Research
Overview
Research work may involve hazards that have the potential to cause harm to health and safety. It is essential that any hazards are properly managed to ensure safe undertaking of the project.
Systems, tools and procedures
Orientation
New researchers and research staff should be oriented in:
- - general EHS procedures (such as emergency evacuation, hazard reporting, accident/incident reporting and first aid) and
- - specific high risk hazards relating to the research project.
At orientation it is advisable to provide a copy of written safety procedures to the researcher, such as the Safety Rules and Procedures for Researchers Manual (PDF format, 1.6 Mb) used by the Faculty of Science. A record of the orientation should also be kept by the research supervisor.
Risk Assessment Tools and Procedure
Research supervisors have a legal duty to assess the health and safety risks of their research work. Where a system of work, or work environment, has hazards with the potential to cause harm to health and safety, the supervisor must assess the risks arising from those hazards. The research supervisor also has a legal duty to make sure that these identified EHS risks are then managed to make the workplace safe.
Steps of risk management for UTS research projects:
- At the design stage of a research program or project, when funding is sought, the First Chief Investigator is required to identify EHS risks as part of the funding application. The research funding application form, or Research Information Form (RIF), facilitates an initial overview of possible EHS and ethics risks at the design stage of a research program. It allows the First Chief Investigator to identify whether the project/program has any foreseeable hazards that might arise from the research work. It flags steps that must be taken to manage risk well before commencement of any work. For example, contacting the UTS Biosafety or Ethics committees.
- The table below shows a list of hazard types. If your research work involves any of these then a Risk Management Plan must be documented.
Hazard or source of risk Examples Genetically Modified Organisms Any dealings with GMOs, genetic manipulation Pathogenic Micro-organisms Pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungi or viruses, human blood or bodily fluids. Ionising Radiation Radioactive substances Cytotoxins Carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens Chemical Dangerous goods, hazardous substances, dust, fumes, vapours and gases Physical Noise, hazardous plant/equipment, lasers, ionising radiation source or apparatus, extreme temperature, compressed gases, pressure vessels, lifts/hoists/cranes, electrical equipment, lifting or moving awkward or heavy objects, repetitive or awkward movements Work Environment Outdoor work, work in confined space, work in isolation, work at a height, potentially volatile or violent clients/interviewees Environment Emissions to atmosphere, discharge to soil and water bodies, nuisance noise and odour.
- When the project is about to commence, the First Chief Investigator is required to complete a Research Risk Management Plan (MS Word format, 152 Kb) for research work having EHS hazards listed above.
- Put in place safety measures to prevent your project causing harm to yourself or others.
EHS Risk Management Process Overview
New research project (funded or unfunded)
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1. First Chief Investigator completes Research Information Form (RIF) and sends to RIO for funding approval. | |
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2. If any EHS hazards are present ... | |
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3. First Chief Investigator completes Risk Management Plan and sends to A/Dean Research. | |
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4. Prior to commencement of research work:
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| Risk assessments for various hazard types referenced by the Risk Management Plan | |
| Biosafety Committee assessment and approval | Clinical/industrial placement declaration |
| Diving risk assessment and diving plan | Fieldwork risk assessment |
| Chemical risk assessment | Laboratory/workshop equipment risk assessment |
| Plug-in electrical equipment risk assessment | Research Risk Assessment (for miscellaneous risks) |