Laboratories are used in many University disciplines. They can be defined as places of specialised research, teaching and or learning in which hazards to human health can arise from inappropriate situations and or behaviours.

Each laboratory should have either on or adjacent to its entry door a prominent placard containing at least the following information:

Area Supervisor: Name Location Phone A/Hours
Deputy Supervisor: Name Location Phone A/Hours
Safety Hazards in this Area
Precautionary Measures Required
Access only for authorised persons

Offices, write-up and study areas shall be separated from areas where hazardous materials are used or potentially harmful processes undertaken to ensure that reading and writing materials do not become contaminated. These areas should not form part of laboratory benches.

The principal objective of the  WA Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 is to promote and secure the safety and health of persons in the workplace. The employer (the University) has a duty of care to provide a safe work place. Employees –  and this includes students, visitors and contractors – all have individual responsibilities to take reasonable care of their safety and health and that of others, and to follow all safety and health policies and procedures.  

Take time to plan your project – from beginning to end – then discuss with your supervisor and staff who will be able to help you. Check your details because:

• some processes or equipment will have a lead time before they are operational
• equipment or processes may need to be booked in advance
• chemical and biological agents (particularly those from overseas) may have a long delivery time
• risk assessments need to be completed and approved. All required controls will have been identified and arrangements commenced for their implementation.

Planning must also include handling, storage and disposal of wastes.

Each laboratory (or suite of combined laboratories) should have its own Laboratory Safety Manual or set of manuals. Contents should include:

• Standard Operating Procedures for commonly shared equipment
• Standard Risk Assessments for commonly performed tasks
• Register of Equipment and Chemical and Biological Agents within the laboratory
• Material Safety Data Sheets for Chemical and Biological agents within the laboratory
• Working Rules appropriate to the particular laboratory including
  • Statutory Obligations such as for the Office of the Gene Regulator (OGTR)/radioactive/dangerous goods/ prescribed Chemical and Biological Agents/Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) etc compliance
  • Emergency Procedures for fire/smoke, personal injuries/spills
  • Transport Requirements for materials being brought into or taken out of the laboratory
  • Waste Management and Disposal procedures.

Each person within the laboratory needs to sign (and date) that they have read, understood and will abide by this manual before being permitted to commence work. This should also be countersigned (and dated) by the Laboratory Manager or Supervisor.

Standard Risk Assessments for common procedures will be included in the Laboratory Safety Manual.

Risk assessments are not necessary when ‘a risk is well known and the solution is obvious’, for example: if you see water/coffee spilled on the floor or stairwell – clean it up! In other words, if a way to deal with a hazard is obvious, don’t wait for a formal risk assessment before you make the workplace safe.

Risk assessments determine the level of hazard or risk associated with any procedure and assess whether current control methods are adequate or need to be improved. They should be performed when:

• it is the first time that a procedure is to be performed
• there is only limited knowledge about a hazard or the risk or how the risk may result in injury or illness
• there is uncertainty about whether all of the things that can go wrong have been found
• the situation involves a number of different hazards that are part of the same work process or piece of plant and there is a lack of understanding about how hazards may impact on each other to produce new or greater risks
• there is to be a significant change of procedure/practice from the original assessment.

In research and educational environments documented risk assessments should be completed for the following:

Laboratory projects

Work is not to commence until a written risk assessment has been completed by you and your supervisor. It is to be signed off and recorded.

Each hazardous chemical to be used

Refer to Section 10 of this Code.

Use of specific equipment

General risk assessments for use of equipment and standard operating procedures (or safe work methods) must be available in the Laboratory Safety Manual for each laboratory – make sure you read, understand and follow them.

