Safety

Commitment & Accountability

The Department

    The Department of Physics is committed to upholding the University`s dedication to conducting all operations in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

  1. Compliance with University Safety Regulations: The Department diligently observes and adheres to all safety regulations and rules established by the University.
  2. Development of Specific Policies: The Department formulates its own policies, regulations, and procedures pertaining to various topics such as Safety Orientation, PHYS - Safety Clearance Form , Access Control, and Chemical Safety.
  3. Adherence to HSEO Guidelines: The Department strictly follows all safety guidelines and regulations outlined in HSEO - SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MANUAL .
  4. Emphasis on Safety Training: The Department actively adopts the safety training courses offered by HSEO where attendance is required. In cases where specific training is necessary for laboratory users, The Department collaborates with HSEO and other units at HKUST to arrange suitable training sessions.

Head of Department

    The Head of Department holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety performance of the staff and the proper execution of tasks within the Department in a safe manner.

  1. To support this responsibility, the Head of Department assigns the Dept. Safety Committee , which aids in establishing safety policies, providing safety guidelines, and overseeing safety-related matters.
  2. Additionally, a DSO ( Departmental Safety Officer ) is appointed by the Head of Department to serve as a liaison with HSEO (the Health, Safety, and Environment Office) and manage safety issues within the Department as a whole.
  3. To further assist the Departmental Safety Officer , two Deputy Safety Officers are designated, one in the Research Laboratories Area and another in the Teaching Laboratories Area. They provide additional support and oversight in their respective areas.
  4. In the General Office Area, Senior Manager (Adminstration) designates a Safety Delegate (General Office) from the General Office to coordinate safety matters specific to that area.
  5. These roles and responsibilities ensure a comprehensive approach to safety management within the Department , with clear lines of authority and accountability for maintaining a safe working environment.

Faculty Members

    Faculty Members bear the responsibility of ensuring that their laboratory workers are well-informed about the potential hazards associated with their operations. It is essential that these workers are familiar with the necessary safety controls and emergency procedures.

  1. In cases where laboratory workers are awaiting completion of the required HSEO Safety Training , it is the Faculty Members ` sole responsibility to provide them with sufficient safety knowledge that enables them to work safely in the laboratory.
  2. Faculty Members must prioritize the safety of their laboratory workers and should not permit them to engage in experiments involving potential hazards (such as laser experiments or the use of respirators) until they have successfully completed the relevant safety trainings and medical checks.

You

    Your safety is your personal responsibility as a laboratory user, whether you are a student or staff member.

  1. If you are new to our laboratories, it is mandatory for you to attend both Department of Physics and HSEO Safety Orientations. Additionally, your Supervisor and the DSO ( Departmental Safety Officer ) will assign relevant HSEO Safety Training for you to complete.
  2. It is imperative to consistently adhere to the laws of Hong Kong, as well as the safety regulations and guidelines implemented within the campus.
  3. Utilizing the knowledge gained from the HSEO Safety Training in your laboratory practices is of utmost importance.
  4. Prior to completing the required HSEO Safety Training or undergoing a medical checkup, it is crucial to abstain from participating in experiments that entail potential hazards, such as laser experiments.
  5. In the event of any safety concerns or incidents, such as laboratory accidents, within the Department , it is important to promptly notify both your Supervisor and the Departmental Safety Officer .
  6. By recognizing and following these guidelines, you are part of crucial ingredients of the safe laboratory environment for both yourself and others.

Safety

PHYS - Safety by Topics

Safety Training

    The Department acknowledges the significance of safety training in equipping employees and students with essential knowledge for carrying out their tasks and projects safely.

  1. HSEO webpage: GENERAL SAFETY COURSES
  2. To fulfill this commitment, the Department encourages and requests staff and students to participate in the safety training courses offered by HSEO (the Health, Safety, and Environment Office) based on the specific requirements of the labs.
  3. Collaboratively, the Department and HSEO work together to organize specialized safety training courses for department members as necessary, including undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  4. Faculty Members have the responsibility to ensure that their employees and students receive appropriate safety training relevant to their work. If a specific safety training course is unavailable, Faculty Members must either provide the training themselves or appoint someone capable of delivering on-site training that aligns with the relevant safety requirements.
  5. Both employees and students bear the responsibility of conducting their work in accordance with the established safety regulations and guidelines provided. It is imperative for them to undergo the necessary safety training before engaging in hazardous operations, such as laser or radiation-related activities.

