement for further details
Head of School Prof Gareth Redmond (716) 2853
University SIRC Manager Dr Peter Coulahan (716) 8768 / 8771
School Safety Coordinator Dr Raymond Smith (716) 2099
Chair of Local Safety Committee Prof Gareth Redmond (716) 2853
Emergency Response Coordinator Dr Aaron Martin (716) 2289
Inventory Management Coordinator Dr Sharon Shannon (716) 2298
Hazardous Waste Coordinator Mr Patrick Waldron (716) 2301
Trained First Aiders (See below)
Fire Alarm Maintenance Company Contact UCD SIRC Office (716) 8768 / 8771
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Contact UCD SIRC Office (716) 8768 / 8771
Emergency First Aid treatment and equipment is available from the local Services Desks and via the 24 hour Emergency line 716 7999
Key Contact Details
School of Chemistry First Aiders
During normal working hours (i.e 9:00 – 17:00) the following personnel may be contacted if first aid is required:
Outside normal working hours the following trained personnel may be available:
School of Chemistry Fire Marshals
There are Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) in the following locations in the Science Complex:
Science South – Ground floor entrance lobby near stairs
Science East – Ground floor lobby at entrance to Science Hub
Science North – Ground floor entrance lobby by lif
Science West – First floor entrance lobby
A full list of locations can be found on the UCD Services Map Services staff have been trained in the use of AED’s Contact extension 7999 (UCD 24 hr Emergency Line).
First Aid and further AED’s are also available through the 24 hour Emergency line 716 7999
Employee Safety Representation
University College Dublin prioritizes employee involvement and consultation in managing health and safety across the institution This commitment is exemplified through the proactive initiatives of the School of Chemistry Safety.
The committee serves as a platform for School employees to voice safety concerns while allowing the University SIRC Office and School Management to share vital health and safety information It includes representatives from various sectors within the school, all recognized by the University as Employee Safety Representatives, in accordance with Part 4 of the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act.
Employees have a right under this legislation at any time to elect from their number such
At our School, individuals who wish to serve as Employee Safety Representatives are supported in their roles, allowing them to join the committee without undergoing a peer election process This approach ensures that all interested parties can contribute to enhancing workplace safety.
Representatives should contact the Head of School
For further information on current membership of the committee and its functions, contact should be made with the committee chair Prof Gareth Redmond (Ext 2853).
Emergency Response Plans
Emergency response plans are designed to outline the necessary steps and actions to be taken during an emergency at the School Each unit within the school may customize these plans to address their specific circumstances as needed.
The following are deemed as emergencies within the School:
4 Loss / Spillage Of A Chemical Agent
5 Loss / Spillage Of A Biological Agent
Fire
If you hear the fire alarm:
1 Do not panic, but prepare to leave the building.
In the event of an alarm, evacuate the building promptly and orderly by following the green man running signs to the nearest exit, which may differ from your entrance route.
3 Classes in session must be dismissed and students directed to leave.
4 Persons in laboratories and workshops should make their area safe before leaving by turning off equipment where possible, closing chemical containers, securing biological agents, etc.
5 Do not use the lif.
6 Do not go back to your working area for any reason.
If you cannot exit the building, seek refuge in a protected stairwell or a room with an external window, ensuring to close the door Additionally, if feasible, notify the emergency line for assistance.
7999) or a colleague of your location and the reason why you cannot safely exit the building
8 If safe to do so, nominated Fire Marshals should inspect their designated areas
9 Proceed to your designated emergency assembly following your departure from the building. The assembly areas for the Science Complex are:
Car Park Beside Veterinary Science Centre Beside the Lake (CSCB End)
In Front of the Church Pedestrian Area in Front of Computer Centre
10 Report any knowledge you may have of missing or injured persons to a Fire Marshal.
11 Return to the building only afer the Chief Fire Marshal/ Services Personnel give the all clear signal.
1 Activate the fire alarm by breaking one off the red wall mounted break glass units
If you have received proper training and it is safe, you can attempt to extinguish the fire using an appropriate fire extinguisher, ensuring that no one is put at risk of injury in the process.
3 If you decide to fight a fire ensure that you have a safe and clear means of escape from the fire at all times.
When dealing with chemical fires, it's crucial to recognize that many chemicals release toxic fumes when ignited Only attempt to extinguish a chemical fire if you are confident in your safety and can prevent exposure to harmful combustion products.
5 In the event that you cannot fight the fire or the fire begins to get out of control evacuate the area immediately
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is packaged in a red cylinder with a cream-colored label and is effective for combating fires involving paper, wood, and fabric However, it is not suitable for electrical fires, while being appropriate for most chemical fire situations.
Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers, identifiable by their red cylinder and black label with a discharge horn, are specifically designed for combating electrical fires However, they are not recommended for use on paper or fabric fires, as the pressurized gas can scatter embers, posing additional risks Additionally, due to the asphyxiant properties of carbon dioxide, these extinguishers should not be used in confined spaces It is also important to note that the discharge horn can become extremely cold during operation.
Dry Powder o Red cylinder with a blue label. o Suitable for all types of fires including electrical and chemical. o Can be very messy and can damage electronic equipment
To effectively use a fire extinguisher, first remove it from the wall bracket if needed, then break the seal and pull out the pin Test the extinguisher by squeezing the handle, and for carbon dioxide extinguishers, manually position the discharge horn before testing; be cautious not to touch it again after use as it becomes extremely cold Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire to combat the flames effectively.
Gas Leak
In the case of a suspected natural or laboratory gas leak in Science South/CSCB, immediately contact the First Response Room at extension 1200 If the First Response Room is unreachable or if there are gas leak concerns in other buildings, call the 24-hour Emergency Line at extension 7999 It is crucial to evacuate the area promptly, and only authorized personnel should engage with gas safety systems.
Laboratory Gas Alarm Activation
o In the event of an activation of a laboratory gas alarm, follow local gas alarm response procedures.
1 When a gas alarm sounds, the BLUE strobe in each laboratory and instrument room on the affected floor will flash and the local siren will sound.
2 Evacuate room immediately Do not re-enter the room until safe to do so.
3 Review the gas detection panel outside the laboratory.
4 Note alarm details: location, type, reading on Incident Record
No Gas Reading Unit Notes
19/12/201 EM A1.01 O2 30 %v/ CH17 Faulty sensor Channel
5 Try alarm reset If alarm resets immediately, log response action on Incident Record
Sheet and return to lab.
6 If alarm persists, the local Fire Marshall should establish if a leak has occurred or if a gas leak is possible in the laboratory.
7 During office hours contact the Science Welcome Centre (01 716 2845) to request assistance They will act as Incident Controller and complete the appropriate remedial actions
8 Out of hours contact the UCD First Response Room (01 716 7999) They will act as
Incident Controller and complete the appropriate remedial actions
9 Do not re-enter the laboratory until told it is safe to do so.
Loss / Spillage of a Chemical Agent
In the event of a chemical spill or leak, immediately evacuate all individuals from the affected area and keep doors closed while opening windows if possible Ensure that all potential ignition sources, including electrical appliances, are turned off if it is safe to do so Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the specific chemical to guide the cleanup process effectively For spills exceeding 10 liters or kilograms, contact the University SIRC Office at 8768 for assistance.
In the event of a spill, contact internal support at 8771 or 7999 and assess if the situation is safe for cleanup using a spill kit Ensure that all personnel involved wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats, and that at least two individuals attend to the spill Identify and, if safe, seal the source of the leak, and remove any damaged containers for repackaging For liquid spills, cover the area with absorbent pads or vermiculite, using absorbent booms to contain the spread if necessary Collect the spilled material and absorbents with a dustpan and brush, placing everything in the spill kit’s bag or container For solid spills, use the same collection method Dispose of all waste and contaminated items properly, and avoid inhaling vapors or airborne contaminants; seek specialist assistance for large spills and consider respiratory protection if needed Some chemicals, like elemental mercury and strong acids, require specialized responses, so always consult the material's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use and ensure any necessary spill response equipment is readily available.
Loss / Spillage of a Biological Agent
In the event of a spillage that does not produce aerosols, individuals must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and a lab coat, before addressing the contaminated area It is essential to treat the spillage with a suitable dry disinfectant or cover it with tissue paper and apply a liquid disinfectant Allow the disinfectant to take effect before cleaning the area and disposing of waste materials properly For biological agent spillages, Virkon and Presept are recommended disinfectants, while any alternative disinfectant should be specified in the relevant risk assessment.
In the event of a spillage that creates aerosols, such as when a sample tube ruptures in a centrifuge, it is essential to evacuate the area and allow droplets to settle Once settled, individuals equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coats, and barrier face masks, can safely enter the contaminated zone to address the spillage Depending on the severity of the incident, extensive decontamination of the area may be necessary Following the disinfection process, testing for the presence of any biological agents may be conducted if required Additionally, respiratory protection should be considered when managing spillages that produce aerosols.
Chemical Agent Exposure
Certain agents, such as hydrofluoric acid and cyanides, necessitate specialized first aid responses It is essential to consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of a material prior to its initial use Additionally, any required specialized first aid equipment should be obtained and stored in an appropriate location, while noting any unique first aid procedures that may be needed.
The following are general guidelines for treating exposures to chemical agents.
