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New dates to be announced soon, please check back for updates on the Museum's training and development courses.
Working safely with natural history collections
Covers hazards posed by specimens and laboratory work, and how to protect people, collections and the environment.
Working with natural history specimens has the potential to be dangerous. Risks can include anything from hazardous or toxic chemicals to manual handling of heavy samples.
About this course
This one-day course covers the major hazards posed by specimens and laboratory work.
It allows those working with natural history collections to understand the risks and learn how to protect themselves, their team, their collection and the environment.
The course will be led by our conservation team and will be structured, participative and stimulating. Delegates will get printed course materials which will be used on the day and can be taken away for future reference.
Course contents
This one day course will cover:
Hazards and how to identify them
- radioactive specimens
- asbestos
- mercury
- arsenic
- silica
- biological hazards
- wet collections
- heavy specimens
Laboratory-based hazards
- chemicals
- equipment
- tasks
- how to undertake a risk assessment
Outcomes
By the end of this course delegates will be equipped with the skills and ability to:
- identify the hazards posed by chemicals in the lab
- identify the hazards posed by equipment and tasks in the lab
- know how to analyse specimens for hazardous substances
- appreciate the use of risk assessments in mitigating risks
Questions?
Contact the Training and Development team on +44 (0)207 942 6182 or email us.
Course details
- at the Natural History Museum
- one day course
- £395
- concession price available
Who is it for?
- individuals who work with and handle natural history collections