This booklet should be obtained from

the Safety Manager

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

A Guide to Safety

Maintenance Operatives Handbook

Safety Manager
June 2000
 MAINTENANCE OPERATIVES HANDBOOK

A GUIDE TO SAFETY

Any works organisation will always face hazards and the possibility of accidents happening.
These hazards can and must be kept to a minimum in order to reduce accidents. Accidents can
be greatly reduced by all works staff being aware of potential hazards and following established
safety procedures. This guide has been produced to help all members of the works staff to carry
out their job safely. The first section of this Guide provides a brief introduction to the safety
requirements of the law. The second section sets out a number of safety rules with which all staff
are requested to study and comply. Separate rules apply to all Contractors’ personnel working
on UCL premises.

It is not practical to cover every aspect of safety in this Guide. More information can be found in
the Safety Manual, if required. Safety concerns everyone. Many accidents occur because of a
lack of thought and care. These senseless accidents can be prevented if simple sensible safety
precautions are observed by all.

REMEMBER
ALWAYS WORK SAFELY
CONTENTS

1.0 Safety Legislation

1.1 General
1.2 Employer's duties
1.3 Employee's duties

2.0 A Code for Safe Working Procedures

2.1 General
2.2 Basic Safety Rules
2.3 Safety Manual
2.4 New Work carried out by Contractors
2.5 Works Requisition Procedure
2.6 Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)
2.7 Visual Inspections
2.8 Emergency Services
2.9 Hazard Monitoring
2.10 Work in Isolated Areas
2.11 Permit to Work Systems
2.12 Lifting / Handling
2.13 Handling Hazardous Materials
2.14 Asbestos
2.15 Construction Safety
2.16 Fire Precautions
2.17 Control of infection
2.18 Noise
2.19 Alcohol
2.20 Machinery Equipment and Tools
2.21 Workshop Facilities
2.22 Welfare Facilities
2.23 Plant and Service Areas
2.24 Protective Clothing and Equipment
2.25 Accident Procedures
2.26 Safety Information
2.27 Instructions to Maintenance Staff When Working in Laboratories
2.28 Radiation Laboratories
INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1- SAFETY LEGISLATION

1.1 GENERAL

During the last two hundred years there has been a large number of laws passed in this country
relating to Healthy and Safety at Work. However the main laws that relate to us today were
predominantly passed in the last twenty five years. Safety Laws have been passed because of
the large numbers of workers who have been killed or maimed whilst at work. The large
numbers of injuries and deaths to workers have resulted in misery and financial loss for their
families. In the vast majority of cases the deaths and injuries have been needless. Safety laws
seek to protect individuals and groups of workers from needless injury. The law requires
employers and employees to ensure that these needless injuries do not occur. Therefore the
law requires both UCL and its employees to ensure that safe working practices are followed.

1.2 EMPLOYERS DUTIES

The law places a number of duties on UCL and the Estates & Facilities Division as employers.
This is to protect their employees, students and staff at the university as well as the general
public. These duties include providing safe systems of work for employees, providing safe and
maintained plant and equipment, and the provision of training where appropriate. Details of how
the University and the Estates & Facilities Division carry out these duties can be found in the
University Safety Policy and the Safety Manual, copies of which are held by supervisors and in
workshops.

1.3 EMPLOYEES DUTIES

In addition to imposing duties on employers, safety legislation imposes certain duties on

employees. Safety at work cannot be guaranteed solely by employers. There is a legal
requirement for employees to co-operate with employers in the implementation of safety policies.
Furthermore there is a requirement for employees to work safely in order to protect themselves,
and others effected by their work.

SECTION 2 - A CODE FOR SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES

2.1 GENERAL

Maintenance and Construction work undertaken on behalf of the UCL whether carried out by
direct labour or contract must be executed safety. The following procedures form a safety guide
of good practices designed to prevent accidents and to maintain a safe, healthy and efficient
environment for maintenance operatives. Separate guidelines exist for contractors working in the
University.

These procedures do not replace the employee's, the supervisor's or the manager's
responsibility to take all reasonable care to protect themselves and others by their actions.
Working in a safe manner is always the same as working in an effective manner.
2.2 BASIC SAFETY RULES

Operatives should:

• ALWAYS use correct equipment or clothing provided.

