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.

New dates coming soon

New dates to be announced soon, please check back for updates on the Museum's training and development courses.

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

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