Health and Safety
Welcome to the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group, Health and Safety pages.
For guidance, information, and advice on working safely in our laboratories please consult the Departmental Health and Safety web pagesLink opens in a new window or the University Health Safety and Well-being Link opens in a new windowwebpages. You must discuss your work with your Project Supervisor and complete a supervisor approved Risk Assessment. You must also consult the relevant Laboratory Head before starting work.
All students must complete the following generic training: How to do Risk AssessmentsLink opens in a new window. Project students must have viewed the Safety Presentation for Project StudentsLink opens in a new window. Additional required Training Modules are listed against each room.
All postdoctoral staff and postgraduate students in the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group should post their most up-to-date, supervisor approved, Risk Assessments here. These should include their Project Risk Assessment and any other Risk Assessments that are made for more specific tasks or work schedules. Please put the date in the box next you name to acknowledge that you have discussed your assessment with your supervisor.
| Name | Activity | Risk Assessment | Date Uploaded or Updated | Training Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geetha Balakrishnan | Research | |||
| Paul Goddard | Research Project | Work Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 7th October 2026 | PAG |
| Martin Lees | Research | Work Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 29th March 2022 | MRLLink opens in a new window |
| Daniel Mayoh | Research | Work Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 7th November 2022 | DAM |
| Oleg Petrenko | Research | Work Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 6th June 2020 | |
| Patrick Ruddy | Technician | |||
| Ewan Jewkes | Technician | Work Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 30th October 2025 | |
| Brinda Kuthanazhi | Research Fellow | Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 10th July 2025 | |
| Sanjay Sharma | PhD project (PAG) | PhD Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 19th October 2023 | Sanjay SharmaLink opens in a new window |
| Jonas Mikalauskas | PhD project (MRL) | PhD Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 30th October 2024 | |
| Tenam Cuauhtemoc | PhD project (GB) | PhD project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | ||
| Ria Das | PhD project (PAG) | PhD Project Risk Assessment | 5th October 2026 | |
| Srinanda Chakraborty | PhD project (DAM) | PhD Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 5th October 2026 | |
| Alexander Baker Vallot | PhD project (GB) | PhD Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 5th October 2026 | |
| Naman Kamboj | PhD project (DAM) | PhD Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 5th October 2026 | |
| Matthew Coak | Visiting Research Fellow | Work Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 9th August 2023 | MJC |
| Omar Naji | Visiting Research Fellow | Work Risk Assessment | 5th May 2026 | |
| Training template |
MPhys Final Year Project Students 2026 - 27
| Name | Project Supervisor | Risk Assessment |
Date uploaded |
Training if required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rabiah Ahmed | Martin Lees | Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 14/10/2026 | |
| Suan Sian Mung | Martin Lees | Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 15/10/2026 |
Archive
MPhys Final Year Project Students 2025 - 26
| Name | Project Supervisor | Risk Assessment | Date uploaded | Training if required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | ||||
| Azeem Siddiqui | Martin Lees | Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 13/10/25 | |
| Kieran Pope | Daniel Mayoh | Project Risk Assessment | 13/10/25 | |
| Alex Hummel | Daniel Mayoh | Project Risk Assessment | 13/10/25 | |
| Will Grey | Oleg Petrenko | Project Risk Assessment | 20/10/25 | |
| Seth Branson | Oleg Petrenko | Project Risk Assessment | 20/10/25 |
MPhys Final Year Project Students 2024-25
| Name |
Project Supervisor | Risk Assessment | Date uploaded | Training if required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathew Hague | Paul Goddard | Project Risk Assessment | N/A | |
| Alexey Kiselyk | Paul Goddard | Project Risk Assessment | 09/10/24 | N/A |
| Filip Rutkowski | Dan Mayoh | Project Risk Assessment | 10/10/24 | N/A |
| Max Procter | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 08/10/24 | N/A |
| Matthew Larmour | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 07/10/24 | N/A |
BSc Final Year Project Students
| Name | Project Supervisor | Risk Assessment | Date uploaded | Training if Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 |
||||
| Krishna Mistry | Dan Mayoh |
Project Risk Assessment |
||
| Toby Perks | Martin Lees |
Project Risk Assessment |
||
| Brannon Egginton | Martin Lees |
19/10/2026 | ||
| Mingwei Tang | Paul Goddard |
Project Risk Assessment |
cryogens/cryomagnets | |
| Lewis Watkins | Paul Goddard |
Project Risk Assessment |
cryogens/cryomagnets | |
Archive |
||||
| 2025-2026 | ||||
| Aiman Nabil Ahmad Nadzair | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 23/10/2025 | |
| Egehan Delibas | Oleg Petrenko | Project Risk Assessment | 27/10/2025 | |
| Anas Elfadol | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 23/10/2025 | |
| Emma Grey | Oleg Petrenko | Project Risk Assessment | 27/10/2025 | |