• ALWAYS use protective equipment for the job where required.
• ALWAYS keep their work area tidy.
• ALWAYS stack material in a safe manner.
• ALWAYS use the correct access equipment when working at height.
• ALWAYS report defects in plant and tools immediately.
• ALWAYS wear good condition issued safety footwear.
• ALWAYS use approved equipment, plant or tools.
• ALWAYS check with a Supervisor, before carrying out any task or operation if you feel
your personal safety, or the safety of others, may be at risk.
• NEVER do anything that is likely to endanger you or other persons.

2.3 SAFETY MANUAL

The Safety Manual contains a lot of safety information relevant to maintenance operatives.
Copies of this Safety Manual are held in workshops and by supervisors and foremen.
Maintenance operatives must know where they will be able to have access to a copy of the
Safety Manual. If any operative is not able to have access to a copy of the Safety Manual he
should inform the Safety Manager.

2.4 NEW WORKS CARRIED OUT BY CONTRACTORS

Where new construction or adaptation work is being carried out by contractors, maintenance
operatives must not enter into or onto the site without prior written authorisation from a
supervisor, except in an emergency. Primary responsibility for safety lies with the contractor
who is also responsible for insuring against injury to persons necessarily engaged in the work.

Should any operative note a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation on any site or location,
for which an outside contractor is responsible, he should report it to his supervisor immediately.
The supervisor will inform the Project Officer responsible for the contract, who will ensure that
action is taken to ensure that nobody is injured.

2.5 WORKS REQUISITION PROCEDURE

The requisition is the formal system used for initiating work and must be adhered to. A work
docket will normally be obtained from your supervisor. No work should be undertaken without a
work docket except in an emergency when a docket will be issued retrospectively.

2.6 PLANNED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE (PPM)

Systems of planned preventive maintenance are an essential part of the overall maintenance
requirement. This is because PPM reduces unnecessary mechanical and structural failure, this
saves money, effort and time. Therefore PPM will be given a high priority. Operatives must make
themselves aware of the aims, procedures and requirements involved in such systems so that
the optimum benefits can be obtained.
2.7 VISUAL INSPECTIONS

Maintenance operatives before their use should visually inspect all tools and work equipment.
Tools and equipment that appear to be unsafe should be reported to the appropriate supervisor
and not used.

2.8 EMERGENCY SERVICES

A system of call-out for dealing with building and engineering emergencies is provided in
accordance with UCL requirements. Remedial action will normally be limited to making the
situation safe and not necessarily restoring to full service. All such work must be recorded and
reported in accordance with existing procedures.

2.9 HAZARD MONITORING

All plant, equipment or services considered to be a potential hazard must be reported to the
Supervisor immediately and the situation made safe. All engineering hazards must be notified to
the Supervisor who is required to notify the Chief Maintenance Engineer.

2.10 WORK IN ISOLATED AREAS

In the interests of safety, operatives must inform their supervisor before undertaking work in
isolated areas. In high-risk situations such as working at heights off a ladder, or in confined
spaces, ensure that assistance is available if needed. This may necessitate double manning;
check with your Supervisor.

2.11 PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEMS

A permit to work system will be operated in all potentially hazardous situations. This is to ensure
that no operative can be injured in a location where the operatives training did not prepare him to
work safely. Operatives will not carry out any such work without a signed and approved permit
to do so. Supervisors will issue permits. Further details on permits can be found in the Safety
Manual

Operatives must obtain permits to work, prior to work starting, for work to be carried out in the
following locations:

a. All laboratories.

b. Biological Services Units.

c. Boilers.

d. Ventilation flues.

e. Service ducts.

f. Main stacks.

g. Enclosed tanks.

h. Sewers and manholes.

2.12 LIFTING / HANDLING

Statistics show us that lifting/handling operations result in a vast number of injuries to

employees. The quantity and severity of these injuries are far worse than most people realise.
Good lifting techniques do save employees from bad back problems and should be used to
ensure no unnecessary pain is suffered.

