LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL

DEPARTMENTS OF CHEMISTRY AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

2018

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PREFACE

Safety is common sense and a moral and legal obligation. The university is legally and morally bound to

provide a safe place where we can all work and receive education in line with our aspirations. Equally obliged

is each individual to conduct him/herself and carry out every task in a sensible, responsible and safe manner

not only to avoid self-harm, but harm to others, the university/tax payers’ property and to the environment.

Housing a vast array of chemicals, of various properties, from the seemingly innocuous to the acutely toxic,

explosive, highly flammable and radioactive, and pressurized gases, some of them highly flammable or toxic, a

chemistry department is probably the most dangerous place in any educational institution. In addition to

chemicals, it houses an arsenal of instruments and equipment for teaching and research purposes, many of

which are not only expensive, but can be hazards if ineptly handled. Thus, utmost care and vigilance must be

maintained in our environment, and it is for this reason that generations of students in Science, Engineering

and Medicine have gone through chemistry courses and “survived” to be legends in their fields and keep

sending their children to universities. The same enforced vigilance is the reason why a Chemistry Department

is an integral part of any university and not located on a remote site just in case something calamitous

happens.

Beyond common sense, safety requires constant reminders (visual, written and oral), training and relentless

monitoring/inspections environment and we are equally responsible in ensuring this. It is a joint effort so

familiarize yourself with warning signs and emergency evacuation procedures posted all over the building and

campus. Know where first aid boxes, eyewash and emergency showers as well as fire extinguishers are

located. Stop by and read instructions on fire extinguishers to learn how to use them and what types of fires

they are applicable to before the need arises. Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor or Health and Safety

representatives

Enforcement can be a bane- the fire drills, inspections, warnings and mandatory regular cleanups but these

save lives and everybody must and will comply. This manual forms part of official and mandatory safety. It is a

living document and constantly evolves to keep up with latter-day developments but is not exhaustive and

further expert training must be sought for specific tasks as the need might be. Please interrogate it and come

up with suggestions to make it even better.

Yours in Safety

Edwin Mmutlane (BSc, BSc Honours, PhD)

FURTHER READING

Furr; A.K. “CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety”, 5th Edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2000.

Hackman, C.L.; Hackman, E.E.; Hackman M.E. “Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response Manual

and Desk Reference”, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2002.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE .................................................................................................................................................................. 1

FURTHER READING ................................................................................................................................................. 1

1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................... 3

2 ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................................................................ 4

3 HARZADOUS CHEMICALS AND THE LAW ............................................................................................................. 6

4 PROJECT RISK ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................................. 8

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM ...................................................................................................................................... 10

5 WORKING IN THE LABORATORY ........................................................................................................................ 11

5.1 Hazard Assessment: Material Safety Data Sheets ...................................................................................... 12

5.2 Chemical Warning Signs ............................................................................................................................. 13

5.3 Personal Protective Equipment .................................................................................................................. 14

5.4 Fume Hood Usage ...................................................................................................................................... 15

5.5 Instruments ................................................................................................................................................ 16

5.6 Chemical Storage, ....................................................................................................................................... 17

5.7 Working After Hours and Overnight Experiments ..................................................................................... 20

OVERNIGHT/UNATTENDED EXPERIMENT FORM .................................................................................................. 22

5.8 Waste Handling and Disposal ..................................................................................................................... 23

6 EMERGENCY MEASURES: EVACUATION PROCEDURE ....................................................................................... 24

7 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTS .......................................................................................................................... 24

8 SAFETY INSPECTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 26

9 TRAINING ........................................................................................................................................................... 26

10 BASIC FIREFIGHTING ........................................................................................................................................ 26

SAFETY INSPECTION FORM ..................................................................................................................................... 1

UJ MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANT STUDENTS POLICY ............................................................................................ 1

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1 INTRODUCTION

Once in a while, we read in the media about disasters in Chemistry Departments:

“Fire at University of St Andrews chemistry department”, Chemistry World, 10 July 2017.

“Nottingham University fire destroys new multimillion-pound chemistry building”, September 13, 2014.

“Researcher dies after lab fire- UCLA research assistant burned in incident with tert-butyllithium”, Chemical and

Engineering News, January 22, 2009.

“Fire guts University of Texas chemistry lab”, Chemical and Engineering News, 1996, 74 (44), pp 10–11.

These are reminders of the potential calamity that can befall any Chemistry Department, even with the

strictest of Safety Measures. The majority of accidents/incidents do not make headlines and happen

frequently. These are minor explosions and fires, heat and chemical burns, cuts and scrapes, eye injuries,

contamination/chemical exposure through skin contact and inhalation, spills and breakages, falls and flooding

by water from running taps. The potential for disaster in each of these cases can be massive and thus they

must be prevented. Common causes of such are: lack of working understanding of hazards, improper or

unintended use of equipment, unsafe storage and transportation of chemicals, inexperience, distractions,

lack/loss of attention to task, broken, damaged glassware or equipment and sheer carelessness/complacency

Theft is another vexatious occurrence and vigilance in monitoring who enters our facilities is required, as well

as restricting access to certain areas. Even worse is the potential for arson, the consequences of which can be

disastrous.

Avoid working alone at night or over weekends and public holidays- have a colleague around not necessarily

working in the same lab and make sure you check on each other regularly. If you set up an overnight

experiment, make sure that it is set up in a fume hood clear of anything else that might catch fire/ chemically

react should something go wrong. Set the temperature to the requisite minimum if heating must be used and

make sure that tubes for coolant water are tightly fitted (with wires or cable ties) and that the water flow is at

an appropriate level. Leave a note on the fume-hood shield with details of the experiment and do one final

check before you leave. If you are the last person to leave, make a round check of the entire lab and building

before you leave.

Good housekeeping is an integral part of safety. Avoid clutter, store reagents and solvents properly, according

to their chemical reactivity and promptly return them to the storage cabinets after use. Promptly report any

malfunctioning instruments, send broken glassware for repairs, and clean up any spillages and all equipment

immediately after use and dispose of waste in appropriately labelled containers. Minimize waste and recycle

everything possible, keep your workspace and laboratory clean, do not keep dirty glassware in washbasins, do

not litter on campus and notify UJ Maintenance (011 559 2111; email: servicedesk@uj.ac.za) of any leaking

taps, blocked sinks/drains, malfunctioning lights and electrical installations.

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2 ADMINISTRATION

By law, every employer who has more than 20 employees in his employment at any workplace, shall designate

in writing for a specified period, health and safety representatives for such workplace, or for different sections

thereof. The University, and the Faculty of Science have Health and Safety Committees, with each Department

represented in the Faculty one. Additional Health and Safety reps can be appointed based on the risks at hand.

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS ARE:

1 DR MESAI MAMO (DFC)

General Health and Safety

Office: 4207 John Orr Building; Tel. No: 011 559 9001; Email Address: messaim@uj.ac.za

2 MR STEPHAN WAGENAAR (DFC)

General Health and Safety; Research and Teaching Laboratories

Office: John Orr Building; Tel. No: 011 559 6287; Email Address: swagenaar@uj.ac.za

3 DR EDWIN MMUTLANE (APK)

Chemical Safety, Storage, Waste Disposal and General Housekeeping

Office: C2LAB228; Tel. No: 011 559 3431; Email Address: edwinm@uj.ac.za

4 MR CHRISTOPHER KGATSHE (APK)

General Health and Safety, Training, First Aid, Fire Fighting, Warning Systems and Evacuation

Office: C2LAB116B Tel. No: 011 559 4777; Email Address: ckgatshe@uj.ac.za

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS TO CONTACT IN EMERGENCIES ARE:

INTERNAL EMEGENCY NUMBERS

Safety Coordinator/HOD Kobus de Bruyn 011 559 6129; 082 328 7162

Occupational Safety Secretary Susan Prinsloo 011 559 6146; 082 303 4919

Occupational Safety Practitioner Kobus de Bruyn 011 559 6129; 082 328 7162

Primary Health Care Sr Marietjie Bester 011 559 3837

Occupational Health Sr Elana Venter (APK)

Sr Miranda Tshabangu (DFC)

011 559 2200; 082 341 0299

011 559 6748; 084 403 6024

Control Room UJ Protection Services 011 559 2000/2555

EXTERNAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS

General Emergency Number 112 (free from cell phone); 10177 (landline)

Fire Brigade 011 375 5911; 10777

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South African Police Services 10111/ 1022

ER 24 (MEDICAL EMERGENCY) 084124; TRIGGER NUMBER 010 205 3050

Gas emergency 011 356 5000; 011 726 3138; 011 726 4702(ah)

Garden City Clinic 011 495 5000

Milpark Hospital 011 480 5600 / 5912

GFG Gas Monitoring System 082 227 2272

Tempest Fire 082 370 5441

Budget Waste responsible for the HAZMAT

response

086 142 9628

Johan van Zyl: 076 194 2800

Frikkie: 083 265 9883

Quinton: 073 732 0071

Poison Center (Tygerberg Hospital 24/7) 021 931 6129

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3 HARZADOUS CHEMICALS AND THE LAW

Our work as chemists is principally governed by two pieces of legislation: (i) the Occupational Health and

Safety Act 85 of 1993 as Amended by Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act 181 of 1993 and (ii) the

Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973 (HSA).

