Submitted by A.J. Wilby on Tue, 30/09/2025 - 00:00
Your summary of the latest H&S developments, notices, and more at CEB & the University, courtesy of Dr Jessica Fitzgibbon - Department Safety Manager
Set the standard
A new academic year is around the corner, and that means we will soon have a wave of new students starting. Please help them settle in, and remember that they will be looking around to learn the ropes. Make sure to wear your lab coat and eye protection, observe the one glove policy, and all the other lab basics: Laboratory Conduct | CEB Intranet
Weird Waste
Last month we had to temporarily lock up our waste store and call in the Safety Office specialists after some antique chemicals that someone found in a garage and brought into the Department for disposal turned out to be much more hazardous than they thought!
Please note that waste from home should never be brought into CEB for disposal. If you aren’t sure how to dispose of something, you should consult the council; Recycling and rubbish A to Z - Cambridge City Council is a good starting point.
Cold room cleaning
Our cold rooms are currently sparkling and mould-free after a professional deep-clean. However, the mould will return unless we keep them clean and clear. Please check the new rules on the door, and remember to remove any items that are absorbent, mouldy, or not needed. Talk to the Tech Team about experiments you are running in the rooms or use a (laminated, mould-proof!) unattended running card to provide details, as equipment that does not seem to be in use could be removed without notice.
Check before you buy
Please check in with labtech@ceb.cam.ac.uk before you buy new equipment for the lab. This is especially necessary if the item is not a standard piece of off-the-shelf laboratory equipment, e.g.: items intended for home use, items that are made or modified bespoke, items that are not designed for use in the UK, or items that you will repurpose for something other than their intended function. The Tech Team can help spot potential problems and make sure you get the most suitable item for the job.