The following notes are for guidance only:

a. MANUAL LIFTING

• Before attempting to list, check the weight of the load to be lifted. If an object is too heavy,
always seek help.
• Ensure area is clear of obstruction and that the floor is not slippery before attempting to lift.
• Always wear appropriate protective clothing, i.e. boots, overalls and gloves.
• Look out for splinters, projecting nails and sharp wire.
• Make sure you can see over the load you are carrying.
• Keep your feet eight to twelve inches apart (feet together may cause a rupture).
• Keep your chin in, avoid dropping your head forwards or backwards. Bend your knees to a
crouch position.
• Always get a firm grip of the object to be lifted.
• Keep your arms as close to body as possible so that the body takes weight instead of
fingers, wrist, arm and shoulder muscles.
• Lift by easy stages, i.e. floor to knee, knee to carrying position.
• Reverse lifting procedure to set object down

• b. MECHANICAL LIFTING

• Cranes, Pulleys, Blocks, chain and wire or rope slings are used to handle heavy materials
and equipment. These must not be used by untrained employees.
• Operatives must only use equipment authorised by their supervisor, who will ensure that
the item has been regularly inspected and tested. Safe working loads will be clearly
marked on all such equipment. If a marking is missing, check with a supervisor before
using the equipment. Only operatives who have been instructed in the safe use of the
plant will be allowed to operate the equipment.
2.13 HANDLING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Operatives must familiarise themselves with the hazards likely to be encountered whilst
handling hazardous materials, such as acids or materials that give off noxious fumes. It is
essential to know what the dangers are from a material so that the correct methods of work
may be used. Guidance can be found from COSHH assessment sheets, manufacturers
hazard data sheet, a supervisor or the Safety Manager. NEVER ASSUME THAT A
MATERIAL IS SAFE TO USE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T FIND ANY SAFETY INFORMATION
ON IT, IF IN DOUBT ASK. The following general guidelines should be observed:

• Always use barrier and cleansing cream provided.

• Wash thoroughly after using hazardous materials.

• Ensure that all containers are properly labelled and stored. Do not leave open containers
unattended.

• Store flammable liquids only in the special buildings and tanks provided, not in workshops
or cupboards.

• Use only sufficient liquid required for the process in hand and strictly to the supplier's
instructions.

• Keep away from substances marked radioactive, toxic or biohazard.

• Report any signs of ill health that may reflect association with hazardous materials, to your
supervisor.
• Wood preservatives contain solvents, which can de-fat or dry your skin. Frequent or
prolonged contact may cause dermatitis. Protective clothing, eye protection and facemasks
must be worn to minimise risk. Splashes on skin must be removed with soap and water
immediately.

• Caustic soda may be used as a degreasing agent and is included in most proprietary
degreasers. It is corrosive to body tissue and the degree of burning is proportional to the
concentration and exposure. When using this, or any type of degreasing agent, ensure
that protective clothing including a facemask is worn.

• Care should be taken when welding, brazing and soldering copper; although copper itself is
virtually non-toxic, the salts including copper sulphate are toxic it inhaled or swallowed.
Always ensure that the area is well ventilated.

• Polyurethane paints and varnishes contain substances that give off fumes, which, if
concentrated, can irritate respiratory tracts. Do note use in confined spaces unless wearing
protective clothing and full-face masks.

• Adhesives can cause skin and eye irritation and when used in confined spaces may cause
breathlessness and dizziness. Many are highly inflammable and must not be used or stored
in areas where a source of ignition is present. Adequate ventilation is essential. Always use
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or consult your supervisor if unsure of the
situation.

• Turpentine and white spirit are unlikely to cause ill health from inhalation, but unless used
with care can cause skin irritation, which could lead to dermatitis. Never wash your hands
with these solvents.
2.14 ASBESTOS
The dangers of working with asbestos are well known. Asbestos fibres cause cancers and
asbestosis, both of which can be incapacitating and fatal. Maintenance Operatives are not to
work on any asbestos products without the express authority of the Estates & Facilities Division
Safety Manager. All asbestos work will be carried out by specialist asbestos removal
contractors. If it is suspected that the presence of asbestos will interfere with any work, the
Maintenance Operative must inform his supervisor immediately who must then approach the
Safety Manager for advice. NO WORK MUST BE DONE ON ASBESTOS WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS AUTHORITY OF THE SAFETY MANAGER.

2.15 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

The following highlight those operations responsible for the majority of accidents in the
Construction/Engineering Industry. These operations together with the plant used to undertake
them, are very important and should be treated with respect and care.