The Occupational Health and Safety Act provides for the health and safety of persons at work and for the

health and safety of persons regarding the use of plant and machinery. It also protects people other than

persons at work, against hazards to health and safety arising out of or relating to the activities of persons at

work. In addition, it has mandated establishment of an advisory council for occupational health and safety and

provides for matters connected therewith.

Section 7 instructs employers to prepare a written policy concerning the protection of the health and safety of

their employees at work, including a description of the organization and the arrangements for carrying out and

reviewing that policy.

Section 8 lists the general duties of employers to their employees as:

(a) the provision and maintenance of systems of work, plant and machinery that, as far as is reasonably

practicable, are safe and without risks to health;

(b) taking such steps as may be reasonably practicable to eliminate or mitigate any hazard or potential hazard

to the safety or health of employees, before resorting to personal protective equipment;

(c) making arrangements for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety and absence of risks to

health in connection with the production, processing, use, handling, storage or transport of articles or

substances;

d) establishing, as far as is reasonably practicable, what hazards to the health or safety of persons are attached

to any work which is performed, any article or substance which is produced, processed, used, handled, stored

or transported and any plant or machinery which is used in his business, and he/she shall, as far as is

reasonably practicable, further establish what precautionary measures should be taken with respect to such

work, article, substance, plant or machinery in order to protect the health and safety of persons, and he/she

shall provide the necessary means to apply such precautionary measures;

(e) providing such information, instructions, training and supervision as may be necessary to ensure, as far as is

reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his/her employees;

(f) as far as is reasonably practicable, not permitting any employee to do any work or to produce, process, use,

handle, store or transport any article or substance or to operate any plant or machinery, unless the

precautionary measures contemplated in paragraphs (b) and (d), or any other precautionary measures which

may be prescribed, have been taken;

(g) taking all necessary measures to ensure that the requirements of this Act are complied with by every

person in his/her employment or on premises under his control where plant or machinery is used;

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(h) enforcing such measures as may be necessary in the interest of health and safety;

(i) ensuring that work is performed, and that plant or machinery is used under the general supervision of a

person trained to understand the hazards associated with it and who have the authority to ensure that

precautionary measures taken by the employer are implemented; and

(j) causing all employees to be informed regarding the scope of their authority as contemplated in section 37

(1) (b).

Section 14 states every employee shall at work-

(a) take reasonable care for the health and safety of him-/herself and of other persons who may be affected by

his/her acts or omissions;

(b) as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his/her employer or any other person by this Act, co-

operate with such employer or person to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with;

(c) carry out any lawful order given to him/her, and obey the health and safety rules and procedures laid down

by his/her employer or by anyone authorized thereto by his/her employer, in the interest of health or safety;

(d) if any situation which is unsafe or unhealthy comes to his attention, as soon as practicable report such

situation to his/her employer or to the health and safety representative for his/her workplace or section

thereof, as the case may be, who shall report it to the employer; and

(e) if he/she is involved in any incident which may affect his/her health or which has caused an injury to him-

/herself, report such incident to his/her employer or to anyone authorized thereto by the employer, or to

his/her health and safety representative, as soon as practicable but not later than the end of the particular

shift during which the incident occurred, unless the circumstances were such that the reporting of the incident

was not possible, in which case he/shall report the incident as soon as practicable thereafter.

The Hazardous Substances Act lists four classes or groups of hazardous substances, namely group i to group iv.

The hazardous substances found under these groups will be found in the regulations which form part of the

Act. All persons who make use of, manufacture, distribute and/or sell hazardous chemical substances must

ensure that the relevant laws and regulations are in place and are complied with.

In order to ensure compliance, the manufacturer must establish which class of hazardous substance in his or

her possession falls under and then abide by the rules which apply to that type of hazardous substance.

Any person who manufactures, distributes, uses or sells a group iii or iv Hazardous substance must hold a

license

Hazardous substances must be kept away from food and drinks and must be stored in a locked room or

cupboard except when stock is being sold or replenished.

All containers where hazardous substances are stored must be leak-proof and tightly sealed.

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Any person who uses any hazardous chemical substance must have in his/her possession a copy of the

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This document describes what emergency procedures should be followed

in the event of any accidental misuse or spillage of a hazardous substance.

Any person who disposes of a hazardous substance or its container must ensure that such substance is not

poured down a drain or placed into the ground but is instead given to a registered waste disposal contractor,

who must ensure and confirm by way of a waste disposal certificate that it is disposed of at a registered

hazardous waste disposal site.

Any person who contravenes any provision of this Act will be guilty of an offence and may be liable to a fine or

to imprisonment for a period of up to 10 years or to both a fine and imprisonment

Recommended actions or controls which should be implemented by the target audience to ensure compliance

with the act are:

• Listing all hazardous substances used, categorise them and ensure applicable licenses or

authorisations are in place.

• Conducting adequate risk assessments and make recommendations on controls to ensure correct

manufacture, use, sale and/or disposal of substances.

• Ensuring Material Safety Data Sheet and Hazardous Chemical Substances lists are in place.

4 PROJECT RISK ASSESSMENT

Every Chemistry Research Project is inherently risky and requires, before commencement of any activity

related to it, a Risk Assessment to be conducted and documented in the form provided. This is meant to help

you, the researcher/student address safety and minimize risk as far as is reasonably practicable, thereby

providing and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment in line with the University’s Occupational

Health and Safety Policy. It is neither a process that eliminates all hazards in the workplace nor a means of

preventing “dangerous” activities from ever being carried out. A simple numerical rating system is used to help

identify significant risks. The definitions are:

Hazard is something with the potential to cause harm – e.g. a bottle of acid, a hot surface, uneven flooring,

etc. If the hazard is realized then there will be Consequences (C), and these will vary in severity according to

the activity being assessed. The consequences are rated between 1 and 5, with 5 being the most severe

consequence (fatality, multiple fatalities, lifelong disability etc.). Likelihood is the probability that the hazard

will cause the consequences. This is also expressed as a number between 1 and 5, with 1 being a rare

occurrence and 5 being a frequent occurrence. Risk is the measure of both the likelihood and severity of an

adverse event occurring such as injury, illness to an individual or damage to plant or property arising from

exposure to any hazard. A Risk Rating is calculated by multiplying consequence rating by likelihood rating

and is expressed as a number between 1 and 25. Risk ratings approaching 25 indicate a high consequence

which is very likely to occur.

Risk Rating = Consequence × Likelihood

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Everyone has their own perceptions of risk. A number of factors influence our perception including our own

beliefs and feelings, level of experience, culture, sense of danger and the prevailing culture and organization

in which one is working. However, thinking about the risk in a systematic way and in discussion with others

can help remove some of the subjectivity associated with personal perception.

To conduct a Risk Assessment you need to read (UJ’s Policies, Applicable Legislation and Applicable

Guidelines, Safe Operating Procedures, Material Safety Data Sheets and Literature Precedents) and might

have to consult other people (e.g., research supervisors) who have more experience and knowledge about

the task or activity. In assessing risk, do the following:

1. Identify hazards.

2. Decide who might be harmed and how.

3. Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done.

4. Record the significant findings.

5. Review the assessment and revise if necessary.

In identifying hazards, always think People, Equipment, Materials and Environment (PEME).

People hazards cover a number of issues, some having to do with the individuals themselves: others with

the systems that people have to use. When thinking about people hazards, words such as training,

competency, capabilities / restrictions, supervision, communications, adequate numbers and human error

come to mind. Equipment hazards relate to the equipment used including tasks associated with repair,

maintenance, handling, cleaning, storage and operation of equipment. Material hazards cover any solids,

liquids or gases associated with the task, including any by-products or waste generated by the task or

activity. Environmental hazards are all about the surroundings you are working in. Dependent on the

location and activity, hazards could include poor lighting, heating and ventilation, poor access/egress,

tripping/slipping hazards, restrictive space/ limited visibility and other activities taking place nearby.

Having identified the hazards, decide on appropriate measures (controls) required to eliminate/reduce the

risk as far as is reasonably practical. The hierarchy of controls is:

• Elimination of the hazard

• Reduction of exposure to hazard

• Isolation

• Prevention of contact

• Safe system of work – training, standard operating procedures, etc.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be the last control option to be considered

• Discipline

The completed Risk Assessment must be checked by a Departmental Risk Assessor or Safety Officer as well

as the Head of Department or Deputy, and authorized by the Supervisor before work can begin. The signed

original form must be kept on file in the Department and the student retains a copy for their own records.

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RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT:---------------------------------------------------

Project/Activity Assessed Emergency Planning Impact Assessment

Assessor & Date Authorised (Signature) & Date Renew Date

Documents, records, people consulted during assessment

Operational/Events Significant Hazards Who is Affected?