In the event of inhalation exposure to airborne chemicals, it is crucial to move affected individuals to fresh air while ensuring that rescuers do not put themselves at risk If breathing ceases, artificial respiration should be performed, but caution is necessary if corrosive or toxic substances are present in the mouth Administering oxygen may also be beneficial if available Any cases of exposure leading to vomiting or unconsciousness require immediate medical attention.
In the event of skin contact with hazardous substances, promptly remove any contaminated clothing and gently wash the affected area with soapy water If an emergency shower is accessible, use it to thoroughly rinse the skin Should any blisters develop or if the skin appears reddened, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Eye Contact o Wash out eyes with copious amounts of fresh water and seek medical advice.
Ingestion o Refer to the specific SDS Always seek medical advice.
For further information contact the Poisons Information Centre Telephone 01-837 9964 / 01-837 9966.
If seeking medical advice afer a chemical exposure ensure that the patient has in their possession a copy of the relevant SDS.
Biological Agent Exposure
If you suspect exposure to a biological agent, it is crucial to contact the SIRC Office at extensions 8768 or 8771 without delay Seeking medical assistance or advice promptly is essential for your health and safety.
Injuries from Sharps
For needle stick / sharps type injuries:
Immediate treatment is essential for cuts caused by sharp objects, and one should never try to remove broken glass from wounds In the case of needle stick injuries from contaminated needles, encourage bleeding, then thoroughly wash the area under running water and cover it with a dry dressing Additionally, it is important to identify any potential chemical or biological hazards that may have been injected with the needle.
2 Apart from very minor injuries, a First Aider should be called.
In the event of an accident resulting in a wound, it is crucial to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, avoiding scrubbing, and to refrain from removing any glass fragments by hand Allow puncture wounds to bleed gently without sucking them, then dry the area and cover it with a waterproof dressing If the sharp object was contaminated with hazardous materials, seek medical advice promptly Research indicates that using antiseptics or squeezing a wound does not effectively reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission, and washing a wound with caustic agents like bleach is not advisable.
Personal Injury
In case of an injury requiring first aid, promptly use first aid equipment available in all labs, the First Response Room (1200), or through the 24hr Emergency Line (7999) If needed, reach out to a trained first aider for assistance For emergencies that necessitate professional medical services, contact the 24hr Emergency Line (7999) to request help.
Campus Emergency
In the event of a major campus incident, all staff and students must follow the Shelter-Shut-Listen response model This involves sheltering in a secure building, ideally with access to a phone and the UCD computer network Lecturers should instruct students to stay indoors while seeking updates through the UCD website, local Services Centre, or emergency line (7999) Staff must remain in their location until notified that the situation is resolved or instructed to evacuate If evacuation is necessary, the building fire alarm will signal all occupants, and further instructions will be provided Unless directed otherwise, staff should stay indoors and listen for updates via voicemails, the website, email, or campus siren.
Contacting the Emergency Services
In all instances contacting the Emergency Services must be done via the Services First Response Room using the 24hr Emergency Line (7999) Services personnel will then contact the Emergency
Services and ensure that they are met upon their arrival on campus and are escorted to the correct location of any incident
All incidents involving fire, hazardous spills, chemical exposure, personal injuries, or near misses must be reported to the University SIRC Office using an official accident report form These forms are available at the University SIRC Office For assistance, contact safety@ucd.ie or call ext 8768 / 8771.
High Risk Activities
Prior to engaging in any activities involving high-risk chemicals, it is essential for users to consult the School Safety Adviser to understand relevant risk reduction measures that may apply to their tasks.
The use of cyanides and malodorous chemicals, including thiols, selenides, and tellurides, is strictly regulated and must adhere to established standard operating procedures For more information, please contact Raymond Smith at extension 2099.
Out Of Hours Access
Access to the school outside regular hours, specifically between 18:00 and 08:00, is permitted at the discretion of the Head of School It is mandatory for all individuals entering the school during these times to sign the Out of Hours Register.
High-risk work that poses potential personal injury or property damage is prohibited during out-of-hours periods Any laboratory activities conducted outside regular hours must undergo a thorough risk assessment.
Postgraduate Induction Training
Before starting laboratory work, all postgraduates are required to complete a mandatory safety induction This training encompasses essential topics such as lab safety, chemical safety, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), risk assessment, and practical firefighting techniques For more information, please reach out to Raymond Smith at extension 2099.
Location of Emergency Equipment
Fire Extinguishers o Fire extinguishers are located throughout all buildings and are readily available in all locations.
