Environmental laboratory and workshop safety

Before using any of our workshops or labs, please make sure you read and understand our induction Booklet. These rules are designed to maintain safe and productive workspaces.

Before commencing with your work, discuss your intended lab activities with the respective technician in charge. They will be able to co-ordinate your activity with other lab users and provide you with any specific safety information.

The ESP lab is our main rock and wood processing facility with machines that have specific training requirements. All ESP lab users are required to complete a safety induction to be approved access and then undergo further training for their specific needs.

Laboratory rules

• Nobody is permitted to work in the ESP lab without completing a lab safety induction with signed approval from the technician in charge
• ESP lab users may only work on equipment they are trained and approved to use
• ESP lab users must work in accordance with the safety procedures and training provided
• Those who have not completed an induction may enter the ESP lab only when accompanied and supervised by the technician in charge or fully inducted ENV staff member
• All work must be approved by the technician in charge
• Only technical staff are permitted to undertake repairs and maintenance
• Always report any defective equipment or potentially dangerous conditions.

Technician in charge: ESP lab
Andres Arcila
Phone ext: 87417
Email: a.arcila@auckland.ac.nz

The School has three HSNO-exempt laboratories used specifically for chemical preparation and analysis of environmental and geological samples and materials. All users must complete a three-hour safety induction session to be granted access to these labs or undertake any work which involves handling chemicals or hazardous substances.

Safety induction

The process

1. Contact the technician in charge to register for a safety induction.
2. Complete the pre-induction reading (below).
3. Attend a safety induction, lab tour and practical session (usually provided in the first week of each month)
4. Complete and pass an online quiz in your own time (you must attain 18/20 or better to pass)
5. Get final sign off from the technical manager or technician in charge.

Pre-reading and material

Please note that you will be issued with a full hard copy of these readings when you receive your lab safety folder. Please consider the environment before you print this material.

Technician in Charge, Chemical Labs
Natalia Abrego
Phone ext: 82433
Email: n.abrego@auckland.ac.nz

Databases

Find extra information about chemicals and chemical safety by browsing through our database section.

Look now: Information about databases

The x-ray centre provides users with the opportunity to generate both qualitative and quantitative data of powdered crystalline materials using state-of-the-art x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments, respectively.

Our technical and academic experts are available for consultation on new experimental designs using the XRD or the XRF.

How to use the centre:

• All bookings including training, sample preparation and the use of x-ray equipment, are to be made in iLab, under the View Equipment Availability tab above.
• View the schedule of the service you wish to use and then propose a time on the equipment calendar, adding any additional services you need using the electronic form provided.
• With the exception of users contracting the services of the centre's staff, safety training and sample preparation training must be undertaken before using the sample preparation lab or any x-ray equipment. To request operational or x-ray safety training, use the Initiate Training request in the View Equipment Availability tab above.
• Centre staff will propose a quote to you which, when agreed, will allow the work to begin.
• University of Auckland users must provide a project code to charge the work to and external users must provide a purchase order before work will commence.

Technician in charge
Brian Sowman
Phone: +64 9 923 4128
Email: b.sowman@auckland.ac.nz

Find out more about machinery and plant safety when working or studying in a lab.

Look now: Machinery and plant safety

Document Control
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: Dec 2019
Next Review: Dec 2022
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing