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2)
SAFETY IN THE USE OF EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY LAB-PLANT UK LTD
Before proceeding to install, commission or operate the equipment supplied you should be aware of
potential hazards so that they may be avoided.
Although designed for safe operation, any equipment may involve processes or procedures, which
are potentially hazardous. The major potential hazards associated with this particular equipment are
listed below.
•
INJURY THROUGH MISUSE
•
INJURY FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK
•
RISK OF INFECTION THROUGH LACK OF CLEANLINESS
Accidents can be avoided provided that equipment is regularly maintained and operators are aware
of potential hazards. A list of general safety rules is included in this manual. This list is intended to
be for guidance only.
The COSHH Regulations (1988) - The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
The COSHH regulations impose a duty on employers to protect employees and others from
substances used at work which may be hazardous to health. The regulations require that you
assess all operations which are liable to expose any person to hazardous solids, liquids, dusts,
vapours, gases or micro-organisms. You are also required to introduce suitable procedures for
handling these substances and to keep appropriate records.
The equipment supplied by Lab-Plant UK Ltd may involve the use of substances which can be
hazardous (for example, cleaning fluids used for maintenance or chemicals used for particular
applications) and it is essential that a person in authority is responsible for implementing COSHH
regulations.
Part of these regulations is to ensure that the relevant Health and Safety Data Sheets are available
for all hazardous substances used in the laboratory. Any person using a hazardous substance must
be informed of the following:
•
Physical Data about the substances
•
Any hazard from fire or explosion
•
Any hazard to health
•
Appropriate First Aid treatment
•
Any hazard from reaction with other substances
•
How to clean/dispose of spillage
•
Appropriate protective measures
•
Appropriate storage and handling
Although these regulations may not be applicable in your country, it is strongly recommended that a
similar approach is adopted for the protection of staff operating the equipment. Local regulations
must also be considered.
