About the Postgraduate Safety Training
The Safety Office runs this training each year. It is intended for all new postgraduate students in science based Departments and Institutions. Part III and Erasmus students may also attend but Departments and Institutions should tell us directly about these students, in advance.
This training is an introduction to health and safety in the University. Departments and Institutions are expected to supplement this with an induction into local arrangements for health and safety and to advise postgraduate students on further safety training.
General information about the training is sent to postgraduate students by the Safety Office. Departments and Institutions should provide specific guidance on what their students should attend.
All University Departments Handling Biological Materials
Part II and Part III Students and Others Undertaking Project Work
These undergraduate students require induction, including general safety, to the department and to the specific laboratory in which they are working, given by a suitable/appropriate person(s).
Training and supervision in the techniques of the project must also incorporate the elements of health and safety.
Biological work is rarely done in ‘isolation’ from chemicals and equipment and therefore the use of chemicals eg phenol and equipment eg centrifuges need to be addressed along with any biological hazard in a holistic manner.
Specific, appropriate, named person(s) need to be assigned for the training, supervision and monitoring eg named technician, senior post doc etc.
The training and monitoring etc of the individuals must be accurately documented.
These students must not be undertaking any high risk work eg working at containment level 3
PI/group leader has overall responsibility to ensure all the above happens.
There should be a project planning stage well in advance of the project commencement date when the project details are determined including risk assessments and controls.
Transferable skills
All the UK Research Councils regard health and safety issues as an essential part of training requirements for research students. Students can gain credits for Transferable Skills Training by attending this Safety Course and other courses provided by the Safety Office.