Safety Statement - School of Medicine - Trinity College Dublin

SCHOOL OF MEDICINESAFETY DOCUMENTContentsPage1. Health & Safety arrangements 12. Emergency Details 33. First Aid 44. Fire Procedures 54.1 Fire Assembly Points 54.2 Emergency Evacuation 65. Org charts 76. Organisation structure & responsibilities 86.1 Faculty Safety Committee 86.2 Head of School 96.3 School Safety Committee 106.4 School Safety Officer 106.5 Members of Staff 116.6 Students 116.7 Fire Wardens 117. Lab Safety 127.1 General Laboratory Practice 137.2 Electrical Safety 148. Security in College 158.1 Security details 158.2 Security Advice for Staff & Students in College Buildings 168.3 Working during holidays 168.4 Out of Hours working 1710. AppendicesSafety Officers 18Fire Wardens 19Risk Assessments 20Mechanical Safety 23Contractor Safety 23VDU Safety 23Chemical Safety 24Radiological Safety 25Compressed Gas Safety 27Cryogenic Liquids Safety 29Biological Safety 30Biohazards 1 – Project Registration Form 34Biohazards 2 – Personnel Registration Form 46

1. HEALTH AND SAFETY ARRANGEMENTSThis section of the School of Medicine Safety Policy details what arrangements for health, safety andwelfare issues are in place locally within the School.1.1 Information, Instruction & Training and Supervision- Employees and students receive training on health, safety & welfare upon their induction orwhen taking on a new task or project- Training needs are identified by individual requests, risk assessments, safety inspectionsand monitoring incident reports- School and local safety officers are responsible for keeping individual’s health & safetytraining records- Health & Safety information and instruction is communicated to employees and students bye-mail, noticeboards, safe working procedures & practices and individual talks- Levels of supervision are monitored at safety committee and individual level1.2 Consultation/ Local Health and Safety Committee- The School Health & Safety Committee meet once a term and an emergency meeting canbe called for a School- or College-wide emergency- Safety Officers from each department or area attends the committee meeting,- A Faculty Rep is invited to attend all School Safety Committee meetings; Safety Reps areto be elected and appointed in line with College Safety Office elections (Autumn 2010)- Each team or department has their own Safety Officer, appointed by their Head ofDepartment. S/he can be consulted on H&S matters by staff, students or management.Contact details for each are listed below.1.3 Risk Assessments- Risk assessments are undertaken on a regular basis, ie. before the new student year orwhen something changes in the local area or environment- The local Safety Officer is responsible for undertaking RAs, with input with their local teamand supervisor. Specialist advice is available from the School & College Safety Officers- Assessments and their findings are recorded & kept by the local Safety Officer1.4 Inspection, Testing & Maintenance of Work Equipment- The user, Technical Officer and/or local Safety Officer is responsible for arranging and/orundertaking of maintenance and testing of work equipment in the department- The local Safety Officer is responsible for maintaining records of any maintenance & testingundertaken1.5 Accident/Incident Reporting and Investigation- Accident report forms are available to download from the School of Buildings website:http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/safetyaccidentreporting.php- School Safety Officer will undertake the localised investigation of incidents when requestedand will assist with implementation measures to prevent recurrence- School Safety Officers will contact the College Safety Officer and Head of School for moreserious incidents, eg. > 3-day absences1

1.6 Fire Safety- Fire Safety is dealt with on pages 5 – 61.7 Safety Inspections- Local Safety Officer will be involved in safety inspections and will call on additional help, eg.School Safety Officer; College Safety team as necessary- Safety inspections will take place after an incident is reported or if a Risk Assessmentidentifies a hazard in that area- Safety inspections will be recorded on risk assessment summaries and kept1.8 Hazard Reporting- A hazard is anything which has the potential to cause harm.- Hazards should be reported to the School Safety Officer or online through the Director ofBuildings Office website1.9 Security in College- Please see pages 14 – 15 for further information1.10 Out of Hours Working- Out of hours working should not be undertaken except where strictly necessary. Such workshould be risk assessed by the School Safety Officer and signed off by the Head of School- Lone working is permitted subject to an adequate and sufficient risk assessment- Please see page 16 for further information1.11 Management of Work-related Stress- Those experiencing symptoms of work-related stress should raise this matter with their linemanager. The Employee Assistance Programme also provides phone and face-to-facecounselling services and can be contacted via 1800 409 4762

2. EMERGENCY DETAILSIn the event of an incident requiring emergency assistance, the fire/emergency services or medicalassistance:TCDEmergency Line01 896-1999University Central Security Control Roomext. 1999 using the nearest telephone or 01 896-1999 if using a mobile phoneext. 1317 will also contact the Control RoomFront Gate01 896-3978St. James’s HospitalSecurity Attendants01 896-2147Hospital Fire Emergency01 410-2100Hospital Security number01 416-2107/ 01 416-2108Fire & Burglar alarm contact numberChubb Monitory Service: 01 295-2366Chubb Helpdesk: 01 216-3541/3542Guards, Kilmainham666-9700AMNCH, TallaghtCrash Call1. From Trinity Centre: 01 414-22222. Please state that you are ringing from Trinity Centre3. Be specific about location: floor & room no. etc.Hospital SecurityFrom Trinity Centre: 01 414-2100Hospital SwitchboardFrom Trinity Centre: 01 414-2000H&S Marshall for Education Centre & Trinity CentreStephen RobinsonFrom Trinity Centre: 414-2820/ 263-2820Trinity Centre AttendantFrom Trinity Centre: ext. 3817From mobile: 087 204-26793

3. FIRST AIDDuring normal office hours, emergency medical attention can be obtained from the Student HealthServices by contacting ext. 1556. A number of staff within each School and Service are trained asFirst Aiders. They are responsible for administering first aid to staff, students and others (visitors,members of the public on campus) and ensuring their allocated first aid supplies are sufficient.FIRST AID PERSONNELShould the local first aiders or the medical services providers in the Student Health Centre beunavailable, the emergency services can be contacted on ext. 1999TCD NAME ADDRESS EXTENSIONMedical School Office Cathy Lawlor Chemistry Building 2893Anatomy Mary Lynch Anatomy Building 1352Chemistry BuildingPhysiologySJH NAME ADDRESS EXTENSIONTrinity Centre for Health SciencesHistopathologyIMMOld Stone BuildingPharmacology & TherapeuticsPhysiotherapySPDOccupational TherapyRadiation TherapyObstetrics & GynaecologyAMNCH Tallaght NAME ADDRESS EXTENSIONTrinity Centre for Health SciencesSurgeryPaediatricsClinical MedicinePublic Health & Primary Care4

4. FIRE PROCEDUREANY PERSON DISCOVERING FIRE:1. Sound the alarm by breaking the nearest break glass unit2. Ring emergency line informing them that the alarm has been raised and in which areaFIRE ALARMThe fire alarm is continuous ringing bellON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM:1. Make your area safe (closing doors, switching off equipment)2. Leave by your nearest available exit3. Report to your designated assembly pointDO NOT TAKE ANY PERSONAL RISKSDO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON UNTIL AUTHORISED TO DOSO BY THE SENIOR FIRE OFFICER OR OTHER AUTHORISED PERSON AND UNTILTHE FIRE ALARM HAS BEEN SWITCHED OFFDO NOT USE THE LIFTS4.1 FIRE ASSEMBLY POINTSTCD campusThe Flat IronAMNCH campusoutside Education Centre ReceptionSJH campusTC1 – outside Trinity Centre main entrance on lawn area (towards Old Stone Building)TC2 – side exit car park beyond wood decking across from SJH Hospitals 1 & 25

4.2 EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF LABORATORIES, LECTURE THEATRES ANDBUILDINGSEmergency evacuation of a laboratory and building may be signalled byALARM BELLPUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMor IN PERSON by INSTRUCTOR/DEMONSTRATORSNOTE1. the escape routes from your laboratory, lecture theatre, or unit2. the number and location of the exits from the ground floor3. the route to and the location of the assembly pointUpon hearing Alarm Alert for fire, bomb, or escape of toxic gas etc.:• Collect the minimum of your personal effects which lie within easy reach but do not waste timeor endanger yourself• Walk via the nearest escape route to an exit door. Do not rush, push or shove past others• Do not stand around outside building (danger of glass, shrapnel and blocking the egress ofothers etc.) - walk to the assembly point assigned to the particular building• Attend for roll call by forming a class or Laboratory or Unit affinity group (your Lab. BenchGroup) along with your instructor and demonstrators or colleagues. Account for absent ormissing persons to your instructor or the Safety OfficerSafety Officers and Fire Wardens for each school/department or building have been appointed.Follow their directions in the event of a fire or other emergency evacuation procedure.6

5. ORGANISATION & RESPONSIBILITIES5.1 ORG CHART BY BUILDING5.2 ORG CHART BY FUNCTIONFACULTY SAFETYCOMMITTEEHEAD OF SCHOOLSCHOOL SAFETYCOMMITTEESAFETY OFFICERADMIN STAFFACADEMIC STAFFRESEACH WORKS &POSTGRAD STUDENTSVISITORSUNDERGRAD STUDENTS7

6. RESPONSIBILITIESHealth & Safety is the responsibility of everyone. Staff and students have a personal responsibility forthe safety of themselves and others and any potentially hazardous situation should be notified,without delay, to the Head of School or School Administrator.Safety can only be managed effectively in College if all staff, students, contractors and visitors have adirect input. Hence, a consultative process has been developed and is based on the following:• Departmental Safety Officers are the first point of contact in relation to resolving Safety issues.• Local and Faculty Safety Committees have been set up based on size, need and areas• Elected Safety Representatives are also in placeHierarchy of consultation• The matter is raised with the Safety Officer• The matter is raised with the Head of Department• The matter is raised at local/faculty Safety Committee• The matter is raised at College Safety Committee level• The Vice Provost is notified to implement College disciplinary measures if necessaryThe School of Medicine is spread over the following buildings/sites:• Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James’s Hospital• Old Stone Building, Trinity Centre, SJH• SPD Laboratories, St James’s Hospital• Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, AMNCH, Tallaght• College Green campus:- Anatomy Building- Physiology Building- Chemistry Building- TCIN Building- Foster Place (Health Policy and Management)The committee should reflect School activity across the sites (research, teaching, administration) andshould not be representative from a departmental perspective.Specific responsibilities in the School are listed below:6.1 Faculty Safety Committee• To ensure that the Schools, through the Faculty Safety Committee, are informed on Schools’legal duties with respect to the safety, health & welfare of students, staff and visitors on Collegepremises & facilities and informed on College policies on these matters• Assisting the Schools within the faculty in complying with these obligations and policies• Assisting the Schools within the faculty to operate to the highest possible standards of safety,health and welfare• Providing a forum for consultation with employees on matters of safety, health and welfare8