First aid boxes are strategically placed throughout the school, including all teaching and research labs, to ensure quick access to medical supplies For those seeking additional first aid boxes, nominated local first aiders can provide guidance on their nearest locations Additionally, first aid equipment can be accessed at any time through the 24-hour emergency line by dialing 7999.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are strategically placed throughout the Science Complex for easy access in emergencies You can find them in the Agriculture & Food Science Entrance Lobby, the Health Sciences Entrance Lobby, and at the entrance to the Hub in Science Centre East Additional AEDs are located in the Ground Floor Lobby of Science Centre North, the Ground Floor Lobby of Science Centre South, and the First Floor Entrance Lobby of Science Centre West.
For training in the use of defibrillators please contact aed@ucd.ie.
Waste Management
Students and researchers in the School of Chemistry must ensure the safe and responsible disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste Non-hazardous materials should be placed in designated recycling and regular waste bins found in all laboratories For hazardous waste, proper disposal is required according to specific categories, utilizing specialized containers available from Chemical Stores Each container is barcoded and scanned for effective tracking.
Three categories: o Halogenated o Non-halogenated o Non-regulated aqueous
When 10-liter waste containers reach 90% capacity, they should be sealed and transported to the Stores waste compound It's important to minimize the mixing of different types of waste Additionally, liquid waste that contains heavy metals must be stored separately and treated as irregular waste.
Four categories: o Non-contaminated o Chemically contaminated o Biologically contaminated
General waste is regularly collected by cleaning staff, while contaminated waste bags must be securely tied when three-quarters full and disposed of in the Stores waste compound Red bin liners are designated for green waste drums, while yellow liners should be placed in UN-approved yellow bags before being disposed of in grey wheelie bins located in the biological waste compound next to Science West It is crucial that these waste containers do not include liquids, sharps, or hard plastic materials, particularly when dealing with chemically contaminated biological waste.
When 60 L bins are full, they must be securely closed and sealed before being transported to the Stores compound for proper disposal These bins should be placed in the grey wheelie bins located in the biological waste compound next to Science West.
Two categories: o Chemically contaminated sharps
When full, 60L blue bins must be securely closed and sealed before being taken to the Stores compound for disposal These bins are designed for all types of sharps, including needles, broken glassware, ceramics, and hard plastics, as well as biologically contaminated sharps.
12 L containers for potentially infectious laboratory sharps These should be closed and sealed when full, and brought to Stores to be placed in a fire rated container.
Under no circumstances should these contain liquids, sharps or hard plastic wastes.
Green waste bags available from the School Hazardous Waste
Coordinator (ext 2301) Once filled, the bag should be placed in a cardboard box and then into a freezer Once frozen, arrangements can be made for collection and disposal through Stores
These should be disposed of in old silica/alumina containers as appropriate.
Once full, seal for disposal and deposit in the green waste drums in the Stores chemical waste compound.
Empty Winchesters and clear glass bottles must be thoroughly triple-washed with hot water and de-labelled After cleaning, affix signed green verification labels to the bottles, which can then be carefully placed in the glass bins located in the Stores waste compound, ensuring no breakage occurs.
To ensure proper disposal, all plastic and aluminum bottles must be triple-rinsed with hot water and stripped of labels Once prepared, these bottles can be placed in the large bins designated for general waste located at the rear of Science North.
Waste that does not fit into established categories and lacks specific standard operating procedures (SOP) should be classified as irregular waste To manage this, the irregular laboratory smalls waste form must be completed and submitted to the School Hazardous Waste Coordinator (ext 2301) for proper labeling and packaging in consultation with SRCL After the waste is appropriately packaged and labeled, arrangements can be made for its disposal, which also applies to genetically modified materials.
All waste must be transported to the Stores using a trolley and the service elevators in Science South Elevators carrying waste materials must be secured with a lift key, and it is strictly prohibited for individuals to travel in elevators that contain waste.
Correct Laboratory Etiquette
The laboratories at the School of Chemistry are collaborative spaces, requiring all staff, students, researchers, and visitors to adhere to the established laboratory etiquette policy This ensures a safe working environment for everyone involved.
Lab coats (available from Chemistry Stores) must be worn by researchers at all times while in laboratories.
Respect each other’s projects/property/laboratory space as you would expect others to respect yours Never use equipment/apparatus belonging to another researcher without asking permission.
Maintain a professional environment, use professional techniques and have a professional attitude towards others at all times.
Provide collegial support for colleagues and share knowledge and understanding.
Keep distracting noise to a minimum.
Take responsibility for the facility and your colleagues The lab is our asset and we must all take the responsibility to maintain it, and the safety of our colleagues.
If you witness inappropriate behavior, it is essential to take responsibility and lead efforts to address it Alternatively, you should report any irresponsible actions to your Supervisor, the Chief Technical Officer, or the School Safety Advisor when necessary.
The following laboratory rules are aimed at both ensuring the safety of, and as a general courtesy to, all researchers in the School of Chemistry.
