School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops SRE202

Hazard Who might be Existing controls Relevant standards Risk assessment Future actions
harmed
Occupiers, All hazardous tasks to be risk
visitors, assessed and documented, and Management of Health & Supervisors to ensure compliance.
General contractors, control measure properly Safety at Work Regulations Regular safety inspections by SA’s
students, out-of- implemented
hours cleaners
Occupiers, UOM policies and practices for
visitors,  fire detection system Management of Health &
contractors, out-  evacuation procedures Safety at Work Regulations
of-hours cleaners  fire action notices for emergency procedures, as Supervisor to inspect exit routes
 Centre building representative amended by Fire Precautions regularly and report any problems
 no smoking policy (Workplace) Regs to SA
 provision & maintenance of fire SA to implement checks
extinguishers Fire risk assessments carried
out by Safety Office and Low x Low / Medium =
 collection of flammable
Fire lab / Estates Low / Medium
waste materials
workshop
 electrical maintenance
 fire risk assessment for building
 minimal storage of solvents /
degreasers regular leak tests on cylinders,
 exit routes kept clear of UOM and departmental connections and pipework for
obstructions policies and procedures re flammable or toxic gases. Records
 maintenance of flammable safe laboratory practices to be kept
cylinders and equipment BOC / BCGA Codes
 correct storage of chemicals correct warning notices
and flammable materials
 correct labelling of chemicals
and reagents

Portable appliances checked Electricity at Work Check PAT up-to-date. Check all
annually (records to be kept) Regulations 1989 new appliances have been
Fixed electrical equipment included on database
Electrical – All users, visitors, annually checked visually by UOM policy on portable Low x medium =
shock & fire contractors, Centre. appliances and non-portable medium Supervisors to institute visual
cleaners Installation electrically tested for appliances checks by users to identify
Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops
Hazard Who might be Existing controls
harmed
safety by Estates on 8 year basis
Trolleys used to transport
materials, including cylinders,
from delivery point to lab.
Manual All staff and
handling students - Manual handling minimised by
(lab/workshop) Movement of gas using mechanical aids
cylinders, work
pieces, deliveries, See Manual handling
equipment, etc assessments
Trained Manual handlers
available for advice and help
Detailed assessments for non-
routine handling
UOM guidance on DSE work
(formal policy in preparation)
Use of HSE self-assessment
form for each individual, with
follow up by SSA. Provision of
information on risks by
Display screen All who use DSE distribution of advisory leaflet
work regularly and are “Working with VDUs”.
(visual display classed as Provision of information and
units) “users”. training on use of adjustments to
workstation and need for regular
breaks.
Advice from SA or Occ Health on
ergonomic issues.
Referral of anyone complaining of
symptoms associated with use of
DSE to SSA or Occ Health
UOM Policy on eye tests
Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
Relevant standards
Manual Handling Operations
Regulations 1992
Lifting Operations and Lifting
Equipment Regulations 1998
Health & Safety (Display
Screen Equipment)
Regulations 1992
SRE202
Risk assessment Future actions
damaged cables, overloaded
sockets (and identify any training
need)
Supervisor to identify all lifting
tasks, and check if further use can
be made of mechanical aids.
Medium x low =
medium Where manual lifting still required,
Supervisor to identify training
needs (with advice from SA or Occ
Health staff) and arrange for formal
assessment.
Supervisor to maintain records of
all written risk assessments for
manual handling tasks
SA and Supervisor to review
records of self- assessment,
ensure records up-to-date and
reflect any changes.
Low x low = low
SA to follow up any problem areas
with individuals, and consult SSA
or Occ Health if solution is not
obvious. Records to be kept.
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops SRE202
Hazard Who might be Existing controls Relevant standards Risk assessment Future actions
harmed
UOM policy on reporting defects
contact SA extension 63596.
Supervisor to tour area regularly
to check for defects to floor
coverings, tripping hazards,
obstructions, lighting defects, etc.
Slips, trips and All staff, students Staff instructed to keep filing Workplace (Health, Safety & Low x medium = Supervisor to carry out (or
falls and visitors cabinet drawers closed when not Welfare) Regs 1992 medium delegate) regular inspections of
in use. office areas and keep a record.
All staff instructed to remove
obstructions, waste materials,
trailing cables & clear up
spillages promptly, and
encouraged to report defects

Toilets nearby provided with hot

and cold water, soap and towels.
Hygiene & All staff and Drinking water provided at Workplace (Health, Safety Low x low = low
welfare visitors dispenser. and Welfare) Regs 1992
Shortages and defects reported
to Unit TSM.