1. Children are not permitted in laboratories.
2. Be aware of emergency procedures, location of emergency showers/eyewashes and emergency evacuation assembly locations.
3. Appropriate personal protective clothing must be worn at all times in laboratories and comply with instructions to students. (Refer also to Section 8 of this Code.)
4. Closed-in footwear at all times. To be of a type which will afford protection of feet from corrosive or hot liquids, falling objects and other potential sources of injury. Bare feet, thongs, sandals are prohibited. Also see Foot Protection on the Personal protective equipment guidelines webpage.
5. Fasten loose clothing and tie back long hair. When using machinery, remove jewellery and rings. The possibility exists for such items to be caught in moving parts.
6. It is prohibited to eat, drink and apply cosmetics in laboratories.
7. Ipods and similar devices which could cause distraction or become contaminated during laboratory operations should be left outside the laboratory. Mobile phones should be used only for emergency contact while undertaking laboratory procedures.
8. Do not store food and/or drink in laboratory refrigerators or laboratory storage units. The exception is if the food and drink are specifically for research or teaching, then these items must be clearly labelled as research or teaching items.
9. Do not run or engage in reckless behaviour in or near laboratories.
10. Cover all open wounds when handling chemicals, animals and other biological material. Bandaids are available in the First Aid boxes.
11. Wash hands and remove laboratory coats after completion of experimental work and before leaving the laboratory.
12. Use disinfectants after handling suspected infectious materials.
13. Do not pipette by mouth. Use mechanical pipetting devices instead.
14. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Use lifting devices and trolleys where appropriate. Where lifting is unavoidable, seek assistance if required (share the load).
15. Do not use any machines, equipment or laboratory apparatus without prior instruction/training by the supervisor or technical staff on safe work procedures and practices. Whilst using any equipment you must adhere to the standard operating procedure.
16. Observe safety signs at all times.

1. Approved safety spectacles, goggles or safety shields must be worn in all areas where tools or substances such as chemicals, liquids, UV light, lasers or radiation may cause eye injury.
2. Appropriate protective clothing (for example gowns, overalls, closed laboratory coats, flame resistant clothing) shall be worn where required. Specific protective clothing/gloves will be at the discretion of the area but can be required by legislative/standards and or risk assessment. Laboratory coats should not be worn outside the laboratory (legal/contamination control requirements).
3. Hearing protection must be worn if noise can damage or impair hearing (for example, when using ultrasonic cleaning apparatus).
4. A risk assessment is to be conducted to assess work practices regarding the frequency and likelihood of injury to the feet, such as moving furniture, gas cylinders, and heavy equipment. If there is a medium to high risk then safety footwear is recommended.
5. Ensure the correct gloves are used for chemicals. For assistance refer to Ansell's guidance on this.

1. Keep floors tidy and dry. Keep benches clean and free from chemicals and apparatus that are not being used.
2. Clean working area and equipment thoroughly after use.
3. Keep aisles and exits free from obstructions.
4. Ensure clear access to emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, chemical spill kits, emergency shower and eye washes).
5. When leaving the laboratory, turn off all equipment in use (if appropriate), extinguish flames.
6. Keep the interior of fume cupboards and nearby areas clean and clear.
7. For information on gas cylinders refer to the relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the Chemical Safety Procedures.
8. All contractors working in your area must be inducted into any hazards and controls which may exist in your area, such as flammable liquids and biological materials. It may be necessary to supervise contractors for some procedures.
9. Cleaners will normally only sweep or mop floors and empty general waste bins of laboratories. They should not be exposed to hazards.

For more information please refer to the University’s and Faculty’s Chemical Safety Procedures.

1. Clearly label all containers in use within the laboratory according to the National Code of Practice for the labelling of Workplace Substances [NOHSC:2012] (refer to the Chemical Safety Procedures).
2. Always use safety carriers for transporting glass or plastic containers with a capacity of two litres or greater.
3. Obtain the relevant Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and conduct a risk assessment before commencing a new process involving chemicals. Refer to Section 5 of this Code.
4. Regard all substances as hazardous unless there is definite information to the contrary.
5. Carry out work in fume cupboards according to the MSDS.
6. Keep fume cupboard sashes closed whenever practicable.
7. Do not place objects near fume cupboard baffles so that airflow is impeded.
8. The use of recirculating fume cabinets is not encouraged; please contact UWA Safety and Health for advice on these units.
9. Do not allow flammable materials to accumulate in the laboratory.
10. Hazardous substances must be disposed of in accordance with University Policy, Statutory and MSDS requirements. Use the correct containers provided to dispose of glass, sharps, metal, paper, infectious, OGTR, AQIS waste. (Regularly check disposals against licence requirements.)
11. Keep only the minimal required quantities of chemicals in the laboratory work area.
12. Segregate and store all Dangerous Goods according to class except where inappropriate (refer to MSDSs).
13. Do not store flammables (Dangerous Goods class 3) in a domestic refrigerator (cooling and storage of flammables must only be done in a spark proof refrigerator or freezer).
14. For work with carcinogens, toxins and embryotoxins, cryogenics, herbicides/pesticides, peroxidizables, organic and shock sensitive, cyanides, acid fluoride chemicals and gas cylinders refer to MSDS and the Chemical Safety Procedures.
15. Chemical waste should not be disposed of via sinks, drains or stormwater channels unless using neutralisation processes approved by the WA Water Corporation. Areas must provide suitable waste disposal containers and are responsible for their removal by an approved waste disposal contractor (refer to the Chemical Safety Procedures).

