General Risk Assessment

Title of Activity:	Working in Robotics Laboratories
Location(s) of Work:	I.P.A.B. Area

Brief Description of Work: Working with robots and other lab equipment.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: Identify all the hazards; evaluate the risks (low / medium / high); describe all existing control measures and identify any further measures required. Specific hazards should be assessed on a separate risk assessment form and cross-referenced with this document. Specific assessments are available for hazardous substances, biological agents, display screen equipment, manual handling operations and fieldwork. See http://www.safety.ed.ac.uk/safenet/index.shtml for details.

HAZARD(s)	RISK L / M / H	CONTROL MEASURES (i.e.alternative work methods/mechanical aids/engneering controls, etc.)
Electrical equipment (electrocution)	L	All portable electrical equipment must be PA tested at correct intervals and labelled with the date of test. Electrical cables, plugs should be regularly visually inspected by the user for damage. Any defective equipment should be reported and taken out of use until the repair has been effected. Electrical equipment must always be operated in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
Trapping, Impact / Crushing		Only authorised persons may work with robots. Robot users must read the Safe Code of Working Practice for each robot type where applicable. Where appropriate the working area should be sufficiently guarded and signed to prevent unauthorised entry.
Slipping/tripping	L	Working areas should be kept clear of obstructions. Any spillages should be cleaned up immediately. Any hazards such as torn carpets, trailing cables, defects to floors coverings, faulty lighting etc. should be reported immediately. Chairs or desks must not be used for reaching heights, steps should be used instead.
Fire	L	Equipment should be switched off when not in use for long periods. All portable electrical equipment must be PA tested at appropriate intervals. Robotics laboratory users must be acquainted with the Fire Routine Procedure for the building. Fire Stewards must be appointed to cover the robotics laboratory area.
Lifting of heavy loads (back injuries)	L	A risk assessment should be completed for lifting heavy and bulky loads that present risk of injury. Training in lifting techniques should be provided for persons who undertake lifting of heavy loads.
Lone and out of hours working	L	Working alone and out of working hours in the robotic labs is prohibited unless permission is given and a lone working risk assessmen t is carried out.

Engineering Controls: Tick relevant boxes.

Guarding	X	Extraction (LEV)
Interlocks		Enclosure	X
Other relevant information: Refer to the Safe Code of Working Practice for each robot type where applicable.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Identify all necessary PPE.

Eye/Face		Hand/Arm
Feet/Legs		Respiratory
Body (clothing)		Hearing
Other (specify)
Specify the grade(s) of PPE to be worn:
Specify when during the activity the item(s) of PPE must be worn:

Non-disposable items of PPE must be inspected regularly and records retained for inspection

Persons at Risk: Identify all those who may be at risk.

Academic staff	X	Technical staff	X	P'Grad students	X	U'Grad students	X
Maintenance staff		Office staff		Cleaning staff		Emergency personnel
Contractors		Visitors	X	Others

Additional Information: Identify any additional relevant information to the activity, including supervision, training requirements, special emergency procedures, requirement for health surveillance, etc.

Any person working in the robotics laboratories must familiarise themselves with Part Two of the University Health and Safety Policy at: http://www.safety.ed.ac.uk/policy/part2/part2.shtm

Assessment carried out by:

Name: David Wyse

Date: 15/02/2006

Review Date: 15/02/2007
15/02/2008

Revised: February 2008

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