Health and Safety in NZ Archaeology

Introduction

This part of the website is a portal to information regarding Health and Safety issues for archaeologists working in New Zealand. While every attempt to keep th

Safety for the individuals

Archaeology and OSH

Safety in Fieldwork practise

Field survey

On construction sites

During excavations

Safety in Lab Environments

Rules within Laboratory environments are usually well established but if they are not then you should ensure that the necessary actions take place. Typical examples of some of these rules are listed below:

• Laboratory coats or other protective clothing appropriate to the task in hand must always be worn.
• In addition to a laboratory coat, goggles and rubber gloves should always be worn when handling chemicals of any type. With hazardous reagents additional precautions should be taken.
• Smoking in laboratories is absolutely forbidden.
• No food or drink should be taken into or consumed in a laboratory.
• Read the instructions for all equipment and materials in use. You should not only be TRAINED in their use but be sufficiently COMPETENT (i.e. experienced) in what you are doing.
• With dangerous reagents acquaint yourself with the procedures in the event of an accident; charts explaining the necessary precautions and safety measures are displayed in the appropriate areas. Reference can also be made to the Hazard Data books supplied by chemical companies.
• When using strong acids, oxidising agents or alkalis prepare all reagents in a fume cupboard, wear a laboratory coat and neoprene gloves, and always use suitable containers for storing and pouring the solutions.
• Laboratories must be kept clean and tidy at all times.
• Field samples, prepared samples, etc., when not in use and required for further work must be clearly labeled and placed in a designated storage area.
• You are responsible for all the equipment which you use. Breakages must be notified.
• All glassware, sieves, etc., must be washed, cleaned, sterilised (as appropriate) and returned either to the cupboard or the drying rack/cabinet (again as appropriate) immediately after use. Microscopes are to be left clean and covered at all times.
• Chemicals and apparatus not on the benches must be obtained from the laboratory superintendent or the tutor in charge. No unauthorised person may enter the chemical or equipment stores.
• No preparation or piece of equipment is to be left unattended without the completion of an "apparatus working" card.
• In the event of an accident inform the Lab Manager
• All accidents and 'near misses' (no matter how trivial) must be noted on a Departmental Accident slip. These slips can be found inside the doors of the First Aid Cabinets in each laboratory.

Handling of artefacts

Handling of chemicals

Safety in the office

Hardly romantic

Useful Resources

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