Fume cupboards must be correctly operated and maintained to ensure efficient extraction of hazardous fumes and to protect operators from potential harm. Facilities Management have all fume cupboards tested annually for compliance with AS/NZS 2243.8 Safety in laboratories; Fume cupboards. Operators should check the compliance label, the sash lifting mechanism, that the scrubber water tank is filled (where applicable) and availability of fire extinguishers before use. It is important to carry out pre-operational safety checks, use fume cupboards correctly and leave them in a condition which will avoid potential contamination of subsequent operators. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Fume Cupboards is provided to ensure correct use and is recommended reading for operators prior to commencing work. This helpful, single page reminder of correct operation should be printed, laminated and displayed prominently at the site of fume cupboards.

• SOP for Fume cupboards (PDF, 45 KB)
• SOP for Fume cupboards (RTF, 9.3 MB)

1. It is prohibited to use electric open bar radiators, electric fan heaters and kerosene heaters.
2. Switch off electrical appliances which do not need to be left on when equipment is not in use. Note that equipment such as mass spectrometers need to be left on.
3. Display a "LEAVE ON" sign on intermittently used equipment when it is required to be left on for an extended period. When it needs to be left running overnight it should be labelled with name and telephone number of the after-hours person to be contacted.
4. Unless otherwise fitted, use Residual Current Devices (RCDs) for all hand-held electrical appliances and ensure that all hand held electrical equipment is tested and tagged annually.
5. Do not use double adaptors or piggyback plugs. Use power boards with overload protection as required.

1. No smoking in laboratories or in any University buildings.
2. Open flames should not be left unattended and no open flames should be used near flammable solvents.
3. Keep fire escape routes clear at all times.
4. Before starting work, all staff and students are to become familiar with the fire procedures and location and use of fire-fighting equipment within the laboratory.

1. It is the responsibility of all supervisors, lecturers and demonstrators to ensure that persons working in a laboratory know the location of:
   • the nearest fire extinguishers/fire blankets
   • fire/emergency escape routes
   • first aid box
   • emergency shower/eye wash facilities
   • isolation devices for gas, water and power (where fitted)
   • emergency spill containment equipment and procedures
   • emergency personal protective equipment
   • any special substances that require antidotes.
2. Wash skin immediately with plenty of water if contaminated with acids and alkalis (if required seek medical attention).
3. Eyes splashed with any chemical must be washed with water for 15 mins and medical advice obtained immediately.
4. All breakages and spills must be reported to the supervisor and dealt with immediately. Spills should be cleaned up and bins provided for broken glass and spill clean up materials etc.
5. Ensure all incidents and injuries are reported. Injuries should be recorded in the First Aid log or reported on a UWA Confidential Incident/Injury report form depending upon the severity of the injury.

