Using the App

Lab Safety Essentials

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This is the foundation safety induction every new pathology BMS, MLA, and AP should complete. It pulls together the dedicated simulators (COSHH, ACDP, Sharps, Sample Transport, Equipment) into a single induction track.

What it does

• Provides a structured induction across all six pillars of laboratory safety
• Each pillar has a short knowledge check
• Generates a certificate of completion for your induction record
• Identifies areas where deeper-dive simulators (articles 45, 53, 58, etc.) are recommended for your role

The six safety pillars

1. Biological safety

• ACDP Hazard Groups (HG1-4) — see article 45 for the dedicated simulator
• Containment levels (CL1-4)
• Universal / standard precautions
• Sharps and needle-stick injuries — article 53
• Spill response — small spill vs large spill protocols
• Vaccination status — HBV, MMR, varicella, BCG (where appropriate)

2. Chemical safety

• COSHH compliance — article 58 for the dedicated simulator
• Common pathology chemicals — formalin, xylene, methanol
• WEL / STEL interpretation
• Spill response, chemical eye exposure, ingestion

3. Physical safety

• Manual handling — sample boxes, reagent containers
• Slips, trips, falls — wet floor protocols
• Centrifuge safety — rotor balance, lid interlock checks
• Sharps — covered in chemical and biological pillars

4. Ergonomic safety

• Workstation set-up — microscope use, screen positioning
• Repetitive strain — pipetting, microtomy
• Display screen equipment (DSE) assessments
• Manual handling certificate completion

5. Electrical safety

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) cycle
• Cable management, sockets, overloading
• Working near liquids
• Reporting damaged equipment

6. Fire safety

• Fire alarm response, assembly points
• Fire-extinguisher classes (Water, Foam, CO₂, Dry Powder, Wet Chemical)
• Hot work permits (rare in pathology but exist for some processor work)
• Flammable storage cabinets (ethanol, acetone)
• Smoke / heat detector positioning in fume cupboards

Mandatory training expectations

Most NHS trusts require completion within the first month of employment:

• New starters — full induction
• Annual refresh — most pillars
• Role-specific deep-dive — when entering new specialty work (e.g. transferring to histology adds formalin / xylene depth)

Standards alignment

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and amendments
• COSHH 2002 — chemical hazards
• PUWER 1998 — work equipment
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• DSE Regulations 1992
• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• RRO (Fire Safety) 2005 — Regulatory Reform Order
• HSE — overall regulator

Bands and competency mapping

• Band 2-4 — execute training, recognise hazards, report incidents
• Band 5 — supervise juniors, ensure they have completed their induction
• Band 6 / 7 — local safety lead role in own section
• Band 7 / 8 — service-wide health-and-safety officer, chair safety committee

Lab Safety Essentials is the gateway to the more specific simulators — completing it tells the system where you need depth, then surfaces the matching deep-dive (articles 45, 51, 53, 58, 59).