University of Cambridge
School of Clinical Medicine
BRC Cambridge NIHR Phenotyping Hub
Risk Assessment Form
This form is to be filled in if hazard ratings/quantities/dilutions make University procedures and/or “Good Laboratory Practice” insufficient control.
Person responsible:Simon McCallum / Personnel involved:
Authorised Maintenance users (who have signed safety form RA2; also engineers
Activity being assessed:
Alignment of FACSCalibur, FACSCantoII and LSRFortessas
Hazards identified:
Laser eye injury by inadvertent reflection-medium risk
Laser skin injury-low risk
Laser injury to other personnel-low risk
Control measures to reduce the level of risk
The geometry of these laser delivery systems is such that the beams cannot escape the confines of the optical system under normal system alignment, circumstances in which this isn’t true are covered in a separate risk assessment. (analyser-configuration). No reflective objects can be worn or used to interrupt the beam. Anodised allen keys are used to align the laser light.
The beams (post fibre in some cases) are all less than 100mW in power, whilst this presents an eye hazard, the hazard to skin is substantially less; laboratory gloves must be worn to prevent degrading the optical elements and these are protection enough.
During alignment, little risk is present to other personnel in the room, entry to the room is limited by card access, which largely limits staff present to those trained on one of the machines within.
If the alignment is not routine and extensive work may be necessary, the other instruments should be booked out as 'maintenance', a 'laser maintenance' sign will then be place on the door facing outside
Control measures to reduce the level of risk (cont.):
Level of Risk Remaining.
low
Emergency procedures
First Aid:
all suspected laser eye injuries should be investigated clinically
Name and status of assessor:
Simon McCallum / Date of assessment:
25th January 2016
Signature of assessor: / Revision due date:
1st September 2016