All laboratories or areas where hazardous materials (e.g. chemicals, lasers, biological substances) are used or held must have at, or near, their entry door a prominent placard containing at least the following information:

• Building Name & Number, Room number
• Area Supervisor: Name, Location, Phone, After Hours contact details 
• Deputy Supervisor: Name, Location, Phone, After Hours contact details 
• Safety Hazards in this Area
• Precautionary Measures Required
• Access only for authorised persons

Chemical hazards must be signed using Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) symbols to alert emergency responders to hazards immediately threatening to life.

You can download the door panel template here.

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.

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 in laboratories. (See section 4.)
4. Fasten loose clothing and restrain long hair. When using machinery, remove jewellery and rings. The possibility exists for such items to be caught in moving parts.
5. It is prohibited to eat, drink, chew gum or apply cosmetics in laboratories.
6. Mobile phones should be used only in an emergency to contact assistance. Phones must be decontaminated after the emergency.
7. Do not store food and/or drink in laboratories or associated areas not physically separate from the laboratory work area unless these items are specifically for research or teaching. All such items must be clearly labelled as research or teaching items not for consumption. Drink bottles or food containers must not be taken into the laboratory unless they are clearly labelled as research or teaching items. Such items must be rendered unusable prior to disposal.
8. Do not run or engage in reckless behaviour in or near laboratories.
9. Cover all open wounds when handling chemicals, animals and other biological material. Band aids are available in the First Aid boxes. Gloves must be worn over band aids until the wound is healed.
10. Wash hands and remove laboratory coats after completion of experimental work and before leaving the laboratory.
11. Use disinfectants after handling suspected infectious materials.
12. Do not pipette by mouth. Use mechanical pipetting devices instead.
13. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Use lifting devices and trolleys where appropriate. Where lifting is unavoidable, seek assistance if required (share the load).
14. 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.
15. Observe safety signs at all times.

1. Lab coat, safety glasses, and enclosed shoes are the minimum PPE for working in UWA laboratories. Safety over specs must be worn over vision glasses as these do not provide sufficient protection. The decision not to wear this minimum PPE must be supported by a risk assessment that is signed by the laboratory supervisor and endorsed senior leader (e.g. Head of School, Director).
2. Goggles or safety shields should be worn in laboratories where safety glasses do not offer sufficient protection. Safety shields must be worn with safety glasses. If low-risk tasks that require eye protection to be removed, must be carried out in the laboratory, then these tasks must be done as far away as possible from risks to vision from substances (including biological materials) or processes (e.g. lasers, lathes, centrifuges). Protective eye wear must be replaced as soon as the low-risk task is completed.
3. Gloves suitable to the task (e.g. chemical, biohazard, heat, cold, impact or cut resistant) being undertaken must be worn as necessary. To ensure the correct gloves are used refer to the SDS or consult glove suppliers’ recommendations. Gloves worn to protect against chemical or biological exposure must be disposed of appropriately.
4. Where a risk assessment indicates that lab coats do not provide sufficient protection they must be replaced or augmented with additional protective clothing (for example gowns, overalls, fire-resistant clothing) shall be worn. Laboratory coats should not be worn outside the laboratory except where necessary to move to another laboratory.
5. 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 of injury, then safety footwear is recommended.

PPE must be cleaned and/or decontaminated before being used in another area. Laboratory coats must never be worn in public areas.

The principal objective of the Work Health and Safety Act 2022 (WA) 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 workplace. Workers – 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 laboratory project – from beginning to end – then discuss with your supervisor and staff who will be able to help you. Check your details because:

• you will need to inform supervisors of jointly managed areas if you will be using hazardous substances or items. Allow time for their feedback, possible modifications or conditions and approvals for your work to go ahead.
• 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 and/or require special approvals including entry permits.
• risk assessments need to be completed and approved. All required control must have been identified and be in place prior to you commencing work.