1. An important factor when planning to work after hours is the times of day when maximum internal and external support services are available in the event of an incident, injury or illness. Such services include First Aid Officers, the Medical Centre, Facilities Management, Building Operations, external emergency services and UWA Safety, Health and Wellbeing.
2. In all workplaces, if you are required or intend to work outside of normal working hours, you must have permission to do so from a Manager or Supervisor who has assessed risks associated with the planned activities, considered the availability of any potentially required support services and concluded that such working arrangements are acceptable. In hazardous workplaces, where the type of work, the resources used and the risks to the health and safety of workers is significant, the periods of normal use should be restricted to 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on weekdays (excluding public holidays and weekends).
3. Persons wishing to work outside normal hours may be required to provide a work plan that clearly defines the proposed task and limitations on that task outside normal working hours. They may need to fill in a log of arrival and departure times and advise Security on (+61 8) 6488 3020 or the appropriate number for laboratories not on the main University campus.
4. If accessing the workplace after hours:
   • Ensure that the doors of buildings are securely closed and locked after entering and exiting.
   • Ensure that the doors to internal areas are secured on leaving.
   • Ensure familiarity with health and safety rules and emergency contact numbers (these should already be displayed in the workplace).
   • Do not give anyone else security codes, keys or access cards.
   • Do not provide access to buildings to unauthorised persons as Security is instructed to remove them if they cannot demonstrate current authorisation.
   • Report to University Security any breaches of security or suspicious behaviour.
5. Some work is too hazardous to be undertaken alone or after hours. This includes any activities involving:
   • Hydrofluoric acid.
   • Explosive and potentially substances.
   • Disposal of hazardous substances.
   • Naked flames associated with flammable solvents.
   • Low-temperature environments (e.g. cool rooms, freezers).
   • High-powered, fast-moving machinery or equipment.
   • Heights or confined spaces.
   • Significant quantities of molten metals.
6. Only competent persons may operate inherently hazardous equipment. A documented risk assessment must be made and/or adequate control measures must be implemented. Work by undergraduate students may only be performed if directly supervised by a staff member or approved nominee.
7. A minimum of two persons must be present to ensure that appropriate action and support is provided in the event of an incident or injury. The second person must be competent to obtain any assistance required and to make the area safe. If having a minimum of two people present is not possible, there are specific limitations on what types of work may be conducted when working alone.
8. A breach of any of these conditions may result in after-hours access being cancelled.
9. For more information see After Hours Working.  

1. Remote or isolated work is work that is isolated from the assistance of other people because of the location, time or nature of the work. Assistance from other people includes medical assistance, rescue and emergency services. A person is considered to be “alone” at work when they cannot be seen or heard by another person, and when they cannot expect a visit from a supervisor, another worker or member of the public for some time. In some situations, two or more personnel may be working together in a remote location that poses increased risk (e.g. working in an outback location, working on a remote research station) as they are not within close proximity of other personnel and associated rescue, medical or emergency services. These situations must be assessed using an appropriate risk assessment process
2. This guidance applies to working alone at any time but when planning after-hours working there are specific limitations on accessing workplaces and also on the types of work that may be undertaken.
3. Health and safety legislation requires that if an employee is isolated from other persons because of the time, location or nature of the work then the employer must ensure that there is a means of communication available which will enable the employee to call for help in the event of an emergency and arrangements made to ensure regular contact. The maximum penalty for breaching this regulation is $25,000.
4. If you are required or intend to work alone you must have permission to do so from a Manager or Supervisor who has assessed risks associated with the planned activities, considered the availability of any potentially required support services and concluded that such working arrangements are acceptable. This may include addressing unattended reactions or experiments. In addition, disclosure and consideration of any medical conditions that may give rise to a dangerous or life threatening situation when working alone must be taken into account.
5. In all of the following cases, working alone is not permitted where:
   • There is no readily accessible means of communication.
   • Work which is remote or isolated from the assistance of others due to the location, nature or time.
   • Operation or maintenance of hazardous equipment.
   • Handling of hazardous substances or use of large volumes of flammable solvents.
   • Work which is too hazardous for a person to perform alone.
   • Working with large or aggressive animals.
   • Maintenance or adjustments on energised electrical or electronic systems.
6. Under the following circumstances, working alone is permissible with management approval:
   • An authorised person is notified of the planned work, when it will commence and the expected completion time.
   • Staff and students may work alone in office and other low risk environments.
   • An easily accessible means of communication to gain assistance in an emergency is available.
   • Undertake all required personal security measures e.g. lock doors, walk in well-lit areas.
7. The campus emergency number is 6488 2222. UWA Security (phone 6488 3020) offer a 24 hour escort service to vehicle or residences near the campus and also offer lectures on personal security. To request their assistance telephone 6488 3020 allow up to 20 minutes notice for the escorting service.
8. WorkSafe WA provide guidance regarding working alone and how it influences the risk of harm or injury.

• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
• Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996
• Australian /New Zealand Standards 2243.1:1997. Safety in Laboratories. Part 1.
• WorkSafe WA: Guidance Note: Working Alone 2009

• Animals
• Australian New Zealand Standards 2243 Safety in Laboratories
• Biological safety
• Chemical safety
• Electrical safety
• Hazards, injuries and emergencies
• Field work
• Risk management

Repeated or serious breaches of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action which could include exclusion from the laboratory.