Work Planning

    The Faculty Members have to evaluate the safety risk of the workplace and work activities and ensure that the hardware, methods and personal requirement are available

  1. HSEO webpage: Work Planning and Procedures
  2. To obtain HSEO assistance on work planning, end users shall raise a verbal or written request for a safety inspection for setting up a new lab or new equipment and for modifying existing ones.
  3. HSEO shall be contacted directly or through DSO for an evaluation of hazard or any safety concern involved.
  4. Depending on the nature of the job, site inspection by HSEO or joint inspection by HSEO and relevant party, such as CMO/BS, CMO/LS, MDMF(CWB), shall be arranged.
  5. A verbal or written (via e-mails mostly) approval issued by HSEO shall be obtained before starting the work.
  6. A final safety inspection by HSEO or jointly with relevant party shall be conducted upon completion of the job.

Safety Inspection

    HSEO and the Department will collaborate in conducting routine Safety Inspections.

  1. HSEO webpage: SAFETY INSPECTION
  2. These Safety Inspections will take place regularly throughout the year.
  3. The primary objective of these inspections is to identify any safety and housekeeping issues that require rectification.
  4. Following the inspection, the HSEO Inspector will prepare the Safety Inspection Report (SIR) and provide it to the lab in-charges. The report will outline the necessary corrections and improvements to be addressed.

Laser Safety

    The Department ensures strict compliance with the Hong Kong Government Regulations regarding the use of lasers and adheres to all safety programs recommended by HSEO as outlined in Chapter 11: Laser Safety ( HSEO - SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MANUAL ).


  1. HSEO webpage: Laser Safety
  2. HSEO `s Reference: HSEO - Requirements For Hazardous Operations (Lasers)

    To maintain safety standards, the following measures are implemented for Class III and Class IV Laser Systems:

    • 🡆 HSEO - Operational Safety Procedures (OSP) : A written and approved set of HSEO - Operational Safety Procedures (OSP) must be in place for every Class III and Class IV Laser System.
    • 🡆 Laser Warning Lights: Labs housing Class III or Class IV Laser Systems are required to install laser warning lights that are interlocked with the laser power supply.
    • 🡆 Laser Curtains/Blocks and Personal Protection Equipment: Laser curtains or blocks should be installed, and appropriate personal protection equipment such as laser goggles must be available.
    • 🡆 Laser System Registration: Each Class III and Class IV Laser System needs to be registered with HSEO as per the regulations.
    • 🡆 Laser Safety Training and Eye Examination: Users of Class III and Class IV Laser Systems must attend the Laser Safety training course MC04 - LASER SAFETY provided by HSEO and undergo an eye examination. They are also required to fill out the registration form to be officially recognized as a Laser Worker before conducting any laser-related work.
    • 🡆 "Work in Progress" Signage: When an experiment is running unattended for a short or extended period, a "Work in Progress" sign should be prominently displayed.

    Regarding the registration process as a Laser Worker:

  3. All users of Class III or Class IV Laser Systems must successfully complete and pass the HSEO Safety Course assessment ( MC04 - LASER SAFETY ), undergo an eye examination, and register as a Laser Worker to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
  4. By implementing these measures, the Department ensures that laser users adhere to the necessary safety standards and regulations, promoting a secure working environment.

Laser Hazards Control Plan

    The Principal Investigator (PI) or Lab Owner of a Laser Lab is responsible for submitting their Laser Hazards Control Plan to HSEO .

