What risk assessment do I need for handling meteorites?
Treat meteorites like ordinary rock specimens: risks are low and are managed with supervision, clean dry hands, handwashing, and no tasting, breaking or heating.
Handling meteorites in class carries very little risk, but a simple assessment helps you plan and reassures colleagues.
Hazards to consider. Dropping a heavy iron meteorite on a foot or table; sharp edges on cut slices; dust from friable stones; skin contact with nickel, which can cause irritation in sensitive individuals; and the small chance of breakage. Natural radioactivity in meteorites is extremely low, similar to many common rocks, and is not a practical concern for normal handling.
Controls. Handle specimens over a table or tray, seated if possible. Use trays lined with cloth. Give heavy specimens only to pupils who can hold them safely, or keep them on the table. Ask pupils to wash hands before and after handling. Do not allow tasting, licking, scratching, breaking, heating, crushing or applying acids. Supervise closely with younger children. Pupils with known nickel allergy can handle stones in clear sealed blocks or wear gloves.
Protecting the specimens. Moisture and skin oils encourage rust on iron meteorites. Use clean dry hands or cotton gloves for irons, wipe them gently afterwards and store them dry. Count specimens out and back in.
Loaned samples. If borrowing from a scheme, follow its conditions on security, display and handling.
Record the assessment following your school's normal procedures. Related activities, such as crater experiments with flour, need their own simple controls, such as safety glasses and floor protection.