Materials Descriptions and Hazard Level

When preparing a requisition, or approving a requisition on the OPeRA system, (or other accepted procurement method), it is important that the hazard potential or Hazard Level of the item being ordered is considered at the requisition stage and that the risks are duly managed once the item is introduced into the University.

Training in the use of the OPeRA system and access to a Full User Manual can be obtained from the OPeRA pages within the OPeRA webpagesLink opens in a new window.

A 'walk through guideLink opens in a new window' has also been prepared to show you how to alter the relevant Hazard Level and assign the relevant Material Code within the OPeRA system.

The following table will assist anyone to determine the Hazard Level for Material Descriptions which have been identified within the OPeRA system as having a hazard potential and should be used to support decision making at the requisition and approval stages withn the OPeRA workflowLink opens in a new window:


Material Description (with link to Hazard Level guidance)	Examples	Related Topic Guidance
Equipment - Lab & Workshop (under 25K) Equipment - Lab & Workshop (over 25K)	Only for equipment that has specific hazard potential : Ionising radiation Lasers Non ionising (UV, IR, HF) radiation generators Electromagnetic radiation X-rays Bespoke design	Ionising RadiationLink opens in a new window; Lasers; Machinery & Work Equipment
Biological Materials - including Micro-organisms, cell lines Strictly Licensed Substances	Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites Animal pathogens Plants & plant pathogens Pathogens and toxins Human samples including tissues; Cell lines Note: all biological materials will require GMBSC or alternative SLS approval	Biological Safety webpage
Consumables - Animal/amphib/insect/anthropod	Animals, amphibians, insects and anthropods Note: only SLS will be permitted to place requisitions for materials in this category	Biological Safety
Consumables - Drugs & pharmaceutical products	Drugs Pharmaceutical products
Consumables - Agrochems/Fertilisers/Pesticides	Agrochemicals Fertilisers Pesticides
Consumables - Gases & Cryogenics	Gas cylinders Cryogenic gas deliveries	Gas Cylinders
Chemicals - including Biochemical Reagents Formulated Products General Batteries for research	Biochemical reagents Formulated Products General laboratory chemicals Batteries (for research, such as Li-ion) Nanomaterials	Hazardous & Restricted Substances
Chemicals - Radiochemicals - sealed sources	Ionising Radiation - sealed sources Note: Your Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) MUST be consulted prior to any requisition being made	Ionising RadiationLink opens in a new window - sealed sources
Chemicals - Radiochemicals - open sources	Radioactive substances Note: Your Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) MUST be consulted prior to any requisition being made	Ionising RadiationLink opens in a new window - open sources
Chemicals - Strict Licensed Substances (not otherwise specified elsewhere)	Drug Precursors Substances covered by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)	Strict Licenced Substances
Explosives	Explosives Detonable substances	Hazardous & Restricted Substances
Waste Disposal - Radioactive	Radioactive waste - Ionising radiation of any kind Note: The Radiation Protection Officer MUST be consulted prior to any requisition being raised	Hazardous Waste Ionising RadiationLink opens in a new window
Waste Disposal - Clinical / Bio	Clinical or biological waste disposal Note: Only authorised staff are permitted to requisition clinical / biological waste disposal services	Biological Waste
Waste Disposal - Hazardous	Chemical waste (not covered above) Note: Only authorised staff are permitted to requisition hazardous waste disposal services	Hazardous Waste