6.2 Head of School• The Head is responsible for implementing the College Safety Statement and the School SafetyStatement, so far as is reasonably practicable, within his/her area of responsibility.• The Head is responsible for the health, safety and welfare at work of all staff and students underhis/her supervision, and those members of the public using the facilities under his/her control, orwho may be affected by the School’s activities.• The Head will ensure that premises, plant and equipment, and activities within his/her area ofresponsibility comply with current legislation and codes of practice.• The Head will ensure that policies, codes of practice, procedures and any other informationnecessary for the safe and healthy operation of his/her school are prepared, made available tohis/her staff and students and are adhered to. These documents will be kept up to date byregular review and revised if no longer applicable.• The Head will ensure that adequate information, instruction, training, including inductiontraining, and supervision are given to all staff and to all students within his/her area ofresponsibility.• The Head will ensure that suitable and sufficient assessments of risks created by activitieswithin the School are undertaken as required by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act,1989 and associated regulations and that these risks are either removed or reduced to thelowest practicable level.• The Head will monitor activities within his/her area of responsibility and ensure the identification,reporting and as far as is reasonably practicable the rectification of hazards.• The Head will ensure accidents or dangerous occurrences within his/her area of responsibilityare fully investigated, recorded and documented on the appropriate forms and any remedialmeasures identified are implemented. The Head will also ensure any accident that results in anemployee being absent from normal duties for more than three days or in a non-employeerequiring medical attention is reported on the statutory form to the Health and Safety Authority• He/she will ensure that safety and health are given the necessary consideration in all aspects ofoperations within his/her responsibility.• The Head will ensure that adequate protective clothing and equipment is available, and whereidentified worn and used, in compliance with the legal and policy requirements for all activitieswithin his/her area of responsibility.• The Head will submit a report to the Faculty Safety Committee or other appropriate committeeon health & safety matters within his/her area of responsibility at the end of each calendar year.• The Head will consult, either separately or collectively, with his/her staff, students and safetyrepresentatives on matters related to health, safety and welfare.• The responsibility for the health and safety of teaching and non-teaching staff, researchworkers, students and visitors in the School is vested in the Head. The Head may delegate tostaff such duties - duly documented - as considered appropriate to assist in discharging his/herresponsibilities. The Head must ensure that those staff have received the appropriateinformation, instruction and training and have the authority to undertake these duties.9

6.3 School Safety Committee• To advise and make recommendations to the Board on all Health & Safety, Fire Safety andEnvironmental Protection matters of College wide application or where matters of principle areinvolved• To advise and make recommendations to the Board on the general responsibilities of theCollege as employer, and the responsibility of all individual members of staff, students,contractors and visitors on all matters of Health & Safety, Fire Safety and EnvironmentalProtection in College• To develop, integrate and supervise the School Safety Statement• To improve communications and increase awareness among the School community on allHealth & Safety, Fire Safety and Environmental Protection matters• To represent the views of School staff, students, contractors and visitors on all Health & Safetypolicy matters and ensure their co-operation in this regard• To consider advice from specialist safety advisors and advisory• To consult and liaise with other College committees as appropriate6.4 School Safety Officer• Be familiar with the College Safety Statement• Liaise with the College Safety Officer & Specialist Safety Officers• Periodically review Health & Safety procedures within their area• Advise and assist the Head of School on any revision of the School Safety Statement• Monitor that safe working practices and procedures, together with any necessary riskassessments, are compiled and complied with• Disseminate Health & Safety information and reports and pass to appropriate members of staffand students within the School• Monitor that adequate precautions are being taken regarding any special hazard in or about tobe introduced to the School• Conduct or co-ordinate systematic Health & Safety inspections and accident investigations toidentify unsafe or unhealthy conditions or work practices and monitor any preventative actiontaken including implementation• Attend relevant School & Faculty Safety Committee meetings• Monitor that plant equipment and processes within areas are being maintained as required byany relevant instructions, statutory body/provision and that staff and students are suitablyinformed, instructed, trained and supervised• Maintain adequate Health & Safety records where appropriate as required by relevant statutoryprovision or College/School Safety Statement• Monitor the standard of housekeeping in an area and ensure a high level is maintained as far asis reasonably practicable• Monitor that suitable and sufficient personal protective equipment is available and used withintheir areas• Act with the delegated authority of the Head of School in matters of safety urgency• Refer promptly to the Head of School in the first instance any safety problems that cannot beresolved on a time scale commensurate with the risk• Report all defects in plant equipment, structure or fabric promptly to the Head of School orBuildings Office10

6.5 Members of StaffAt all times members of staff must carry out their duties in accordance with the Safety, Health andWelfare at Work Act, 1989:• To take reasonable care for his/her own safety, health and welfare and that of any other personwho may be affected by his acts or omissions while at work• To co-operate with his/her employer and any other person to such extent as will enable his/heremployer or the other person to comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions• To use in such manner so as to provide the protection intended, any suitable appliance,protective clothing, convenience, equipment or other means or thing provided (whether forhis/her use alone or for use by him in common with others) for securing his/her safety, health orwelfare while at work• To report to his/her employer or his/her immediate supervisor, without unreasonable delay, anydefects in plant, equipment, place of work or system of work, which might endanger safety,health or welfare, of which s/he becomes aware• Be familiar with the College Safety Statement and the School Safety Statement and policydocuments in so far as these are likely to affect his/her activities• Report (in accordance with University procedures) any incident, stating whether injury ordamage resulted, as soon as is practicable. Report as soon as is practicable any hazardoussituation to his/her immediate supervisor• Ensure that s/he is familiar with all exit and fire exit routes for locations in which s/he is working,the location of fire fighting equipment and the actions to take in the event of an emergency6.6 StudentsThe School has a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare, so far as is reasonably practicable ofits students.• Students are expected to co-operate by taking proper care for the health and safety ofthemselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions• Students are expected to follow any instructions in safe practices and procedures and ensurethey do not intentionally or recklessly interfere or misuse anything provided in the interest ofhealth, safety and welfare• Students concerned about a health & safety matter should initially discuss the situation withtheir immediate supervisor. Students can also approach the School Safety Officer directly6.7 Local Fire WardensTypical Duties of a Fire Warden are as follows:• Carry out a week check to ensure:- Escape route exits are openable from the inside by any person within the building- Escape routes are not obstructed- All combustible materials from escape routes and buildings are removed as far as possible- All fire extinguishers, directional signage, break glass unit keys and other items associatedwith fire safety are in position and functioning- Monitor School areas to ensure compliance with fire safety control measures• Assist in the evacuation of the building in the event of fire/fire drill• Undergo training in basic fire safety• Maintain any School Fire Safety Register, containing details of training, fire drills and fire-relatedplant and equipment• Ensure fire doors are kept closed (not locked)• Report any breaches in the Fire Safety Statement to the Head of School if not resolved quickly• Monitor the observance of no smoking rules and report any contraventions to the Head ofSchool11

7. LAB SAFETYThe nature of these faculties brings students into contact with potentially hazardous chemicals,machinery and equipment. Health & Safety rules in these areas are particularly important to maintaina safe working environment. Staff and students in these areas must:• Read all School/Departmental laboratory manuals and/or safety manuals as supplied• Perform all instructions as directed by members of staff• Not interfere or misuse any plant, equipment, chemicals, or materials supplied• Wear eye protection at all times when working in a science based laboratory• Wear laboratory safety coats at all times when working in a laboratory. The coat must conformto NISO specification 1993, or better• Observe all displayed safety rules• Report all defects in plant, equipment and materials to a member of staff• Never dispose of any laboratory wastes (chemicals etc.) unless authorised by a member of staff• Report any symptoms of ill health immediately to a member of staff or the School/DepartmentalSafety OfficerPERSONAL HEALTH & SUSCEPTIBILITIES RELEVANT TO LABORATORY AND FIELD-WORKIf you suffer from any of the following medical conditions:Colour Blindness Epilepsy Asthma Fainting episodesHaemophilia Allergies Diabetes ImmunodeficiencyBalance Disorders Skin Diseases Hearing Disordersand/or you know that you are pregnant then you should:1. inform your own doctor that you are working in laboratory or undertaking a laboratory-basedcourse or field work2. inform your tutor (students only)3. complete the "Basic Health Assessment for Field or Lab work" questionnaire (Declaration B)4. make an early appointment to consult with the College Health Centre (Tel: 01-8961556)They will advise you of any risks involved and may make certain recommendations to you to ensurethat you are not placed in potentially hazardous situations. Arising from this assessment you mayneed to be closely supervised. If you should become pregnant at any stage in your career inCollege, then you will need to consult with the College Health Centre and inform your local safetyofficer(s) as soon as pregnancy has been confirmed.12