Your lab space must be kept clean and well-organised at all times.
Eating and drinking are forbidden in all laboratory areas; this includes write-up areas located within laboratories.
Personal audio devices, such as MP3 players and iPods, are not allowed in laboratory write-up areas due to safety concerns These devices can distract you and impede your ability to respond quickly and effectively in case of a co-worker's accident or other laboratory emergencies, including alarms.
Mobile phones may not be used in the laboratory areas They can be used in the write-up areas, but please keep ring-tones at a low volume.
To ensure safety in school laboratories, all researchers and visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times This includes mandatory lab coats, which should be worn only in laboratories and minimized outside of them, particularly in write-up areas where they should never be worn while seated Safety glasses are also required, with prescription safety glasses available upon request for those who need them, as regular glasses do not provide adequate protection Laboratory gloves are strictly prohibited outside laboratory areas, including on door handles and computer equipment Additionally, appropriate clothing that offers protection is essential; shorts and skirts are not allowed, and footwear must fully cover the foot and provide protection against sharp objects, making flip-flops and sandals unacceptable in laboratory settings.
Running is not permitted in the laboratory areas.
Space is limited Have only what you need in your work space Coats, bags and other possessions should be placed where they cannot interfere with productivity.
Access to the laboratory is restricted to individuals with a valid reason for being there It is essential that all guests are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and lab coats, and they must always be accompanied by authorized personnel.
Storage of Chemicals
Proper storage of chemicals is essential for all users, who are responsible for adhering to safety guidelines For a detailed overview of the requirements, please refer to pages 34-37 of the UCD Chemical Safety Manual.
Chemical bottles should be capped when not in use Wrapping the caps/bottlenecks in parafilm is also recommended to prevent build-up of residue around caps.
Chemicals on benches must be kept at a safe distance from the edge to minimise any chance of accidental spillage Storage above chemicals above eye level is strongly discouraged.
Compatibility of chemicals should be checked before storage so that incompatible materials can be stored separately.
Overcrowding of cabinets should be avoided whenever possible, and bottles should never be stored on their sides.
Safety data sheets for all compounds stored in the lab should be on file.
Chemicals must not be stored on the floor.
Empty containers must not be allowed to build up, and should be washed and disposed of appropriately as soon as possible.
Acid and base baths must be properly bunded.
Handling of Cryogenic Liquids
Liquid nitrogen is widely utilized in various departments, making it essential for all personnel to understand the hazards related to cryogenic liquids Anyone planning to use liquid nitrogen must refer to the UCD Guide to the Safe Use of Liquid Nitrogen, accessible on the UCD Chemistry website Additionally, standard operating procedures (SOPs) are available for the filling and transportation of 25L belly dewars.
Liquid helium is used for highly specialised equipment, and should only be handled by trained personnel.
Under no circumstances should people travel in a lif with any quantity of cryogenic liquids or solids.
As with the transport of hazardous waste, dewars containing such materials should be locked in using a lif key.
Procedure for Unattended Experiments
Only reactions which are considered completely safe may be lef unattended.
All heating apparatus must be equipped with a temperature controller.
All glass joints must be secure.
Tubing on reflux condensers must be secure and a water safety cut-out switch must be used.
Vacuum and compressed gases must be set up safely and securely.
For every unattended experiment, it is essential to complete an unattended experiment form (refer to Appendix 17.6) along with an appropriate risk assessment Both documents must be prominently displayed on the fume hood cupboard sash and at the lab entrance.
The following information must be available (in addition to the details of the experiment):
Name of the person responsible.
Name of the supervisor responsible.
A contact number for the person responsible.
The time and date the experiment will conclude.
Emergency action which should be taken by persons with no knowledge of the particulars of the experiment (e.g service personnel or emergency services).
Once the experiment has concluded the unattended experiment forms or risk assessments must be removed from their displays.
University College Dublin is committed to identifying workplace hazards and managing associated risks as effectively as possible A 'hazard' refers to anything that has the potential to cause harm, while 'risk' pertains to the likelihood of that hazard causing harm in specific circumstances Risk assessment involves evaluating the probability of an event occurring alongside the potential severity of injury or loss that could result from it.
Probability is determined based on an assessment on how likely it is that an adverse event related to the hazard concerned will occur Probabilities are graded as:
Unlikely: the adverse event being considered will occur only rarely.
Likely: the adverse event being considered will occur on a frequent basis
Very Likely: the adverse event being considered is almost certain to occur
Severity is determined by the potential level of personal injury or property damage that may result from an adverse event The outcomes of severity are categorized and graded accordingly.
Slightly Harmful: e.g superficial injuries; minor cuts and bruises; nuisance and irritation; temporary discomfort; minor infection; minor material damage.