Existing Controls & Limitations

Existing Risk Rating Proposed Controls

New Risk Rating

L C Risk L C Risk

Emergency Planning Arrangements Relating to Operations/Event

Name Signature Date

Risk Assessment Completed by:

Risk Assessment Checked by:

Authorising Person:

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5 WORKING IN THE LABORATORY

Most of the Safety Rules pertaining to laboratory work are already inculcated in First Year of undergraduate

studies AND MUST BE ADHERED TO AT ALL TIMES:

(1) Wearing of clean, long sleeved laboratory coats that cover the body up to the knees, buttoned up. It is

desirable to purchase flameproof ones, or at the very minimum, 100% cotton- cotton burns off you

while nylon and other synthetics melt and stick to you when they catch fire!

(2) Wearing of safety goggles, latex gloves and closed shoes.

Long hair must be neatly tied at the back.

(3) No eating or drinking in the lab.

(4) No use of cellphones or headphones.

(5) No pranks or practical jokes.

(6) Avoiding and immediately reporting spillages where

sighted.

(7) Not using broken glassware and reporting it to lab staff.

(8) Disposing of waste in appropriately labeled containers

and cleaning all apparatus after the practical session.

Unlike undergraduate laboratory practicals, which are based on repeating well-established procedures,

research often involves making new materials by new methods, which may pose unknown hazards. As a result,

students in academic research laboratories do not always operate from an extensive experience base. This

makes doing a hazard analysis of every reaction critical. It always starts with a literature search (Scifinder or

Reaxys) to check if there is literature precedent to the reaction planned. This is followed by reading the MSDSs

of every reagent and solvent to know how to handle them. Such information will help in deciding what other

protective equipment is required, beyond just the ordinary lab coat, safety goggles and gloves. The reaction

must then be discussed with the supervisor or another experienced colleague and the reaction should

preferably be set up in their presence and its work-up also done under supervision. Except for very rare cases,

all reactions including work-up and column chromatographic separations must be done in a well-maintained

fume hood that is free of clutter!

Things are unlikely go wrong when you set up the reaction for the first time because you are naturally very

cautious. Problems normally occur during repeats, due to complacency (the “I have done this many times

before” attitude) or during scale-up. It is important to remember that most reactions are exothermic. Such

reactions move to a heat balance within the reaction vessel where heat removal balances heat production and

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this balance is at a temperature above that of the vessel. 1Scale up alters both rates of heat removal and

production. The main factors affecting the removal of heat are the size of the reactor, stirring and cooling.

Heat production depends on concentration of reactants and catalysts, size and starting temperature. Although

scale-up issues are normally the concern of process chemists and chemical engineers, they can lead to

disastrous consequences even in research labs as the tragic death of a student at UCLA due to tert-butyl

lithium has shown. Therefore, instead of setting up one reaction on a 10-gram scale, it is safer to set up several

1 or 2-gram scale reactions, one after another, tedious as it may be.

The work-up of a reaction as the first step in product isolation is also a potentially hazardous operation and

extreme caution must be exercised, bearing in mind the MSDSs of the reactants. Adding water, acid or base to

the reaction mixture can be exothermic and lead to the production of gases and a sudden pressure build-up.

Quench your reaction in a cooling bath, carefully adding the “quenching solution” with vigorous stirring to

avoid local heat buildup. Solvent extraction using separating funnels is also potentially dangerous, especially

with volatile solvents such as diethyl ether (which can form explosive peroxides upon long-term exposure to

sunlight and air) or dichloromethane.

5.1 Hazard Assessment: Material Safety Data Sheets

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), aka Product Safety Data Sheet (PSDS) is a document, legally required to

be provided by the substance’s supplier, which contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire,

reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely with the chemical product.

A Material Safety Data Sheet also contains information on the use, storage, handling and emergency

procedures all related to the hazards of the material. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and

Labelling of Chemicals contains a standard, 16-SECTION specification for safety data sheets:

SECTION 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking;

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

SECTION 3: Composition/information on ingrédients

SECTION 4: First aid measures

SECTION 5: Firefighting measures

SECTION 6: Accidental release measure

SECTION 7: Handling and storage

SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection

SECTION 9: Physical and chemical properties

1 Royal Society of Chemistry: Environment, Health and Safety Committee, January 2013

(http://www.rsc.org/globalassets/04-campaigning-outreach/realising-potential-of-scientists/regulations-health-

safety/safety-issues-in-the-scaleup-of-chemical-reactions.pdf; accessed January 8, 2018.

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SECTION 10: Stability and reactivity

SECTION 11: Toxicological information

SECTION 12: Ecological information

SECTION 13: Disposal considerations

SECTION 14: Transport information

SECTION 15: Regulatory information

SECTION 16: Other information.

You not only need to read and understand the information contained in the data sheet but declare in your

laboratory notebook under the specific experiment, that you have done so, and sign! In addition, legally,

MSDSs of all substances in every storage location must be kept with the substances at that location.

The University of Johannesburg’s intranet has a link (MSDS) under Quicklinks, giving access to MSDSs compiled

by the Occupational Safety Department, of some of the chemicals in all the university’s laboratories. The list is

limited but gets constantly updated. We need your help, please make an electronic collection of MSDSs of

chemicals in your lab, and new ones as you keep buying, save them in a CD and hand it over to Dr Edwin

Mmutlane.

5.2 Chemical Warning Signs

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-

upon standard managed by the United Nations, set up to replace the miscellany of hazardous material

classification and labelling schemes previously used around the world. Core elements of the GHS include

standardized hazard testing criteria, universal warning pictograms, and harmonized Material Safety Data

Sheets. The main elements of the hazard classification criteria are as follows:

PHYSICAL HAZARDS:

(1) Explosives, (2) Gases, (3)

Flammable liquids, (4) Flammable

Solids, (5) Oxidizing substances

and organic peroxides, (6) Toxic

and infectious substances, (7)

Radioactive substances, (8)

Substances corrosive to metals

and (9) Miscellaneous dangerous

substances.

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HEALTH HAZARDS:

(1) Acute toxicity, (2) Skin corrosion, (3) Skin irritation, (4) Serious eye damage, (5) Eye irritation, (6)

Respiratory sensitizer (7) Skin sensitizer, (8) Germ cell mutagenicity, (9) Carcinogenicity, (10) Reproductive

toxicity (11) Specific target organ toxicity and (12) Aspiration hazard.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

(1) Acute aquatic toxicity and (2) Chronic aquatic toxicity.

5.3 Personal Protective Equipment

Proper risk assessments must be conducted to determine the risk at hand. PPE will determined from the risk

assessment to mitigate the risks identified. Section 15 of the OHS Act has reference: No person is allowed to

interfere, misuse or damage safety equipment such as PPE.

A long-sleeved lab coat that covers the body to the knees, always buttoned up, as well as safety goggles,

closed shoes and disposable gloves are compulsory and now the standard chemistry dress code. The lab coat

must be clean: dirty, chemically contaminated lab coats are a health hazard to you and people around you. Do

not enter common areas (tea room, study room, computer lab) wearing a lab coat and do open doors wearing

gloves- this poses a chemical contamination risk!

In addition to the standard PPE, additional protective equipment may be required, such as a gas/dust mask, an

acid proof apron for working with acids, especially HF, as well as thermally insulated gloves for handling hot or

extremely cold objects/substances. Here are pictures from Sigma-Aldrich:

CAUTION:

While latex or nitrile gloves protect against a lot of reagents, they themselves are a hazard in cases of fire (they

melt and stick to you when they burn) and are not impermeable to certain substances, including

dichloromethane. The tragic Dartmouth College incident serves as reminder:2

Karen Wetterhahn, a specialist in metal toxicology, was a professor of chemistry at Dartmouth College and

founding director of the university’s Toxic Metals Research Program. In August 1996, while transferring

dimethylmercury between containers, Wetterhahn dropped one to several drops of the compound onto her

left, gloved hand. During the transfer, Wetterhahn observed the standard safety protocol at the time,

conducting the transfer in a fume hood, wearing eye goggles, and disposable latex gloves. Wetterhahn thought

nothing of the minor spill. When she was done, she cleaned her equipment, removed her gloves, and washed

her hands. About five months later, Wetterhahn began having trouble seeing, speaking, hearing, and walking.

Upon medical examination, Wetterhahn was diagnosed with acute mercury toxicity due to exposure to

dimethylmercury. Despite aggressive chelation therapy, her condition continued to deteriorate, and in

February 1997, Wetterhahn went into a coma. She died on June 8, 1997, only ten months after the initial

exposure. The unsettling characteristic of this incident is that Wetterhahn carried out the dimethylmercury

2 Safe Science: Promoting a Culture of Safety in Academic Chemical Research, National Research Council of the National

Academies, The National Academies Press, 2014, Washington DC, (http://nap.edu/18706; accessed January 8, 2018.

