Ethical approval and health & safety

Owned by Daniel Baker
Last updated: 16 Aug, 2021
2 min read

It is essential that you obtain ethical approval before carrying out an EEG experiment. You should follow the ethics application procedures detailed on the Staff Wiki. There is a template information sheet that you should include as part of your ethics submission, as well as a standard consent form.


EEG Health and Safety Procedures

When?

When is EEG work to take place?

Most EEG work will take place during normal office hours (08.30-17.15). For work scheduled to take place during office hours, follow normal procedures for working with participants. Some work may take place just outside normal office hours (08.00-08.30 & 17.15-20.00).  In this case, ensure that lone working arrangements are in place (see below), and follow normal procedure.

Covid-19 safety

We have carried out a full risk assessment for EEG testing under Covid restrictions. This document will be updated periodically, and anyone using EEG in the department should read this document and follow the procedures outlined.

If working just outside normal office hours                              

Who?

Is the worker a member of staff/researcher/PhD student? Complete a lone working form, available from Psychology reception or at this link.

Is the worker a masters or undergraduate student? Masters and undergraduate students will require formal permission from their supervisor, and must be supervised at all times.

Gender?

If working just outside normal office hours, gender matching is advisable, but not essential.

Consideration should be given to the gender of participants when planning staffing.

Will a female participant will require the presence of a female researcher?

Will a male participant will require the presence of a male researcher?

Security information

All out-of-hours workers in the Psychology Building should be aware of the following:

  • The University’s emergency contact number (3333) to summon help in an emergency or if they experience difficulties.
  • The number for the James College porters (3100), if first aid assistance is required.
  • The zoned areas and other building alarm information
  • The evacuation route in the event of a fire.
  • The accident and incident reporting procedure (SOLAR) http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/mis/cfm/accidents/

It is not essential to do so, but lone workers, or researchers working outside normal working hours can also if they wish log in and out with the Security Centre on 3333.

Emergency arrangements

In an emergency, contact Security on 3333

First aid arrangements

Contact the James College porters, who are all trained first aiders and provide 24 hour cover, on 3100

If for any reason the porters are unavailable, contact Security on 3333.

Essential information for participants

Researchers are responsible for ensuring participants are told about the procedures in the event of an emergency:

  • Fire evacuation procedure / route
  • First aid
  • Security (including zoning and alarms)