More detailed information can be obtained by referring to the Safety Manual.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS

a. LADDERS

• Ensure that there is safe and secure means of access and egress to and from the work place
at all times.
• Ensure ladders or steps are in a safe condition before use and are stood on a firm even base.
Beware of wet or slippery rungs particularly in bad weather, Set at correct angle 4 up to 1
out.
• Never climb a ladder unless it is securely lashed or footed.
• The ladder should project at least 3' 6" (1066mm) above any landing place.
• Check your boots or shoes and remove mud and dirt before climbing.
• Never lash a ladder at the top without a man at the foot to steady it.
• Never support a ladder on its rungs.
• Do not carry materials up a ladder use a hoist line.
• Do not over reach from ladder - move it.
• Any two handed job of long duration requires a platform and not ladders.
• The height limitation for ladder work is 30' (9 metres) although any work from a ladder 25'
(7.620 metres) or more should be restricted to short periods, say 20-15 minutes
 b. SCAFFOLDING AND WORKING PLATFORMS

• Experienced and trained operatives shall only do erection and dismantling of scaffolding.

• Keep walkways free from obstruction and slippery substances.

• Never overload a scaffold or platform.

• Use authorised means of access and egress only: do not climb the side of a scaffold use the
ladder access that is provided.

• Incomplete scaffolds must not be used. Handrails and toe boards and correct bracing must
be in place.

• Ensure scaffold boards are sound and properly supported.

• Always check with your supervisor that the scaffold has been inspected for safety before
use and a handing over certificate has been obtained where appropriate.

c. CATWALKS

• Ensure that catwalks are in sound condition and securely fixed before using. Safe width
should not be less that 1' 6" (457mm) wide.

• Ensure that open ends and sides are fitted with securely fixed handrails.

• Decking must be of sound material and with non-slip qualities.

• Toe boards must be provided when there is a danger of tools, etc., falling.

• Warning notices must be displayed and where possible adjacent circulation areas roped
off.

d. ROOFWORK

• Never venture on to or attempt to cross any roof other than flat concrete without the aid of
securely fixed crawling boards.

• Crawling boards should be not less than 1' 6" (457mm) wide with securely fixed cleats or toe
holds at 11" (297mm) intervals throughout the length of the board.

• Never work close to the edge of a roof without the knowledge of your supervisor, edge
protection must be provided. For works of short duration a safety harness will be acceptable
providing there is adequate securing points
 e. MOBILE SCAFFOLD (TOWERS)

• Competent trained persons must only erect mobile towers.

• Ensure that the tower is standing on a level even base with the outriggers fully extended.
Do not use blocks to stabilise on uneven ground. In these circumstances screw-jack
adjustments are required.
• Ensure that the working height of the tower does not exceed three times the smallest base
dimension, e.g., smallest base dimension 4' or (1.2m) therefore maximum working height
12' or (3.6m).
• Ensure that wheels are locked and the tower is stable before personnel ascend the tower.
• Never remain on the working platform when the tower is being moved.
• Ensure that the tower is never overloaded.

f. TELESCOPIC TRESTLES (Bandstands)

• Ensure that the trestle is sound and well maintained and check the condition of the locating
pins.
• Do not use makeshift pins or nails for elevating trestles.
• Before erecting scaffold boards on telescopic trestles the ground must be levelled and
compacted to ensure stability.
• Working platform must be 4 boards wide using minimum 1.5 inch thick scaffold boards.
The maximum span between bearing points should not exceed 4' (1.2m). The overhang of
boards must not exceed 3 times the thickness of the boards i.e. 4.5 inches and that the
working platform is not overloaded.
• Use a safe means of access to reach working platform.

g. LADDERS, STEPS AND TRESTLES

• Ensure that the steps or trestles are in good condition and only use on a firm level footing
spread to their fullest extent.
• Ensure that cords are in good condition and of the correct length. Never work at top of steps,
at least three steps should be above the one on which your feet rest, unless fitted with a
handrail.
• When trestles are used as a working platform the platforms are to be of the "Youngman" type.
Scaffold boards are not suitable.
• Never use steps or ladders to support working platforms.
• Do not over reach from steps.
h. EXCAVATIONS
• Provide timbering or other supports for all vertical sided excavations over 1.2m in depth.
Operatives erecting supports must be in a protected position only, and warning notices
must be posted to this effect.
• Operatives must not walk or clamber about on the support timbering as this weakens it.
• Creaks in timbering can indicate a danger of collapse and so excavations should be
evacuated if creaking can be heard.
• Do not place the excavated soil or other materials or plant close to the edges of
excavations. Do not allow plant to move close to edges of excavations.
• The sides of large open excavations must be battered or adequately shored where soil
conditions require it and where men have to work in close proximity to the face.

i. CONFINED SPACES

• Operatives must advise the Supervisor before entering into confined spaces such as
manholes, ducts, tanks, pressure vessels or underground chambers. The
supervisor must ensure that procedure laid down in the safety manual is followed
and the operatives are fully briefed on safety requirements.

j. BARRIERS, WARNING NOTICES ETC.

