Introduction to Laboratory Safety for Chemists

Work Safely. Assess Risks. Protect Your Research.

Chemistry laboratories involve a range of hazards, from hazardous substances and reactions to specialist equipment. This practical course provides the knowledge and confidence needed to identify chemical hazards, complete effective COSHH risk assessments, and apply appropriate control measures.

What You'll Learn

• The principles of activity-based risk assessment
• COSHH requirements for laboratory work
• How to identify hazardous substances and interpret hazard information
• Routes of exposure and associated health risks
• The hierarchy of control measures
• Selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Practical approaches to completing COSHH assessments

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Complete activity-based COSHH risk assessments
• Identify chemical hazards and interpret hazard information
• Recognise routes of exposure and associated risks
• Apply COSHH requirements to laboratory activities
• Select appropriate control measures and PPE
• Assess laboratory risks with greater confidence and accuracy

Who Should Attend?

• Academic staff working in chemistry laboratories
• Research staff and postdoctoral researchers
• Postgraduate students
• Laboratory technicians and managers
• Health & Safety Coordinators
• Research project leaders
• Anyone responsible for writing, reviewing, or approving COSHH assessments

Why Attend?

Develop the skills to identify chemical hazards, assess risks effectively, and implement practical controls that support safe, compliant, and successful research.

Build confidence in COSHH risk assessment, strengthen your laboratory safety knowledge, and help create a safer research environment.

Dates:

7^th October 2026, 11:00 – 13:00

20^th January 2027, 10:00 – 12:00

For staff to book on this course, please use this link Introduction to Laboratory Safety for Chemists to go directly to UoRLearn and enrol on a course.