8 Ways to Create a Safe Laboratory Environment

Setting up a laboratory can be a complex and challenging task. It requires time and there are necessary steps that need to be followed while designing a new laboratory. Ensuring safety and compliance are also of paramount importance to ensure the health of the students and researchers as well as maintain the integrity of the experiments.

Non-compliance with safety regulations can lead to various complications in the results of the experiments and can even pose risks to serious injuries. Thus, it is essential to understand the various lab hazards to implement safety protocols and ensure a productive working environment.

In our blog, we will take a closer take at the different types of lab hazards and the ways safety measures can be implemented in designing the lab as stated by a top lab furniture manufacturer.

Understanding the types of Laboratory Hazards

• Chemical hazards: The use of chemicals to carry out experiments is inevitable. However, they can also pose significant risks if mishandled. For instance, corrosive materials can result in skin burns and defattening of skin. On the other hand, toxic substances can cause problems in the respiratory tract and central nervous system.
• Physical hazards: If proper precautions are not taken, physical hazards can lead to injuries and damage in the laboratories. Some common physical hazards in the lab include breaking out of fire, electrical mishaps and radiation. This poses health threats to students working in the laboratory.
• Biological hazards: Working with bacteria, viruses and fungi is an essential part of dealing with experiments. Now, exposure to allergens and the use of infectious zoonotic causes biological risks. If proper precautionary measures are not taken, it results in infections and diseases.

Ways to Ensure Safety in the Laboratory Environment

Safety and compliance within a laboratory are maintained by several regulations. Here are some of the ways you can practice.

• Assessing the hazards

To prioritise safety measures, it is essential to identify and assess the risk factors of the hazards and evaluate their severity. A comprehensive assessment of risks will help you determine the consequences of those hazards. By understanding those risks, you can take appropriate measures to minimise or eliminate the risks.

• Maintain the equipment

Keeping the lab materials and equipment also falls under safety protection. All the equipment must be cleaned and inspected as instructed by the lab furniture manufacturer. Between each use, the equipment must be washed. Also, make sure to calibrate the instruments to keep them working accurately and precisely. It will also help to identify potential issues before it’s too late.

• Keep records

Always maintain the documents about any potential problems to know the type of hazards your lab is prone to. This will help to review and improve the lab safety measures. Moreover, it will also serve as an important document for risk assessment and proper inspections.

• Build a proper design

The design and interior of the inside of the laboratory also plays an important to ensure safety. It should be designed in such a way that allows for maximum movement, maximum space utilization and proper organization. A spacious lab design to prevent collision between two people or materials to minimise accidents and increase productivity.

• Have an emergency response

Despite taking all measures, accidents can happen anytime. Hence, a backup emergency plan must be prepared to give a timely response to unforeseen circumstances like fire breakout, chemical spills and electrical issues. The plan must outline the ways to mitigate the risks. There should be regular follow-ups to check the effectiveness of the plan.

• Conduct training

Regular training must be organised to make the personnel associated with maintaining the safety family with the safety procedures. Also, time-to-time sessions can be arranged to inform about the latest safety and compliance protocols. This will prepare them to take immediate action during emergencies.

• Encourage a culture of safety

To maintain a healthy lab environment, a positive safety culture must be promoted. Open communication must be encouraged so that everyone can open up in case of hazardous activities. It will allow researchers to come together and participate in following safety and compliance rules. They must also be motivated to provide feedback about the measures.

• Adhere to the safety regulations

Staying informed about regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is important to familiarise oneself with the guidelines related to lab safety, hazard management and chemical storage.

Wrapping up

Prioritising lab safety is of utmost importance to prevent accidents and ensure a conducive environment. By adopting a comprehensive and proactive approach guided by the best lab furniture manufacturers, you can continue to work in a protected environment.