On the list of fundamental practices, Scimedico directs employees of laboratories to, “get involved in your safety program. Make safety part of your day-to-day job and encourage peers to do the same.” While this is great advice for employees in any industry, this is particularly poignant for hazardous environments where employees are potentially exposed to corrosive chemicals, irritating airborne particles or open fire as well as many other dangers. One of the riskiest behaviors an employee can find themselves exemplifying is complacency. Cutting corners, acting aloof and not following written policies and procedures can lead to dangerous circumstances for everyone involved.
To ensure that all employees feel it is part of their job to take their safety and the safety of others into their own hands. This means including workers in meetings about safety, talking frequently about the changing hazard landscape in their environment, and reminding employees that their level of protection is contingent on their adherence to the policies and procedures put in place for them. As mentioned before, labs are notorious for being home to some of the most hazardous chemicals. These can splash into the eyes if an employee is not careful. To mitigate this hazard, employees should look for vision protection suitable for the job, which includes safety goggles that protect not only the eyeball but the area around the eyes from chemical splash. Your hands can be your best tool, so it is important to protect them. When it comes to the hazards present in labs, it is important to choose hand protection that will keep your hands safe from the absorption of chemicals, chemical burns, thermal burns, lacerations, and more. Disposable nitrile or neoprene gloves are usually appropriate as protection from incidental splashes or contact with lab chemicals. However, the SDS should be consulted to verify chemical compatibility with the gloves being used. It is important to wear protective clothing that can resist physical and chemical hazards when working in a laboratory, especially when exposure may occur. Lab coats can protect against minor chemical splashes and solid contamination, while plastic or rubber aprons are best for protection from corrosive or irritating liquids. Ensure that your protective clothing keeps you safe from all hazards, especially if employees will be working around an open flame, as flame-resistant options are available. It is important to wear closed toe shoes at all times when employees are in buildings where chemicals are being used or stored. Workers should avoid perforated shoes, sandals or cloth sneakers when in laboratories or where mechanical work is being conducted. This kind of footwear offers little protection against chemical and physical hazards. It is imperative that scientists, researchers, and others who might find themselves working in laboratories make safety a continuous theme in their day-to-day work, wear appropriate PPE for the job and arm themselves with as much information as possible to protect themselves. While there are many safety practices that are important when it comes to lab safety, I do hope that you’ll find Scimedico’s list of fundamentals useful and thought-provoking for the next time you step into the lab. Comments are closed.
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AuthorWest Orange, New Jersey’s Scimedico, LLC - Life Sciences Lab Services. Archives
September 2023
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