Harmful: e.g lacerations; burns; concussion; sprains; minor fractures; dermatitis (temporary); asthma (temporary); long term discomfort; infection requiring medical treatment; significant material damage.
Very Harmful: e.g fatality; amputation; major fracture; severe poisoning; cancer; life shortening condition / disease; deafness; head injuries; eye injuries; substantial material damage
The risk assessment matrix is a valuable tool for evaluating hazards by correlating the likelihood of adverse events with the potential severity of injuries or material losses resulting from those events.
Severity Of Outcome Of Negative Event
Negative Event Slightly Harmful Harmful Very Harmful
Unlikely trivial risk acceptable risk moderate risk
Likely acceptable risk moderate risk substantial risk
Very Likely moderate risk substantial risk intolerable risk
Trivial Risk: No further action required.
Acceptable Risk: No additional risk control / reduction measures required
Moderate Risk: Further risk control / reduction measures should be considered and implemented were possible Hazards graded as Moderate Risk must be closely managed.
To effectively manage substantial risks, it is essential to identify additional risk control and reduction measures If further reduction is not feasible, strict management of the hazard is necessary, ensuring that its frequency and duration are minimized to the lowest practicable level, along with limiting the number of individuals exposed to the hazard.
Intolerable Risk: All work involving this hazard is prohibited
The aim of any risk control / reduction measures identified and implemented are to reduce the residual risk from the hazard to as low a level as is reasonably practicable
University College Dublin is dedicated to eliminating hazards whenever possible If a hazard cannot be removed at its source, the University will provide appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of its employees.
Regular reviews of risk assessments will be conducted, particularly when there are changes in work practices or the introduction of new activities at the University It is essential for all staff and postgraduate students to be acquainted with the relevant risk assessments pertaining to their roles For additional training and information on workplace safety and risk assessments, individuals can contact the University SIRC Office at safety@ucd.ie.
Staff and postgraduates in the School of Chemistry are required to review relevant risk assessments before starting any new tasks to ensure that hazards are properly identified and managed If the current risk assessments are insufficient, they must either modify them or create new ones as needed Standard risk assessment templates are provided to facilitate this process, and support can be sought from the School Safety Committee or the SIRC Office.
An Office Safety Handbook which outlines the risk associated with working in an office environment is available for review by persons who work in said environment
Individuals who interact with the public in person or conduct home visits should refer to the established Safety Guidelines for their protection Additionally, those responsible for assessing risks related to chemical and biological hazards are highly advised to review the University College Dublin Biosafety Manual and the Chemical Safety Manual for comprehensive safety information.
16.2 School of Chemistry Register of Risks
The following risk assessments are deemed to be relevant to the operations of the School of
Chemistry The most current versions of these risk assessments are available on the SIRC Office
School personnel must familiarize themselves with all relevant risk assessments related to their roles and adhere to the guidelines outlined within these assessments.
These risk assessments may apply to all persons working within the school
UCDA1 Manual Handling (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDA2 Access and Egress Acceptable Risk
UCDA3 Bullying and Harassment Moderate Risk
UCDA4 Workplace Housekeeping Acceptable Risk
(General) n/a Contact UCD SIRC Office to arrange Risk Assessment
UCDA6 Home Working Trivial Risk
UCDA7 Presence On A Third Party
Site (General) Moderate Risk UCDA8 Kitchen / Tea Making Areas Trivial Risk
UCDA9 Driving / Use Of Vehicles Substantial Risk
UCDA10 Foreign Travel Acceptable Risk
UCDA11 Lone Working (General) n/a Risk rating to be decided on an individual basis
UCDA12 Workplace Stress Moderate Risk
UCDA13 Use Of Passenger / Goods
UCDA14 Noise (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDA15 Use Of Personal Protective
Equipment (General) Trivial RiskUCDA16 Travel Within Ireland Acceptable Risk
UCDA18 Fire (General) Moderate Risk
UCDA19 Electricity (General) Moderate Risk
These risk assessments may apply to persons working within an office environment within the school
UCDB1 Office Safety (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDB2 Use Of Display Screen
Equipment Acceptable Risk Contact SIRC Office to arrange individual assessment UCDB3 Electricity In The Office Acceptable Risk
UCDB4 Fire In The Office Acceptable Risk
UCDB5 Manual Handling In The
These risk assessments may apply to persons working with chemical agents within the school
UCDC1 Handling And Use Of
When using chemical agents, it is essential to conduct a specific risk assessment, especially if one is not already available This ensures safe handling and compliance with safety protocols For general guidance, the risk level is considered moderate, but users should always prioritize obtaining a detailed assessment before first-time use.
UCDC2 Storage Of Chemical Agents
The large scale storage of chemical agents (i.e 00’s of litres / kgs may require the completion of a more specific risk assessment).