    For Laser Systems classified as Class III or Class IV, the following safety measures are required:

    • 🡆 Operational Safety Procedures (OSP): A written and approved set of HSEO - Operational Safety Procedures (OSP) must be in place for every Class III or Class IV Laser System.
    • 🡆 Laser Warning Lights: Labs housing Class III or Class IV Laser Systems should install laser warning lights that are interlocked with the laser power supply.
    • 🡆 Laser Curtains/Blocks and Personal Protection Equipment: Laser curtains or blocks should be installed, and appropriate personal protection equipment such as laser goggles must be made available.

    By adhering to these guidelines, the PI or Lab Owner ensures the implementation of necessary safety measures and compliance with regulations for Laser Labs.

Radiation Safety

    Users of the Powder Diffraction X-Ray system in the teaching lab must participate in the Radiation Safety training course provided by HSEO . Additionally, users are required to complete a registration form to be recognized as a Radiation User and obtain a TLD (Thermoluminescent Dosimeter) badge before engaging in XRD work.

    To ensure safety in the lab, the following measures should be implemented:

    • 🡆 X-Ray Warning Lights: X-Ray warning lights must be installed and interlocked with the X-Ray power supply to alert users of potential radiation hazards.
    • 🡆 "Work in Progress" Signage: When an experiment is running unattended for short or extended periods, a "Work in Progress" sign should be prominently displayed.

    Regarding the registration process as a Radiation User:

  1. All users of the Powder XRD System in the Teaching Lab are required to successfully complete and pass the assessment of the Safety Training Course MC02 - RADIATION SAFETY WITH SEALED RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND IRRADIATING APPARATUS .

Hazardous Waste Management

    The Department acknowledges the significance of effectively managing chemical wastes and actively participates in HSEO `s hazardous waste management programs.

  1. To learn more about hazardous waste management, please visit the Hazardous Waste Management page on the HSEO website.
  2. It is mandatory for staff and students who generate hazardous waste to attend the HSEO Safety Course MC03 - CHEMICAL SAFETY II .
  3. The Department has established a Semi-Centralized Chemical Waste Control Program, which is outlined in Appendix I of the "Practices of Chemicals and Waste Management" document.
  4. The Technical Officers (Research Labs) responsible for research labs are entrusted with the task of waste control in their respective labs. They are encouraged to develop their own waste management programs tailored to meet specific needs, as detailed in Appendix I of the "Practices of Chemicals and Waste Management" document.
  5. By actively engaging in these initiatives, the Department actively contributes to the responsible management of chemical wastes and maintains a safe environment for all.

Accident / Incident Reporting

    The Department adheres to the University`s reporting procedure for accidents and incidents.

  1. In the event of an accident or incident, immediate notification shall be given to the Faculty Members . Additionally, the relevant parties, including the Departmental Safety Officer , Deputy Safety Officers , Dept. Safety Committee , and Head of Department , should also be informed.
  2. If there is any injury, prompt assistance should be sought by contacting the Security Control Center at 8999. The Head of Department must be informed before or after taking action.
  3. To ensure preparedness, the Department ensures that at least one staff member in the Office Area, Teaching Lab Area, and Research Lab Area holds a first aid certificate and has received appropriate training to provide assistance when needed.
  4. Based on the severity and nature of the accident or incident, the Head of Department will determine whether a formal investigation is required. If necessary, the Head of Department may appoint staff members or seek assistance from HSEO to conduct the investigation.
  5. Following an accident, the Supervisor involved is responsible for completing an Accident/Incident Report Form.
  6. To prevent the recurrence of similar accidents or incidents, a follow-up process will be initiated at the higher administration level, depending on the nature of the incident.
  7. By following these procedures, the Department ensures effective reporting, investigation, and preventive measures to enhance safety and minimize the likelihood of future accidents or incidents.

Chemical Safety Program

    The Department places great emphasis on the safe use of chemicals and requires its employees to comply with the Hong Kong Government Regulations and University Safety Rules outlined in HSEO `s HSEO - SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MANUAL .

    To ensure safety, the following measures are implemented:

Safety Clearance Forms

    PHYS - Safety Clearance Form :

  1. Every new appointee and student, including long-term, short-term, postgraduate or undergraduate, who will w in the Physics Research Laboratories , is required to complete the PHYS - Safety Clearance Form . The PHYS - Safety Clearance Form will be collected and kept on record by the Departmental Safety Officer .
  2. Upon completion of their appointment or graduation, the PHYS - Safety Clearance Form will be retained in their personal files.