7.1 GENERAL LABORATORY PRACTICE• All researchers have a responsibility to maintain a tidy, well-organised and safe laboratoryenvironment with a safe means of rapid access to and from all working areas. Access to allservices (water valves, electrical fuse boxes/switches etc.) should be kept clear at all times• All experimental systems should be designed to be fail-safe• All researchers should carry out a detailed assessment of the likely hazards and risksassociated with their experimental systems and procedures. Research supervisors have aresponsibility for ensuring that such systems and procedures meet the appropriate safetystandards. Research supervisors must keep written records of risk assessment carried out andprovide, where necessary, appropriate written work instructions and additional written localsafety rules. The essential steps that are taken in order to complete a risk assessment are asfollows:- Identify the hazards to health or safety arising from the activity or the workplace- Decide who might be harmed and how- Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more needs tobe done- Record your findings- Review your assessment and revise if necessaryA guidance document on the preparation of a risk assessment is included in this document andis also available from your local Safety Officer• A copy of the risk assessment should be lodged with the Safety Officer. If in any doubt, consultthe appropriate safety consultant• All researchers have a personal responsibility to make correct and full use of all protectiveclothing, personal protection equipment and safety aids provided in order to minimise risks• Researchers must not attempt new procedures or tasks without consulting their supervisor• All researchers within a laboratory should be kept fully aware of day-to-day modification carriedout on experimental systems or operating procedures and clearly visible warning notices of anyresulting potential hazard must be providedPROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT• It is the policy of the School that, where necessary, staff and students should be provided withprotective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)• Provision of PPE (overalls, aprons, gloves etc.) is the responsibility of the research supervisorUNATTENDED EXPERIMENTS/ APPARATUS• Systems should not be left running unattended without consulting with the relevant researchsupervisor.• Where systems operate unattended for any period of time, an ‘Unattended Apparatus’ formmust be filled in and clearly displayed beside the equipment• When carrying out the risk assessment for such systems, special attention should be given tothe effects of a loss of services (water, electricity, gas etc.) on the safety of the system13

7.2 ELECTRICAL SAFETYDue to the variety of electrical appliances within the School, electricity is a major hazard. Researchsupervisors and persons in charge of research laboratories have a responsibility to ensure that newor visiting research staff have received appropriate training in electrical safety before authorisation ofaccess to research areas and that good general working practices prevail within their researchlaboratory.The following electrical safety rules will apply to all mains-powered equipment used in researchlaboratories:• Alteration of or maintenance to any part of a building’s electrical services may only be carriedout by staff of the College Buildings Office• All new mains-powered electrical equipment must be inspected by suitably qualified personnelprior to installation• Repair and servicing of mains-powered electrical/electronic equipment must be carried out by orunder the supervision of qualified electrical/electronic staff• All electronic circuitry constructed or modified within the laboratory and which will ultimately beeither directly mains-powered or electrically coupled to mains-powered units must be tested byqualified electronics technical staff prior to the mains power being switched on• All research supervisors have a responsibility to periodically carry out detailed assessments ofrisks associated with electrical equipment under their control and to ensure that all electricalequipment is tested and maintained on an appropriate and regular basis• Hazardous mains-powered equipment undergoing modification or test must not be left poweredand unattended without consultation with the electrical safety consultant• Areas containing equipment capable of generating high voltages, which may on occasion beexposed, must display warning signs on the entrance doors• Experiments involving electrical equipment which operate overnight must be designed to beinherently failsafe and capable of safe shut-down via the mains isolation switch• Mains cable and plugs should be regularly inspected. Faulty cables are to be replacedimmediately• Extension cables and sockets must not be left on the ground14

8. SECURITY IN COLLEGE8.1 SECURITY DETAILSTCDSecurity Base is located at 200/ 201 Pearse St. (near Beckett Centre)Manned over 24 hours/7 days a weekTelephone numbers:13171999 (strictly emergencies only)If calling from outside college: dial 896-1317/ 1999When calling from outside 01 area or using a mobile phone: 01 896-1317/ 1999St. James’s HospitalHospital Security numberFrom Trinity Centre: 01 662-1087/ 01 662-1088AMNCH, TallaghtHospital SecurityFrom Trinity Centre: 01 632-2100Hospital SwitchboardFrom Trinity Centre: 01 414-200015

8.2 SECURITY ADVICE FOR STAFF & STUDENTS IN COLLEGE BUILDINGS• Ensure that all door & window locking devices are in working order• Keep all offices, labs and lecture rooms locked when not in use• Utilise a key control system; department keys should be accounted for at all times• Do not label keys with their use – use a code system instead• Keep desk drawers, presses & filing cabinets locked when not in use or unattended• Petty cash should be kept to the minimum required and kept secured at all times• Avoid having valuable personal property in your office/lab. This is NOT insured by College• Secure handbags in a drawer/filing cabinet and do not leave wallets, purses or other valuableproperty in jackets or coats hanging up• After hours, report any problems of a security nature which you may come across to CollegeSecurity, ie. unsecured or open windows, faulty locking devices etc.• Be on the alert for persons acting in a suspicious manner, ie. loitering in toilets, corridors andsecluded areas. Report the matter immediately to College Security, any Security Officer orAttendant or any staff member. Your immediate action in making this report could prevent thecommission of a crime8.3 SECURITY ADVICE FOR HOLIDAY PERIODSCollege departments are advised of the following security precautions, which should be taken for anyholiday period:Ensure that all items of value are secured and out of sight, particularly in the case of ground flooroffices and facilities. Petty cash boxes and small portable items such as laptops, cameras etc. shouldbe securely stored in office safes and steel presses. Do not leave the keys of receptacles containingsuch items in desk drawers or anywhere else in the office.Ensure that all (external) door and window locking devices are in perfect working order (ifmaintenance is required, report it to REPAIRS without delay) and check all offices/rooms and otherfacilities for security and/or other hazards prior to securing the building.Make sure all external doors (including fire doors if building is unoccupied over the holiday period)and windows are properly secured before departing College for the holiday period.Particular attention should be paid to securing ground floor doors & windows on the Collegeperimeter, ie. Pearse St., Westland Row and Lincoln Place/South Leinster St. 8 Westland Square,building group at College Green/Foster Place, School of Nursing D’Olier St. and the Trinity Centresfor Health Sciences in St. James’s Hospital and AMNCH.If access is necessary during the holiday period, procedures for access should be established whichwill not compromise building/office security.16

8.4 SECURITY ADVICE FOR OUT OF HOURS WORKINGIf you are in your office/lab after normal working hours, you should be conscious of the followingguidelines:• If you use a swipe card to gain access, have your swipe card readily available as you approachthe entrance to the building – avoid having to open your handbag or wallet at the door(particularly in the case of off-campus buildings)• Avoid working alone; where possible arrange to work with a colleague (particularly in the caseof off-campus buildings)• If lone working is permitted following a risk assessment of your department, ensure that acolleague, friend or relative knows that you are working in your office and also knows youranticipated time of departure/arrival to home• Follow any departmental procedures for long working, eg. sign-in book etc.• Keep your office/lab door shut• Ensure you have access to a readily-available means of communication in the event of anemergency, eg. mobile phone, landline extension• If you discover a suspected intruder on the premises, avoid confrontation; secure yourself in theoffice/lab or nearest office if you are away from your own office. Call Security at the emergencytelephone number• Give your location, phone number and any relevant details eg. Description of intruders, their lastknown location. Await the arrival of Security• If the intruder alarm is activated in an adjoining area of your building, contact Security andrequest directions on what action to take• In extreme circumstances, if you are isolated and cannot take refuge in an office or lab, try toset off the fire alarm using the ‘break glass’ unit to attract Security• In case of a medical emergency, call Security at the emergency telephone number and awaitthe arrival of medical assistance• In case of an incident where an evacuation of the building is ordered, leave the building andfollow the instructions from Security, Safety/Fire Officer or Gardaí• If you encounter any other situation which you feel threatens your safety or security or that ofthe premises, call Security at the emergency phone number. Secure yourself in your office orlab and await the arrival of Security or Gardaí17

Appendices

Safety OfficersNAME ADDRESS EXT.Chemical Safety Officer Michael Bridge Chemistry Building 1264Radiological Safety Officer Ms. Elaine Doorly Dir Buildings Office 2887Biological Safety OfficerDr. Fred FalkinerTrinity CentreAMNCH3791087 253-7103TCD NAME ADDRESS EXT.Medical School Office Cathy Lawlor Chemistry Building 2893AnatomySiobhan WardPhilomena McAteerAnatomy Building 1295Chemistry BuildingPhysiology Kieran Walsh Physiology Building 1555SJH NAME ADDRESS EXT.Histopathology Paul Smyth IMM/SPDIMM Anne Murphy IMM 3268Old Stone BuildingTeresa Fox: trainingOld Stone Building, SJH 3556pendingPharmacology & Therapeutics Dr Pierce Kavanagh IMM 2044/2107Physiotherapy Cillin Condon 2123Clinical Microbiology (SPD) Dr Stephen Smith SPD 8590Occupational Therapy Joan Brangan 3221Radiation Therapy Siobhan Ni Chuinneagain 3254Obstetrics & Gynaecology Lucy Norris 2116Phase IPendingAMNCH Tallaght NAME ADDRESS EXT.General contact Stephen Robinson AMNCH 414 2820Ground Floor Sharon Thompson AMNCH 3772First Floor Ailbhe Mealy AMNCH 2293Main Wet Lab18

Fire WardensTCD NAME ADDRESS EXT.Medical School Office Cathy Lawlor Chemistry Building 2893AnatomySiobhan WardAnatomy BuildingPhilomena McAteer1295Chemistry BuildingPhysiology Kieran Walsh Physiology Building 1555SJH NAME ADDRESS EXT.Histopathology Dr. Paul Smyth 3284Joe Mc Partlin 3270IMMTony McElligott IMM, SJH3276Paul Smyth3287Old Stone Building Teresa Fox Old Stone Building 3556Pharmacology & TherapeuticsPhysiotherapy Cillin Condon 2123SPDOccupational TherapyPaul O’MahonyRadiation TherapySiobhan Ni ChuinneagainObstetrics & Gynaecology Sharon O'Toole (m leave) 2190AMNCH Tallaght NAME ADDRESS EXT.Trinity Centre for Health Sciences Stephen RobinsonSurgery 3828PaediatricsClinical Medicine19

