Accessibility statement
 

Hazardous Substances

  • The fieldwork risk assessment must consider the use and control of hazardous substances (e.g. chemicals, biological hazards, radioactive sources) used or encountered (e.g. a trip to sample river sediments might cause exposure to potentially harmful microorganisms like Leptospirosis – Weil's Disease) on field trips.
  • Dangerous substances must be used only by competent persons and handled, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the same degree of care as in the laboratory. Risk assessments must identify significant hazards and effective controls.  Where practicable, hazards should be eliminated or reduced by substituting for less harmful substances.
  • Dangerous substances must be disposed of safely and in accordance with local environmental legislation.