Hull Geological Society
Risk Assessment
Type of
activity: - volunteering to curate and conserve geological collections
(e.g. at the University of Hull, museums and stately homes)
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be supervised by a responsible
adult.
Do not
eat and drink in the room where the collection is stored. Always wash
your hand after handling geological specimens.
RISK ASSESSMENT:
|
HAZARD |
RISK |
Safety measures |
|
Sharp specimens – e.g. obsidian, flint, slate |
Risk of cuts |
Reduce the need for handling; handle with care; wear stout
gloves if necessary. |
|
Toxic minerals – e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury, barium minerals.
Slag |
Risk of poisoning |
Reduce the need for handling; wear protective gloves; if
possible contain the specimen in a separate plastic bag. |
|
Biohazards – such as Weil’s Disease |
Risk of serious illness |
Existing specimens in collections should be safe. New
specimens should be washed or kept for over 6 month before
accessioning. |
|
Pyrite Rot – specimens decay and
give off sulfuric acid |
Risk of damage to furniture |
Store in dry conditions or keep dry in a separate container. |
|
Dust and dirt on specimens in the collection |
|
Do not wear your best clothing. Wash hands regularly. Always
wash hands before eating and drinking. |
|
Preparing and repairing specimens |
|
If required this should be undertaken in a separate room if
possible wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment. A
separate Risk Assessment may be required for this, |