Laboratories are dangerous environments that require all personnel and guests to act appropriately at all times. Simple mistakes can lead to significant injuries and financial damages. To avoid these errors, lab managers must establish protocols and foster a situation that is conducive to safety and productivity. A lab manager or supervisor can achieve this balance through the following five aspects of lab safety:
1. Training
All personnel must be highly trained. Never assume that a person has experience with all chemicals, hardware, and lab safety equipment simply because they are an expert in a related field. An instructor should provide basic awareness to all guests, and all guests should wear a badge or similar device to indicate to personnel that they are a potential risk.
2. Attention to Detail
Most accidents in the lab occur because focus strayed. Avoid all distractions, including music and non-emergency phones. All personnel should take breaks that allow them to unwind and refocus. In high school labs, the teacher or an assistant should closely idexx indonesia monitor the students at all times in order to ensure that shenanigans do not undermine safety.
3. Safety Inspections
Optimal safety requires a commitment and ongoing maintenance. Periodically, the lab manager should inspect all supplies, hardware and lab safety equipment. All worn and damaged equipment should be replaced immediately. Never maintain chemicals and other substances that have expired. The manager should also review all safety protocols and tweak them as necessary to maximize their effect.
4. Protective Equipment
In a lab, there is often a fine balance between maintaining a budget and possessing the best lab safety equipment and features possible. Prioritize where necessary. Ventilation, protective clothing and storage for dangerous chemicals should always be a priority. As soon as equipment or an important lab feature show signs of wear, the manager should replace that item immediately.
5. Document and Analyze
Document all personnel, supplies, equipment, maintenance and accidents. Store all information in a secure and redundant manner. Analyze this information. Such analysis can often identify equipment failures in advance. Never consider an accident too minor to document. Small accidents are often indications of big issues, and tracking them can help formulate the protocol that will protect the lab.
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