Handling And Use Of Flammable Liquids / Organic Solvents (General)
UCDC4 Cryogenic Liquids (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDC5 Use Of Compressed Gases
Use and Handling Of Corrosive Chemicals (General)
UCDC7 Use and Handing Of
Hydrofluoric Acid (General) Moderate Risk UCDC8
Use and Handling Of Cyanide Compounds (General)
Use and Handling Of Mercury And Mercuric Compounds (General)
Use and Handling Of Organic Peroxide Compounds (General)
Use and Handling Of Potentially Explosive Materials (General)
Use and Handling Of Laboratory Diagnostic Kits
UCDC13 Use and Handling Of
Moderate Risk For general guidance purposes only A specific risk assessments for every carcinogen and mutagen in use must be completed prior to using the agent for the first time.
Use and Handling Of Teratogens And Reproductive Toxins (General)
Use and Handling Of Irritants, Harmful Agents and Sensitisers (General)
UCDC16 Use and Handling Of Toxic
UCDC17 Use and Handling Of Dry
These risk assessments may apply to persons working with biological agents within the school
UCDD1 Handling and Use Of Class
UCDD2 Handling and Use Of Class
UCDD3 Use and Propagation Of
Handling and Use Of Biological Material Of Human / Animal Origin
Agent Spillages (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDD9 Zoonoses (General) Moderate Risk
UCDD10 Use and Propagation of Moderate Risk
These risk assessments may apply to persons engaged in laboratory work within the school
UCDE3 Use Of Bunsen / Gas
UCDE4 Cold Rooms / Walk In
UCDE5 Use Of Fridges / Freezers
UCDE7 Use Of Laboratory Ovens
UCDE8 Use Of Microwave Ovens
(General) Acceptable Risk UCDE9 Use Of Sharps (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDE11 Use Of Hot Plates / Stirrers
(General) Acceptable Risk UCDE12 Use Of pH Meters (General) Trivial Risk
UCDE13 User Of Rotary Evaporators
(General) Acceptable Risk UCDE14 Use Of UV Light Sources Acceptable Risk
Chemical Risks (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDE16 Use Of Laboratory Personal
UCDE19 Electrical Safety In The Lab Moderate Risk
UCDE20 Fire Safety In The Lab Moderate Risk
UCDE21 Manual Handling In The
UCDE22 Laboratory Waste Disposal Acceptable Risk
UCDE24 Use Of Water / Oil Baths
UCDE25 Use Of Hot Air Guns
(General) Acceptable Risk UCDE26 Use Of Wax Baths (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDE27 Use Of Ice Makers
(General) Trivial Risk UCDE28 Dissection (General) Acceptable Risk
UCDE29 Use Of Hand Sanitizers /
UCDE30 Handling And Use Of
Disinfectants (General) Acceptable Risk UCDE31 Use of Lasers (General) Acceptable Risk
Use Of Laboratory Analytical Equipment (General)
UCDE33 NMR (General) Moderate Risk
These risk assessments may apply to persons working with radioactive materials within the
UCDG1 Handling And Use Of
17.1 Appendix 1: Links to UCD Risk Assessment Templates
Biological Agents Risk Assessment Template
Chemical Agents Risk Assessment Template
Machinery/Equipment Risk Assessment Template
Lone Working Risk Assessment Template
Home Working Risk Assessment Template
17.2 Appendix 2: Links to UCD Guidance Documents and Manuals
17.3 Appendix 3: Links to UCD Checklists
17.4 Appendix 4: Copies of UCD Risk Assessment Templates
Chemical Agents Risk Assessment Template
Persons completing this assessment should refer to the UCD Chemical Safety Manual and must review the SDS for the chemicals concerned
Name of Person(s) involved in the Process and their Position
(Person responsible for ensuring safety)
Frequency of Process / Chemical in use
2 Title and Details of the Process Involving the use of Hazardous Agents –give details of the process(es) in question - if necessary attach a written procedure
3 Potential Experimental / Reaction Outcomes (give details where applicable)
Release of gas / vapours: ☐ Pressurisation: ☐
Generation of unstable compounds:☐ Effects on normal atmospheric conditions: ☐
4 Hazardous Agent(s) to be used
Chemical name (or formula where no name) Hazard Statements
(Add additional tables as required)
Has a safer alternative been considered (Give details)?
Provide scientific justification for the continued use of chemicals classed as Carcinogen, Mutagen or Reproductive Toxin:
Are any of the chemicals in use incompatible (give details):
Check potential reactions with the Chemical Reactivity Worksheet
Location of SDS for each Chemical: _
Potential exposure to chemicals can affect various individuals, depending on the specific context and number of people involved It is crucial to identify any stages in the process that might result in the release of these chemicals into the air or onto surfaces, as this can significantly impact safety and health Detailed assessments of these processes are essential to mitigate risks associated with chemical exposure.
