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Safety in Workshops and Laboratories

Health and Safety in Research Laboratories

Undergraduates - Health and Safety in Laboratories

Health and Safety in Engineering Workshops - Good Practice Guidance

The above guidance provides some basic health and safety considerations for working within our laboratories and workshops. These are supported by more specific arrangements which should cover the activities that are taking place within each area - some of these will be written down and some will be verbally communicated to you. These can be dangerous places to work so it is important that you follow the instructions presented to you and ask questions if you are unsure.

Before entering these areas, ensure that you are appropriately dressed - wearing shorts, or short skirts, shoes or flip flops are not appropriate (note that all workshop areas are now safety shoe areas). If wearing long sleeved clothes, ensure that you roll these up if there are potential entanglement risks. Baggy trousers may also be inappropriate for working with some machinery. Similarly long hair must be tied back if working with machinery and ties and anything hanging around your neck, such as jewellery should similarly be removed. Make sure you are prepared before you enter these areas, as inappropriate dress will mean that you will be turned away from your work activity. We have to ensure your safety at all times and these are basic considerations before you enter these areas to work.

See also Cleaning in Laboratory Facilities which includes guidance for researchers and instructions for cleaning staff engaged in the cleaning and removal of non hazardous waste.

Further information relating to Laboratory and Workshop Safety can be found from the main Health, Safety and Wellbeing webpage this includes links to the following guidance:

  • Biological Safety
  • Chemical Safety
  • Ionising Radiation
  • Lasers
  • Machinery
  • Noise
  • Emergency planning