Everyone must complete the health and safety education and training required either by the University and/or the Department to meet statutory requirements. Staff, students, and others within the Department will be given the time to do so by their supervisor or line manager.
The University’s safety education and training policy explains the safety education required of everyone at the University.
What training must you complete?
You need to complete briefings/courses/training relevant to the work you do at, or for, the Department. If you don't know what the hazards will be, ask your supervisor or line manager. Short term visitors and facility users who are supervised by their host may be exempt from much of the training below. Contact safety-office@eng.cam.ac.uk if you are unsure.
Departmental Inductions
Staff and visitors (with a CRSid)
All new arrivals to the department will be invited to attend a departmental induction. A local induction for the areas where you will be located is also necessary. The university also requires you to complete the following two sessions:
- Online: Health and Safety Induction Training (for staff)
- On-line: Fire Safety Training
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Students
In-person inductions for each new first year intake are scheduled at the start of each Michaelmas term; these sessions are recorded so students who arrive later in the academic year will need to watch their respective recording.
For postgraduate students, the university also requires you to complete the following sessions:
- On-Line: Fire Safety Training
New postgraduate students should read the university’s Postgraduate Safety Course guidance, complete the list of actions, and complete the Online: Staying Safe at the University of Cambridge.
What training have you done already?
If you have a CRSid, check your training history by logging in to https://training.cam.ac.uk/ and clicking on "Your Bookings" and then "Training History" tabs.
The CUED Safety Team and all administrators have access to records of your safety training booked via the University Training Booking System.
Supervisors and Heads of Groups
The Individual Safety Record can be used to assist line managers, supervisors or heads of groups to ensure all their staff and students have received the necessary instruction and training they need to work safely.
The record is designed primarily for those who work in a laboratory environment, but it can be adapted for any type of work.
Training provided by the University Safety Office
The University Safety Office provides safety training and development opportunities for members of the University. Some of our courses are open to everyone, while other courses and briefings may only be available to those with specific safety roles. This information is included in the course descriptions. This training will give you up to date information to supplement hands-on training and experience.
Safety role holders
The University Safety Office has developed a Safety Training Matrix detailing the training that those responsible for, or who are appointed to one or more safety roles, either must or should complete. The matrix indicates where refresher training is required and at what intervals.
The law requires you to be 'competent' to work safely, by having enough information and experience to recognise and manage the risks of what you do.
University Safety Office Training
The University Safety Office runs a number of training sessions throughout the year. Check their pages HERE.
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Work with… |
Who or What? |
Search by topic |
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Biological Safety
All biological work must be registered with the Departmental Biological Safety Officer, Dr Thierry Savin (ts573) |
Any work within a departmental biological laboratory
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Departmental Biological Safety training Contact Departmental BSO to arrange.
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Postgraduate Students: A video presentation on Biological Safety online resources at the University of Cambridge for new Postgraduate students.
Postgraduate Students: A video presentation on The Management of Biological Safety at the University of Cambridge for new Postgraduate students.
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Biological Safety, An Introduction to Online Resources UoC online session (Self-taught) Biological Safety, An Overview of the Management of Biological Safety UoC online session (Self-taught)
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Genetically Modified Work: An on-demand online training course that explains what to consider when assessing the risk of work with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), requirements for notification to the HSE and how to assign the appropriate activity class and containment level for your work. |
Online: GM Risk Assessment UoC online session (Self-taught)
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Glass & Sharps Hazards: In this module we will look at how you can reduce hazards when working with glass and sharps. |
Online: Glass & Sharps Hazards Training UoC online session (Self-taught) |
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Containment Facilities and Microbiological Safety Cabinets: This course will help both users and managers understand their responsibilities in creating a safe working area and provide both theory and practical knowledge on the safe and effective use of tissue culture (Class II) cabinets. |
Virtual - Using Containment Facilities and Microbiological Safety Cabinets UoC Virtual |
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Chemicals |
Any work with a significant amount of hazardous chemicals, or working in a chemistry lab |
Chemical Safety Training UoC online session (Self-taught) |
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Fire Safety |
Fire safety awareness for ALL members of the Department. (Except undergraduate students) An annual refresher is required |
Fire Safety Training UoC online session (Self-taught) |
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Gases (pressurised / cryogenic) |
Any work with gas cylinders
General Gas Safety Awareness Sessions – In person via BOC may be arranged as necessary.
Any work with cryogenic gases |
Using Compressed Cylinder Gases Safely in Universities UoC online session (Self-taught) General Gas Safety Awareness Sessions BOC in-person session Contact the CUED Safety Office for details UoC Using Liquid Nitrogen Safely in Universities UoC online session (Self-taught) |
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Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) |
People planning to work with Hydrofluoric (HF) acid. Note: First aiders in areas where HF is used should also complete this online session |
Using Hydrofluoric Acid Safely UoC online session (Self-taught) |
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Induction (Staff and visitors) |
All new staff and departmental members |
Health and Safety Induction Training (for staff) UoC online session (Self-taught) |
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Lasers
All lasers must be registered with the Departmental Laser Safety Officer, Prof Tim Wilkinson (tdw13)
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Staff, students and authorised visitors who will work independently with Class 3B and Class 4 lasers.