| Michal Jedrzejowski | Paul Goddard | Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 11/11/2025 | |
| 2024-2025 | ||||
| Robbie Freeman | Paul Goddard | Project Risk Assessment | 14/10/2024 | |
| Ellis Greenacre | Paul Goddard | Project Risk Assessment | 14/10/2024 | |
| Lawrence Farr | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 15/10/2024 | |
| Max Taylor | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 15/10/2024 |
Chemicals
Other PhD Students
| Name | Project Supervisor | Risk Assessment | Date uploaded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Long | Alex Robertson | Cleaning glassware with aqua regia | 06/10/2025 |
URSS Summer Project Students
| Name | Project Supervisor | Risk Assessment | Year | |||
| Jack Tinner | Daniel Mayoh | Project Risk Assessment | 2025 | |||
Archive |
||||||
| Adam Jenner | Martin Lees/Paul Goddard | Project Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window | 2024 | |||
| Tenam Cuauhtémoc |
Daniel Mayoh/Geetha Balakrishnan | Project Risk Assessment | 2024 | |||
| Zara Taylor | Paul Goddard | Project Risk Assessment | 2021 | |||
| Jack Collings | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 2019 | |||
| David Jonas | Geetha Balakrishnan | Project Risk Assessment | 2018 | |||
| Oliver Rigby | Martin Lees | Project Risk Assessment | 2017 | |||
| Thomas Hicken | Paul Goddard | Project Risk Assessment | 2016 |
MPhys Final Year Project Students 2026 - 27
All students must complete the following generic training: How to do Risk AssessmentsLink opens in a new window. Project students must have viewed the Safety Presentation for Project StudentsLink opens in a new window. Additional required Training Modules are listed against each room.
Risk Assessment for Individual Activities
| Activity | RA prepared by | Risk Assessment | Room or rooms | Date uploaded | Training Required | Misc. | Date of last check | Authorised User Lists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of Press and Evacuable Die | MRL | Evacuable Pellet DieLink opens in a new window | P1.55 | 20th March 2015 | Yes. See User Guide | User GuideLink opens in a new window | 28th April 2023 |
Authorised User ListLink opens in a new window |
| Soldering | MRL | Soldering in the S&M LabsLink opens in a new window. Safety data sheet for lead free solder used in these labsLink opens in a new window |
P122, P127, P130 | 22nd April 2015 | Yes. | 28th April 2023 | List of Authorised UsersLink opens in a new window | |
| Glass Working | PR | Glass workingLink opens in a new window | P122 | 3rd May 2023 | Yes | Not a user activity | 3rd May 2023 | Patrick Ruddy |
| Argon Arc Furnace | DB | Argon Arc FurnaceLink opens in a new window | P122 | 13th January 2016 | Yes. See User Guide and MRL | User Guide | 8th June 2024 | Authorised User ListsLink opens in a new window |
| Use of a cryomagnet | MRL | Cryomagnet systemsLink opens in a new window | P125, P126, P127, P130 | 18th July 2024 | Yes. See User manuals and PAG and/or MRL | 07/10/2026 |
Authorised User ListLink opens in a new window | |
| Use of cryogens | MRL | Use of CryogensLink opens in a new window | P125, P126, P127, P130 | 11th August 2014 | Yes, see Martin Lees |
07/10/2026 | Authorised User ListsLink opens in a new window | |
| Laser - Ruby spectrometer | PAG | Safe system of work - normal operation Safe system of work - realignment and maintenance operationsLink opens in a new window |
P127 | 7th April 2026 | Yes. See Notes. | Notes | 7th April 2026 | Authorised User Lists: |
| Pressure Cells | PAG | P127 P130 |
09/08/2023 |
Yes. See Notes. | Notes | 07/10/2026 |
Please follow the University procedures for the purchasing, storage and disposal of chemicals.
| Activity | List |
|---|---|
| Purchasing chemicals | Click to viewLink opens in a new window |
| Chemical Categorisation | Click to viewLink opens in a new window |
| Storing chemicals - LabCup | Click to viewLink opens in a new window |
| Search for chemicals on LabCup | Click hereLink opens in a new window |
| Disposing of chemicals | Click to viewLink opens in a new window |
Sustainability Induction
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through the responsible use of energy, water, materials, and laboratory resources. Everyone has a role to play in supporting a more sustainable workplace. Simple actions such as switching off equipment and lights when not in use, minimising waste, recycling correctly, and using resources efficiently can make a significant difference.
Please take a few minutes to read the sustainability notes below (pdf copy available hereLink opens in a new window) and consider how these principles can be incorporated into your daily work. Small actions by all staff and students can make a significant contribution to reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting responsible use of materials and energy. Together, we can create a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable working environment.
Waste and Recycling
Please dispose of waste in the correct container:
- Paper should be placed in the recycling bins.
- Sharps should be placed in the small yellow sharps bin located in each laboratory.
- Glass should be placed in the glass disposal box in P130.
- All other general waste should be placed in the general waste bins.
- Batteries- return to stores for recycling.
·Any electrical equipment, cables or electronic devices must not be placed in general waste bins. Please contact your PI or a technician for guidance on the appropriate disposal procedure.
