Risk Assessment Risk Assessment for the activity of Planeterrella demonstration Date 2017-11-09 Unit/Faculty/Directorate FPSE Assessor John Coxon Line Manager/Supervisor Robert Fear Signed off PART A (1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management Hazard Potential Consequences Who might be harmed (user; those nearby; those in the vicinity; members of the public) Inherent Residual Further controls (use the risk hierarchy) Likelihood Impact Score Control measures (use the risk hierarchy) Likelihood Impact Score Improper use of planeterrella Failure to observe and carry out control measures listed below Demonstrators, those nearby 4 4 16 Only trained persons will use the planeterrella; training will be provided either before operation or by either John or Andrew Smith. 1 4 4 Acrylic dome failure during operation. Implosion due to vacuum. Demonstrators, those nearby 3 4 12 Acrylic used is 15mm thick (as opposed to 10mm in plans) and annealed to reduce risk of structural failure. Chamber is inspected before use. 1 4 4
Exposure to high voltages Electric shock or electrocution Demonstrators, those nearby 2 4 8 Electrical equipment meets the relevant safety regulations, has been PAT tested, and is regularly re-tested. Electrical components are inaccessible without disassembly of control box. High voltage can only be engaged with low enough pressure. 1 4 4 Manual handling Back injuries or other handling injuries, damage to planeterrella. Demonstrators 3 3 9 Equipment is mounted on a trolley to reduce manual handling required. Handles are provided to allow for easier movement of the acrylic dome. All demonstrators are required by the university to do manual handling videos. 1 3 3
Tripping due to leads Fall-related injuries. Demonstrators, those nearby 4 3 12 Tape will be provided in the planeterrella kit to secure power leads, and planeterrella will be positioned as close to mains power as possible. 1 3 3 Fire Fire-related injuries. Demonstrators, those in the vicinity 3 4 12 Electrical equipment meets the relevant safety regulations, has been PAT tested, and is regularly re-tested. Planeterrella will be situated in order to avoid blocking fire escape routes, and demonstrators will follow fire evacuation procedures for the building/event. 1 4 4 Bumping into the planeterrella Injuries from bumping into trolley and ensuing motion of trolley, damage to the planeterrella. Demonstrators, those nearby 3 4 12 The trolley has rounded corners. The trolley will have its wheels locked on a flat surface to ensure its stability. 1 4 4
Hot probes after demonstrations Burns Demonstrators 3 4 12 Probes are not accessible during operation – oven gloves will be provided in the case demonstrators need to handle probes after demonstration. 1 4 4 UV emissions Skin cancer, eye damage Demonstrators, those in the vicinity 1 5 5 The planeterrella’s UV emissions have been tested by James Gates, who has confirmed that they are at safe levels for human exposure. 1 1 5 Working with children/vulnerable people/the public Demonstrators are not required to have DBS checks and so cannot be alone with children or vulnerable people. Demonstrators, children, vulnerable people 3 4 12 Demonstrators will not be left alone with children or vulnerable people at any time during public engagement. Parents, teachers or group leaders will remain responsible for supervision of their children/group, as appropriate. 1 4 4