Accessibility statement

Chemical Safety

Introduction

‘There is no such thing as a harmless substance, but there is such thing as a harmless dose’

There are many potential chemical hazards associated with biological research and teaching.  However, if work is conducted with care, using appropriate precautions to either prevent or control exposure to chemicals and other hazardous substances to a minimum, the risks can be reduced to low and acceptable levels.

The following sets out departmental policy and guidance on safe management of chemical substances that could present a risk to both health and safety. These implement the University Policy and Management Procedure for hazardous substances.

Key principles and working practices that the Department expect all workers to follow and apply when working with hazardous chemical substances are summarised on posters Working safely with chemicals poster (PDF , 2,109kb).  A large version of the posters should also be displayed in all lab areas where chemicals are stored and handled.