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transfer appropriately and safely to the best of anyone’s knowledge at the time. Notably, the Material Safety

Data Sheets (MSDS) for dimethylmercury recommended the use of rubber, neoprene, or otherwise

“chemically impervious gloves” when handling the compound. The MSDS offered no additional detail on the

subject. Following Wetterhahn’s death, permeation testing of disposable latex gloves revealed that

dimethylmercury permeates latex, PVC, and neoprene almost immediately upon contact.4 Acknowledging the

great risk associated with handling dimethylmercury as well as its lethal properties, OSHA amended its safety

guidelines for the compound, discouraging its further use, unless absolutely necessary. In OSHA’s

memorandum issued after Wetterhahn’s death, the agency noted the critical need for research laboratories to

produce a “protective chemical hygiene plan, which includes adequate guidance on the appropriate selection

of personal protective equipment and engineering controls.”5 The memorandum stressed that even “highly

placed or very well qualified researchers” do not always possess the most accurate or adequate health and

safety information. The memorandum goes on to underscore the need for collaborative relationships between

university researchers and health and safety professionals in creating safe and effective laboratory

environments.

5.4 Fume Hood Usage3

A properly designed and operated fume hood reduces exposure to hazardous fumes, vapours, gases and dusts.

A fume-hood confines hazardous airborne material by diluting it with a large amount of air, drawing it through

an exhaust system and then expelling the air in vents locate on the roof. Proper use of the fume-hood sash can

also shield the worker from an uncontrolled reaction. Fume hoods must be inspected and tested annually to

assess performance standards, but it is up to you to use a fume-hood safely:

Perform all work involving hazardous or volatile materials in a fume hood.

Check that the fume-hood is operating correctly before you start work. To check the air-flow a strip of

paper, tissue, or ribbon can be taped to fume-hood sash.

Avoid cross drafts and disruptive air currents in front of the fume hood. Ensure that windows and

doors near the fume-hoods are CLOSED.

Always keep work at least 15 cm in from the opening of the fume hood

Use the sash as a safety shield when boiling materials or conducting an experiment with reactive

chemicals.

Always keep sash as low as possible.

As the sash is lifted, flow is increased so that the face velocity of air over a given cross section of the

sash opening is constant. In summer especially, this will mean that hotter make-up air is drawn into

the lab.

When the fume hood is not in use, ensure that all materials are in sealed containers.

Connect all electrical devices outside of the hood to avoid sparks, which may ignite a flammable or

explosive chemical.

Prepare a plan of action in case of an emergency, such as a power failure, especially when using

extremely hazardous chemicals or acids.

3 https://smah.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@sci/@chem/documents/doc/uow059174.pdf; accessed

January 10, 2018.

16

For long-term experiments fill out the overnight/unattended experiment form and post on sash of

fume hood.

DO NOT place your face or head inside the hood. Keep hands out as much as possible.

DO NOT use a fume hood as a storage area, they should contain only working volumes of chemicals.

DO NOT use fume hoods to vent or dispose of hazardous materials through air dilution.

DO NOT overcrowd or clutter the fume hood. Overcrowding creates vortices and dead spots; vortices

may cause hazardous material to flow back out of the fume hood causing exposure; dead spots may

allow ignitable concentrations of flammable and combustible materials to accumulate.

DO NOT place equipment in the hood that stops the sash from closing. A safer local exhaust

ventilation method may exist and should be pursued.

DO NOT modify fume hood or erect shelves in a fume hood for chemical or equipment storage.

DO NOT place power boards, or other spark producing sources inside the hood.

5.5 Instruments

The Department is equipped with a multitude of equipment and instruments, some for routine use, others for

specialized analyses/reactions.

17

Routine equipment includes balances, magnetic heater stirrers, rotary evaporators, high vacuum pumps, etc.

You need to know how to operate these correctly and take good care of them because they are quite

expensive to repair/replace.

Analytical instruments include NMR spectrometers, IR spectrometers, GC-MS and Single Crystal x-ray

diffractometer, graphite furnaces, etc. Use of these requires special training and there are instrument

scientists responsible for them.

Specialized equipment includes Parr reactors for high pressure work, a glove box and anhydrous solvent

dispensers.

For every equipment/instrument, there must be a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP); a set of step-by-step

instructions to help users who are not necessarily experts to carry out routine operations efficiently, with

quality outputs and uniformity of performance whilst eliminating the possibility of accidents.

Supervisors/Instrument Scientists are responsible for compiling these, which can be extracted from the users’

manuals provided by the manufacturers.

5.6 Chemical Storage4,5

ALL CHEMICALS MUST BE STORED IN SUCH A WAY THAT:

Risks involved in storing incompatible materials together are minimized

Dangerous, violent reactions, such as the generation of flammable or toxic gases are prevented.

In the event of fire, toxic smoke is avoided.

For safety reasons, all products to be stored must be classified in the storage class relevant to their specific

hazard characteristics. (not just alphabeticaly!) A chemical can only be classified in one storage class.

Chemicals having more than one hazardous property are assigned to a class based on a ranking system for the

hazards involved. This guarantees that chemicals with the same or similar properties can be treated similarly

with regard to the necessary safety measures, in particular, fire and explosion protection.

STORAGE CLASSES ARE (CHECK THE MSDS OF EACH SUBSTANCE TO ASSIGN A STORAGE CATEGORY!):

1 Explosive substances

2A Gases

2B Aerosols

3 Flammable liquids

4.1A Flammable solids (explosive)

4.1B Flammable solids and desensitized substances

4 Merck Store Card: Mixed Storage of Chemicals

5 https://www.safety.admin.cam.ac.uk/files/hsd051c.pdf; accessed January 8, 2018.

18

4.2 Substances prone to spontaneous combustion

4.3 Substances that form flammable gases in contact with water

5.1A Strong oxidizing agents

5.1B Oxidizing substances

5.1C Oxidizing substances (Ammonium nitrate)

5.2 Organic peroxides and self-reactive substances

6.1A Combustible, acutely toxic substances

6.1B Non-combustible acutely toxic substances

6.1C Combustible toxic substances or those with chronic effects

6.1D Non-combustible toxic substances or substances with chronic effect

6.2 Infectious substances

7 Radioactive substances

8A Combustible corrosive substances

8B Non-combustible corrosive substances

9 Various hazardous substances

Mixed storage of products of differing storage classes is permitted only if they require identical temperature

and the same extinguishing agents can be used.

Segregated storage (same area/room but physical separation with walls, non-combustible substances of class

9, or fire proof cabinets) within one area may be necessary if certain products are in the same storage class but

have special properties. This is also the case for substances in different storage classes.

THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY:

1 A risk assessment is necessary.

2 Combustible liquids, with the exception of flammable liquids, may be stored in storage areas in which

there are no more than 50 full compressed gas cylinders, of which a maximum of 25 contain

flammable, oxidizing or toxic gases- provided the storage area for compressed gas cylinders is

separated by at least a two-meter-high wall made of incombustible material. Alternatively, there

must be at least 5 meters’ distance between the gas cylinders and combustible substances.

19

3 Up to 150 compressed-gas containers containing flammable, oxidizing and inert gases may be stored

together. In addition, 15 compressed-gas cylinders with toxic and highly toxic gases may be stored

with them at the same time.

4 Gas cylinders in the laboratory must be

secured upright, to walls with

chains/clamps/robust belts to prevent

falling, and each must be fitted with an

appropriate regulator.6 The must be

transported in cylinder trolleys and no

empty and additional full cylinders should

be stored in the lab.

5 Materials that ignite easily or cause fire to

spread quickly, such as packaging material, must not be stored together with toxic or flammable

liquids.

6 Products which do not react with one another in the event of an incident may be stored together, but

segregated by large gaps between containers, separate containment barriers or storage safety

cabinets.

7 Flammable liquids must not be stored in ordinary domestic refrigerators but in fridges and freezers

specifically designed or modified for the purpose, i.e. those that have all ignition sources removed.

The Department is in the process of phasing out all domestic refrigerators with those specifically for

chemical storage. Chemicals stored in refrigerators should be in line with storage categories above

and must be sealed and appropriately labelled, including the name of the person who stored the

material. Food and drink must not be stored in a refrigerator used for chemical storage.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES:

MSDS of each substance in the storage area must be stored in the same area

Workers must wear suitable protective clothing

There must be a strict ban on naked flames, unshielded lights and smoking. There must be significant

separation/difference between the ceiling lights and the top most shelf where substances are packed.

Stored goods must be handled carefully to prevent damage to packaging and spillage.

Escape routes, emergency exits and access routes for the emergency services must be kept free and

unobstructed at all times.

Suitable fire extinguishers (ABC powder type), first aid boxes and eyewash bottles must be close at

hand.

Written permission must be obtained before any welding, or the use of power tools such as drills,

grinders, etc. is undertaken.

6 https://www.parker.com/literature/Balston%20Filter/AGS/AGS%20Technical%20Articles/PDFs/Safe-Gas-Handling-Guide.pdf; accessed January 8, 2018.

20

There must be a strict ban on smoking, eating or drinking where chemicals are stored.

5.7 Working After Hours and Overnight Experiments

Academic research demands putting in extra hours and thus working until late and on weekends and public

holidays is normal. This inherently poses a danger of things going wrong in the absence of other people to help

you. The danger is not only an experiment going wrong in your hands, but perhaps you might get incapacitated

and have no one to rescue you. It is thus imperative to let someone else know of your presence and the two of

you must check on each other frequently.

WHEN YOU WORK OUTSIDE NORMAL HOURS:

Have a phone handy (a cell phone with airtime to make a call and or send a message!).

