Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Risk assessment form for pregnant and lactating women Contents Responsibilities under Science Faculty’s pregnancy policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Ergonomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Posture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Heavy or awkward lifting, pushing or pulling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Computer workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Physical conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Indoor climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ventilation in laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Organisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Physical situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Working with chemicals, radioactivity and biological agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Areas of special concern for pregnant and lactating women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 References: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Produced by the Pregnancy Working Group, NAT, SDU. Version 2009-12-04

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Responsibilities under Science Faculty’s pregnancy policy It is the pregnant woman’s line manager, i.e. her immediate boss (her “daglig leder”, most often her research manager or department head) who, in cooperation with safety representatives, is responsible for her work being planned and carried out without undue risk to either the woman herself or her fetus. The manager may seek help and guidance from Occupational Safety and Health (OSH, Arbejdsmiljø) representatives, SDU safety consultants, occupational health clinics, etc. The woman herself is also responsible for being “sensible” in avoiding undue risk. Once a manager is aware that an employee is pregnant or breastfeeding, an individual written Workplace Risk Assessment (“arbejdspladsvurdering, APV”) shall be carried out. Tasks that may potentially include risk may not be performed until they have been assessed and found sound. Laboratory supervisors should also advise the woman of appropriate safety measures, but it is still the line manager who is responsible.

Registration Name of employee Institute/Department Group Line manager Daily supervisor in the lab OSH (safety) rep Solutions proposed by Date

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Ergonomics Posture

Ref. (see end)

Do you work in awkward postures?

? ∩

Do you work with bent or twisted back or bent or twisted neck?

? ∩

Do you work with your hands above shoulder height?

? ∩

Do you have to reach long distances?

? ∩

Does your work require that you squat or kneel?

? ∩

Do you spend long periods walking or standing?

? ∩

Do you stay in the same position for a long time?

? ∩

Do you perform repetitive work?

? ∩

Do you work in restricted/limited spaces?

? ∩

Do you work with your wrist bent/rotated, or with fingertip grip or other position that can upset shoulders, wrists or fingers?

? ∩

No

Yes

If ”Yes”, do you find it a problem?

Solution: If you think there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Produced by the Pregnancy Working Group, NAT, SDU. Version 2009-12-04

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Heavy or awkward lifting, pushing or pulling

Ref. (see end)

Do you lift, pull or push heavy loads manually?

? •

Do you carry heavy objects or tools while walking?

? •

Does your workplace lack adequate equipment for lifting, pushing or pulling?

? •

Do you lift or hold heavy tools or equipment at work?

? •

Do you lift many items over 3 kg during a working day?

? •

Do you lift loads from awkward positions, for example, far from the body, above shoulder height or below knee height?

? •

Do you need to use much effort to pull or push e.g. trolleys or carts?

? •

Is space restricted for pushing and pulling?

? •

Is the equipment used defective or lacking maintenance?

?

Does the product design produce poor posture?

?

No

Yes

If ”Yes”, do you find it a problem?

Solution: If you think there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Produced by the Pregnancy Working Group, NAT, SDU. Version 2009-12-04

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Computer workstation

Ref. (see end)

Do you have computer work which strains you unevenly?

∩

Do you know how to fully adjust your chair? (height and backrest, seat inclination, etc..)

∩

No

Yes

Put a cross if you want help and explanation

Solution: If you think there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

Do you use the chair’s adjustability? Do you use the screen for more than 2 hours per day in total?

♦

If yes, then please answer the remaining questions Do you use glasses for computer work?

♦

Has your sight been examined in connection with screen work?

♦

Is the screen positioned at least 50cm from your eyes?

♦

Is the screen positioned so that you can look over the top?

♦

Are the characters on the screen clear and big enough?

♦

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Computer workstation II

Ref. (see end)

Can the screen swivel and tilt?

♦

Can the keyboard be set at an angle?

♦

Is there space in front of keyboard to rest the wrists/forearms?

♦

Is your desk/table such that your chair seat height is right for you? (it is not necessary for tables to be height adjustable)

♦

Is there enough space for mouse work? (space for mouse, mouse mat, forearm in front of you, ideally beside the keyboard and adapted to your working height)

♦

Are you satisfied with the mouse’s design?

♦

Is it possible to organize your screen work to be regularly interrupted by breaks or other work?

♦

No

Yes

Put a cross if you want help and explanation

Solution: If you think there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

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Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Physical Conditions Indoor climate

Ref. (see end)

Is the temperature in the room OK (20-22 ◦C)?

†

Is there a draught?

†

Are there sufficient air changes per hour? (either by mechanical or natural (manual) ventilation)

†

If the room is an office without mechanical ventilation, is there a printer in the room?

