Requirements for Hazardous Operations

Ionizing Radiation

Working with Radioactive Materials and/or Irradiating Apparatus at HKUST

A person must :

  • have registration of radiation system from HSEO
  • register with HSEO (worker registration form and OHA form is required)
  • successfully pass HKUST Radiation Safety Training (MC01/02)
  • be familiar with nature of hazard and implement control measures
  • participate in dosimetry (TLD application form is required)
  • arrange with HSEO for facility contamination/radiation survey
  • arrange with HSEO for radioactive waste management (request for waste collection link)

For further information, see Chapter 10 of the HKUST Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Dangerous Goods and Radiation Safety), Mr. IP Pak Ching (ext 6538, e-mail: sepopcip@ust.hk) for further details.

Lasers

Working with Lasers (Classes 3 & 4) at HKUST

A person must

  • have an approved Operational Safety Procedure for Laser Hazard Control Plan
  • register with HSEO (registration of Laser worker and OHA & ME form is required)
  • successfully pass HKUST Laser Safety Training (MC04)
  • attend an eye examination
  • enclose beam path and use eye protection
  • implement facility requirements
  • be familiar with nature of hazard and implement control measures

For further information, see Chapter 11 of the HKUST Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Lab and Research Operational Safety Support), Mr. Sam Tung (ext 6521, e-mail: samtung) for further details.

Hazardous Chemicals

Working with Hazardous Chemicals at HKUST

A person must

  • obtain MSDSs and be familiar with information in them
  • successfully pass the Chemical Safety Course offered by HSEO
  • work in fume cupboards
  • use protective equipment as required
  • participate in exposure monitoring
  • implement chemical waste management plan
  • be familiar with potential hazards and implement control measures

For further information, see Chapter 8 of the HKUST Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Lab and Research Operational Safety Support), Mr. Sam Tung (ext 6521, e-mail: samtung) for further details.

High Pressure System

Working with High Pressure at HKUST

A person must

  • have an approved Operational Safety Procedure
  • attend HSEO's Pressure Safety Course
  • ensure System integrity
    • pressure relief devices
    • material compatibility
  • obtain certificates from regulatory agency
  • be familiar with potential hazards and implement control measures

Legal requirements for operating boilers and pressure vessels under the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Ordinance

For further information, see Chapter 5 of the HKUST Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Engineering Safety) at HSEO, Dr. May Chan (ext 6511, e-mail maysmchan) for further details.

High Voltage

Working with High Voltage at HKUST

A person must :

  • have an approved Operational Safety Procedure
  • attend HSEO's Electrical Safety Course
  • cover all exposed terminals
  • be familiar with potential hazards and implement control measures

For further information, see Chapter 5 of the HKUST Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Engineering Safety) at HSEO Dr. May Chan (ext 6511, e-mail maysmchan) for further details.

Biological Hazards

Working with Biological Hazards at HKUST

A person must

  • determine the class of  hazard and the corresponding Biological Safety Level control measures
  • successful completion of the Biosafety Course offered by HSEO
  • participate in serum banking and immunoprophylaxis (as needed)
  • be familiar with potential hazards and implement control measures
  • confine aerosol operations in biosafety cabinets
  • implement biohazards waste management scheme

For further information, see Chapter 9 of the HKUST Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Lab and Research Operational Safety Support), Mr. Sam Tung (ext 6521, e-mail: samtung) for further details.

Hazardous Wastes

All Hazardous Waste Generators at HKUST

must :

  • take the Hazardous Waste Management class offered by HSEO
  • correctly identify the waste stream(s) for all generated waste(s)
  • assume responsibility for all waste generated by his /her subordinate(s) who works on his/her projects/research
  • obtain the correct waste container from HSEO
  • safely put their waste into the waste container
  • correctly fill out the contents label with the Kind and Amount of waste
  • segregate waste materials in the laboratory
  • safely store and maintain all wastes within the laboratory
  • arrange for pick-up of waste by HSEO

For further information, see Chapter 16 of the HKUST Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior HSE Officer at HSEO, Dr. W P Yip (ext 6456, e-mail wpyip) for further details.

Use of Respirators

All persons requiring the use of respirators in their work must :

  • have their operation reviewed by Occupational Hygienist
  • successfully complete safety course on respiratory protection
  • undergo a lung function examination by an occupational physician ( arranged by HSEO )
  • arrange a fit test with HSEO to determine the most suitable type and size of respirator
  • regularly clean and maintain respirator for own personal use

For further information please contact Senior Manager (Lab and Research Operational Safety Support), Mr. Sam Tung (ext 6521, e-mail samtung) for further details.

Confine Space Entry

An appropriate Risk Assessment has to be conducted and a Confined Space Certificate has to be issued by  appropriate persons before entry is allowed to any confined spaces. The person conducting the risk assessment must be a "Competent Person" and the person(s) entering the confined space must be "Certified Worker(s)".  

There are also specific statutory requirements under the Factories & Industrial Undertakings (Confined Spaces) Regulations governing works in confined spaces. 

For details, please read Chapter 5 of the Safety & Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Engineering Safety), Dr. May Chan (ext 6511, e-mail maysmchan) for further details.

Other Permit Requiring Operations

Hot Work Permit

A Hot Work Permit must be obtained before any welding and cutting operation can be carried out in the premises of the HKUST. The "Procedures for Hot Work on University Premises" must be followed in this connection.  Please see Chapter 5 of the Safety and Environmental Protection Manual or contact Senior Manager (Engineering Safety), Dr. May Chan (ext 6511, e-mail maysmchan) for further details.

Pesticide Application Permit

HSEO monitors the use of pesticides to ensure the health and safety of all persons involved.   A Pesticides Application Permit must be obtained from HSEO for each application so that HSEO can evaluate the possible hazards and implement necessary control measures. Please contact Senior Manager (Lab and Research Operational Safety Support), Mr. Sam Tung (ext 6521, e-mail samtung) for further details.

Temporary Food Service Permit

All temporary food outlets on the HKUST campus must be under the sponsorship of an authorized campus entity (e.g. Dept., Unit or organization). Organizations wishing to undertake to distribute or sell foods to the general public at special events on the University of Science & Technology campus must obtain a Temporary Food Services Permit through the Hong Kong Health, Safety and Environment Office. HKUST requires the Sponsor to adhere fully to the SPECIAL EVENTS FOOD SANITATION REQUIREMENTS as well as the 5 KEYS to FOOD SAFETY from the Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. The Sponsor's signature on the application acknowledges the sponsoring organization's acceptance of this responsibility and adherence to the sanitation requirements. Please contact HSE officer, Ms. Shirley Ng (ext 8034, e-mail shirleyng) for further details.