RISK ASSESSMENT• Risk assessments should be undertaken annually or whenever there is significant change in an area or building. The School SafetyOfficer will conduct these risk assessments and where necessary, will include the College Safety Officer• New or improved control measures are implemented through safety committee minutes and the safety statement• Assessments are monitored to ensure their effectiveness by safety inspections and annual reviewGUIDE TO EVALUATING RISKRisk is a factor of the likelihood of an event occurring and the potential impact it may have. The tables below show a rating system that canbe applied to assess risks.Ranking Likelihood How likely is it to happen?5 Almost certain expected to occur in most circumstances4 Likely will probably occur in most circumstances3 Possible might possible occur at some time2 Unlikely could occur at some time1 Rare may occur only in exceptional circumstancesRanking Consequences How severely could it hurt someone/cause damage?5 Catastrophic death or large number of serious injuries, environmental disaster, huge cost4 Major serious injury, extensive injuries, severe environmental impact, environmental damage, major cost3 Moderate medical treatment required, contained environmental impact, high cost2 Minor first aid treatment required, some environmental and/or financial impact1 Insignificant no injuries, low financial/environmental impactRisk Score What should I do?9 – 10 Extreme Immediate action required7 – 8 High Action plan required, senior management attention needed5 – 6 Moderate Specific monitoring or procedures required, management responsibility must be specified2 – 4 Low Manage through routine procedures20

Once the risks have been rated, they can be plotted on a matrix as below with high and critical risks falling above the line of medium risks.LIKELIHOODALMOST CERTAIN5LIKELY4POSSIBLE3UNLIKELY2RARE1CATASTROPHIC5MAJOR4CONSEQUENCESMODERATE3MINOR2INSIGNIFICANT110 9 8 7 69 8 7 6 58 7 6 5 47 6 5 4 36 5 4 3 2CONTROL/REDUCE THE RISKELIMINATIONSUBSTITUTIONENGINEERINGCONTROLSADMINISTRATIVECONTOLSPERSONALPROTECTIVEEQUIPMENT &CLOTHINGThe job is redesigned or the substance is eliminated so as to remove the hazard. However, the alternativemethod should not lead to a less acceptable product or less effective processReplace the material or process with a less hazardous one. For example, replace mercury thermometers withspirit thermometersInstall or use additional machinery (eg. local exhaust ventilation) to control the risk. Separating the hazard fromoperators by methods such as guarding dangerous items of machinery. For example, use guards oncompression testing machinesReduce the amount of time the worker is exposed to the hazard. Prohibit eating, drinking & smoking inlaboratory areas. Provide training. Perform risk assessments. Increase safety awareness signage.Only after all the previous measures have been tried and found to be ineffective in controlling the risks to areasonably practicable level, then Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment must be used. If chose, PPCEshould be selected and fitted to the person who uses it. Workers must be trained in the function &limitation ofeach item of PPCE. For example, an operator should know how long the compressed supply in an selfcontainedbreathing apparatus will last. PPCE may be used as a temporary control measure until otheralternative are installed21

RISK ASSESSMENTLocation Category HazardWhomight beharmedExposureto HazardRiskLikelihood1 – 5RiskConsequences1 – 5RiskTotalExistingControlsAction RequiredActionby:ByDateFirst AidNo First Aid kitor First AiderAll users All times NoneAt least one personwithin the offices tobe trained in FirstAid & First Aid kitFireRegisterFire registerwith map to bepublishedinside maindoorAll users All times NoneFire registerrequiredGeneralLoneworkingLone workingAll usersNights/weekendsNoneDiscouraged as faras possible and ifnecessary must besubject to aseparate riskassessmentDangeroussubstancesAsbestos All users All times NoneAny suspectedasbestos found isto be reported tothe supervisorimmediately andwork suspendeduntil the area is riskassessed22

Location Category HazardWhomight beharmedExposureto HazardRiskLikelihood1 – 5RiskConsequences1 – 5RiskTotalExistingControlsAction RequiredActionby:ByDateGeneralofficeManualHandlingWater coolerwith 19L waterbottle tooheavy to liftAll users Regular Nonea) Use smallerbottlesb) Install water filterdispenserc) Train office usersin manual handlingWorkshop/Site PPEPPEPersonalProtectiveEquipmentAll users All times NoneAll PPE is providedand required to beworn at allnecessary times.Staff are remindedto followinstructions oncorrect use at alltimes and to reportany defects ormissing itemsSiteHazardsduring siteworksAll users All times NoneAll staff to report toChief Technicianprior tocommencing majorworks to establishlocal rules in use&ensure all hazardsare minimised23

MECHANICAL SAFETYMany accidents at work involve machinery and movement of heavy mechanical assemblies. Theguarding of dangerous parts of machines is a legal requirement. British standards BS5304 – Safety ofMachinery provides useful guidelines on good working practices. Local specific safety rules apply totechnical staff normally working within the Mechanical Workshop. The following rules therefore applyonly to research laboratories and research workers who enter the Mechanical Workshop:• Any person entering the workshop while machining is in progress should wear the safetyglasses provided• Persons entering the workshop should not directly approach any workshop personnel operatingmachinery but should wait until someone is available for consultation• Only suitably qualified technical personnel are permitted to operate the main workshopmachinery• Some machinery is available in the Student Workshop area for use by other staff/postgraduates.Personnel who wish to use this equipment must do so in consultation with the MechanicalWorkshop technicians and must also have completed the Mechanical Workshop safety courseor equivalent• All machines involving dangerous moving mechanical parts must be fitted with the appropriatesafety guards/interlocks and should be inspected regularly by appropriately qualified staff• Welding operations of any kind are to be carried out by technical staff only. Appropriate eyeprotection and gloves must be worn while welding. A clearance certificate must be obtainedfrom the College Safety Officer before welding in any location other than the mechanicalworkshop• Long hair, jewellery and loose clothing should be secured while using workshop equipmentFurther guidance can be found in the British HSE book Health & Safety in Engineering Workshops.This is available on loan from the Berkley library official publications section (call number OPUB GBHEAC 14E:6 or OPUB GB HEAC 14J:1).VDU SAFETYA booklet outlining the correct use of VDU equipment is available from the School Safety Officer.Personnel using VDUs should consult this booklet.Any users of VDU equipment, who experience health problems which they feel may be associatedwith their working environment or facilities, should contact the Student Health Centre (ext. 1556) foradvice. If necessary, a full ergonomic risk assessment will be carried out.Further information is available at: http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/safetyworkingwithvdus.phpCONTRACTOR SAFETYA booklet outlining the guidelines in place for contracts on TCD campuses is available from theSchool Safety Officer or Director of Buildings Office. All contractors should be directed towards theDirector of Buildings Office before commencing any work on behalf of Trinity College Dublin.24

CHEMICAL SAFETYThe use of dangerous chemicals is strictly controlled by specific legislation: Safety, Health & Welfareat Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001. these regulations cover all chemical agents in theworkplace. In particular, it applies to chemicals which are classed as very toxic, toxic, harmful,corrosive or irritant.In brief, the regulations require the School:1. to assess the health risks with arise from hazardous substances in the workplace and to identifyand provide effective controls to protect people’s health2. to ensure that the controls are properly used and maintained in effective working order3. to provide training and information for those who may be affected4. to monitor exposure and implement health surveillance where necessaryThe following rules apply for all work involving chemical agents within the School:• Hazardous substances may not be ordered (or otherwise procured) before a suitable andsufficient risk assessment has been carried out• All chemicals must be itemised on a chemical inventory, which details the quantity and storagelocation• Hazardous substances or chemicals may only be procured through the Chief Technician’s officeon foot of a signed requisition from the Research Supervisor• Chemical safety training is given as part of the annual College safety day. No-one may workwith hazardous chemicals without having completed the safety training course• All personnel using a particular chemical should read the manufacturer’s Material Safety DataSheet (MSDS) for that chemical• All work involving chemicals should, as far as is reasonably practical, be carried out in a fumehood making full use of the safety goggles, safety clothing and other safety aids provided• For work requiring use of a fume cupboard, users must at all times adhere strictly to theguidelines for correct fume cupboard usage• Suitable bottle carriers must be used when transporting Winchester, Quart and Eurobottlecontainers of chemical substances, in order to prevent accidental spillages and personal injuries• All stocks of chemical or hazardous substances used in the School must be properly stored insuitable chemical storage presses• All chemicals or hazardous substances used in the School must be clearly labelled, includingwarning signs• All chemical waste must be clearly labelled and disposed of promptly through the HazardousMaterials Facility (HMF). Containers sent to the HMF should be no more than 2/3 full• Solvent waste should be divided into chlorinated and non-chlorinated waste (and kept apartfrom acid waste!). special safety cans for solvent waste can be obtained from the HMF• All broken glassware and other ‘sharps’ should be disposed of in the Sharps bins provided. Binscontained contaminated sharps should be labelled and disposed of via the HMFFurther information is available at: http: //www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/safetychemicalssafety.php25

RADIOLOGICAL SAFETYThe School uses and stores a number of radioactive sources. A licence for these is granted by theR.P.I.I.It is essential that all matters concerning sources of ionising radiation be discussed with theSchool Radiological Supervisor and notified in writing to her/her at the outset.The following rules and administrative procedures will apply for all work in research laboratoriesinvolving ionising radiations:• An inventory of all radioactive sources is to be maintained by the School RadiologicalSupervisor• Any person in the School wishing to order a source of ionising radiation must supply to theordering office concerned appropriate written authorisation from the School RadiologicalSupervisor and the College Radiological Protection Officer• Under no circumstances whatsoever should any assurances be accepted from suppliers aboutthe radiological safety of their products, until the College Radiological Protection Officer and theSchool Radiological Supervisor have investigated such assurances• Transportation of sources of ionising radiation must be notified to the School RadiologicalSupervisor• The College Radiological Protection Officer must be consulted prior to acquiring any equipmentproducing ionising radiations• Local rules for the handling and usage of radioactive substances or the operation of equipmentemitting ionising radiations must be drawn up in consultation with the College RadiologicalProtection Officer• All research supervisors and persons in charge have a responsibility to ensure that all new orvisiting research students and staff receive appropriate training before access is authorised toareas containing sources of ionising radiations. Personnel working in these areas must havecompleted the College Training Workshop in Radiological protection or an appropriateequivalent• All laboratories with sources or equipment producing ionising radiations must display anappropriate warning sign specifying limited access to personnel without the appropriate safetytraining and expertise• The School Radiological Supervisor arranges the supply of dosemeters for all personnelexposed to sources of ionising radiation and keeps records of doses received• Radiation monitors must be available or doesmeteres worn in all laboratories containing sourcesor equipment of emitting ionising radiations• All sources or equipment producing ionising radiations must be monitored frequently andapproved warning signs displayed where appropriate• Sources of ionising radiation are to be shielded appropriatelyAll accidents or incidents must be immediately notified on the standard Collegeaccident/incident report form (Appendix X) to the School Radiological Supervisor with a copyto the School Safety OfficerFurther information is available at http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/rswelcom.php26

