There are several chemicals used in the lab that could be harmful to unborn children. If a woman suspects that she may be pregnant, she should let her manager know. The foetus is most vulnerable to developmental toxicity during the first trimester and it is not worth taking any risks. It is important to carry out a risk assessment as quickly as possible and that the pregnant woman is involved in this process.
Her manager is responsible for ensuring that the risk assessment is carried out and implemented.
Among the factors to consider are:
- General working conditions and occupational safety
- Working in challenging or uncomfortable positions
- Manual labour of all kinds
- Chemical risks
- Chemicals with hazard statements from H360-H370 are particularly dangerous
- H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child.
- H360F May damage fertility..
- H360D May damage the unborn child.
- H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
- H360Fd May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
- H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
- H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
- H361f Suspected of damaging fertility.
- H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
- H360Df Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
- H362May cause harm to breast-fed children.
- Information is available in the SDS for the chemical in question
- Biological risks
- Work with infectious bacteria or viruses
- Ionising and/or electromagnetic radiation
Pregnancy is a variable condition and the risk assessment must take this into account.
The Administration of Occupational Safety has issued guidance on producing risk assessments:
Risk assessment guidance for pregnant and breastfeeding women (icelandic only):
Please note that hazard statements have been changed since this guidance was issued; hazard statements between H360 and H370 now describe chemicals that are particularly dangerous for the unborn child.
Regulation 931/2000 and amendments: 453/2016:
This regulation is based on an EU directive that applied to the European Economic Area: Council Directive 92/85/EEC
Relevant Icelandic laws and regulations:
- 46/1980, Act on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces (icelandic only).
- 95/2000, Act on Maternity/Paternity Leave and Parental Leave (icelandic only).
Please note that students working in research labs, workshops etc. are considered to be employees and have the same rights in occupational safety law.