As the only person in your laboratory and probably one of the few in the building, take a walk around

the entire building when most people have left and know who else is around in the building and what

they are doing.

Make sure that the main entrances are locked to keep intruders out, and that all emergency exits are

unobstructed. Emergency exits must be unobstructed at all times but you need to make sure of that

yourself!

You must already be aware of the location of fire extinguishers, first aid boxes and emergency

showers and eyewash stations.

Check every fume hood in your lab to make sure that you are aware of every overnight experiment in

your lab. The person responsible for that overnight/unattended experiment must have filled the

overnight experiment form below, providing all the details regarding the (balanced) chemical

equation, reaction temperature/pressure and a succinct hazard assessment based on the MSDSs of

each reactant, solvent and reaction products and by-products if known.

IF WATER SUPPLY TO THE BUILDING IS INTERRUPTED:

Stop all experiments (yours and others) that require heating, record the time and leave a note for the

colleagues whose experiments you had to stop.

Check in other labs where you have access or notify a lab supervisor (the contact details of each must

be available for emergency notification).

Wrap up your own work and prepare to leave. Although your own experiment might not require

water, working it up might not be possible and even more importantly, you will not be able to wash

your hands after handling chemicals or even worse have an emergency shower should you need one!

IF POWER/ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IS INTERRUPTED:

Emergency power supply by university generators will kick in after a few seconds, allowing critical

instruments to continue operating. Such instruments are plugged into red power sockets everywhere

in the building.

For all other equipment, make sure you switch them off. For vacuum pumps, make sure you release

the valve to release the vacuum and let air get into the system otherwise the lubricant oil of the pump

21

will be sucked in the vacuum line as “nature” tries to equalize the internal pressure with the ambient

one, potentially ruining the pump!

Check in other labs where you have access or notify a lab supervisor (the contact details of each must

be available for emergency notification).

FOR EACH OVERNIGHT/UNATTENDED EXPERIMENT:

The form below must be completed in full, signed and a copy thereof pasted on the fume hood where

the experiment is set up. Before you leave, make sure that the reaction has already started at the set

temperature, with the coolant water for those where it is necessary, flowing at a moderate rate.

Please note that the water supply pressure in the building varies based on the number of users

present and automatically rises after-hours due to less use. Thus, when you set up a reaction at reflux

whilst many people are around, the water flow rate must be set to the barest minimum (just enough

to ensure condensation).

Make sure that all tubing to condensers, including that on rotary evaporators, is tightly secured with

cable ties/flexible wires and that there are no leaks!

Avoid using heating mantles in unattended experiments. For reactions requiring heating baths, make

sure that the temperature setting is to the barest minimum just to allow gentle reflux and do not

immerse the whole reaction vessel in bath- just it bottom, leaving room for thermal expansion of the

heating medium.

The experiment must be set up in a fume hood that is free of any reagent/solvent that might

react/catch fire in the event of anything going wrong.

Remember, you cannot leave until the experiment has started and everything looks fine!

22

OVERNIGHT/UNATTENDED EXPERIMENT FORM

DEPARTMENT: -----------------------------------------

NAME OF RESEARCHER:

HIGHEST QUALIFICATION: DATE OF EXPERIMENT:

DURATION OF THE EXPERIMENT (starting and termination time):

BALANCED REACTION EQUATION (you must give reactants, solvent, products and by products!):

DETAILS OF THE EXPERIMENT (Does the reaction need heating/cooling, continuous water flow, continuous

stirring, inert gas?):

SPECIFIC REAGENTS: What exactly did you add, in what state (solid, liquid, gas or in solution), at what

concentration and what is the volume of the reaction solvent?

MSDS OF EACH READ AND UNDERSTOOD (YES OR NO?):

SPECIFIC HAZARDS:

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY?

SIGNATURE OF RESEARCHER:

EXPERIMENT AUTHORIZED BY (NAME AND SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR):

23

5.8 Waste Handling and Disposal

COLLECTION OF LABORATORY WASTE

Laboratory waste should be collected for disposal in separate containers according to the type of chemical

involved. Containers can for example, be labelled according to the schedule below, using the letters A-K. In

doing so, it must be ensured that the chemicals collected in any one category cannot react with each other. At

least a check should be made for acid or base content and neutralization done.

A Halogen free organic solvents and dissolved organic substances

B Halogen-containing organic solvents and dissolved halogenated substances. Do not use aluminium

containers!

C Solid residues of organic chemicals (including filter papers)

D Salts in solution (adjust the pH of the contents to6-8.

E Toxic inorganic residues and salts of heavy metals and solutions

F Toxic, flammable compounds

G Mercury (broken thermometers) and inorganic mercury salt residues (Elemental mercury must be

taken up with Chemizorb®

H Metallic salt residues (precious- each metal should be collected separately, with recovery in mind)

I Inorganic solids, including filter papers

J Separate collection of glass, metal and plastic waste material

K Separate containers for sharp objects.

The containers must be made of durable material, unbreakable and able to withstand the contents. High

Density Poly-Ethylene is preferable and appropriate sizes must be used to avoid storage for long periods

before disposal. The containers should be kept closed to prevent escape of harmful vapors and be stored in a

well-ventilated area.

TREATMENT/NEUTRALIZATION OF LABORATORY WASTE

It may be necessary to deactivate waste material before storing it, by converting it into harmless secondary

product treatment does increase the material to be disposed of and even more importantly, neutralizations

are chemical reactions which can be violent and exothermic! General safety rules and MSDSs must be strictly

followed. It is prudent to try the neutralization reaction on a small scale first, in an appropriate vessel, to get

an indication of what happens.

24

6 EMERGENCY MEASURES: EVACUATION PROCEDURE

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE UJ EMERGENCY PLANNING AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES

DOCUMENT AVAILABLE ON THE INTRANET UNDER QUICK LINKS- FORMS AND DOCUMENTS!

WHEN THE SIREN/FIRE ALARM RINGS, DO NOT PANIC:

Switch off all appliances

Open all doors (the building’s

windows are welded shut and

cannot be opened)

Collect your valuables

Leave the room quickly but in an

orderly fashion

Assist injured persons or those

with disabilities.

Follow the emergency exit signs:

DO NOT USE THE LIFT/ELEVATOR, USE THE STAIRS

Fire Marshals and First Aiders must assist with evacuation and provide first aid until emergency

response arrives.

Assemble at Assembly Point 14 in the C-Parking area (APK), or at DFC, evacuate to Assembly Point A:

open parking area in front of the John Orr Building (Library parking); B: the lawn embankment next to

the Lecture Hall Building (Lwazi building) or D: at the Buxton parking area.

Stay at the assembly point for the roll call and only leave the assembly area when told to do so.

7 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTS

On the next page is a sample of the form that must be completed to report all incidents not involving personal

injury that require medical attention. Injuries must be reported to the immediate supervisors. HOD,

Occupational Safety Department and the Occupational Health Department. Proper assessment of the accident

needs to be conducted by the Supervisor, Health and Safety Representative and the Occupational Safety

Department. Whenever an employee meets with an accident arising out of and in the course of his/her

employment resulting a personal injury for which medical treatment is required, or death, a form obtainable

from the Department of Labour will be completed by the Employer in line with the Compensation for

Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act of 1993.7 An incident report must accurately provide details on: (1)

what happened, (2) when it happened, (3) where it happened, (4) how it happened, (5) who it happened to,

(6) who reported it, (7) everyone who was involved and (8) any damage or injury that incurred. It provides

documentation for follow-up, information to be used in the investigation should there be a need and it is used

to identify areas of risk.

7 http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/downloads/documents/forms/compensation-for-occupational-injuries-and-

diseases/Form%20-%20COID%20-%20W.Cl.2%20-%20Employers%20Report%20of%20an%20Accident.pdf; accessed

January 8, 2018.

25

INCIDENT REPORT FORM

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT: -----------------------------------------

REPORTED BY:

DATE OF REPORT:

TITLE / ROLE:

REPORT NO.:

INCIDENT INFORMATION

INCIDENT TYPE:

DATE OF INCIDENT:

LOCATION:

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION

NAME/ROLE/ OF PARTIES INVOLVED

1.

2.

3.

NAME/ROLE/ OF WITNESSES

1.

2.

3.

FOLLOW-UP ACTION

SUPERVISOR NAME:

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE: DATE:

SIGNATURE OF

REPORTER: SIGNATURE

OF HoD: DATE:

26

8 SAFETY INSPECTIONS

These are necessary to monitor compliance and as part of the requisite vigilance and constant reminders. They

will be scheduled at least twice a year and announced well in advance, but it is important to do the right thing

all the time, rather than just before inspection. There will be regular spot checks for compliance all the time,

including on the use of PPE, and sanctions will be imposed!

The scheduled Safety Inspections will be done the Departmental Health and Safety officers together with one

or two other Health and Safety Practitioners, from within the university, or from outside. Please take a look at

the Safety Inspection Form at the end of this document to see what it is that we’ll be paying attention to.