• During the progress of construction work or repairs, ensure that proper screens, barriers,
guard rails, platforms, hoardings, gangways, coverings, etc., are in place at all times for the
protection of yourself and other workers and passers-by.

• Adequate warning notices must be displayed at all times and barriers must be illuminated
overnight if work is still in progress.

2.16 FIRE PRECAUTIONS

• Operatives must note and obey the fire notices and instructions posted in the area in which
they are working. Building debris, rubbish and other unnecessary materials or equipment
must be removed from site as soon as possible to reduce the risk of fire.

• Fire escape routes must be kept clear at all times and fire exit doors closed whenever
possible. Advise your supervisor in cases of difficulty.

• Observe "No smoking" rules and where smoking is permitted use the proper receptacles
for depositing matches, cigarette ash or butts.

• Ensure that the requirements of UCL hot work permits are followed.

• Liquid petroleum gas and cylinders should always be stored in a safe place after use.
• The use of the correct type of fire extinguisher is vital if as the use of the wrong type can
lead to injury. The type of extinguisher to be used is given below:
ALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS HAVE RED BODIES WITH COLOURED BANDS

TYPE COLOUR FOR USE ON FIRE TYPE

BAND
Water RED For general uses such as on
wood, paper, textiles etc.
Water must not to be used on
electrical fires or on
flammable liquid fires.

Foam CREAM Flammable liquids.

Carbon BLACK Electrical or contained electric

Dioxide fires
(CO2)

Dry Powder BLUE Flammable liquids fires and

metal swarf.

2.17 CONTROL OF INFECTION

A BIOLOGICAL SERVICE UNITS AND LABORATORIES

Before carrying out any work in Biological Service Units (BSUs) and or laboratories,
operatives will require a permit to enter, Permit D. This must be signed by the client
department in the appropriate part, Part C, and no work must be undertaken in areas not
listed on the permit.

B HEPATITIS B AND AIDS

AIDS or Hepatitis B are diseases that are passed onto people by the introduction of infected
blood into the body. The spread of these diseases is mainly due to sexual practices and the
sharing of hypodermic needles. The risk to Maintenance operatives through their normal
occupation is very small providing that normal good hygiene practices are followed. Where
there is a risk of a maintenance operative coming into contact with infected blood, no work
should be done unless there has been a method of work agreed with the Safety Manager. For
general guidance the following precautions must be taken.

• All cuts and abrasions must be covered with a waterproof dressing.

• Appropriate protective clothing must be worn.

• Hands and forearms should be washed with soap and water at the end of a job.

• In cases of injury with a needle or injury with another sharp instruments which might be
contaminated with blood the wound site should be washed with soap and water
immediately and any bleeding encouraged The Supervisor and Safety Manager should be
informed, and the injured operative referred immediately for medical advice.

• Allergy to animals. Any operative suffering a reaction after working in an animal house
should report this to his supervisor.
Operatives who are aware of allergy to animals should inform their supervisor.
2.18 NOISE

High levels of noise can and will cause permanent and irreparable damage to persons
hearing. If a noise is so loud that you would need to raise your voice to speak to a person
next to you, the noise could be damaging your hearing. In such cases hearing protection
must be worn, if the noise can't be reduced to an acceptable level.

2.19 ALCOHOL

UCL has a legal duty to ensure that all work at the UCL work is carried out in a safe manner
and within a safe environment. One area of concern is the prevention of injuries which may
be caused by the drinking of alcohol during working hours. It is common knowledge that to
drive a car, after drinking 2 pints of beer, is dangerous and illegal. The same can be said for
operating machinery and climbing ladders after drinking the same amount. The UCL would be
failing in its duty of care if it did not point out the possible dangers of drinking during work
hours, such as lunch breaks. In exercising duty of care the UCL expect staff in the interest of
safety, to refrain from taking alcohol during the working day or when on call outside of normal
working hours.

