School of Health, Sport and Bioscience

Use of Human Subjects

Within some practical work and research projects the use of human subject’s is required. The following is an outline of the steps to be taken when using human subjects

1 Risk assessment

As with any laboratory work a risk assessment should be carried out. This needs to be submitted and approved by the line manager [See Introduction to Risk Assessment document ]

2 Ethics

Students research projects must have received ethical approval from the School Ethics committee. Staff research projects must have received ethical approval from the University Ethics committee.

3 Informed consent

It is imperative that informed consent is obtained from subjects. Whilst these forms may differ they should include a fair explanation of the procedure, any risks or side effects and an explicit right of withdrawal.

4 Screening

All subjects should complete a screening process. At minimum this should be a Par-Q and You questionnaire. Additionally Health and lifestyle screening may be appropriate along with physiological measures such as blood pressure. Clear exclusion criteria should be established. The screening procedure should be appropriate to the activity.

5 Training of student experimenters

It is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that any student is competent to complete the task. This needs to be documented and recorded. If the member of staff does not believe the student to be competent then the work must not be allowed to commence or continue.

6 Supervision

The level of supervision of student researchers should be linked to the risk assessment [If the residual risk is assessed as 1-2 then the research can continue under the supervision of staff or laboratory technician, who would not have to be in the lab but would need to be contactable. If the residual risk is 3-4 then the supervising staff must be in the building and immediately contactable. If the residual risk is 6-9 then the supervisor must directly oversee the work i.e. be in the laboratory .

7 Access to laboratories

No work should be undertaken without the relevant individuals (supervisors and technicians) having full knowledge of the activity taking place. If working outside of the traditional work hours i.e. 9-5, then a lone worker risk assessment should be completed [work in progress]

8 First aid

The nearest first aider should clearly signed and procedures for contacting technicians and supervisors should be easily available.

9Laboratory practice

In laboratory work involving human subject’s particular attention must be paid to the following:

  • All laboratories should be kept well ventilated, adequately lit and at an even temperature. All equipment should be kept clean and tidy at all times and is to be regularly checked and serviced. In appropriate room linen is to be changed at appropriate intervals.
  • Personal cleanliness should be maintained especially the hands. Wash using soap and a nail brush if necessary.
  • Students and volunteers must not participate in physical activity if they feel unwell.
  • After use all equipment must be properly cleaned and equipment such as mouth pieces must be appropriately sterilised. Handrails on treadmills and surrounding surfaces must be sprayed with disinfectant spray and wiped down. Handle bars, saddle and casing on bikes must be sprayed with disinfectant spray and wiped down.
  • If a student has ANY doubt for medical reasons about participating in the procedure, they should seek advice from staff BEFORE consent AND BEFORE attempting any tests.
  • Participating students will be required to sign a common form of consent available in the practical. Copies will not be given to the student, but these forms will be kept in a safe and secure place by the staff responsible for the session, for at least one year.
  • A subject has the right to withdraw from the procedure at any time for any reason.