    HSEO - Safety Clearance Forms :

Safety

Chemicals & Waste Management

Communal Labs with Chemicals

    Room 4139 General Use Chemical Room
    Technical Officer In-charge Mr. Chi Wing NG
    Fume cupboard Yes (1)
    Cabinets Flammable - Yes (2), Acid - Yes (1), Base - Yes (1), Solvent - Yes (1)
    PPE Yes
    Waste containers Inorganic Acids (1), Alkali (1), Non-halogenated Solvent (1), Halogenated Solvents (1), Hydrofluoric Acid Carrier (1)
    Room 4140 Dark Room
    Technical Officer In-charge: Mr. Ken LAI
    BBQ port & Exhausted Enclosure: Yes (1)
    Cabinet Pro-Dry Cabinet
    Additional equipment Photographic Amplifier, Film Illuminator and Spin Coater
    PPE Yes
    Waste container Developer/Fixer Waste Container - Yes (1)
    Room 4145 Clean Room
    Technical Officer In-charge Ms. Ivana WONG
    Fume cupboards Clean Room Wet Station - Yes (1), Low-Flow Fume Cupboard - Yes (1)
    Cabinets Flammable - Yes (1), Acid - Yes (1)
    PPE Yes
    Waste containers Inorganic Acids (1), Hydrofluoric Acid Carrier (1)
    Additional equipments Contact Aligner System, Spin Coater, Oven

Communal Chemicals Supply

    The following chemicals are available for Departmental general use. They are stored in Chemical Room and Mr. Chi Wing NG takes care of them. The items and their quantity and grade will be changed from time to time according to the usage

    1) Organic Solvents in Chemical Room :
    Acetone, 99.5% (Propanone) AR (2x 2.5L)
    Ethanol Absolute, 99.8% AR (2x 2.5L)
    Methanol ,99.8% AR (2.5L)
    Isopropyl Alcohol, 99.7% AR (2x 2.5L)
    Chloroform, 99% AR (2.5L)
    2) Acids & Base in Chemical Room :
    Ammonium Hydroxide, 28-30% AR (3x 2.5L)
    Hydrochloric Acid, 37% AR (2.5L)
    Nitric Acid, 70% AR (2x 2.5L)
    Phosphoric Acid, 98% Class 10 (2.5L)
    Orthophosphoric Acid, 85% AR (2.5L)
    Sulfuric Acid, 97% AR (2.5L)
    HydroFluoric Acid, 49% AR (2x 2.5L)
  1. Currently, the general use chemicals are free of charge. Users can use them in Chemical Room or take out for their lab use. Users should make an entry on the log sheet at everyTaking/Disposal of the chemicals. For safety reason, the Acid-cabinet is usually locked. Users have to contact Mr. Chi Wing NG (or Senior Manager (Laboratories) ) for the use of Acids.
  2. It is strongly recommended that individual labs do not store the above chemicals. Users, who would like to store a large quantity of one or more of the above chemicals in their own labs, should have suitable chemical cabinet in their own labs. Currently, except that a Flammable cabinet and small Acid cabinet have been installed in Chemical Room , other labs have no suitable cabinet for storing above chemicals.
  3. It is also recommended that users give away the above chemicals that are improperly stored in their labs. Chemicals stock taking will be conducted once a year routinely to dispose out-dated chemicals and collect the good ones to be stored in Chemical Room for general use or to be posted on HSEO - Chemical Exchange Programme for other party use.