2.20 MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

Many dangerous accidents are caused by the incorrect use of machinery, equipment and
tools. The following guidelines are to be followed.
a GENERAL

• Use only machinery, equipment and tools that you have authority and training to use.
• Choose the proper tool for the job and use it in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, ensuring that any guards or safety devices provided are used.
• Switch off the power and disconnect the drives before undertaking maintenance or repair
on any plant, equipment or tools. Where possible, the power supply should be locked off.
• Switch off electric tools and allow them to stop revolving before laying them down or
making any adjustments.
• Ensure that equipment, machinery or tools are in good condition before using.
• Before using power tools check that an electrician has inspected and tested the tools
quarterly.
• Check that cables, plugs and insulation are undamaged.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment provided such as goggles and face masks.
• Report any defects to your supervisor immediately.
b Hand Tools

• Check that hammerheads are secure.

• Check that file handles are secure and in good condition.
• Check that cold chisels are sound and that the ends are not mushrooming.
• Wear protection when using tools or materials that are likely to cause any form of splinter.
• Maintain a clear working space.
c Blow Lamps

• Blow lamps should only be filled when cold and should only be lit in the open.
• Never attempt to refill a blow lamp while it is alight, and only use the authorised fuel.
• Butane or propane blow lamps must be stored in a cold, airy place that will not allow gas
pockets to form.
d Grinding Machines

• Trained personnel must only operate grinders.

• Eye Protection Must Be Worn
• Grinding wheels must only be changed by an authorised person who has attended an
approved training scheme and is certified to do so.
• The use of these machines is subject to the Abrasive Wheel Regulations, which must be
followed at all times.

E Woodworking Machines

• Only authorised and trained operatives may use woodworking machinery.

• Guards must be in position and secured at all times.
• Working area must be regularly swept clean and any obstructions removed immediately.
• When run for prolonged periods, ear protection must be used.
• If an operator is unsure about the use of a machine, working procedures and/or the
condition of the machine: the operator must not use the machine.
• Any defects on the machine should be reported immediately to the supervisor responsible.

2.21 WORKSHOP FACILITIES

• Operatives are responsible for ensuring that workshops and all associated areas are kept
clean and tidy at all times. In particular circulation spaces are to be kept clear.
• Operatives are responsible for ensuring that tools and materials are kept tidily.
• Operatives should ensure that the lighting and ventilation are adequate.
• Workshops must be kept locked whenever possible to prevent unauthorised entry and
notices should be posted to this effect.
• Operatives must ensure that all workshop equipment is properly guarded and that
protective clothing is worn where required.
• Each workshop shall be provided with a noticeboard exhibiting statutory safety notices and
properly stocked first aid box, together with details of where further medical aid can be
obtained. Operatives must familiarise themselves with these details.
• Workshop tools or equipment must NOT be loaned out for use by unauthorised persons.
2.22 WELFARE FACILITIES

Poor personal hygiene causes stomach upsets and food poisoning. Operatives must wash
their hands before eating food. Food and drink must only be consumed in the messroom(s)
provided or the Refectory.

Operatives must use the approved changing facilities provided and dispose of all dirty or
contaminated clothing in the appropriate receptacle.
2.23 PLANT AND SERVICE AREAS

The use of plant rooms, electrical switch rooms and other service areas such as service ducts,
roof spaces and flat roofs, shall be strictly limited to the purpose for which they were designed.

Entrances to such areas must be kept locked and notices displayed indicating that
unauthorised persons shall not enter.

2.24 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

• Operatives will be provided with all protective clothing and equipment necessary to carry
out their duties. The use of this protective clothing and equipment is not optional, it
must be worn.
• If you consider that you need protective clothing and equipment and it is not available,
check with your supervisor.
• Protective clothing/equipment issued on a personal basis is the responsibility of the
operative to keep in a safe and clean condition.
• Protective clothing/equipment must not be used when found to be damaged or defective,
but must be reported to your supervisor immediately.
• Always use barrier cream and cleansing cream provided in workshops.

2.25 ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

All accidents, however small, must be reported to your supervisor and an accident form
completed. The name of the Supervisor will be posted on the notice board in each workshop.

