SAIL - Safety Documentation Portal
Your comprehensive resource for laboratory safety procedures and risk assessments
School of Physics, University of Sydney
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST ⚠️
All laboratory equipment must be operated in accordance with approved Risk Assessments and Safe Work Procedures.
Before using ANY equipment:
- Complete required safety training
- Read and understand the Risk Assessment and Safe Work Procedure
- Be listed on the authorised users list
- Perform all mandatory pre-operation safety checks
Risk Assessments
Risk Assessments identify hazards, assess risks, and define control measures for laboratory equipment and processes.
3SAE Combiner Manufacturing System (CMS)
Risk assessment for the 3SAE CMS fibre optic processing system utilizing thermally stabilized plasma technology (>3000°C). Covers extreme thermal hazards, high-pressure gas systems, electrical hazards, optical radiation, and sharp materials.
Key hazards: High-temperature plasma (>3000°C), compressed air (90 psi), electrical hazards, optical radiation, sharp glass fibres, vacuum system
View Risk Assessment →Bambu Lab H2D Laser Edition
Risk assessment for the Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer with 10W Class 4 laser module, covering laser radiation, thermal, electrical, mechanical, fire, and airborne emission hazards (UFPs and VOCs) from FDM printing and laser operations.
Key hazards: Class 4 laser radiation, fire risk, thermal burns, ultrafine particle emissions, volatile organic compounds, toxic fumes
View Risk Assessment →General Optical/Laser Lab Safety
Foundational risk assessment covering general safety requirements for all SAIL laboratory areas including optical hazards, lab access, conduct, and room-specific hazards
Key hazards: Optical hazards, laser exposure, slips/trips/falls, manual handling, room-specific hazards (CO2, sharps), general lab conduct
View Risk Assessment →📄 Create a New Risk Assessment
Use our comprehensive Risk Assessment Template to create safety assessments for new equipment or processes.
The template includes all required sections: hazard identification, risk ratings, control measures, emergency procedures, and review schedules.
Safe Work Procedures (SWPs)
Safe Work Procedures provide detailed step-by-step instructions for safely operating laboratory equipment.
3SAE Combiner Manufacturing System (CMS)
Detailed operating procedures for the 3SAE CMS plasma-based fibre processing system. Covers pre-operation checks, plasma operation safety, fiber handling, emergency procedures, and competency requirements.
Includes: Pre-operation safety checks, plasma system operation, fiber cleaving procedures, emergency shutdown, mandatory training requirements
View Safe Work Procedure →Bambu Lab H2D Laser Edition
Detailed operating procedures covering pre-operation safety checks (including critical interlock testing), material preparation, equipment operation for both 3D printing and laser functions, emergency shutdown procedures, and competency requirements.
Includes: Mandatory safety checks, emergency procedures, cleanup protocols, training requirements
View Safe Work Procedure →General Optical/Laser Lab Safety
Safe work procedures for all SAIL laboratory areas including induction requirements, daily procedures, emergency protocols, and general laboratory conduct
Includes: Access requirements, induction content, daily procedures, emergency protocols, visitor management, incident reporting
View Safe Work Procedure →📄 Create a New Safe Work Procedure
Use our comprehensive Safe Work Procedure Template to create detailed operating instructions for new equipment or processes.
The template provides a complete structure for documenting safety checks, step-by-step procedures, emergency protocols, and competency requirements.
Additional Resources
📋 Document Templates
Access templates for creating new Risk Assessments and Safe Work Procedures with comprehensive guidance.
Browse Templates →🔧 Template Usage Guide
Learn how to use our templates effectively, including best practices and document control procedures.
View Guide →Quick Safety Reference
🚫 Universal Safety Prohibitions
- NEVER operate equipment you are not trained and authorised to use
- NEVER defeat or bypass safety systems or interlocks
- NEVER leave hazardous equipment unattended during operation
- NEVER operate damaged or malfunctioning equipment
- NEVER skip mandatory pre-operation safety checks
📋 Pre-Operation Checklist
General steps that apply to most laboratory equipment:
- Sign in to the equipment log book
- Perform visual inspection for damage
- Test all safety systems and interlocks
- Verify emergency equipment is accessible
- Check environmental controls
- Clear work area of hazards
- Review the specific SWP before operation
If ANY check fails: DO NOT USE - Lock out and report immediately
🚨 Emergency Contacts
| Emergency Services | 000 |
| University Security | [Insert number] |
| Supervisor: Chris Betters | [Insert number] |
| Safety Officer | [Insert number] |
| First Aid | [Insert number] |
Document Management
✅ Creating New Documents
- Select the appropriate template (RA or SWP)
- Complete all sections thoroughly
- Consult with users and safety officer
- Submit for review and approval
- Add to this index when approved
📅 Review Requirements
All documents must be reviewed:
- Annually at minimum
- After any incident or near-miss
- When equipment is modified
- When new hazards are identified
- When procedures change
📊 Document Statuses
- Work in progress
- Ready for use
- Superseded version
❓ Questions or Concerns About Safety?
Contact your supervisor or safety officer immediately.
Do not operate equipment if you have any doubts about safety procedures or equipment condition.
Remember: Safety documentation exists to protect you and others. Always follow approved procedures and never take shortcuts with safety.