There is never a better time than now to evaluate your laboratory safety procedures. For larger facilities, this can be a daunting task but necessary nonetheless. Regardless of lab size, we have put together the list of few quick laboratory safety tips. After you've reviewed each of them, you can begin implementation by completing a simple audit. Put into practice these quick tips and you'll be a safety pro in no time!
Primary tip is to have no food or drink in the lab. This is one of the most common bad habits found among personnel and easily one of that hardest to kick. Everyone enjoys a good coffee or ice water while at work. But removing food and drink from the laboratory has multiple benefits. First, it reduces distraction. When performing critical tasks, any distraction is bad. Remove any and all distractions to help prevent injury or loss. Second, food waste can be messy. Messes reduce efficiency and promote risk of contamination. And last but definitely not least, it is a safety best-practice. A worse case example is one coming out of Tacoma, Washington. A young woman died four days after accidentally ingesting a saline solution containing sodium azide during an AP class.
Next tip is to create a Laboratory Safety Manual. When bringing on new staff members, most organizations will provide an employee handbook or some sort of policy guideline. Drafting a clear and concise policy regarding all requirements and best-practices not only acts as a handy reference, but also reduces liability in the event termination must occur. After the team members read the manual, ask that they sign it and make it clear that their signature signifies they understand and will abide by the rules. If you notice foul play or feel that an employee is consistently disregarding safety rules, you may decide it necessary to terminate them. Their signature will provide proof that they read and understood the lab safety manual in the event of legal proceedings.
Subsequent tip is to use warning signs. Anything that poses a particular threat should be labelled and highly visible! I can't stress this enough. Bright colors, bold lettering and placement in prominent locations is a must. Consider using warning signs outside of the standard places. Chemicals and solutions are required to be marked by OSHA guidelines. But what about high-decibel noise areas? Trip hazards? And don't forget circuit breakers. Electricity is used in abundance in any laboratory where equipment and instruments are being used. Make sure breakers are clearly marked. Appropriate warning labels and markings are essential to laboratory safety success.
Consequently, it is always advisable to practice routine safety drills. As kids, we didn't understand just how valuable those drills were. They prepared us for worst-case scenarios and emergency disasters. If the time ever came where these practices were necessary, we were armed with the training and knowledge we had. Nothing has changed as we get older. As previously mentioned, good habits are essential to ongoing safety practices. Conducting routine drills will prepare students and staff members for emergencies. Identify emergency exits, meeting areas, and individuals that can assist as guides in the event evacuation is necessary. Make sure everyone is completely aware of the plans. Providing handouts or literature with maps is a bonus. Lab managers dread ever having to experience an emergency. But being well prepared is more than half the battle.
Primary tip is to have no food or drink in the lab. This is one of the most common bad habits found among personnel and easily one of that hardest to kick. Everyone enjoys a good coffee or ice water while at work. But removing food and drink from the laboratory has multiple benefits. First, it reduces distraction. When performing critical tasks, any distraction is bad. Remove any and all distractions to help prevent injury or loss. Second, food waste can be messy. Messes reduce efficiency and promote risk of contamination. And last but definitely not least, it is a safety best-practice. A worse case example is one coming out of Tacoma, Washington. A young woman died four days after accidentally ingesting a saline solution containing sodium azide during an AP class.
Next tip is to create a Laboratory Safety Manual. When bringing on new staff members, most organizations will provide an employee handbook or some sort of policy guideline. Drafting a clear and concise policy regarding all requirements and best-practices not only acts as a handy reference, but also reduces liability in the event termination must occur. After the team members read the manual, ask that they sign it and make it clear that their signature signifies they understand and will abide by the rules. If you notice foul play or feel that an employee is consistently disregarding safety rules, you may decide it necessary to terminate them. Their signature will provide proof that they read and understood the lab safety manual in the event of legal proceedings.
Subsequent tip is to use warning signs. Anything that poses a particular threat should be labelled and highly visible! I can't stress this enough. Bright colors, bold lettering and placement in prominent locations is a must. Consider using warning signs outside of the standard places. Chemicals and solutions are required to be marked by OSHA guidelines. But what about high-decibel noise areas? Trip hazards? And don't forget circuit breakers. Electricity is used in abundance in any laboratory where equipment and instruments are being used. Make sure breakers are clearly marked. Appropriate warning labels and markings are essential to laboratory safety success.
Consequently, it is always advisable to practice routine safety drills. As kids, we didn't understand just how valuable those drills were. They prepared us for worst-case scenarios and emergency disasters. If the time ever came where these practices were necessary, we were armed with the training and knowledge we had. Nothing has changed as we get older. As previously mentioned, good habits are essential to ongoing safety practices. Conducting routine drills will prepare students and staff members for emergencies. Identify emergency exits, meeting areas, and individuals that can assist as guides in the event evacuation is necessary. Make sure everyone is completely aware of the plans. Providing handouts or literature with maps is a bonus. Lab managers dread ever having to experience an emergency. But being well prepared is more than half the battle.
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 Best Toxicology Consulting Services in Fort Worth he suggests you visit his friend's for more information.
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