Laboratory Training is critical to the ongoing safe operation of the laboratory facility. Educators, staff and management must be engaged in working to reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries and potential litigation. Efforts must be made to ensure laboratory safety videos are both relevant and engaging. Inspections and audits should also be conducted on a regular basis to assess hazards due to chemical handling and storage, electrical equipment, biohazards, hazardous waste management, chemical waste, housekeeping and emergency preparedness, radiation safety, ventilation as well as respiratory testing and indoor air quality. An important element of such audits is the review of regulatory compliance and the training of individuals who have access to and/or work in the laboratory.
Primary tip is to Store Flammable Chemicals in Fireproof Cabinets. Fire is dangerous. Make sure all flammable chemicals, solvents and aerosols are secured in fireproof cabinets. Leaving them out in the open is asking for disaster. Post reminders throughout the lab wherever flammable items are being used. Something as simple as "Don't Forget - Put Back in Fireproof Cabinet" (I'm sure you could word that much better but you get the point) can go a long way. You may consider making this an item on your daily inventory management inspection.
Next tip is to take special care when washing glassware by hand. This single task is the source for most of the injuries. Wear heavy duty gloves and handle glassware delicately. Beware of potentially hot glass. The problem is that glassware looks the same whether it is hot or not. We recommend you develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) that follow routines and set up out of the way areas for allowing hot glassware to cool. Keep appropriate gloves hanging near autoclaves and other apparatus where glassware is routinely heated.
Consequent tip is to handle glass tubing carefully. Another common procedure in labs is inserting glass tubing into rubber stoppers or similar operations. These tasks are safer and easier if the glass tube is first lubricated. Laboratory grease is best but may not be suitable for all applications. Remember even deionized water is better than nothing. Be sure to wear appropriate gloves or protect hands with rags or other means. Ditto for plastic tubing. Lubricate the nipple or side arm of the flask and then gently work the tubing on, using gloves of course. The bigger problem we run into here is when removing plastic tubing. Do not try to pull it off. Put the tubing and nipple against a strong support and cut the tubing close to the end of the glass. Finish by then cutting the tubing lengthwise along the nipple and removing the waste material.
Consequently, it is always advisable to have a budget for lab safety equipment. Maintaining a strict budget is key to any laboratory safety plan. When drafting a new budget or revising current spend, make sure funds are set aside to buy safety equipment. These items include eye wash stations and solution, protective gloves, goggles and safety glasses, ear plugs, splash guards, lab coats, fire extinguishers, and plenty more. It can get costly to purchase and maintain adequate measures. But nothing is more valuable than the well-being and safety of personnel. Budgeting for it will remove future funding concerns and the situation of having to decide what is more important in a pinch. Costs associated with training should also be considered. There may be some production downtime to facilitate training courses. Props, paper handouts, and hourly wages all ring up a bill. Remembering to add these costs to your safety fund will prevent surprises.
Primary tip is to Store Flammable Chemicals in Fireproof Cabinets. Fire is dangerous. Make sure all flammable chemicals, solvents and aerosols are secured in fireproof cabinets. Leaving them out in the open is asking for disaster. Post reminders throughout the lab wherever flammable items are being used. Something as simple as "Don't Forget - Put Back in Fireproof Cabinet" (I'm sure you could word that much better but you get the point) can go a long way. You may consider making this an item on your daily inventory management inspection.
Next tip is to take special care when washing glassware by hand. This single task is the source for most of the injuries. Wear heavy duty gloves and handle glassware delicately. Beware of potentially hot glass. The problem is that glassware looks the same whether it is hot or not. We recommend you develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) that follow routines and set up out of the way areas for allowing hot glassware to cool. Keep appropriate gloves hanging near autoclaves and other apparatus where glassware is routinely heated.
Consequent tip is to handle glass tubing carefully. Another common procedure in labs is inserting glass tubing into rubber stoppers or similar operations. These tasks are safer and easier if the glass tube is first lubricated. Laboratory grease is best but may not be suitable for all applications. Remember even deionized water is better than nothing. Be sure to wear appropriate gloves or protect hands with rags or other means. Ditto for plastic tubing. Lubricate the nipple or side arm of the flask and then gently work the tubing on, using gloves of course. The bigger problem we run into here is when removing plastic tubing. Do not try to pull it off. Put the tubing and nipple against a strong support and cut the tubing close to the end of the glass. Finish by then cutting the tubing lengthwise along the nipple and removing the waste material.
Consequently, it is always advisable to have a budget for lab safety equipment. Maintaining a strict budget is key to any laboratory safety plan. When drafting a new budget or revising current spend, make sure funds are set aside to buy safety equipment. These items include eye wash stations and solution, protective gloves, goggles and safety glasses, ear plugs, splash guards, lab coats, fire extinguishers, and plenty more. It can get costly to purchase and maintain adequate measures. But nothing is more valuable than the well-being and safety of personnel. Budgeting for it will remove future funding concerns and the situation of having to decide what is more important in a pinch. Costs associated with training should also be considered. There may be some production downtime to facilitate training courses. Props, paper handouts, and hourly wages all ring up a bill. Remembering to add these costs to your safety fund will prevent surprises.
About the Author:
Kaira G. Tafoya has spent the past 30 years helping entrepreneurs and organizations with their laboratory start-up endeavors. He now uses his experience and expertise to help groups choose the best laboratory compliance consultant for them. If you would like to learn more about Top Toxicology Consulting Group in Dallas he suggests you visit his friend's to learn more.
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