There will also be fire drills, which will not be announced and must be taken as seriously as real emergencies

themselves. These are meant to ensure that everyone knows how to exit safely as quickly as possible if a fire,

smoke, carbon monoxide or other emergency occurs. The building's fire alarm will be activated, and the

building evacuated as if the emergency had occurred. The evacuation will be timed to ensure that it is fast

enough, and problems with the emergency system or evacuation procedures can be identified and remedied.

9 TRAINING

Since laboratory work is inherently risky and staff and students work outside normal hours, every post-

graduate student must undergo Basic First Aid training. This is done by an outside contractor, with a certificate

issued upon completion of the course. Two intakes are arranged annually by the Department, at the beginning

of each Semester.

10 BASIC FIREFIGHTING

Most fires start small, and can be prevented from becoming disasters upon quick thinking and action. The best

method of stopping a fire is to prevent it in the first place. The actions taken to control a fire during the first

few minutes will determine whether it can be contained or not. A few people in the Department have

undergone basic fire training but may not be around after hours when incidents occur. The question is what to

do without risking your own life.

If a fire start in your area, shout for help while trying to do something about it yourself, making sure that your

escape route is clear in case the fire gets out of control. Activate the alarm.

There are three main components to a fire; the reductant (fuel or combustible material), heat or spark and the

oxidant (oxygen). Fire is a chemical (redox) reaction and can spark other chemical reactions (the fourth

element) to become self-sustaining and spread rapidly.

A fire can be extinguished by taking away any of the three components. The most

common fuels contain carbon along with combinations of hydrogen and oxygen.

Heat is the energy component of a fire. When it comes into contact with a fuel, it

provides the energy necessary for ignition, causes the continuous production and

ignition of fuel vapours or gases so that the combustion reaction can continue, and

causes the vaporization of solid and liquid fuels.

27

There are six classes of fire, based on the combustible material:

• Class A: SOLIDS such as paper, wood, plastic etc.

• Class B: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin, petrol, oil etc.

• Class C: FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane, butane, methane etc.

• Class D: METALS such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium etc.

• Class E: ELECTRICAL FIRES, which can cause any of the other classes.

• Class F: Cooking OIL & FAT etc.

Based on these classes, specific fire extinguishers are available throughout the building and are

inspected/serviced annually. Make sure you stop by one and read the label to see what the active/fire

extinguishing agent is, as well as operation instructions before you need to use it (see below)!

Water is the most commonly used fire extinguisher and does so by cooling, which removes heat because of its

high heat capacity, able to absorb massive amounts of heat as it converts to water vapour. Without heat, the

fire eventually “dies” Water also extinguishes a fire by smothering it. In addition, as water gets heated to

vapour, it dilutes the oxygen in the air above the fire, thus removing one of the elements that the fire requires

to burn. Water cannot be used to extinguish fires involving fuels that are immiscible with it (organic solvents).

Because many flammable organic solvents are less dense than water, the water simply flows and spreads the

fuel whilst it continues burning above the water and can ignite other material! In addition, water cannot be

used in fires due to metals (alkali and alkali-earth) as they violently react with water to liberate hydrogen gas,

which itself is highly flammable!

Chemical foams also smother the flame and extinguish it, and so does a fire blanket, which consists of a sheet

of a fire-retardant material which is placed over a fire to smother it.

Other fire extinguishers use compressed carbon dioxide especially for fires involving live electrical wires. The

carbon dioxide chokes the fire and thus extinguish it. Since the carbon dioxide is compressed, the container

gets cool as it is suddenly released.

28

The last method is chemical flame inhibition, achieved by applying dry chemical or halogenated agents that

interrupt the chemical chain reaction and stop flaming. This method is effective on gas and liquid fuel;

because, they must have flame to burn.

DO NOT CONTINUE TO FIGHT A FIRE IF:

• it is dangerous to do so,

• there is a possibility that your escape route may be cut off by the fire or smoke,

• the fire continues to grow despite your efforts,

• there are gas cylinders threatened by a fire.

• If you must withdraw, close windows and doors behind you whenever possible.

Do NOT use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire involving burning gas. Turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do

so, or leave such fires to the fire brigade.

HERE IS A QUICK STEP-BY-STEP (P-A-S-S)8 GUIDE TO USING THE PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER (SEE THE

LABEL):

Pull the pin

Aim the hose at the base of the fire

Squeeze the handle

Sweep the extinguisher back and forth dousing the fire.

8 https://www.totalburncare.com/PASS_firepage.htm; accessed January 8, 2018.

1

SAFETY INSPECTION FORM

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT: -----------------------------------------

BUILDING: -----------------------------------------

LABORATORY/FACILITY NUMBER:

HEAD OF THE LABORATORY/FACILITY:

NUMBER OF PERSONS WORKING IN THE LABORATORY/FACILITY:

1. GENERAL STATE OF THE LABORATORY/FACILITY AND CLEANLINESS

1.1 Is the area clean and neat: free of litter, dust

on surfaces and spillages?

Yes No Comments

1.2 Are there enough rubbish bins, showing

regular emptying and no evidence of food and

drinks brought into the laboratory?

1.3 Is there indication of commitment to

recycling of clean paper and glass?

1.4 Are the walls intact, paintwork in good

condition, ceiling boards in place?

1.5 Are the water- and gas-pipes and taps not

badly corroded, leaking, sinks not blocked and

free of dirty glassware?

1.6 Is there sufficient lighting, adequate air

conditioning/airflow and the work area

comfortable?

2. EMERGENCY MEASURES

2.1 Are emergency exits clearly marked and

unobstructed?

Yes No Comments

2.2 Are emergency signs in place and clearly

visible?

2.3 Are emergency lights installed and

working?

2

2.4 Are there fire/smoke detectors?

2.5 Are there portable firefighting equipment,

with service dates?

2.6 Is there an emergency shower in working

condition, and an eyewash bottle and first aid

box with contents up to date, in close range?

3. FUME HOODS

NO OF FUME HOODS: NO OF PEOPLE PER FUME HOOD:

3.1 Are the fume hoods in good working

condition, with sufficient air flow and sashes

movable, not broken, and the alarms working?

Yes No Comments

3.2 Are the fume hoods clean, free of clutter

and clamps/reaction manifolds in good

condition?

3.3 Is there a fume hood dedicated for waste

collection/overnight reactions use or specific

reactions?

3.4 Are all condensers fitted with tight-fitting

tubes to prevent leaks?

4. CHEMICAL STORAGE

4.1 Are chemical bottles intact, with labels and

correctly stored according to class/reactivity

and compatibility, with enough separation/drip

trays?

Yes No Comments

4.2 Are there no chemicals haphazardly located

in the laboratory?

4.3 Is there an up-to-date chemical inventory,

with amounts correlating with what is

recorded?

3

4.4 Are MSDSs filed and stored with the

chemicals?

4.5 Are gas cylinders secured to walls with

chains/robust belts to prevent falling, and is

every cylinder fitted with the appropriate

regulator?

4.6 Are gas lines regularly inspected for leaks

and empty cylinders taken to the gas store

promptly? How are the cylinders transported

to and from the laboratory/facility?

5. INSTRUMENTS: LIST ALL INSTRUMENTS HERE:

INSTRUMENT ASSET NUMBER RESPONSIBLE PERSON

5.1 Are the instruments in good working

condition, each with a maintenance/service

book?

Yes No Comments

5.2 Are there Standard Operating Procedures

in place?

5.3 Are the instruments adequately protected

from sunlight, drafts and correctly connected

to the power supply with no risk of sparks?

6. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

6.1 Are all power supply points in working

order and not overloaded?

Yes No Comments

4

6.2 Are there extension cords used in some

places, secure and out of the way?

6.3 Are there emergency power points, with

only critical equipment attached to them?

6.4 Are fridges for cold chemical storage of the

appropriate specifications, chemicals stored in

them correctly stored according to class,

MSDSs in place and the contents in line with

the inventory?

6.5 Are the occupants of the lab/facility aware

of where the distribution board is, and which

switch to flick in case of an emergency?

7. WASTE DISPOSAL

7.1 Are waste containers clearly labelled

according to waste category?

Yes No Comments

7.2 Are the containers made of appropriate

material resistant to the contents?

7.3 Are the containers in a well-ventilated area,

closed and on drip trays?

7.4 Is waste regularly removed by a disposal

company and new containers provided?

7.5 Are there efforts to minimize waste and

recycle solvents?

8. GENERAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Inspection reports must be forwarded to the HOD and Safety Practitioner. Deviations need to be

discussed at the safety meetings and action plans formulated and followed up on.

