Summary of safety principles

View Suppary of safety principles in word.doc

This statement is a summary of the more detailed document which every person working in the unit will be given. Signature of it will be taken as an acceptance and understanding of all safety implications of working in the Bio Resources Unit.

Before any experimental procedure can be carried out on any animal, it is necessary to hold a licence from the Department of Health. Further details may be obtained from the units Director.

The hazards

The safety precautions for laboratory work apply equally when working with animals. There are additional hazards from the animals themselves, fodder, bedding and animal waste products. Animals should always be treated as sources potentially infective to humans. Breathing apparatus may have to be worn in very toxic or infectious atmospheres.

ALL PERSONS WORKING IN THE ANIMAL UNIT DO SO SUBJECT TO THEIR ADHERING TO CERTAIN SAFETY PRINCIPLES, NAMELY:

I. They respect the safety of all workers in the area or who may be affected by any action of theirs or any material used by them.

II. No person may handle an animal without having satisfied the Director of their competence to do so, except under the direct supervision of one of the Technical Staff.

III. Protective clothing must be worn at all times. It may also be necessary to wear or use additional protective equipment.

Allergic conditions in humans

Allergic conditions in humans may result from contact with animal fur or hair and sometimes from feathers, exudates, bedding and fodder. The allergy may manifest itself immediately or may be acquired over a succession of exposures to the allergen. Any person with a history of an allergic condition (asthma etc) should advise their supervisor or the Director of the unit as special provisions (masks etc.) may need to be provided.

IV. There should be no eating, drinking or smoking in animal holding areas.

V. No radioactive, toxic or biohazard material may be brought into the Unit without prior agreement of the Director. An appropriate protocol of handling and disposal of any carcasses or other animal originating material must be agreed before using these types of materials.

VI. All waste material must be disposed of in appropriate boxes; there are appropriate boxes for all material.

VII. All accidents must be reported to the safety officer. The accident report book and an accident report form must be filled in. These are to be found in the secretary's office.

VIII. If arrangements have been made for late working (after 5pm or week-ends), the late working book must be filled in. If an emergency arises ring Front Gate ext 1999/1317.

IX. Spillage of any substance should be reported to one of the Technicians and arrangement for appropriate cleaning should be made. This particularly applies to the spillage of radioactive substances.

X. ANY PERSON BROUGHT INTO THE UNIT BY A WORKER TO HELP THEM DURING THE COURSE OF A PROJECT MUST BE MADE AWARE BY THE WORKER OF ALL THE CONTENTS OF THIS STATEMENT.

Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________