†

Is the room cleaned properly?

†

Is the room tidy and clear enough that the cleaning staff can operate?

†

Is the lighting comfortable?

†

Is there a problem with static electricity?

†

No

Yes

Specify the location e.g. room no. of any problem

Solution: If you think there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

Any other problems?

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Lighting

Ref. (see end)

Is the room lighting adequate?

?

Is the light adequate at your workplace?

?

Is your area free from reflections and glare?

?

Can you individually screen yourself/your work from daylight?

?

No

Yes

Specify the location of any problem

Solution: If you think there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

No

Yes

Specify the location of any problem

Solution: Where there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

Any other problems?

Ventilation in laboratories

Ref. (see end)

Is the room ventilation adequate?

#

Is there enough specialist ventilation?

#

Any other problems?

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Organisation

Ref. (see end)

Is the space suitable for the tasks?

#

Is there more equipment in the room than you really need?

#

Are there space constraints?

#

Physical situation

Ref. (see end)

Is there any immediate risk that you will be exposed to shock or wholebody vibration?

•

Is there a risk of your being exposed to ultrasound?

•

Is there a risk of your being exposed to extreme heat (> 35 ◦C)?

•

No

Yes

Specify the location of any problem

Solution: Where there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

No

Yes

Specify the location of any problem

Solution: Where there is a problem, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

Working with chemicals, radioactivity and biological agents Areas of special concern for pregnant and lactating women

Ref. (see end)

Do you work with chemicals labeled R39, R40, R45, R46, R48, R49, R60, R61, R62, R63, R64, R68?

•

Are you working with endocrine disruptors?

•

Are you working with volatile substances and organic solvents?

•

Do you work with lead (Pb) or lead compounds?

•

Are you working with anesthetic or asphyxiating gases?

•

Are you working with pesticides and heavy metals?

•

Do you work with radioactive substances?

• 4

Do you work with biological agents?

•

No

Yes

If ”Yes”, with what? And in which procedures, concentrations and amounts?

Produced by the Pregnancy Working Group, NAT, SDU. Version 2009-12-04

Solution: Where there is a “yes”, is it a safety issue that requires a solution (responsibility: see Science Faculty pregnancy policy).

Who is responsible for solving this safety problem?

Work must not start before the solution is in place.

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Form for the preparation of an individual workplace risk assessment (APV) for pregnant and lactating women, NAT, SDU

References: All in Danish . . . ? Danish Working Environment Authority (AT) APV checklist for research and educational areas: http://www.at.dk/da/Arbejdspladsvurdering/APV-tjeklister/~/link.aspx?_id=AB302B840B774D95A8DB76C9E22BB6E8 ∩ Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines on workplace decor and furniture (AT-guide A.1.15): http://www.at.dk/REGLER/At-vejledninger-mv/Arbejdets-udforelse/At-vejledninger-om-arbejdets-udforelse/ D2-Enkelte-typer-af-arbejde/~/~/link.aspx?_ID=E733BAF9593F46DBAD63C149A07D4200 † Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines on the major causes of indoor climate problems and possible solutions (AT-guide A.1.2): http://www.at.dk/REGLER/At-vejledninger-mv/Arbejdsstedets-indretning/At-vejledninger-om-arbejdsstedets-indret/ A1-Faste-arbejdssteder/~/link.aspx?_ID=A8D73960E0C24E07BD4A6CAEC11F1F98 # Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines on the the organisation of the normal workplace (AT-guide A.1.9): http://www.at.dk/REGLER/At-vejledninger-mv/Arbejdsstedets-indretning/At-vejledninger-om-arbejdsstedets-indret/ A1-Faste-arbejdssteder/A19-Faste-arbejdssteders-indretning.aspx • Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines on pregnant women and nursing mothers at work (AT-guide A.1.8): http://www.at.dk/REGLER/At-vejledninger-mv/Arbejdsstedets-indretning/At-vejledninger-om-arbejdsstedets-indret/ A1-Faste-arbejdssteder/~/link.aspx?_ID=85F745B3F93B42778D88BDD3BF8B2F24 ♦ Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines on working with VDUs (AT-guide D.2.3): http://www.at.dk/REGLER/At-vejledninger-mv/Arbejdets-udforelse/At-vejledninger-om-arbejdets-udforelse/ D2-Enkelte-typer-af-arbejde/~/~/~/link.aspx?_ID=F4DBA4A1532D41D3BF2D6864FA148AC4 4 Board of Health’s guidelines on radiation protection when working with open radioactive sources, 2005: http://www.sst.dk/publ/Publ2005/SIS/Vejl_aabne_kilder/Vejl_aabne_kilder.pdf

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