 Always keep walkways free

from obstruction
 Always clean work area after
Housekeeping All staff, students use Workplace (Health, Safety Low x Low = Low Supervisors to regularly check
& Storage and visitors  Always keep the area safe and and Welfare) Regs 1992 work areas.
tidy Report any problems to SA
 Safely dispose of all unwanted
material
UOM Estates provide heating,
lighting and ventilation in
accordance with Workplace Workplace (Health, Safety Low x low = low Supervisor would take up
Environment All staff, students Regulations and Welfare) Regs 1992, complaints about provision of these

Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops
Hazard Who might be Existing controls
harmed
and visitors Space – all occupiers have
sufficient space to carry out work
without difficulty
Light materials stored on higher
level shelving; heavier items on
shelves at waist height.
Falling objects Staff, students No dangerous reagents /
and visitors chemicals to be stored above
shoulder height
Step ladder or kick stool provided
to reach upper shelves.
No staff to stand on chairs.
Cabinets fitted with device to limit
Filing cabinets All Occupants no of drawers open at any time to
one only (or cabinet fitted with
alternative anti-tilt device)
All users, and  See separate detailed COSHH
others entering assessments for each chemical
lab. used / stored in Red Safety folder
 Minimum quantities to be
Those particularly stored.
at risk may  Containers properly labelled.
include  Containers properly sealed.
asthmatics if  Selection and use of
respiratory appropriate personal protective
sensitisers are equipment, where other controls
used. are not reasonably practicable
Chemicals,  Safety glasses mandatory
dusts and
 Training, information and
biohazards
supervision given where required.
(records kept in Red safety
folder)
 Reagents correctly stored (i.e.
Acids /solvents cabinets)
Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
Relevant standards
UOM practices on fitting out
office accommodation
Workplace (Health, Safety &
Welfare) Regs 1992
General good office practice
 COSHH regulations 2002
and Approved Codes of
Practice on COSHH,
carcinogens, biological agents
(and forthcoming, on
respiratory sensitisers)
require assessment, control,
maintenance of control
measures, monitoring and
health surveillance in certain
cases, and information,
instruction and training for
persons exposed.
 Personal Protective
Equipment Regulations 1992
 UOM procedures for
biohazards and respiratory
SRE202
Risk assessment Future actions
basic environmental needs with
Unit TSM.
Senior manager to inspect
Low x low = low occasionally to ensure storage and
use of shelves as stated.
Report any problems to SA
Low x low = low None
Variable depending on Supervisor to ensure that all
substance – see COSHH assessments are in order,
COSHH assessment. up-to-date, and information given
to those exposed.
Generally, risk low as
small quantities only Supervisor to identify any
used. outstanding training needs.
Supervisor to review personal
protective equipment to ensure
every item provides intended
protection, is being worn correctly,
and is properly maintained and
stored.
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops SRE202
Hazard Who might be Existing controls Relevant standards Risk assessment Future actions
harmed
 If required monitoring sensitisers.
inspections or health surveillance
carried out - records to be kept
 Use of fume cupboards as local
exhaust ventilation
 LEV performance monitored
continuously by alarms, and
examined in detail every year
(records kept)
 Use of more hazardous
materials eliminated where
possible at experimental design
stage.
 Shelf storage has upturn or
other restriction to prevent bottles
falling off.
 Assessments explained to by
Supervisor
 Training in safe lab techniques
by Supervisor or Technician.
 Supervision levels specified in
COSHH and risk assessments
 All chemicals / solutions /
compounds must be properly
labelled
 correct disposal procedures in
place
Sensitisers, Carcinogens and
HF to be used in designated
areas
Users of carcinogens must be
monitored
registered users only and health
monitoring for sensitisers
Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops SRE202
Hazard Who might be Existing controls Relevant standards Risk assessment Future actions
harmed
registered users and
vaccinations / health monitoring
for bio-hazard users, where
appropriate
Detailed risk assessments for
each machine, referring to :
 identification of risks
maintenance procedures
training for users
 assessment of competence of
each user / authorisation
Power operated User (technician,  guarding of dangerous parts in Provision & Use of Work Will vary for each Ensure records of training,
machinery or person accordance with PUWER Equipment Regulations 1998 machine servicing and maintenance kept.
Cutting, authorised by guard interlocks tested annually (PUWER)
crushing, Supervisor) and records kept
jabbing,  provision of stop, emergency
shearing, stop and isolation controls
entanglement,  local display of HSE poster (for
etc from power abrasive wheels and
driven woodworking equipment)
machinery  removal of swarf / waste
(workshop) material / dust
 maintenance of any local
exhaust ventilation detailed
examination of LEV every 12-14
months (records to be kept)
 selection of the right
equipment for the job via
assessment and allocation of
work
 hot surfaces protected by
warning signs provided
 lighting levels around
equipment and workpiece
Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops SRE202
Hazard Who might be Existing controls Relevant standards Risk assessment Future actions
harmed
adequate
 sufficient space to work in
safety without colliding with
others or with fixtures.
 Signs and provision of relevant
personal protective equipment
including eye protection, aprons,
gloves, etc

