Laboratory work can involve activities with potential risks due to e.g. mechanical forces, heat, electricity, cryogenic fluids, or chemicals. Individual and personal risk assessments must be carried out for all laboratory activities where there is a risk of injury, damage, or exposure to hazardous chemicals.

A written risk assessment must always be prepared at the start of a new project that may be associated with a hazard or that uses chemicals. The risk assessment is only valid for one year. After this time an updated version should be written.

Risk assessments of laboratory operations should be written by the person who is to perform the work. When preparing a risk assessment, think thoroughly about the steps that the process involves, the possible risks attached to it and how to minimize them. Risk assessments are to be approved by one of the (deputy) heads of the division, preferably by Rainer Timm, before work commences.

Templates for writing risk assessments and examples of risk assessment form can be found to the right.