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:

1. Standard Operating Procedures for commonly shared equipment.
2. Standard Risk Assessments for commonly performed tasks.
3. Register of Equipment and Chemical and Biological Agents within the laboratory.
4. Contact details for the holder of the username/s and password/s to the ChemAlert inventory for SDS files and uploaded laboratory documents.
5. Working Rules appropriate to the laboratory including for example:

• 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 as required.
• 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. Addressing risks is a necessary part of laboratory work and it is increasingly required in teaching plans and research publications.
• Routine tasks – general risk assessment completed and standard operating procedure developed and made available in the Laboratory Safety Manual.
• Each hazardous chemical to be used - A risk assessment should be carried out before using a hazardous chemical for the first time. These can be done in ChemAlert for either individual chemicals or for chemical processes using multiple reagents. Risk assessments should be updated when use changes. It is acceptable to use a generic risk assessment when the use, and thus the risks are similar.
• 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. 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. Cleaners only sweep or mop floors and empty general waste bins of laboratories. They should not be exposed to hazards.
4. Keep aisles and exits free from obstructions.
5. Ensure clear access to emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, chemical/biological/radiological spill kits, emergency shower and eye washes).
6. When leaving the laboratory, turn off all equipment in use (if appropriate), extinguish flames.
7. Keep the interior of fume cupboards and nearby areas clean and clear.
8. For information on gas cylinders refer to the relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and the Chemical Safety Procedures.
9. 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.

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

1. Clearly label all containers in use within the laboratory according to the Code of Practice for Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals (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 Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and conduct a risk assessment before commencing a new process involving chemicals. Refer to Section 8 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 SDS.
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 SDS 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 SDS or ChemAlert).
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 SDS and the Chemical Safety Procedures.
15. Chemical waste should not be disposed of via sinks, drains or storm water 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, 206 KB)
• SOP for Fume cupboards (RTF, 910 KB)

Staff and students who are required to work independently with or around chemicals must undertake the 1-day laboratory safety training course. More information is available on the Laboratory Safety training page.

The Laboratory Manager or Area Supervisor must ensure that local area inductions are provided to anyone (including contractors) entering a laboratory area to perform unsupervised work. Records of these inductions must be kept.

Where multiple parties share management control of a workplace, agreement must be reached on which person will ensure that local inductions are completed.

Local safety induction must include, where appropriate, information on:

• Identifying the risks inherent in each laboratory area;
• How to correctly interpret signage; and
• How to identify specific hazards that may arise from using equipment, materials, and processes.
• Where to find and how to use response equipment e.g. eyewash stations, spill kits, and first aid kits.

• The general electrical guidance must be followed for any electrical equipment or appliances.
• Only an authorised licensed person holding an “Authority to Work” permit from UWA’s Campus Management can work on UWA electrical installations, equipment and appliances. Where modifications are required for research and teaching purposes on installations, equipment and appliances, prior approval in writing is required from Campus Management.
• It is prohibited to use electric open bar radiators, electric fan heaters and kerosene heaters at UWA.
• Switch off electrical appliances which do not need to be left on when not in use. Some equipment (e.g. mass spectrometers) must always be powered; such equipment should have a ‘do not turn off’ sticker.
• Attach a "LEAVE ON" sign to 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.
• Laboratory electronic equipment must be tested and tagged annually. Use Residual Current Devices (RCDs) for all corded hand-held electrical appliances.
• You cannot use double adaptors or piggyback plugs at UWA. Daisy chaining extension leads is not allowed in UWA.
• Power boards must have overload protection and built in on/off switches for each port.

• Smoking and vaping are prohibited at UWA.
• Open flames must not be left unattended, and no open flames should be used near flammable solvents except for flame sterilising of microbiological loops or needles.
• Keep fire escape routes always clear.
• Before starting work, all staff and students are to must be familiar with the fire procedures and location and use of fire-fighting equipment within the laboratory.

• In an emergency call 000 then commence first aid if trained and able to do so. When possible, have someone else contact 000 and UWA security while you administer first aid.
• Supervisors/managers must ensure that laboratory workers know the location of:

• fire extinguishers/fire blankets
• escape routes
• first aid box
• emergency shower/eye wash facilities
• isolation devices for gas, water and power
• emergency spill containment equipment and procedures
• emergency PPE

• For any special substances that require antidotes, symptoms of exposure, and who to contact in the case of exposure must be known. Antidotes or supportive measures (e.g. calcium gluconate, oxygen) must be available before work with such substances starts.

• Laboratory workers must be familiar with UWA’s emergency procedures.

• Wash skin immediately with plenty of water if contaminated with acids and alkalis (if required seek medical attention) under tap or emergency shower.
• Eyes splashed with any chemical must be rinsed with water for at least 15 mins and medical advice obtained immediately. All eye injuries need to be assessed by a medical doctor or emergency centre.
• 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.
• All hazards, near misses, and incidents must be reported to the laboratory supervisor and to UWA HSW via the UWA Incident Portal within 24 hours of the incident/near-miss occurring or identifying the hazard.