Users of Class 3B and 4 lasers must complete both parts of the training.
Note: The above training MUST be followed by in-lab training and completion of the Laser Registration Form. |
Part 1: Introduction to Laser Safety UoC online session Part 2: Laser Safety for Class 3B and 4 Laser Users and Research Supervisors UoC Virtual/in-person session |
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Manual Handling |
Lifting and Manual Handling |
Contact the CUED Safety Office for details |
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Nanoparticles |
Required for all users of nanoparticles |
Nanoparticle Safety Currently under revision by UoC |
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PIs - Principal Investigators |
PIs - Principal Investigators, Do You Know How to Fulfil Your Health and Safety Responsibilities?
Note: It is mandatory that all PIs, group heads and supervisors complete this course. |
Principal Investigators, Do You Know How to Fulfil Your Health and Safety Responsibilities? UoC Virtual/in-person session Currently under revision by UoC |
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Postgraduate Students |
This is a self-directed online course suitable for postgraduates working in departments at UoC. |
Staying Safe at the University of Cambridge UoC online session (Self-taught) |
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Radiation
All works with radiation and x-rays must be registered with the Departmental Radiation Protection Supervisor, Prof Geoff Parks (gtp10)
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Radioactive Substances: Anyone who is a first-time user of unsealed radioactive substances is expected to attend this acquaintanceship course before they begin the work. Users of radioactive substances who are new to the University should also attend. This course also acts as a refresher for experienced users and for users from other institutions or countries.
Ultraviolet Radioactive: Aimed at supervisors of UV equipment and others who are responsible for areas where artificial sources of UV equipment are used.
Working Safely with X-ray Generators: A basic introduction to safe working with fully enclosed X-ray generating equipment in the laboratory.
X-Ray Generators and Other Equipment Generating Ionising Radiations: Anyone who is or will be a first-time user or supervisor of x-ray equipment or other equipment generating ionising radiation is expected to attend this course before they begin work. Existing users and supervisors of these items of equipment who are new to the University should also attend. Note: Users of x-ray equipment must complete both parts of the training and must be followed by in-lab training on the specific X-ray generator - contact the Lab Manager for the room. |
Virtual: Radioactive Substances: An Introduction to Suitable and Safe Use UoC Virtual session
Virtual: Ultraviolet Radiation: Safe Use of Artificial Sources UoC Virtual session Part 1: Online: Introduction to Working Safely with X-ray Generators UoC online session Part 2: X-Ray Generators and Other Equipment Generating Ionising Radiations UoC Virtual/in-person session
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Risk assessment |
This Course we will give an understanding of the key principles of risk assessments and the importance of these in the management of health and safety.
Designed to give attendees the necessary skills to carry out risk assessments. |
Part 1: Online: Introduction to Risk Assessment UoC online session (Self-taught) And Part 2: Risk Assessment UoC In Person Session |
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Working at Height |
Working at Height: Basic Ladder Safety
This refresher course on working safely at height is for learners who have completed the in-person training.
Additional working at height training from the list below can be arranged where necessary. |
Working at Height: Basic Ladder Safety UoC In Person Session Working at Height Refresher UoC online session (Self-taught)
Contact the CUED Safety Office for further details. |
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X-ray Generators
All x-ray equipment must be registered with the Departmental Radiation Protection Supervisor, Prof Geoff Parks (gtp10)
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Staff, students and authorised visitors of x-ray equipment.
Working Safely with X-ray Generators: A basic introduction to safe working with fully enclosed X-ray generating equipment in the laboratory.
X-Ray Generators and Other Equipment Generating Ionising Radiations: Anyone who is or will be a first-time user or supervisor of x-ray equipment or other equipment generating ionising radiation is expected to attend this course before they begin work. Existing users and supervisors of these items of equipment who are new to the University should also attend
It is designed to complement practical instruction given on the use of specific equipment. Note: Users of x-ray equipment must complete both parts of the training and must be followed by in-lab training on the specific X-ray generator - contact the Lab Manager for the room. |
Part 1: Introduction to working safely with X-ray generators UoC online session (Self-taught) Part 2: X-Ray Generators and Other Equipment Generating Ionising Radiations UoC Virtual session
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Specialist Training Courses: Depending on your research/work activity or role, you may also need to attend:
- Overhead Crane training
- Forklift Truck training (rider-operated or pedestrian-controlled)
- Abrasive Wheels training
- Mobile Access Tower Awareness
- Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)
- Working at Height
- Full Body Safety Harness
The above training courses will be arranged by the CUED Safety Office upon a request made by your line manager or supervisor.