RADIO FREQUENCE AND MICROWAVE RADIATIONGuidance on exposure to electromagnetic fields is summarised in the NRPB booklet ‘Restrictions onExposure to Static and Time-varying Electromagnetic Fields’ published in 1995, based uponDocuments of the NRPB 4, no. 5, 7 – 63 (1993)No radio frequency or microwave systems should be operated in research laboratories unless theappropriate recommendations of the NRPB document have been followed and leakage monitorsinstalledMAGNETIC FIELDSA number of systems exist in the School which are capable of producing high magnetic fields (up to25 Telsa). All entrances to rooms containing such equipment must display appropriate warning signs27

COMPRESSED GASES SAFETYCylinder pressures may be as high as 300 bar and the gas or gas mixture may be flammable and/ortoxic, so great care must be exercised in their storage, handling and use. In addition, the use of somegases will also be subject to the Chemical Safety Rules given above.Flammable or explosive gases constitute a particular hazard within the laboratory environment.Guidance for use of such gases is provided in ‘CP8 – The Safe Storage of Gaseous Hydrogen inSeamless Cylinders & Similar Containers: 1986’, produced by the British Compressed GasesAssociation. Such gases may be used only after appropriate local safety rules and procedures havebeen established by the Research Supervisor, in consultation with the Compressed GasesConsultant.Such rules and procedures must be formally recorded and clearly displayed along with appropriatewarning notices at all entrances to the designated work area.The following safety rules apply for all compressed gases:• All users of compressed gases must be fully familiar wit the appropriate manufacturer’sidentification codes and cylinder configurations• Never remove or deface cylinder identification• Store cylinders vertically and clamp securely to prevent toppling. Cylinders must not be left freestanding at any time• Stores in a well-ventilated area away from any fire risk• Valves should be closed and valve outlets plugged or blanked. Valve guards or caps should besecurely fitted• Separate cylinders of flammables gases from those of oxygen or oxidants by at least 3 metres• Cylinders may not be used in a laboratory except by permission of the college Safety Officers.Only those cylinders, which are in current use, may be kept within the laboratory. Do not storecylinders in the laboratory• Where possible, pipe gases from a secure location outside the laboratory• Ensure you have read a current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each gas in use in yourlaboratory and that these are clearly displayed either on or adjacent to the cylinder• A ‘Compressed Gas Cylinder In Use’ form (Appendix X), listing all the compressed gas cylinderscurrently in use, must be displayed outside the entrances to all laboratories containingcompressed gases. A Compressed Gases warning sign must also be displayed• In rooms where flammable or other hazardous gases are in use, appropriate signage must bedisplayed on room entrances• Always use the appropriate trolley to move heavy cylinders• Only suitably equipped and trained personnel may move gas cylinders• Gas cylinders should not be transported in occupied lifts• Use only approved regulators and check their suitability for the gas in use. It is recommendedthat regulators are replaced or refurbished after (at maximum) 5 years from date or purchase• Before connecting the cylinder to your apparatus, check the complete system for suitability,particularly in terms of pressure rating and materials compatibility. All new pipe work should beinspected and leak tested by qualified personnel• Never transfer gas from one cylinder to another• Report all faulty cylinder valves and regulators immediately to the chief Technician• Always close the main cylinder valve when the cylinder is not in use and ensure that anappropriate cylinder key is readily available for rapid shut down of cylinder output• All compressed cylinder gases should be ordered through the chief Technician’s office on foot ofa signed requisition from the Research Supervisor28

Empty CylindersEmpty cylinders are not really empty. They contain gas at atmospheric pressure, which of coursedoes not cause deflection of the gauge needle because the gauge reports the pressure greater thanatmospheric. The cylinder still contains gas at a pressure of at lease 1 Bar. Depending on cylindersize, this can be a substantial quantity of toxic or flammable substance.It is important to ensure that gas containers are in a safe condition after use. Before returning emptygas containers, a check should be carried out to ensure that:• The cylinder valve is closed and not leaking• The cylinder valve outlet plug or cap nut, if supplied, has been securely refitted. This isparticularly important if the contents of the container are toxicMore information can be found in the BOC booklet ‘Safe Under Pressure’29

CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS SAFETYThe common cryogenic hazards found in the laboratory are caused by liquid nitrogen (boiling point:196°C, 77K) and liquid helium (boiling point: 269°C, 4K). The hazards arising from the use ofcryogenic liquids include:• Cold burns, frostbite and hypothermia• Vessel pressurisation arising from the large volume expansion of a liquid as it boils• Fire in oxygen deficient atmospheres• Damage to equipment by the intense cold resulting in other hazardsGuidance for use of such liquids is provided in CP30 – The Safe Use of Liquid Nitrogen Dewards upto 50 litres: 2000, produced by the British Compresssed Gases Association. Guidance for bulkstorage is provided in CP21 – Bulk Liquid Argon or Nitrogen Storage at Users’ Premises. Revision 1:1988The following rules will apply to all personnel handling cryogenic liquids or working in areas wherecryogenic liquids are used:• Eye protection and gloves must be worn while transferring liquids• A full risk assessment must be carried out in areas where cryogenic liquids are to be used. Thismust include an oxygen depletion calculation (see CP30 – The Safe Use of Liquid NitrogenDewars up to 50 litres: 2000 for example).• Adequate ventilation must be allowed in areas where large quantities of cryogenic liquids areused. Use of an oxygen monitor may be necessary• Cryogenic liquids must be stored and transported in vessels designed for the purposes and forthe particular liquid in use• No-one may travel in lifts with Dewars containing cryogenic liquids• Dewars should only be filled to 90% capacity during transportation• The transfer of cryogenic liquids is normally done under pressure. Operators must stay inattendance until the transfer is completePhysical properties of common cryogensBoiling Point(K)Liquid-to-gasexpansionratioGas specificstudyCriticaltemperature(K)Criticalpressure(atm)Liquiddensity (g/l)He 4.2 780 0.14 5.2 2.2 125H 2 20.3 865 0.07 33.0 12.8 71Ne 27.1 1470 0.70 44.4 26.2 1206N 2 77.3 710 0.97 126.3 33.5 808Air -- -- 1.00 -- -- --Ar 87.3 860 1.39 150.9 48.3 1402O 2 90.2 875 1.11 154.8 50.1 1410CO 2 194.7 790 1.70 304.2 72.8 1560R-12 243.4 294 4.35 385 40.6 148730

BIOLOGICAL SAFETYCollege Local Rules for Working with Biologically Hazardous Materials at Trinity CollegeDublinPolicy:Any individual proposing to undertake work (research or teaching) involving potential exposure to abiologically hazardous material, must comply with the guidelines outlined below, and the provisions ofrelevant legislation. (Biologically Hazardous Materials include, micro-organisms- natural or geneticallymodified, cell cultures , human endoparasites, human or animal tissues, fluids, preparations andderivatives, which may be able to cause any infection, allergy, or toxicity.) It is the responsibility ofeach relevant Head of School, or Unit Director, to ensure that all staff members, researchers andstudents as may be relevant, are provided with a copy of this policy and are aware of its contents.Implementation of Policy:1. Risk Assessment• STEP 1: Notification of intention to work with biologically hazardous materials -Biological Agents Project Risk Assessment.Principal Investigators / Project Supervisors / Managers proposing to undertake researchinvolving potential exposure to a biologically hazardous material, must, as a preliminary step,complete the Biological Agents Project Risk Assessment, available at the following website:http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/biologicalsafety.php or from your School Safety Officer. Thisquestionnaire needs to be completed at the planning stage of a research project or newventure, well in advance of any proposed work with biologically hazardous materials, andbefore research grants are applied for, where relevant. An overview of the project in questionincluding an outline of facilities, safety provisions and cost details will be included in thequestionnaire. Following completion, the form must be countersigned by the School SafetyOfficer and forwarded to the College Biohazard Officer for approval, together with a copy ofany grant application, where relevant.On receipt of this questionnaire, the College Biohazard Officer will advise on theappropriateness of facilities, the adequacy of containment measures, adequacy of storage,disposal and sterilisation facilities, the competence of the Principal Investigator and otherpersonnel, the isolation of work from uninvolved personnel (including control of visitor access)and any additional precautions which may need to be taken. The College Biohazard Officermay then:o grant permission for the work to be undertaken;o grant permission for the work to be undertaken, providing certain conditions arecomplied with; oro reject the application to undertake work involving potential exposure to biologicalhazards.Following local approval of the research work to be undertaken, the College Biohazard Officerwill forward the form to the Health and Safety Authority, as there is a legal requirement tonotify the authority 30 days prior to commencement of work with respect to the following:o First time use of a group 2 biological agent.o First time use of a group 3 biological agent.o Subsequent use of group 3 biological agents.The College Biohazard Officer must be notified with a new form, of any significant changes in31