5

INSPECTION CONDUCTED BY:

1. Name and Surname Signature and Date

2. Name and Surname Signature and Date

3. Name and Surname Signature and Date

Head of Department’s Signature and Date:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY THE LABORATORY/SECTION HEAD OF THE RECEIPT OF THE INSPECTION

REPORT AND COMMITMENT TO TAKING CORRECTIVE MEASURES

Signature: Date:

1

UJ MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANT STUDENTS POLICY

Document number 14P/14.5

Custodian Registrar

Responsible Division Faculties

Status 18 September 2009

Approved by Management Executive Academic Committee

Date of approval 15 September 2009

Amendments

Dates of amendments Nov 2011

Review date

RELATED DOCUMENTS

UJ DOCUMENTS

(e.g. Policies, Regulations, Guidelines, Contracts)

UJ Vision, Mission and Values;

Assessment Policy;

Academic Regulations

Student Regulations

OTHER

(e.g. Legislation, DoE and HEQC directives and

guidelines)

Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997);

Basic Conditions of Employment Act

Constitution

Termination of Pregnancy Act

Patient Rights Charter

National Youth Policy

Code of Good Practice on the Protection of

Employees during pregnancy and after the

birth of a child

National Health Act no 61 of 2003

2

STAKEHOLDERS AFFECTED BY THIS DOCUMENT

(UNITS AND DIVISIONS WHO SHOULD BE FAMILIAR

WITH IT).

Executive Deans/Vice Deans;

Heads: Academic Departments;

Heads: Faculty Administration;

Heads: Academic and Administrative Support

Units;

Campus Health Service;

Academic Development and

Support;

UJ Sport;

PSYCAD;

Student Affairs.

WEBSITE ADDRESS OF THIS DOCUMENT:

CONTENTS

1. PREAMBLE

2. PURPOSE

3. SCOPE

4. DEFINITIONS

5. POLICY GUIDELINES

APPENDIX 1 Definitions and Terminology

APPENDIX 2 Physical Hazards

APPENDIX 3 Biological Hazards

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1. PREAMBLE

Pregnancies may occur during a female student’s studies. The campus healthcare service statistics reveal an

increase in unplanned pregnancies amongst female students. These unplanned pregnancies – whether being

terminated or carried to full term – can be distressing and disruptive to a student.

The University acknowledges a person’s right to make decisions concerning reproduction as stipulated in the

Constitution and subsequent health-related legislation and the Bill of Rights, and therefore does not unfairly

discriminate directly or indirectly against any pregnant student. Furthermore, the University acknowledges the

right of a person to have her dignity respected and protected. This also applies to the right to confidentiality as

stated in the Patient’s Rights Charter. No person/patient may be forced to divulge any information regarding

their health, nor may a third party do so without the informed written consent from the person/patient.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act imposes the duty on the University to conduct the undertaking, as far

as is reasonably practicable, in such a manner that persons other than those in its employment who may be

directly affected by its activities are not thereby exposed to hazards to their health or safety.

The Code of Good Practice on the Protection of employees during pregnancy and after the birth of a child

provides relevant guidance.

The National Youth Policy advocates that the young pregnant student being allowed and supported to

complete her studies. This policy serves as a guideline for residence managers and residence life officers,

student leaders, campus health services and lecturers how to deal with and guide a pregnant student on

campus.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to:

2.1 Assist pregnant students in effectively managing the impact of a pregnancy on their studies;

2.2 Facilitate an enabling University environment for the pregnant student;

2.3 Guide UJ Management in the protection of students against potential hazards in their study

environment;

2.4 Guide residence managers and residence life officers and student leaders in dealing with a pregnant

student in residence;

2.5 Enable academic employees to make an informed decision regarding the granting of a special

summative assessment opportunity (in accordance with the Academic Regulations);

MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANT STUDENTS

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2.6 Guide academic employees regarding the scheduling of a pregnant student’s practical, service

learning or work integrated learning (where applicable);

2.7 Guide post-partum re-admission of a student to continue or complete her studies;

2.8 Mitigate any liability during the period of the student’s pregnancy.

3. SCOPE

This Policy applies to all female students registered for an academic program at the University.

4. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

Definitions and acronyms are attached as Appendix 1 of this document.

5. POLICY GUIDELINES

The following policy guidelines are applicable:

5.1 Unplanned pregnancies should be mitigated as follows:

5.1.1 Campus Healthcare Services on each campus are responsible for an awareness campaign on

reproductive health care to first year undergraduate students during the orientation period;

5.1.2 Student leadership campaigns on risky behavior by students should include the risk of an unplanned

pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases;

5.1.3 Family planning services are rendered by Campus Healthcare Services;

5.2 Recommendations when a student suspects a pregnancy:

5.2.1 The student should obtain confirmation of pregnancy at Campus Healthcare Services or from a

private or external medical/health practitioner as soon as possible;

5.2.2 The student may obtain counseling services at Campus Healthcare Services or may be referred for

such counseling services;

5.2.3 The student may choose to terminate the pregnancy in accordance with the legal and

professional/ethical provisions in this regard;

5.3 The management of a pregnant student:

5.3.1 Counseling services are available to the student in the interest of decision- making and emotional

support;

5.3.2 The student is advised to disclose her pregnancy to:

a) her parent(s) or legal guardian if she has parents/legal guardian and is under the age of 18

years;

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b) the residence manager or residence life officer if she stays in a University student

residence;

c) the Head of the Academic department;

d) the lecturer responsible for placement related to service learning/work integrated learning;

e) the lecturer responsible for practical/laboratory sessions where chemicals or other

substances may impact negatively on a pregnancy;

5.3.3 Non-disclosure of pregnancy indemnifies the University against risks to the health of the student and

the fetus at laboratories and experiential work with Hazardous Chemical and Biological agents.

5.3.4 The student is offered health education, primary and emergency health care, individualized

interventions and appropriate referrals at Campus Healthcare Service;

5.3.5 HIV and AIDS; Campus Health Services does not provide anti-retrovirals to prevent mother-to-child

(PMTCT) infection in case the pregnant student is HIV positive. The pregnant student will be referred

by Campus Healthcare Services to the appropriate service provider to deal with PMTCT.

5.3.6 The student is advised to obtain external ante-natal care services in accordance with current practice

standards;

5.3.7 Pregnant students in UJ residences will be managed according to residence guidelines on pregnant

students as determined by Student Affairs Division in consultation with the primary healthcare

nursing practitioner(s), in accordance with the healthcare legislation in this regard and approved by

the Management Executive Committee;

5.3.8 A risk assessment is conducted jointly by the Primary Health Care and Occupational Health nursing

practitioners and the lecturer(s) to identify, assess and record the risks associated with the health of

the student, the fetus and in relation to the study program with reference to at least the following:

a) physical hazards (noise, vibration, radiation, electric and electromagnetic fields; thermal

extremes and radio-active substances);

b) ergonomic hazards (heavy physical work, static/awkward posture, heavy lifting,

standing/sitting for long periods);

c) chemical hazards (as in the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations - issued under the

OHS-Act; 1993). See Appendix 2;

d) biological hazards (bacteria and viruses) See Appendix 3;

e) exposure to psychological stressors;

5.3.9 The lecturer informs the pregnant student of the risks as reflected in the assessment and determines

what steps should be taken to prevent exposure to risk;

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5.3.10 The scheduling of practical sessions, service learning or work integrated learning is done based on a

risk assessment conducted in consultation with the student and, if applicable, in consultation with

Campus Healthcare Services or the student’s medical/Healthcare practitioner to ensure safety of

both the mother and the fetus/baby;

5.3.11 The student is advised to give the name and telephone number of the medical/health practitioner

concerned to the campus health nursing practitioner and, if applicable, to the residence manager or

residence life officer, in the event of an unexpected medical emergency;

5.4 The Executive Dean may request temporary termination of studies at 36 weeks of pregnancy if the

student’s academic performance has been poor;

5.5 The executive dean concerned may grant the student “exemption from learning opportunities” (i.e.

attendance of lectures) on the basis of the following:

5.5.1 Adequate academic performance during this 36 week pregnancy period;

5.5.2 Four weeks prior to the birth of the baby, based on a medical certificate indicating the expected date

of delivery;

5.5.3 a medical certificate confirming complications that require bed rest or limitation of physical

exhaustion;

5.5.4 up to six weeks after delivery based on proof of the date of delivery/birth;

5.5.5 up to two weeks after a miscarriage.

5.6 In the event of exemption from learning opportunities having been given as contemplated in section

5.4, the granting of a last summative assessment opportunity (i.e. writing of examinations) is subject

to compliance with the University’s Assessment Policy, Academic Regulations and the Faculty Rules

and Regulations in this regard;

5.7 A special summative assessment opportunity may be granted if the summative assessment dates

are scheduled during the student’s pregnancy periods as reflected in 5.5, in accordance with the

Academic Regulations in this regard;

5.8 After delivery, the student who attends the Campus Healthcare Service will be offered appropriate

health education and individualized interventions as required. Referrals will be made to external

postnatal healthcare facilities;

5.9 Under no circumstances may a student’s baby be taken into any laboratory at UJ;

5.10 In the event of a miscarriage, the student who attends the Campus Healthcare Service will be

offered appropriate health education and individualized interventions as required. Referrals will be

made to PSyCAD for counseling;

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5.11 Re-registration of a student is in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the University.

6. REVIEW OF THE POLICY

6.1 The Policy review will be conducted in accordance with the approved University Policy on Policy

Development and take place in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

APPENDIX 1

1. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

For the purpose of this policy, unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall apply.