• Some work is too hazardous to be undertaken alone or after hours. This includes any activities involving:
  • Hydrofluoric acid.
  • Explosive and potentially explosive 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.
• To work after hours, you must have permission from your manager or supervisor who has assessed the risks of your planned activities, considered the availability of support services and concluded that such working arrangements are acceptable.
• If you are working in an area that your manager or supervisor is not in charge of then you must also have the approval of the person who is in charge of the area to work there after hours.
• In highly 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).
• Download and use the SafeZone app. The app allows you to connect directly with UWA Security when requiring emergency or first-aid assistance and non-urgent assistance. Refer to https://www.uwa.edu.au/about/campus-services/security-and-emergencies/safezone-app for more information.
• UWA Security provide an after-hours escorting service to vehicle or UWA accommodations near the campus. Simply call 6488 2222 or use the SafeZone app and allow up to 20 minutes notice for the escorting service to arrive.
• If accessing the workplace after hours:
  • Ensure building entry doors are closed and locked after entering and exiting.
  • Ensure that internal doors are secured on leaving.
  • Be familiar 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. Your access will be revoked if you do so.
  • Do not provide access to buildings to unauthorised persons. Security will remove them if they cannot demonstrate current authorisation.
  • Report to University Security any breaches of security or suspicious behaviour.
• Only competent persons may operate 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.
• 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, work must be limited to brief, low-risk activities and a pre-arranged communication strategy (e.g. call when you arrive and agree to call back in 15 minutes) must be in place.
• A breach of any of these conditions may result in after-hours access being cancelled.
• Further information is available at https://www.uwa.edu.au/about/campus-services/safety/physical-safety/after-hours-working.

• A person is “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. These situations must be assessed using an appropriate risk assessment process. Refer to UWA-WHS-PRO-002 WHS Risk Management Procedure.
• 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 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 result in a dangerous or life-threatening situation when working alone must be taken into account.
• Working alone is not permitted where:
  • There is no readily accessible means of communication.
  • Operation or maintenance of hazardous equipment.
  • Handling of highly hazardous substances (e.g. hydrofluoric acid, cyanides) or use of large volumes of flammable solvents.
  • Working with large or aggressive animals.
  • Maintenance or adjustments on energised electrical or electronic systems.
  • Operation of equipment that needs two or more people to safely use by defeating or bypassing interlocks or similar mechanisms.
• 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.
  • You will undertake all personal security measures e.g. lock doors, walk in well-lit areas.
• Download and use the SafeZone app. The app includes a check-in feature which allows you to share your location with UWA Security. When using the timer, an alert is automatically sent on your behalf if you fail to extend or cancel it; ideal when you require assistance but unable to alert UWA Security.
• For more information, refer to https://www.uwa.edu.au/about/campus-services/safety/physical-safety/working-alone.

When you are vacating a laboratory space ensure that:

• The area has been cleared, decontaminated or cleaned ready for the next occupant.
• Equipment has been transferred or disposed of. Disposal of equipment with asset register stickers must be reported to the asset manager (currently this is Harry Saggu).
• Radiological equipment and reagents must be transferred or disposed of with the approval of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) contact [email protected] or [email protected] for assistance.
• Chemicals have been transferred or disposed of. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for assistance with disposals and with transferring chemicals in the ChemAlert inventory.
• Stringently controlled poisons (e.g. morphine) have been surrendered or transferred.
• Samples or specimens from yourself and any students have been transferred or disposed of. Be sure to check storage areas, including ‘bottle libraries’, cool rooms, and liquid nitrogen storage dewars for samples before you leave UWA.
• Biological materials controlled under the OGTR have been transferred, managed, or disposed of and the biosafety manager has been updated. Contact [email protected] for assistance.
• For an exit/clearance inspection contact [email protected] or [email protected] .

• Working with animals – contact the Animal Ethics Office at [email protected]
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, & Forestry
• Australian New Zealand Standards 2243 Safety in Laboratories
• Biological safety – contact [email protected] or [email protected]
• Chemical safety – contact Contact [email protected] or [email protected]
• Electrical safety

• Emergencies – know what to do in an emergency.

• Field Work – contact Starry Star or Davide Abate for assistance with field work including overseas travel, diving and boating, and driver training.

• Incident – Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards using the UWA incident Portal.

Work Health and Safety Act 2020

Work health and Safety Regulations 2022

Australian /New Zealand Standards 2243.1: 2021. Safety in Laboratories.

WorkSafe WA working alone guidance note