Safety Assessment
Introduction to Safety Assessment
The Safety Assessment Form (SAFE) provides a rapid means for identifying potential hazards in the Chemical Engineering Laboratory. SAFE acts as a useful reference which displays possible hazards that can occur in each step in an experiment.
SAFE forms
The form is available here in PDF format as SAFE
Format of Finalized SAFE
The first section is used for identification of each experiment, which includes the name of the process. Space is provided for the person responsible for filling out the original SAFE form. Experimental procedure for a process may change. This could cause a change in the safety hazards associated with that experiment, making revisions necessary. There is a space provided for the person that makes these revisions, as well as a revision number, revision date, and revision approval of the appropriate faculty. Either Dr. Laurence or Mr. Garbin are the designated persons to approve the revised SAFE. Also, the first section contains a portion that includes the necessary personal protective equipment required for the lab. In most experiments, all equipment listed on this form (hard hat, safety glasses, ankle high boots, long pants) are required, but there are exceptions for some experiments.
The second section is divided into four columns. The first column contains a detailed sequence of steps to an experiment, including start-up, run time, and shut down. Potential hazards that can occur at each given step of the procedure are listed in the second column. The recommended procedure to prevent these hazards is listed in the third column and any personal protective equipmen t required for a given step is listed in the fourth column.
The last section of this form contains the location of safety devices nearest the experiment, as well as an emergency shut down procedure. These safety devices include the nearest fire extinguisher, emergency eye wash and shower, emergency exit, first aid kit, drain, and telephone.
Location of the SAFE
The current SAFE is to be posted adjacent to the relevant equipment and a copy to be submitted at the time of the Oral Preliminary report and Revisions, if necessary submitted with the Final Report.
SAFE Update
The SAFE document must be updated and submitted with each Final Report.