RISK ASSESSMENT for: benchtop autoclaves at LIRANS, 250 Butterfield

Date of Assessment: 2 June 2011 Date of Review: July 2012 (or earlier if there is a significant change in circumstances) What control measures are in place already or will be put into place?

Activity/ Process/ Operation General

HIPA codes
(where relevant)

What are the hazards

What risks do they pose?

Risk Evaluation
Likelihood Severity Risk Rating

Further evaluation of risk

Likelihood Severity Risk Rating

Action by

11.8 11.12 11.13 11.16

Organizational

See following sections

Machines sited in security access controlled laboratory. Laboratory staff are appropriately trained and measures are in place to control access by cleaners, maintenance and security staff. Taught MSc project students must not use this equipment (without competent supervision). Students particularly new, overseas students pose a residual risk. Capital bid in place to replace or supplement elderly autoclave 3 4 12 Dedicated high current circuits especially installed for each machine. Facilities and Estates check and maintain the electrical distribution systems.

12

Delapidation

See following sections

University capital spending committee 3 4 12

Electrical equipment

4.13 4.16 11.7

High current rating unsuitable for normal circuits

Electrical fire

Pressurised vessel

3.5 10.8 11.7

Vessels work at elevated pressure

Explosive fracture

10

Vessels identified on list (in legal office) of pressure vessels and subject to periodic inspection for cracks, etc. by University insurance company. Maintenance contract for both machines for semi-annual service and preventative maintenance visits. Maintenance contract for both machines for semi-annual service and preventative maintenance visits. Thermal override keys not kept with machines (possibly lost). Training and organizational arrangements. Thermal gloves and rubber mitts available.

10

Autoclave steam

2.10

Pressurised vessel with high temperature steam ( 121 C)

Burns either from explosive decompression or premature opening.

10

10

Hot surfaces

2.10

Outside surface of Burns the vessel gets hot during operation and the contents may cause burns even when temperature low enough (80 C) to release door lock.

Names of Persons involved in the Activity/Process/Operation LIRANS Staff/students Facilities & Estates staff especially cleaners & maintenance staff ISD staff MSc Biotechnology students Undergraduate project students Contractors and visitors Name of Assessor and Line Manager: Barry Haggett, Tiantian Zhang

Signatures .. .. ......

..