Working in laboratories at Stockholm University must be safe both for you and for the environment. Hazards need to be managed correctly to minimize the risk of a negative impact on human health and the environment. For example, chemical and biological products, radiation sources and other physical hazards. Stockholm University has central rules and procedures that follow the requirements of the authorities and serve as a support for you in your research or studies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laboratory safety policy

Stockholm University has a safety policy for laboratories. It contains guidelines for our work environment and environmental work in the laboratory. Read more about: Stockholm University’s laboratory safety policy

Laboratory safety rules

You can find information about responsibility and organisation for laboratory safety in the rules for laboratory safety, among other things. Read more about: Laboratory Safety Rules (Note! in Swedish) 

Flammable and explosive goods

We use the flammable and explosive goods act as the basis for our rules on flammable and explosive products. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) also has useful regulations. The following are some terms used and what they mean:

  • Flammable gases are gases that can ignite in air at a temperature of +20 °C and an air pressure of 101.3 kPa.
  • Flammable liquids are liquids that have a flash point that does not exceed +100 °C.
  • Fire reactive articles are energetic or oxidizing substances classified by MSB as fire reactive. 
  • Explosives goods are substances, mixtures and explosive articles.
  • Director is the person responsible for the safety of handling flammable and explosive goods at an establishment. This person is appointed by the licensee.
  • Permits and supervision are the way the municipality can control how flammable or explosive goods are handled. For example, who handles them, where and in what quantities.

Stockholm University has a central permit to use flammable goods. The Section for Security coordinates and applies for permits for the handling of flammable goods and participates in the municipality's supervision of the establishment. The Section for Security also offers its own training for directors of flammable goods. For more information on flammable and explosive goods, contact fire safety coordinator Thomas Markdalen, thomas.markdalen@su.se

Flammable goods

Flammable goods can be both gases, liquids, and solids. Flammable liquids are those with flash points lower than 100°C, such as gasoline, acetone and ethanol. Stockholm University has a central permit to use flammable goods. It is the Real Estate Department that coordinates permits and training. Do you have questions or want information about flammable goods? Contact laboratory safety coordinator Mikael Corell, mikael.corell@su.se

Radiation safety

The president has delegated decisions on matters concerning the university's safety to the University Director, such as decisions concerning laboratory safety including radiation safety. The radiation safety work is then distributed to the Property Director and further down to the Head of Safety. The Head of Safety appoints the radiation safety coordinator and proposes the organisation's radiation protection expert. The radiation protection expert is then appointed by the University Director, after approval from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. The central radiation safety function consists of the radiation safety coordinator, the radiation protection expert and the head of security. Their job is partly to create conditions for the establishment to comply with binding requirements but also to coordinate the operational radiation safety work. The central radiation safety function is a direct support to the establishment.

The university works systematically with radiation safety issues. We strive continuously to minimize risks and create awareness and interest in radiation safety issues. The management of the radiation safety work is regulated in the university's procedure for management system for radiation safety. Read more about: Procedure for management system for radiation safety (note! in Swedish)

For call-offs of support from a radiation safety expert or for other questions about radiation safety, contact Mikael Corell, laboratory safety coordinator (and radiation safety coordinator): mikael.corell@su.se