Communal Waste Containers

    For proper chemical waste disposal, please refer to " HSEO - Procedures for Disposal of Chemical Waste " which was distributed to you or posted in the labs. The communal waste containers are located as follows:

    Chemical Room (4139) Quantity
    Inorganic Acids Waste Container 1
    Non-halogenated Solvents Waste Container 1
    Halogenated Solvents Waste Container 1
    Alkali Waste Container 1
    Hydrofluoric Acid Waste Carrier 1
    Darkroom (4140) Quantity
    Waste Oil Container 1
    Cleanroom (4145) Quantity
    Inorganic Acids Waste Container 1
    Hydrofluoric Acid Waste Carrier 1
  1. Eye-catching labels and warning signs are on the containers. Users have to make sure to pour the waste into a right waste container and handle the dumping process properly according to the rules set by HSEO in " HSEO - Procedures for Disposal of Chemical Waste "
  2. With the Chemical Room and the Cleanroom open for our community, it is recommended that operations involving chemicals shall be performed in the fume hoods of these rooms and so no waste containers are necessary for individual labs. Wastes generated at places other than above rooms can be temporary stored in 500ml container placed in a chemical carrier (available in CLS ) and then should be transferred to the corresponding communal waste container immediately after operation.

Hydrofluoric Acid


    Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) solution penetrates the skin rapidly, destroying the soft tissue and bone underneath.

  1. HF is considered hazardous by the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
  2. HF is a highly corrosive liquid, also a powerful contact poison.
  3. In case of skin contact, wash the skin thoroughly immediately then apply the Calcium Gluconate Gel (the Anti-dote).
  4. Always handle Hydrofluroic Acid inside the fume cupboard
  5. Wear proper HF resistant PPE: Gloves, Face shield, Apron, Lab coat and Shoes with full covered

    HF Management in the Department of Physics :

  6. HF is only allowed to be kept and handled in the Chemical Room and the Cleanroom in the presence of the Calcium Gluconate Gel (the Anti-dote).
  7. If need to handle HF in labs other than the said two communal labs, please submit to the Departmental Safety Officer with the sufficient solid justification.
  8. Hydrofluoric Acid is kept inside Acid-Cabinet in Chemical Room . A waste carrier for this acid is available inside the fume hood of this room too.
  9. Users who use Hydrofluoric Acid at other labs have to transfer the waste properly to the waste carrier in Chemical Room immediately after operation, and then it should be transferred to the centralized waste container in Cleanroom by Ms. Ivana WONG .

Endorsement for Chemicals Purchases

  1. Technical Officers (Research Labs) are responsible for checking out or purchasing chemicals from CLS or outside vendors. If the Technical Officer for the particular lab is not available, other Technical Officers (Research Labs) can be asked for help.
  2. Deputy Safety Officer (Research Labs) has been assigned for the endorsement of all chemicals check out & purchase. All the request form/purchase order for any chemicals from CLS /outside vendors should be passed to him for endorsement before it is sent out.
  3. A list of existing chemicals in the Department has been posted on the Department Safety Web. Technical Officers (Research Labs) /Users are required to check the list from the web first before raising the request/placing an order, and the new chemical record should be updated accordingly.

Assistance in Storage of Chemicals

  1. There are some but limited spaces available in the cabinets of Chemical Room and the Cleanroom to help users in storing their own chemicals. The user who has a need in this area could contact the responsible Mr. Chi Wing NG Email: phcwng@ust.hk Office: 4121A Phone: 2358 7521.
  2. Departmental communal supply of general-use solvents and reagents listed above would not be considered as assistance in storage.
  3. The stored chemicals have to be well labeled and remarked with the Name of Chemicals, the Owner Name and the Date of Use. Anyone who needs to use a chemical that belongs to other users shall notify its owner.
  4. Proper chemical storage is mandatory, and specific chemical storage cabinets must be installed for storing different types of chemicals.
  5. To reduce the amount of usable chemicals being disposed of as waste and minimize stock, the Department actively participates in the University`s HSEO - Chemical Exchange Programme available on the HSEO website.
  6. Users are encouraged to utilize the HSEO - Chemical Exchange Programme to either post their unwanted chemicals or request small quantities of chemicals free of charge.
  7. The Department has its own program in place to minimize chemical stock. A list of existing chemical stock within the Department has been posted

Departmental Chemicals Stock List

    ...

Safety

Physics Safety Guidelines

Click here to download your copy of the pdf version of the "Physics Safety Guidelines"

Safety

Physics Safety Contacts