procedures, facilities, materials etc. which may impact on the risk associated with the work.The College Biohazard Officer must approve such changes before same are implemented.• STEP 2: Personnel Registration - Biological Agents Personnel Risk Assessment:On approval of the Biological Agents Project Risk Assessment form by the College BiohazardsOfficer, all personnel involved in the project will be required to complete a detailed riskassessment - Biological Agents Personnel Risk Assessment, available at the followingwebsite: http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/biologicalsafety.php or from your School SafetyOfficer. This form will include an outline of the methodology and procedures involved and themeasures to be taken to prevent exposure to any biologically hazardous material. Incompleting this form, one must include, in particular, details of the identity / nature of thebiologically hazardous material, and potential risk to health, working procedures and methods,the protective and preventive measures that are envisaged, and waste disposalarrangements. This questionnaire must be completed by the researcher and signed by thePrincipal Investigator / Supervisor / Manager (where relevant), countersigned by the SchoolSafety Officer, and submitted to the College Biosafety Officer for final approval.Biohazard work must only be undertaken with the prior written approval of the CollegeBiohazard Officer. The Science Faculty does not ordinarily permit undergraduate students towork with biologically hazardous material (for reasons of competency and difficulty posed byperiod needed to establish efficacy of any vaccination)2. GuidanceAll persons undertaking work with Biological Agents in College must comply with the provisions ofthe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994 as amended 1998(S.I. No.146 of 1994 and S.I. 248 of 1998) which lays down the minimum obligations required toprotect workers from health risks associated with biological agents in the workplace. Somebiological agents have the potential to affect certain sensitive risk groups and there is a specificlegal obligation under Part 6 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)Regulations, 2007, (S.I. No. 299 of 2007) for employers to assess the exposure of children andyoung persons and pregnant, post natal and breast feeding employees to biological agents.Guidance on the above is available at http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/biologicalsafety.php.Additional information is available from Executive, Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogensguidelines entitled ‘Biological Agents - Managing the Risks in Laboratories and Health CarePremises’, published by the Health and Safety Executive U.K. in May 2005. This guidance canbe viewed at http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/biologagents.pdf. This document may be useful inundertaking your hazard identification and risk assessment exercise.3. Waste DisposalBiological waste produced in College must be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of theDepartment of Health and Children guidelines on the ‘Segregation, Packaging and StorageGuidelines for Health Care Risk Waste, 3 rd Edition’, published by the Department of Healthand Children in April 2004. This guidance can be downloaded athttp://www.dohc.ie/publications/segregation_packaging.html.For further information on classification, storage and disposal of biological waste please contactMr. Marcus Phelan in the College Hazardous Materials Facility at 8963565, e-mailMarcus.Phelan@tcd.ie In particular, please be familiar with the ‘Procedures for Disposal ofBioHazard Waste’. These can be downloaded from:http://www.tcd.ie/Hazardous_Materials/HMF_Procedure%20for%20Disposal%20of%20Bio-Hazard%20Waste.pdf32

4. Training and InstructionAny individual proposing to undertake work involving potential exposure to a biologicallyhazardous material must satisfy their School Safety Officer, in consultation with the CollegeBiohazard Officer as necessary, as to their competency to undertake such work. In particular suchindividuals must have an adequate knowledge of the potential hazards, containment measures,and the appropriate decontamination and emergency procedures. Accordingly, it is imperative thatany such individual must as a minimum requirement, attend the annual College Biological SafetyWorkshop.5. Record KeepingAny individual undertaking work involving potential exposure to biological hazards, must keepproper records in the laboratory of the receipt, storage, and disposal of potentially infectiousmaterials. The exact form of these records must be agreed between the individual, the SchoolSafety Officer and the College Biohazard Officer. The College Biohazard Officer will keep aregister of all individuals undertaking work, which may involve exposure to biological hazards. Acopy of the Biological Agents Project Risk Assessment and Biological Agents Personnel RiskAssessment forms as outlined above will be kept by the College Biosafety Officer, and will beavailable for inspection by the Health and Safety Authority, in accordance with the BiologicalAgents Regulations 1994, as amended 1998.6. Health SurveillanceThe College Occupational Health Service will provide health surveillance as deemed necessaryand appropriate, and will offer immunisation where applicable. Where immunisation is required,this will be paid for by the School or Principal Investigator in question (grant applications mayneed to specify this expense). Those receiving immunisation will be informed of the benefits anddrawbacks of both immunisation and non-immunisation, and any offer of immunisation, which isrefused, must be in writing. The Occupational Health Service will keep records of any suchhealth surveillance, in accordance with the requirements of the Biological Agents Regulations1994, as amended 1998. The immune status of such individuals may have to be assessed beforepermission can be given for work to proceed, and it should be noted that at least six months mayelapse before this can be determined in many cases.Any individual working with biologically hazardous materials who becomes pregnant orimmunocompromised must immediately advise their School Safety Officer, so that a further riskassessment can be undertaken.7. Accident ProceduresIt is the legal responsibility of any individual working with biologically hazardous materials toimmediately report to their School Safety Officer, any accident or incident of which he/shebecomes aware, involving the exposure to or release of a biologically hazardous material, likely toinvolve a risk to the health and safety of employees. All accidents / incidents (even those whichdon’t involve exposure to a biological hazard) must be reported in accordance with college policyand the appropriate forms must be completed. The College accident report form can bedownloaded at http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/accident.html8. Administration and Enforcement of PolicyIt is the responsibility of the Head of School, in consultation with the School Safety Officer and theCollege Biohazard Officer to ensure that this policy is complied with. Individuals who do notcomply with the provisions outlined in this policy will initially be warned. Second offences, orserious breaches of college policy or legislative requirements, will be reported to the CollegeBiohazard Officer by the School Safety Officer, and this may lead to a withdrawal of approval forthe continuance of the research in question. College disciplinary procedures may also be invoked33

9. Genetically Modified OrganismsIf you intend to work with Genetically Modified Organisms, please contact the College Bio-Safetyand Genetic Manipulation Officer, Dr. Ronnie Russell at 8961194 or email rrussell@tcd.ie. Pleasealso visit the Environmental Protection Agency web site at;http://www.epa.ie/Licensing/GMOLicensing/ContainedUseofGMOs/ and follow their guidancenotes on risk assessment. The risk assessment outlined on this site must be completed andreturned to the College Bio-Safety and Genetic Manipulation Officer for approval before any workwith GMOs can be undertaken.Contacts:The College Biohazard Officer is: Frank Mangan.Phone: 8963965 or 086-8980302. E-mail: frank.mangan@tcd.ie.The College Occupational Health Service can be accessed through the College Health Centre at8961556.The College Safety Officer is: Mr. Tom Merriman, Director of Buildings Office, West Chapel, College.Phone: 8961914. E-mail: tom.merriman@tcd.ie(Revised February 2009, Frank Mangan, College Safety Office)34

Biohazards 1 – Project Registration FormDate Received:Bio 1 Reg. Number:Approval Date:Biological Agents Project Risk AssessmentThis form must be completed to comply with the provisions of;The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994, as amended 1998 &The Trinity College Dublin – Biological Hazards – Policy Document – Revised Feb 2009A key requirement of the legislation is to assess the risks associated with projects involving the use ofbiological agents. Biological Agents include, micro-organisms- natural or genetically modified, cellcultures, human endoparasites, human or animal tissues, fluids, preparations and derivatives, whichmay be able to cause any infection, allergy, or toxicity.NOTES:• This risk assessment is intended for use by individuals (usually Principle Investigators (PI) /Project Supervisors / Managers) that will undertake or supervise work, which may involveexposure to materials which may be biologically hazardous.• Conduct/record periodic reviews and notify significant alterations using a new form.• This form is not for assessing the risks associated with genetically modified activities.• This form should only be completed after reading the appropriate legislation and guidance notes,available at http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/biologicalsafety.php.• All biological materials should be treated as being potentially hazardous until proven otherwise.• If the risk assessment defines the activity as Risk Group 1, please complete this form• If the risk assessment defines the activity as Risk Group 2, please complete this form and appenda copy of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), information for workers concerning facilityuse and the emergency response plans.• If the risk assessment defines the activity as Risk Group 3, please complete this form and appenda copy of the SOPs, information for workers concerning the operation of the Containment Level 3facility and the emergency response plans.• Prior to commencement of any work this form requires:o sign-off by the School Safety Officer (SSO);o sign-off by the College Biohazard Officer (CBO); ando subsequent submission to Health and Safety Authority 30 days prior to commencement ofwork with respect to the following:• First time use of a group 2 biological agent.• First time and subsequent use of a group 3 biological agent.35

GENERAL DETAILS:Name of PI / Supervisor / Manager:Staff Number:School / Department / Centre:Lab / Unit No:Lab / Unit telephone:E-Mail:Title of this research project:Work commencement date:Expected completion date:Address of premises where thebiological agent will be stored orused (if different) to above.Type of notification (first time/renotification). If renotification,state reason whyName of School Safety Officer (SSO):Have you registered with your SSOList of persons likely to be exposed to theHazardous Biological Agents: (also take intoaccount cleaners, visitors, engineers, securitystaff etc.)YesNoCOMPETENCE:Please outline your experience to date in working with biological agents, and any qualifications youmay have, or workshops / seminars you may have attended relevant to biological safety. [Pleaseattach a copy of any relevant certificate(s)]36

In the following form, the spaces may be expanded as required. The spacing in the master version isnot indicative of the length of answer expected.PREMISES WHERE THIS WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUTLaboratory work:Animal work if relevant:1. SUMMARISE THE ACTIVITYi) Overview of work: (Provide a brief yet clear outline of the aims and objectives in simple terms.)ii) Description of procedures: (Describe the types of laboratory procedures to be used andhighlight any non-standard laboratory operations. Identify any procedure that may require additionalcontrol measures such as generation of aerosols, in vivo work, deliberate culture of Class 3biological agents, transport, storage, centrifugation, incubation of biological Agents, working withanimals, using sharps, bioreactors etc.)iii) Biological agents to be used: (Provide details of the agents involved and/or, where appropriate,details of materials that may contain biological agents. In the case of such materials include thenature and the source of the material)iv) Quantities used and frequency of use: (This information is vital if potential exposure and hencepotential risk are to be accurately assessed under the conditions of use in the particular application.Indicate the scale of the work in terms of maximum culture volumes at any time shown as multiplesof unit volumes.)37

2. IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS AND ASSESS THE RISKS TO HEALTH AND SAFETYIdentify hazards:i) Advise which biologically hazardous materials you may potentially be exposed to andwhich hazard classification do these biological materials come under (Please refer to the 4 thschedule of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994, asamended 1998:This legislation can be found at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/If you are unsure, please consult with the College Biohazard Officer.*Please note that there are no facilities available in College for undertaking work with Risk Group 4Biological Agents, and consequently work with Risk Group 4 Biological Agents is prohibited.Type of biological agents beingnotified (bacterium /virus /fungus /parasite / other)Biological Agent(s) Hazard Group (Select from Risk Group 1-3)ii) Identify potential route(s) of infection in the laboratory:PercutaneousYes / NoInhalationYes / NoIngestionYes / NoSplash in eyes or mouthYes / NoAnimal bite or scratchYes / Noiii) Describe any disease that may be caused by the identified biological agent: (includingsymptoms, severity, routes of transmission, availability of vaccine, prophylaxis or other treatmentetc.)iv) Identify any particular group of workers who may be at increased risk: (for examplepregnant workers, young persons under 18, disabled workers, those with pre-existing disease thatincreases susceptibility.) If you may be, please discuss this matter in confidence with your SchoolSafety Officer or request an appointment with the College Health Service to discuss this matter inconfidence.38

Anyone who might have compromised resistance to disease for any reason should seekadvice from the College Health Service ext. 1556, regarding the need for additionalprecautions.v) Could a less hazardous biological agent (or form of the agent) be used instead? (If it can, thenit should be used or justification be given here why it is not being used.)3. DECIDE WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO PREVENT OR CONTROL THE RISKSi) Containment Level Required (The Risk Group classification typically defines the recommendedContainment Level )Level 2 Level 3Refer to Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994, as amended1998. This legislation can be found at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ieii) Specify what measures are required to control the risks: (Risks must be adequately controlledto prevent exposure or to minimise it to such an extent that any harm is unlikely to result from theexposure.) Consider how your procedure may affect people who are not directly involved in the work(e.g. cleaners, security staff, service engineers, contractors, visitors, members of the public) andensure your control measures protect them too.39

iii) Engineering control measures and facilities required: (Specify whether a microbiologicalsafety cabinet (or isolator for in vivo work) is required. This is the only appropriate engineeringcontrol measure for airborne microbiological hazards and this is not always required. Where one isrequired then specify what type - select from Class I, II or III.)Which of the following measures will be required to undertake the work in compliance withthe 7 th schedule of the B.A. Regs 1994 as amended 1998?Yes No1 The workplace should be separated from any other activities in the samebuilding:2 Input and / or extract air to be filtered using HEPA or likewise:3 Access to be restricted to nominated workers only:4 Workplace to be sealable to permit disinfection: (Append associatedSOPs)5 Specified disinfection procedures required: (Append associated SOPs)6 Workplace to be maintained at an air pressure negative to atmosphere:7 Effective vector control required (rodents / insects):8 Surfaces impervious to water and easy to clean:9 Surfaces resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents, disinfectants:10 Safe / secure storage facilities:11 Observation window:12 Lab to contain its own equipment:13 Suitable containment such as biological safety cabinet or isolator: (Appendassociated SOPs)14 Incineration service available for disposal of animal carcases: (Appendassociated SOPs)15 Access to autoclave facilities for rendering waste safe: (Append associatedSOPs)iv) Access Control: (Advise what access control measures are available in your laboratory facility (eg.digital door lock, swipe code access, key lock on door etc.)40

v) What Personal Protective Equipment will be necessary?: (Lab coat, gloves and safetyglasses must be worn at all times when working in a laboratory)GlovesWhite CoatsFace MasksSafety GlassesVisorsPlastic Bibs / ApronsOvershoesHair CapsRespratorsOther (plese specify)√√√What provisions / procedures will be implemented to ensure that used protective clothing will berendered safe? (Regular autoclaving, laundering, alginate bags, disposable PPE). Please note that a90 degree Centigrade wash cycle will be required as a minimum for laundering lab coats. Dose yourschool have access to such laundering facilities?YesNovi) Other measures: Specify any additional control measures that may be needed for specific risksidentified above and not covered in the general measures. Consider whether other controls on thework are needed such as restricting the quantity of substance which may be used, prohibiting loneworking or specifying the level of supervision required. Append SOPs where necessary.vii) Waste Production, Treatment and Disposal: Specify what types of waste are likely to beproduced? (liquid, solids, sharps, radiological, other) An attempt should be made to quantifypossible waste production under the aforementioned headings. Append SOPs where appropriate.How is it intended to;Store this waste:Treat this waste:Dispose of this waste:(With regard to waste storage, treatment and disposal, you should consult with the CollegeHazardous Materials Facility, Mr. Marcus Phelan at ext. 3565.)41

viii) Assess the reduction in risk as a result of the proposed control measures:ix) Emergency procedures:I confirm that I have read and understand the College Emergency Procedures:Yes NoThese procedures can be found athttp://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/safetyemergencyprocedures.phpI confirm that I have an adequately supplied spill kit available in my laboratory for dealing withspillages of biological materials, and for cleaning and decontamination of biologically contaminatedsurfaces or personnel:Yes No4. ENSURE CONTROL MEASURES ARE USED AND MAINTAINEDSpecify what, if any, checks on control measures are required and state the frequency ofinspection needed: (It should be ensured that control measures work and continue to work properly.Simple visual inspections may suffice or in some cases more detailed examinations, especially ofengineering control measures, may be required. Microbiological safety cabinets are required to betested for containment efficacy annually or every 6 months in CL3.)42

5. HEALTH SURVEILLANCESpecify if health surveillance is required: You must consult, in the first instance with your SchoolSafety Officer. The SSO may decide to refer you to the College Health Service.Specify if there is there an effective vaccine, prophylaxis or treatment available for any of thepathogens handled in this work: (Advice can be obtained from the College Health Service. Collegeis required to offer immunisations to individuals who may be exposed to pathogens at work where aneffective vaccine is available.)6. SAFETY COSTSProposed Funding Agency / Source: (eg. College, SFI, HRB, Welcome, NIH, EU, CommercialContract, Other) please specify.Have the following potential safety costs been considered in the financing of this researchproject? The Principal Investigator must ensure that adequate funding is available for safetyrequirements.Suitable laboratory facilities:Necessary equipment, apparatus,instruments, labware:Personal Protective Equipment:Waste disposal:Training:Health surveillance / vaccinations forpersonnel:Suitable biological packaging fortransportation:Special cleaning / decontamination agents:Appropriate maintenance/service contracts onBiosafety Cabinets and other equipmentOther – Please specify:43

7. SIGNATURES:Please sign the declaration below, and return to your School Safety Officer for assessment.The information supplied in this questionnaire is accurate and correct to the best of ourknowledge. We hereby undertake to comply with the provisions of the College BiologicalSafety Local Rules, and all relevant biological and safety legislation and guidance. Weunderstand that we may not commence work with biological agents without the prior approvalof our School Safety Officer and the College Biohazard Officer. We undertake to report allaccidents / incidents to our School Safety Officer as soon as possible after occurrence. Weboth confirm that there is no medical reason why we should not undertake the proposedresearch work (make an appointment with the College Occupational Health service if you areunsure, ext. 1556). We undertake to advise our School Safety Officer if there are any changesin our medical circumstances that might warrant a re-assessment. We understand that if thenature or extent of the work described here changes then we need to reassess the risks andthat a new application may have to be made. Finally, we undertake to communicate thecontents of this form to all employees and others at the workplace who may be exposed toany risks covered by this risk assessment.Signed: _________________________________________Principal Investigator / Supervisor / Unit ManagerDate:I hereby advise that I am satisfied that the above proposed research work can be undertakenin a safe manner, taking into account the facilities available and the competence of theresearcher in working with biological agents.Signed: ________________________________________School Safety OfficerDate:For completion by the College Biohazard OfficerProposal Approved:Proposal Refused:Justification for refusal:Proposal Approved subject to the following conditions:Signed: __________________________________________College Biohazard OfficerDate:44

This risk assessment should be reviewed annually or more frequently if there is any change inthe work, or if new information becomes available that indicates the assessment may nolonger be valid. Reviews have been carried out on the following dates and either theassessment remains valid or it has been amended as indicated.Name of reviewer:Signature:Amendments:Name of reviewer:Signature:Amendments:Name of reviewer:Signature:Amendments:Name of reviewer:Signature:Amendments:Name of reviewer:Signature:Amendments:Name of reviewer:Signature:Amendments:Date:Date:Date:Date:Date:Date(Revised February 2009, Frank Mangan, College Safety Office)45

Names and Addresses:College Biohazard OfficerDr. Fred Falkiner,Trinity CentreThe Adelaide and Meath Hospitals,Tallaght,Dublin 24Phone: 896 3791 or 087 253 7103e-mail: fflkiner@tcd.ieCollege Occupational Health PhysicianDr. Chris Dick,College Health Service,House No. 47,CollegePhone : 608 1556e-mail: dickc@tcd.ieCollege Safety OfficerMr. Tom Merriman,West Chapel,CollegePhone: 608 1914e-mail: tom.merriman@tcd.ieThe College Hazardous Materials Technician (waste management) is:Mr. Noel O’ Reilly,Hazardous Materials Facility,East End 5,CollegePhone: 608 3565e-mail: nooreill@tcd.ieThe College Bio-Resources Officer is:Mr. Peter Nowlan,Bio-Resources Unit,CollegePhone: 608 1008e-mail: pnowlan@tcd.ieReference Material:Directive 90/679/EEC – Council Directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposureto biological agents at work, as amended 1997Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994, as amendedSafety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998Guidelines of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous PathogensHealth and Safety Executive – U.K. GuidelinesHealth and Safety Authority – Ireland Guidelines46