Various from Staff, Students Hand tools issued must be Good workshop practice Various None
use of hand and visitors maintained a safe condition
tools
(Workshop) Regular monitoring by Workshop
Supervisor (records to be kept)

Use of Sharp User and cleaner Guideline for safe use and
hand tools (eg disposal
needles, razor ● Dispose of sharps in sharps
blades) box
No new equipment, items
containing asbestos to be
brought into the Centre
Asbestos dust Control of Asbestos at Work
– from Prohibition on any work to Regulations 1987
structural structure without consulting Supervisor to remind technicians
elements (eg Technicians, and Estates Area Managers Estates Code of Practice E10 Low / low medium = not to drill into or otherwise work
ceiling / wall visitors to on “Management of Asbestos” medium on any structural element without
boards and workshop UOM register of asbestos survey, consulting Estates.
tiles), and in and control of contractors by Report all incidents to SA
equipment Estates Dept.
(gaskets, rope) UOM Code on Asbestos in
Departmental knowledge of equipment, and guidance on
presence of asbestos in inadvertent exposure
equipment, and compliance with

Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops SRE202
Hazard Who might be Existing controls Relevant standards Risk assessment Future actions
harmed
UOM Code on Asbestos in
Equipment
Noise survey carried out by SA
(details to be kept)
No-one exposed to over first
action level of 85 dB(A) averaged Noise at Work Regulations
over 8 hour working day. But, 1989 Keep under review, as legislation
noise from a machine exceeds will tighten controls in near future.
Noise Staff, Students 90dB(A) ear protection to be Personal Protective Low x low = low
and visitors provided for users and those Equipment Regulations 1992 Specify noise levels in any new
present when in use. equipment.
Operators trained in wearing
protection.
Equipment maintained regularly
and kept in good order.
Pressure system selected and
suitable for load / use.

Air receiver subject to

Pressure Technicians, examination in accordance with Pressure Systems Safety Variable depending on Supervisor to keep all records up-
systems maintenance / written scheme (arranged Regulations 2000 equipment and use to-date, and under review.
(compressor / examination through UOM insurers, records to
air receiver) engineers, others be kept) – unless exempt under
present the Regulations.

Technicians trained in use of

pressure system (records to be
kept)

Each piece of work subject to risk

assessment by Supervisor, or by
New hazards Staff, Student or academic designing / specifying UOM Code of Practice on risk Variable Variable
introduced by visitor work, unless already covered by assessment
new work risk assessments for routine
work.
Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596
School of Materials Area Risk Assessment : Mechanical Workshops SRE202
Hazard Who might be Existing controls Relevant standards Risk assessment Future actions
harmed
 Out-of-hours work permit School safety guidelines
required for non staff
Out-of Hours User  All Out-of-hour practical work to Out-of –hours and Lone Low Out-of –hours and Lone working
working be Risk assessed working must be covered by risk assessment for all labs
 Pairs rule applies unless risk assessment
authorised
 Assessment of allowable  Departmental safety policy
Lone Working User practical work  Out-of –hours and Lone Low Out-of –hours and Lone working
 All hazardous lone working to working risk assessment risk assessment for all labs
be Risk assessed  UOM lone working policy

Hot surfaces User  Warning notices on very hot Low PPE available and hot surfaces
and furnaces surfaces labelled
 PPE available
Compressed Anyone in room  Training SOM014 – The transport and Inspection of Gauge heads –
gas usage use of compressed gas SOM018
cylinders.

Risk assessment completed by ………………………..………… … Dated ……………… ………………

Ivan.easdon@manchester.ac.uk (School Senior Safety Advisor) room D2b, Materials Science Building, Ext. 63596