Operatives must report all potential hazards or areas of concern to the Supervisor so that
remedial action can be taken.

2.26 SAFETY INFORMATION

Should you require any safety information, ask your supervisor or the Safety Manager.
2.27 INSTRUCTIONS TO MAINTENANCE STAFF WHEN WORKING IN LABORATORIES

a GENERAL

The first duty of any member of Maintenance entering a laboratory is to ensure his own health
and safety. You must refuse to work in any area that has not been adequately cleared of
hazardous materials and not move any materials, which may be hazardous.

The Head of the Department in which the work is being carried out is responsible for all safety
in that department including that of Maintenance staff when working there. Heads of
Department should know all the hazards in their departments and so are in the best position to
ensure that areas where maintenance staff will be working are safe.
Laboratory departments must make arrangements to make safe any area in which
maintenance work needs to be done. If this is not done you should consult your supervisor
and not work until the area is made safe.

b WORK OUTSIDE NORMAL WORKING HOURS

Safe practices are especially important outside normal working hours, when assistance is less
likely in case of emergency. Any activities in laboratories should be restricted to make-safe
operations only.

When flooding is the problem the usual protection of boots should be worn and gloves should
be available in case contaminated surfaces have to be handled. If flooding has caused large-
scale disruption and left chemicals, laboratory materials etc., floating about, then the matter
should be treated as a chemical or hazardous materials spillage and the Fire Brigade should
be asked to deal with it.

In attempting to make-safe by shutting down services, night emergency staff should not
attempt to reach the most obvious control if it is hazardous to do so. The nearest safe
shutdown control should be used even though this would shut down a larger area than strictly
necessary.

2.28 RADIATION LABORATORIES

a GENERAL

Great care should be taken with radiation, as it is hazardous to health. In addition it is

possible to contaminate areas outside radiation laboratories if care is not taken.
Decontamination is expensive. The following guidelines are intended to ensure the safety of
maintenance operatives working in radiation laboratories or on radioactive drainage runs.

Safety within any department is the responsibility of the Head of Department. Each
department that uses radioisotopes also has a Departmental Radiation Supervisor who is
appointed by the Head of Department. The Departmental Radiation Supervisor is trained in
radiation safety and has the responsibility to maintain radiation safety in laboratories. In
addition it is the responsibility of the Departmental Radiation Supervisor to ensure that areas
where maintenance operatives are required to work, are safe.
Maintenance operatives should on no account commence work in radiation laboratories until
they have received authorisation from the Departmental Radiation Supervisor stating that it is
safe for them to proceed.

The Radiation Safety Officer (telephone 6944) is available to provide assistance should this
be necessary. He should always be consulted before work commences on a radioactive
drainage run.

IF IN DOUBT ASK. You must not take responsibility for radiation safety upon yourself.
b DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES

Normal Working Hours

• Immediately contact the Departmental Radiation Supervisor of the department concerned.

• Contact the UCL Radiation Safety Officer( telephone 46944).

• Proceed only with their advice.

• Out Of Normal Working Hours

• Arrangements exist for a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) to be on call at all times. The
telephone number of the UCL RPA is held by the Front Lodge and the Hospital switchboard
has a rota of telephone numbers of RPA's who are 'on call'.

• The 'on call' RPA should be contacted if maintenance staff have any queries concerning a
potential radiation hazard associated with the emergency.

• Do not proceed with any work in a radiation laboratory unless you are certain it is safe to do
so. Do not assume that an area is safe because the RPA can't be contacted.

c RADIATION HAZARDS - A GENERAL COMMENT FOR INFORMATION

The quantities of radioactive materials used in the laboratories in the UCL are small.
Concentrated stock solutions are kept in locked stores or refrigerators so that the external
radiation hazards to maintenance operatives entering laboratories are insignificant. The
possible hazard to maintenance staff is therefore contamination of the skin and ingestion or
inhalation of small amounts of radioactive material. In spite of this specialist advice should
always be taken before working in any radiation laboratory or radioactive drainage run.
Contamination can be prevented by the sensible use of wellington boots, overalls and rubber
gloves. Normal hygiene and cleanliness (i.e., washing hands) will prevent ingestion.
Inhalation would only occur in the event of fire causing vaporisation of radioactive material -
the Fire Brigade is equipped to deal with this problem.