Hull Geological Society

Hull Geological Society

Risk Assessment

Type of activity: - Sale or donation of Geological Specimens at a display or Roadshow; may be given away for no charge; may be part of a “Lucky Dip”

Specimens donated by members may be given or sold to the public for educational purposes or to raise funds for the Society. We must be aware that they might be used by children, so the risk is higher than usual.

We should make it clear by labelling on “Lucky Dip” containers, on our website and by verbal instructions for people wishing their children to use the specimens that - “These are genuine rocks, minerals and fossils; they are not toys. They are not suitable for young children, they should not be put in the mouth or licked. You should always wash your hands after handling geological specimens before eating food”

RISK ASSESSMENT:

HAZARD	RISK	Safety measures
Sharp specimens – e.g. obsidian, flint, slate	Risk of cuts	Do not include in Lucky Dip
Toxic minerals – e.g. lead, mercury, barium minerals. Slag	Risk of poisoning	Do not include in Lucky Dip
Biohazards – such as Weil’s Disease	Risk of serious illness	Specimens from Landfill Sites should not be included in Lucky Dip. New specimens should be washed or kept for over 6 month before donation.
Pyrite Rot – specimens decay and give off sulfuric acid	Risk of damage to furniture	Do not include in Lucky Dip. Pass on conservation advice about pyrite decay.