What controls are in place to prevent this? c) What are the potential routes of exposure?
(Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, transplacental, sharps) d) What is the chance of the exposure occurring?
(Unlikely, Likely, Very Likely) e) Concentration / intensity, duration and frequency of exposure
6 Controls in Place a) PPE in use Lab Coat: ☐ Safety Glasses: ☐
Face Shield: ☐ Gloves: ☐ (indicate type) Other: ☐ (give details) _ b) Engineering controls
Fume hood: ☐ LEV / Desk Exhaust: ☐ Other: ☐ c) Other controls d) Storage arrangements (ensure incompatibles are separated) e) Waste disposal procedure
To effectively manage risks associated with hazardous agents, several control measures must be considered First, assess whether hazardous materials can be substituted with safer alternatives and explore opportunities to reduce chemical quantities in use It's crucial to minimize the duration and intensity of exposure, as well as the number of individuals exposed Evaluate the need for additional safety and hygiene facilities, warning signage, and whether transport or storage methods contribute to risk Ensure that appropriate first aid equipment and antidotes are available, and determine if extra safety equipment is necessary For carcinogens, verify that storage and labeling meet standards, and consider implementing sealed working systems and demarcating the work area Medical surveillance for users may be essential, along with process modifications to lower exposure risks Training for personnel, alternative equipment for risk control, and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) should also be evaluated Engineering controls must be considered, along with assessing whether the process generates high-risk products that can be mitigated Ensure safe handling procedures are established, and determine if occupational exposure monitoring and isolation of ignition sources are needed Finally, review emergency response protocols and consider the necessity of health surveillance.
8 Emergency Responses (Consult relevant SDS for further information)
Response Measures Location of kits / specialist or response equipment a) Fire b) First Aid c) Accidental Release /
Severity of Outcome Likelihood of Exposure
High Very Harmful Very Likely
Assessment of Likelihood and Severity
1 Trivial Risk: No further action needed
2 Acceptable Risk: No additional risk control measures required
3 Moderate Risk: Implement further risk control measures if possible
4 Substantial Risk: Further control measures must be implemented If this is not possible then work must be strictly managed to ensure safety
5 Intolerable: Work must be prohibited until further control measures are implemented
Is the risk rating acceptable: Yes ☐ No ☐
If yes sign and date below and ensure all risk control measures have been implemented.
If no identify further control measures and reassess risk If the risk cannot be reduced to an acceptable level then the process cannot be carried out
Is this work suitable for lone working: Yes ☐ No ☐
This document must be signed by the person carrying out the assessment and their academic supervisor / manager (person responsible for ensuring safety).
Biological Agents Risk Assessment Template
Persons completing this assessment should refer to the UCD Biosafety Manual
Name of Person(s) carrying out risk assessment and their Position
(Person responsible for ensuring safety)
When detailing the process involving the use or risk of exposure to biological agents, it is essential to specify the frequency and duration of the activities, identify the materials being handled, and designate the personnel responsible for carrying out the tasks If applicable, include a written procedure to ensure clarity and compliance with safety protocols.
3 Does the Work Involve the Deliberate Use of a Named Biological Agent
Yes ☐ if yes proceed to section 4
No ☐ if no proceed to section 5
4 Deliberate Use of a Named Biological Agent
If Class 1 proceed to Section 6
Containment Required - Ticking a containment measure indicates its implementation
Please see Appendix 1 for mandatory statutory containment measures.
To ensure effective containment measures in the workplace, it is essential to separate the area from other activities within the building and utilize HEPA filters for both input and extract air Access should be limited to designated personnel, and the workspace must be sealable for disinfection purposes Implementing specific disinfection procedures and maintaining a negative air pressure relative to the atmosphere are crucial Effective vector control, including the management of rodents and insects, is necessary, alongside using surfaces that are impervious to water and easy to clean, as well as resistant to various chemicals Safe storage protocols for biological agents must be established, and an observation window or alternative should allow visibility of occupants The laboratory should be equipped with its own tools, and infected materials, including animals, must be handled in a safety cabinet or isolator Finally, an incinerator should be available for the disposal of animal carcasses.
5 Non-Deliberate Use of a Biological Agent
Detail potential infectious agents that persons may be exposed to:
In work settings, which are laboratories, diagnostic laboratories or within which potentially infectious material is being handled, Containment Level 2 measures must be implemented See Appendix 1 for details
Have these measures been implemented where necessary: Yes ☐ No ☐
6 What training is required before this process commences? (note the person named in Part 1 as being responsible for ensuring safety must ensure that this training is provided).