What Are the Safety Precautions When Applying Chemicals to Evidence in a Crime Lab?

Crime laboratories contain supplies of toxic, potentially hazardous chemicals that are used for processing evidence. To protect their health and safety, lab workers must follow certain precautions, which include using proper work practices, wearing protective clothing, knowing how to operate ventilation equipment and adhering to procedures for tracking and handling chemicals.

Work Practices

• Every crime lab should have a comprehensive health and safety plan that provides the standard procedures for handling hazardous incidents. Lab workers and administrators might want to form a health and safety committee that meets regularly to handle any concerns that arise and to update the plan as needed. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will respond to requests for assistance by sending a team of experts to conduct an on-site investigation of health and safety concerns.

Ventilation

• Chemical fume hoods are vital equipment for ventilating labs that contain toxic or hazardous chemicals. Fume hoods are designed to pull contaminants away from workers and into the hood exhaust system. Ventilation systems should provide at least six fresh supplies of outside air per hour. Supply and exhaust vents must be kept clear and free of obstructions to allow for sufficient air flow. Lab workers should also know how to adjust air flow for particular situations.

Protective Equipment

• Workers who use chemicals to process evidence in criminal investigations should have suitable protective equipment, including gloves, chemical-resistant clothing and safety glasses. Because of the constant threat of eye hazards, safety glasses should always be worn in crime labs. Protective glasses should be lightweight, well-fitting and comfortable. Wraparound glasses are available in durable plastic that will protect workers from flying debris and splatters in their eyes from chemicals in the event they're spilled or dropped.

Chemical Management

• A forensic laboratory should have written procedures for the inventory, handling and storing hazardous chemicals. Lab personnel can use computerized records to keep track of the quantities and location of specific chemicals. Records should be systematically updated. Emergency responders need to access up-to-date records of chemical inventories. The recommended practice is to make a record for each chemical container, listing the chemical name, the date it was received, and the expiration date.