Biohazards 2 – Personnel Registration FormThis form must be completed to comply with the provisions of;The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994, as amended 1998 &the Trinity College Dublin – Biological Hazards – Policy Document – Revised May 2009.A key requirement of the legislation is to assess the risks associated with projects involving the use ofbiological agents. Biological Agents include, micro-organisms- natural or genetically modified, cellcultures, human endoparasites, human or animal tissues, fluids, preparations and derivatives, whichmay be able to cause any infection, allergy, or toxicity.NOTES:• This form is intended for use by all personnel that will undertake work, which may involveexposure to materials which may be biologically hazardous.• Complete this form (1 form/person) after reading the appropriate legislation and guidance notesavailable at http://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/biologicalsafety.php, and reviewing the requiredBiological Agents Project Risk Assessment form.• All biological materials should be treated as being potentially hazardous until proven otherwise.• Prior to commencement of any work this form requires:o sign-off by the Principal Investigator / Supervisor / Manager;o sign-off by the School Safety Officer (SSO); ando sign-off by the College Bio-safety Officer (CBO).GENERAL DETAILS:Name:Staff / Student Number:Employment status:School / Unit:Lab / Unit No:Lab / Unit telephone:E-Mail:Name of Principal Investigator /Supervisor / Manager: (where relevant)Bio Reg. Number: (from Biological AgentsProject Risk Assessment form)Title of this research project:Work commencement date:Expected completion date:Name of School Safety Officer (SSO):47

Have you registered with your SSONames of persons likely to be exposed tothe Hazardous Biological Agents: (includenames of researchers, technicians, students,visitors, housekeeping staff)YesNoIn the following form, the spaces expand as required. The spacing in the master version is notindicative of the length of answer expected.PREMISES WHERE THIS WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUTLaboratory work:Animal Work if Relevant:OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH PROJECTOverview of work: (Provide a brief summary and include aims and objectives in simple terms.)Refer to Biological Agents Project Risk Assessment form to enable completion of the followingsection.HAZARD IDENTIFICATIONi) Biological agents to be used:Biological Agent(s) Risk Group (Select from 1-3)Containment Level required (Specify the containment level required)Level 2 Level 3Refer to Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994, as amended1998. This legislation can be found at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ii) Identify potential route(s) of infection in the laboratory:48

Percutaneous Inhalation Ingestion Splash in eyes/ mouth Animal bite/ scratchYes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / Noiii) Identification of the hazards posed to health: (including symptoms, severity, routes oftransmission, availability of vaccine, prophylaxis or other treatment etc.)iv) Identify any particular group of workers who may be at increased risk: (for examplepregnant workers, young persons under 18, disabled workers, those with pre-existing disease thatincreases susceptibility.) If you may be, please discuss this matter in confidence with your SchoolSafety Officer or request an appointment with the College Health Service to discuss this matter inconfidence.Anyone who might have compromised resistance to disease for any reason should seekadvice from the College Health Service ext. 1556, regarding the need for additionalprecautions.v) Assess the risks associated with the biological agent(s) manipulation: (Describe the types oflaboratory procedures to be used and highlight any non-standard laboratory operations. Identify anyprocedure that may require additional control measures such as generation of aerosols, in vivo work,deliberate culture of Risk Group 3 biological agents, transport, storage, centrifugation, incubation ofbiological Agents, working with animals, using sharps, bioreactors, etc.)vi) Quantities used and frequency of use: (This information is vital if potential exposure andhence potential risk are to be accurately assessed under the conditions of use in the particularapplication. Indicate the scale of the work in terms of maximum culture volumes at any time shownas multiples of unit volumes.)49

PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY TO PREVENT OR CONTROL THE RISKSi) Could a less hazardous biological agent (or form of the agent) be used instead? (If it can, thenit should be used or justification be given here why it is not being used.)ii) Confirm what measures are in place to control the risksYes No1 The workplace should be separated from any other activities in the samebuilding:2 Input and / or extract air to be filtered using HEPA or likewise:3 Access to be restricted to nominated workers, (digital lock/ Swipe card):4 Workplace to be sealable to permit disinfection:5 Specified disinfection procedures required:6 Workplace to be maintained at an air pressure negative to atmosphere:7 Effective vector control required (rodents / insects):8 Surfaces impervious to water and easy to clean:9 Surfaces resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents, disinfectants:10 Safe / secure storage facilities:11 Observation window:12 Lab to contain its own equipment:13 Suitable containment such as biological safety cabinet or isolator:14 Incineration service available for disposal of animal carcasses:15 Access to autoclave facilities for rendering waste safe:iii) What Personal Protective Equipment will be necessary?: (Lab coat, gloves and safetyglasses should be worn at all times when working in a laboratory)GlovesWhite CoatsFace MasksSafety GlassesVisorsPlastic Bibs / ApronsOvershoesHair CapsRespiratorsOther (please specify)√√√What provisions / procedures will be implemented to ensure that used protective clothing will berendered safe? (Regular autoclaving, laundering, alginate bags, disposable PPE). Please note that a90 degree Centigrade wash cycle will be required as a minimum for laundering lab coats. Dose yourschool have access to such laundering facilities?Yes / No50

iv) Other measures: (Specify any additional control measures that may be needed for specific risksidentified above and not covered in the general measures. Consider whether other controls on thework are needed such as restricting the quantity of substance which may be used, prohibiting loneworking or specifying the level of supervision required.)v) Waste Production, Treatment and Disposal: (Specify what types of waste are likely to beproduced? (liquid, solids, sharps, radiological, other) An attempt should be made to quantifypossible waste production under the aforementioned headings. Append SOPs where appropriate.)How is it intended to:Store this waste:Treat this waste:Dispose of this waste:(With regard to waste storage, treatment and disposal, you should consult with the CollegeHazardous Materials Facility, Mr. Marcus Phelan at ext. 3565.)vi) Describe the procedures for dealing with spillages of hazardous agents:vii) Assess the reduction in risk as a result of the proposed control measures:Level of risk:trivial acceptable moderate significant substantial intolerablePlease tick appropriate box.51

COMPETENCEOne of the aspects which the SSO and the CBO will have to consider, before allowing you to workwith biological agents is your competence in relation to working safely with biologically hazardousmaterials. This will involve an assessment of your work experience with biological materials to dateand any formal qualifications you may have in relation to biological safety. In order to satisfycompetence criteria, as a minimum requirement, you will have to attend the annual CollegeBiological Safety Training Workshop, which is run once annually. Your SSO may also decide thatyour work with biological agents should be supervised for a period of time until a satisfactory level ofcompetence is demonstrated.Please outline your experience to date in working with biological agents, and anyqualifications you may have, or workshops / seminars you may have attended relevant tobiological safety. [Please attach a copy of any relevant certificate(s)]52

TRAINING / ORIENTATION COURSES ATTENDEDRequiredYes NoCollege Biological Safety WorkshopRadionuclide Safety WorkshopSafe Handling of Cryogenic LiquidsAnimal Handling TrainingLab orientation – given by a qualifiedpersonnelSite specific - evacuation route andprocedure - given by qualified personnelSite specific - location and use ofemergency resources: eyewash, shower,spill kit, first aid kit, etc.Provision and use of personal protectiveequipment, lab coat, eye protection,masks, appropriate gloves, etc.Location and use of Material Data safetySheets & laboratory documentationExpand spaces as requiredHAZARD / RISK SPECIFIC TRAININGStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs) andprotocolsList disinfection and waste disposal procedures:List procedures for dealing with accidents and incidentsDateTrainedDateTrainedTrainer name &SignatureTrainer name &SignatureList procedures relating to work to be undertakenOther documents - supervisor to list any other biosafetyrelated documents to be read – attach details onseparate sheet where necessary.53

ADDITIONAL READING / INFORMATION:Emergency procedures, these procedures can be found athttp://www.tcd.ie/Buildings/Safety/safetyemergencyprocedures.phpOut of hours policyLaboratory rulesGood microbiological practice and containmentWorking with Biohazard Agents in CL 2Working with Biohazard Agents in CL 3Preventing injuries from glass and sharpsMicrobiological safety cabinetsGMM identification and characterizationSpill response involving RG 2 & 3 organismsTissue cultureFacilities & Containment LevelsSterilization and disinfectionAccident reportingDate readSpecify if health surveillance is required: You must consult the College Health ServiceSpecify if there is there an effective vaccine available for any of the pathogens handled inthis work: (Advice can be obtained from the College Health Service. College is required to offerimmunisations to individuals who may be exposed to pathogens at work where an effectivevaccine is available.)54

The information supplied in this questionnaire is accurate and correct to the best of my knowledge. Ihereby undertake to comply with the provisions of the College Biological Safety Local Rules, and allrelevant biological and safety legislation and guidance. I understand that I may not commence workwith biological agents without the prior approval of our School Safety Officer and the CollegeBioSafety Officer. I undertake to report all accidents / incidents to our School Safety Officer as soonas possible after occurrence. I confirm that there is no medical reason why I should not undertake theproposed research work (make an appointment with the College Occupational Health service if youare unsure, ext. 1556). I undertake to advise our School Safety Officer if there are any changes in ourmedical circumstances that might warrant a re-assessment. I understand that if the nature or extent ofthe work described here changes then I need to reassess the risks and that a new application mayhave to be made.Signed: _______________________________________UserDate:Signed: _______________________________________Principal Investigator/Supervisor/Unit ManagerDate:I hereby advise that I am satisfied that the above proposed research work can be undertaken in asafe manner, taking into account the facilities available and the competence of the researcher inworking with biological agents.Signed: _______________________________________School Safety OfficerDate:For completion by the College BioSafety OfficerI hereby advise that I have reviewed the above Biological Agents Personnel Risk Assessment and, onbehalf of College BioSafety Committee, authorize the individual to commence work.Signed: _______________________________________College BioSafety OfficerDate:55