Term Definition

Pregnancy Pregnancy is the gestational process, comprising the growth and

development within a woman of a new individual from conception through

the embryonic and fetal periods to birth. Pregnancy lasts approximately 40

weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period

Antenatal Care of the pregnant woman during the time in the maternity cycle that

begins with conception and ends with the onset of labor.

Risk Combination of the likelihood and consequences of a specific hazardous

event occurring

Hazard Source or situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill

health, damage to property, damage to the work environment or a

combination of these.

PMTCT Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV from an HIV positive

woman during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding to her child

APPENDIX 2

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

HAZARD WHAT IS THE RISK HOW TO AVOID THE RISK

Vibration and

mechanical shocks

Long-term exposure to vibrations

may increase the risk of

miscarriage and stillbirth. Exposure

to shocks or whole-body vibrations

in the later stages of pregnancy

can result in premature labor.

It is advised that pregnant workers and those

that have recently given birth avoid work that

is likely to involve uncomfortable, whole body

vibrations, especially at low frequencies, or

where the abdomen is exposed to shocks or

jolts.

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Extreme heat The exposure of pregnant and

breast- feeding employees to

extreme heat may lead to dizziness

and faintness, particularly in the

case of women performing

standing work. Lactation may be

impaired by heat dehydration.

Employers should limit the exposure of

pregnant and breast-feeding workers to

extreme heat.

Arrangements for access to rest facilities and

refreshments should be made in conditions of

extreme heat

Extreme cold Work in extremely cold conditions

such as cold storage rooms has

been associated with problems in

pregnancy.

Employees must be supplied with thermal

protective clothing and their exposure to cold

limited in terms of regulation 2 of the

Environmental Regulations for Workplaces,

made under the Occupational Health and

Safety Act (OHSA).

Noise Prolonged exposure to noise can

elevate the blood pressure of

pregnant women and lead to

tiredness.

Employers should ensure compliance with

regulation 7 of the Environmental Regulations

for Workplaces, OHSA.

Ionizing Radiation Significant exposure to ionizing

radiation is known to be harmful to

the fetus. Working with radioactive

liquids or dusts can result in

exposure of the fetus (through

ingestion or via contamination of

the mother's skin) or a breast-fed

baby to ionizing radiation.

Work procedures should be designed to keep

exposure of pregnant women as low as

reasonably practicable and below the statutory

dose limit for a pregnant woman.

Pregnant women or breast-feeding mothers

should not work where there is a risk of

radioactive contamination.

Employers of registered radiation workers,

including radiographers, must comply with the

regulations controlling the use of electronic

products issued under the Nuclear Energy Act

131 of 1993.

Non-ionizing

(electromagnetic)

radiation

It has not been established that

the levels of non-ionising

electromagnetic radiation likely to

be generated by video display units

(VDU's) or other office equipment

constitutes a risk to human

reproductive health.

Women who are pregnant or who are planning

children and are worried about working with

VDU's should discuss their concerns with an

occupational health practitioner. The following

practical measures can be adopted to limit

exposure to electromagnetic fields in offices

(emfs):

• Workers should sit at arm's length

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from the computer (70cm) and about

120cmirom the backs and sides of co- workers '

monitors.

• Workers should have regular breaks

from VDU work, as this reduces exposure time.

• Radiation-reducing glare screens (or

shields) can reduce the electrical component of

the emfs. However, shields that distort the

image on the monitor should not be used.

Work in compressed

air and diving

People who work in compressed

air are at risk of developing the

bends. It is not clear whether

pregnant women are more at risk

of getting the bends but

potentially the foetus could be

seriously harmed by gas bubbles.

Pregnant workers should not work in

compressed air because of potential harm to

the foetus from gas bubbles. For those who

have recently given birth there is a small

increase in the risk of the bends. The Diving

Regulations, 1991, under OHSA, must be

complied with.

Physical and mental

strain

Excessive physical or mental

pressure may cause stress and give

rise to anxiety and raised blood

pressure during pregnancy.

Employers should ensure that hours of work

and the volume and pacing of work are not

excessive and that, where practical, employees

have some measure of control over how their

work is organised. Seating should be available

where appropriate. Longer or more frequent

rest breaks will help to avoid or reduce fatigue.

Physically strenuous

work

Employees whose work is

physically strenuous should be

considered to be at increased risk

of injury when pregnant or after

the birth of a child.

Heavy physical exertion, including the lifting or

handling of heavy loads, should be avoided

from early pregnancy onwards.

Prolonged sitting and

standing

Sitting or standing for long periods

during pregnancy can have serious

health consequences. Standing for

long unbroken periods can result in

complications during pregnancy

such as deep vein thrombosis,

varicose veins, premature labour

and even miscarriage.

Workstations should be adjustable to allow for

necessary changes in posture.

Anaesthetic gasses Exposure to anaesthetic gases

during pregnancy can lead to

miscarriage.

Exposure to high concentrations of anaesthetic

gases should be avoided during pregnancy.

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Carbon monoxide Risks arise when engines or

appliances using petrol, diesel and

liquefied petroleum gas are

operated in enclosed areas.

Carbon monoxide can result in the

foetus being starved of oxygen.

Occupational exposure to carbon monoxide

should be avoided during pregnancy and

breast-feeding.

Antimitotic

(Cytotoxic) drugs

Exposure to antimitotic drugs,

which are used for treating cancer,

damages genetic information in

human sperm and egg cells. Some

of these drugs can cause cancer.

Absorption is by inhalation or

through the skin.

Workers involved in the preparation and

administration of antimitotic drugs should be

afforded maximum protection. Direct skin

contact can be avoided by wearing suitable

gloves and gowns. Pregnant employees

potentially exposed to cancer drugs should be

offered the option of transfer to other duties.

Ethylene oxide Ethylene oxide is used mainly in

sterilizing procedures in

hospital. Exposure may occur

when sterilized goods are

transferred to the aerator after

the cycle is complete and when

changing the gas tanks.

Health risks can be minimized by reducing

worker exposure during transfer when the

sterilizer door is opened Pregnant employees

exposed to ethylene oxide above the

acceptable level should be transferred to other

duties.

Lead Exposure of pregnant and breast-

feeding employees to lead affects

the nervous system of young

children and is detrimental to

child development.

Contact with lead should be avoided during

pregnancy and breast feeding. The Lead

Regulations issued under OHSA must be

complied with These Regulations specify levels

at which employees must be withdrawn from

exposure to lead.

Mercury and

mercury

derivatives

Organic and inorganic mercury

compounds can have adverse

effects on the mother and fetus.

Women of childbearing age should not be

exposed to mercury compounds.

Polychlorinated

Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs can cause deformities in the

child. Maternal exposure before

conception can also affect fetal

development as PCBs can be

passed on to the fetus through

the mother's blood.

No pregnant women should be

exposed to PCBs at work.

Organic solvents Exposure to organic solvents

including aliphatic hydrocarbons,

toluene and tetrachloroethylene

can lead to miscarriage and have a

Pregnant women should be protected to

exposure against these organic solvents.

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detrimental effect on the fetus.

Pesticides and

herbicides

Exposure to certain pesticides

and herbicides is associated with

an increased risk of miscarriage

and can adversely affect the

development of the child.

Exposure to pesticides and herbicides should

be avoided or minimized.

Alcohol Fetal alcohol syndrome can lead to

physical and mental abnormalities

in children. Workers in the

beverage, catering and associated

industries, including wine farming,

are particularly at risk.

Where appropriate, employees should be

informed of and counselled in the hazards

associated with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Tobacco smoke Tobacco smoke contains carbon

monoxide and carcinogenic and

other harmful substances. Smoking

and the inhalation of

environmental smoke affects

foetal blood supply and can lead to

retarded growth and development

and more early childhood diseases.

Smoking carries an increased risk

of cancer and cardiovascular

disease.

Care should be taken to ensure that women

employees are able to work without being

exposed to tobacco smoke

APPENDIX 3

BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS

HAZARD

HOW TO AVOID RISK

Cytomegalovirus Employees should be required to maintain high

standards of personal hygiene, wash their hands after

each patient contact and use gloves when handling

potentially contaminated wastes in order to minimise

the risk of infection.

Hepatitis General precautions must be taken for all forms of

hepatitis. Vaccination is the most effective means

available of preventing hepatitis B. l Workers must

take particular care to avoid mucous membranes and

skin coming into contact with potentially

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contaminated blood or other secretions.

HIV Universal precaution is important for workers

potentially exposed to HIV. Health care workers

should take precautions to prevent needless stick

injuries and exercise care when handling the blood,

tissues or mucosal areas of all patients.

Rubella (German measles) Rubella vaccine is the most effective means of

preventing the disease, and susceptible employees

should be immunised. Pregnancy should be avoided

for 3 months after vaccination.

Varicella (chicken pox) It is advisable to identify employees who have not

previously had chicken pox. Pregnant employees

who are known not to be immune to chicken pox

and who are exposed to an active case should

report to a physician.

Toxoplasmosis gondii Control measures against Toxoplasmosis gondii for

women of reproductive age include high standards of

personal and environmental hygiene; the sanitary

disposal of cat faeces and avoiding contamination by

cat faeces of soil to be tilled for agriculture.