Laboratory Safety Information
This information is for lab-based researchers who are coming to King's who may wish to make themselves aware of the arrangements the College has in place for risk assessment of laboratory research activities.
The College has a broad and extremely varied research portfolio attracting researchers from all over the world. Below is information about the risk assessments that must be completed before any research work can commence.
Combined Biological Risk Assessments
All biological research projects must have a Combined Biological Risk Assessment (CoBRA) completed before any research can start. This includes work with infectious agents, genetic modifications, unmodified primary tissues, cell lines and in vivo research.
The CoBRA form assesses the risks of infection and of damage to the environment and the control measures required. These are reviewed for suitability and sufficiency by the Biological Safety Committee of the Health School under who's management the project will be.
For further information on the CoBRA form contact the Head of Biological Safety
General Risk Assessments
All work should be risk assessed to identify hazards arising from the research and controls required to reduce the risks. This is in addition to the CoBRA form for biological research.
Other Specific Hazard Areas
For any research projects likely to involve the use radioactivity, high power lasers, strong magnetic fields, controlled drugs, hazardous chemicals or hospital patients, please contact the Health & Safety Services for advice.