Special hazards in research environment

Winnie Tam, Safety OfficeBiological, Chemical, Radiation, Laser,

Other environmental hazards

Health & Safety Information Placard

RoomNo:

Phone No.

1. Person in Charge

2. Emergency Contact

3. Emergency Contact

4. Security Office Ext 2882

FLAMMABLE LIQUID易燃液體

RADIATION輻射危害

EYE PROTECTION配戴護眼鏡

CORROSIVES腐蝕品

BIOLOGICALHAZARD生物危害

PROTECTIVECLOTHING穿著保護衣物

　TOXIC SUBSTANCE毒害品

LASER激光危險

ENTRYRESTRICTIONS進入須特別指示

　 NON-FLAMMABLECOMPRESSED GAS非易燃壓縮氣體

ULTRA-VIOLETLIGHT紫外光源

GLOVES穿戴手套

　FLAMMABLE GAS易燃氣體

HIGH VOLTAGE高壓電力

SAFETY SHOES穿著安全鞋

INFECTIOUSAGENT致病物質

DUST MASK配戴防塵罩

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DEPARTMENT:

Contact Name Position

PROTECTIONMAJOR HAZARDS

HEALTH & SAFETYINFORMATION

Biological hazards in laboratories Deliberate culture of various biological agents Clinical samples, bloods Animals (agents that can infect animals and humans)

Biological hazards in a workplaceViruses, bacteria, fungi or mould present in the environmentMites and insects (body parts and faeces), pollens, animals (faeces, urine or dead body)Infectious disease, toxic effects or allergic reaction

Biological hazardsPresence of source:

Environment: mould on building materials, dust laded filtersOccupants: virus and bacteria from sick people

Multiply under suitable growth conditions: Nutrient (food, dust, dirt)Right temperature and pHWater or high humidity

Transmission

Routes of entryInhalation (through the lungs)Ingestion (through the mouth)PercutaneousContact

Biological hazards (Control)Replace or clean contaminated items as soon as possibleSolve water damage or condensation problemKeep workplace clean and tidyProper cleaning and maintenance of the ventilation system.Staff who do not feel well should seek medical treatment

Chemical hazardsWarning signs

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Chemical hazardsSources

correction fluid, printing ink, instant glue, rubber cement, spray adhesive, permanent markers and white-board markers, fragrancescleaning agents, pesticides

Chemical hazards (control)Select less hazardous substancesFollow use instructions & precautionsUse the minimum quantity required and minimize emissionUse in a well ventilated area or under local exhaust ventilation (LEV)Use appropriate PPE (gloves, work clothing)Properly label all chemicals with identity of contentsStore chemicals properly

Chemical hazardsfurniture, building materials (formaldehyde)

Select building materials, furniture or fixture that emit no or low levels formaldehyde or other chemicalsAllow off-gassing before installation

Chemical hazards (control)office equipment (emission from photocopiers)

Use in a well ventilated area or LEV

Chemical hazardschemicals used in maintenance or renovation work

Chemical hazards (control)Arrange renovation work during time with least disturbance to occupants, e.g. during the lunch hours, weekends, holidaysErect partitions to separate the work area Isolate the ventilation systemProvide exhaust ventilation and maintain negative pressure in the renovation area.

Radiation

RadiationIonizing radiation:

X-rays and radiation emitted by radioactive substances (alpha, beta & gamma)Some uses: radiography, thickness gauges, detectorsControl:

Radiation Ordinance and Regulations on Control of Radioactive Substances and Irradiating ApparatusLicence to control the import, export, possession, and use of radioactive substances or irradiating apparatusSpecial work areas and trained workers

Non-ionizing RadiationsUltraviolet (solar radiations, UV emitting equipment, mercury discharge lamps, sunlamps, germicidal lamps certain lasers, welding)Visible light (solar radiations, welding, high intensity discharge lamps, and some lasers)Infra-red (furnaces and heated objects, infra-red lamps, certain lasers)Radiofrequency (radio transmitter, radar, dielectric heaters, broadcasting equipment, microwave heaters)Extremely low frequency (overhead power lines, power supply transformers, large electric motors, induction heaters)Laser (pointers, cutting materials)

Non-ionizing Radiations (Hazards)Eye injuries e.g. arc eyes, retinal damage, cataractSkin BurnSkin cancerIgnition of materials and fireInterfere the operation of heart pacemakers

Non-ionizing Radiations (Control)Enclose the source with interlocksShielding the sourceMaximize the distance between the source and the operator Minimize the exposure timeAppropriate protective equipment and clothingControl access by physical barriers and warning signsProperly earth metal parts or appliances

Laser (Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation)

Intense, coherent, and directional optical radiationEffects on people same as for visible, UV and IR radiation: eye and skin (intense power to very small area)Other hazards: electrical, air contaminants (dust, fumes), noise, fireClassification

Classification of lasers

LasersInform SO on new installation of lasers especially medium & high power laser (Class 3B & 4)Control:

Enclose equipmentDisplay warning signs Safety interlocksControl accessKey control of laserBeam stop or attenuatorAvoid specular reflectionsLocal rulesPPE: goggles and glovesTrained operators

Noise

NoiseLoud noise is a health hazard: hearing lossGenerally people have to shout to be heard about 2 m away indicates environmental noise level is too highNoise assessment, noise reduction if necessary, provide PPE, training.Communication interference, annoyance, disturbance of concentrationStartle response may cause accident Office is relatively quiet, sound levels in most offices are in the range of 45-65dB(A)

Risk control measuresEliminationSubstitutionReductionEngineering controls

Total or Partial enclosureLocal exhaust ventilationSufficient general ventilation

Administrative controlUse of PPE

Ventilation

General ventilation Provide fresh aircontrol the level of contaminants

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)Capture airborne contaminants at or close to the source of generation e.g. photocopiers, printing machines

Ventilation