Paper Recycling
Please place only clean, dry paper and cardboard in the recycling bins.
The following items can be recycled:
- Office paper, printer paper, and notebooks
- Newspapers, magazines, and leaflets
- Cardboard and paper packaging
- Envelopes (including those with windows)
The following items should not be placed in paper recycling:
- Used tissues, paper towels, and wipes
- Paper contaminated with chemicals or laboratory materials
- Disposable gloves
- Sticky labels and backing paper
- Foil-lined or wax-coated paper
If paper is contaminated or cannot be recycled, it should be disposed of in the appropriate waste stream or general waste bin.
When in doubt, keep it out of recycling and seek advice from laboratory staff.
Glove - Use and Sustainability
We are committed to reducing waste while maintaining the highest standards of safety and good laboratory practice. Gloves should be worn only when required for the task and the correct glove type should be selected based on the hazards present.
Disposable gloves are intended for single use and should not normally be reused. Reusing disposable gloves can increase the risk of contamination, reduce protection if the material has been damaged or degraded, and may compromise experimental results. Disposable gloves should be replaced immediately if they become contaminated, damaged, or worn.
Where tasks require frequent glove use, users should consider whether gloves are genuinely necessary for all stages of the work and remove them when handling non-hazardous items such as keyboards, door handles, and telephones to avoid unnecessary waste.
Reusable gloves designed for repeated use may be appropriate for some applications. These gloves should be inspected before use and, where necessary, cleaned and stored according to laboratory procedures and the manufacturer's instructions. Reusable gloves must be discarded if they show signs of damage, deterioration, or contamination that cannot be safely removed.
By using gloves responsibly, avoiding unnecessary consumption, and choosing reusable options where appropriate, we can reduce waste while ensuring a safe and sustainable laboratory environment.
Energy
Lights - Energy-Saving Reminder
To conserve energy, please ensure that all lights are switched off when leaving the room after 5.00 p.m., unless the room is still occupied.
Efficient Use of IT Equipment
Computers, monitors, printers, and other IT equipment consume energy throughout their lifetime. Using this equipment efficiently helps reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and minimise environmental impact.
- Switch off your desk computers, monitors, and peripheral equipment when not in use, particularly at the end of the day.
- Use sleep or power-saving modes during periods of inactivity.
- Turn off monitors when leaving your workspace for extended periods.
- Avoid unnecessary printing. Where printing is required, use double-sided (duplex) printing and print only the pages that are needed.
- Store and share documents electronically whenever possible to reduce paper consumption.
- Unplug chargers and other devices when they are not in use, as some equipment continues to consume power even when switched off.
- Report faulty or inefficient equipment so that it can be repaired, replaced, or recycled appropriately.
- Dispose of unwanted IT equipment through the University's approved disposal and recycling routes rather than placing it in general waste.
Small changes in how we use IT equipment can significantly reduce energy consumption, extend equipment lifespans, and support a more sustainable workplace.
Equipment Shutdown Procedure
At the end of use, please:
- Put the apparatus into the appropriate shutdown state (H = 0, T ≥ 10 K).
- Switch off the rotary pump.
- Place a clearly visible notice on the equipment indicating that the pump has been switched off.
Please follow this procedure to maintain equipment safety and reliability.
Chemicals and Samples
Efficient Use of Chemicals for Sample Preparation
The efficient use of chemicals is an important part of sustainable laboratory practice. Careful planning can reduce waste, lower costs, and minimise environmental impact while maintaining the quality and reliability of experimental results.
- Plan experiments carefully and prepare only the quantity of material required for the work.
- Calculate masses and stoichiometries in advance to avoid unnecessary consumption of chemicals.
- Where appropriate, prepare smaller batches of samples to minimise waste from materials that may no longer be required.
- Check existing stock before ordering new chemicals to avoid duplication and unnecessary disposal.
- Label all prepared samples clearly with their composition, date of preparation, and owner.
- Store chemicals and samples correctly to prevent degradation and maximise their useful lifetime.
- Share commonly used chemicals and source materials within the research group where practical.
- Maintain accurate records of chemicals used and samples prepared to reduce repeat work and unnecessary consumption.
- Dispose of unwanted chemicals and samples through the appropriate University waste streams and never place hazardous materials in general waste.
By using chemicals efficiently and preparing only the materials needed, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, lower costs, and support a safer and more sustainable laboratory environment.
Sample Management and Storage
All samples should be clearly labelled and stored appropriately. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all samples that are prepared, including relevant details such as contents, date of preparation, and ownership.
Samples that are no longer required should be disposed of through the University's approved waste disposal procedures. Unlabelled or abandoned samples should not be retained unnecessarily.
Please consult your PI before disposing of any samples. Samples that are still required for ongoing or future work should be stored safely and discussed with the PI if there is any uncertainty regarding their retention.
Good record keeping and responsible sample management are essential for safety, compliance, and efficient use of laboratory space.