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Safety Issues in a Laboratory

Hazards in a laboratory are classified as biological, chemical, ergonomic, and physical. These hazards give rise to the risk of accidents, spills, and adverse health conditions. Job characteristics, routes of entry, and the properties of materials, specimens and equipment are factors that influence the level of risk. Laboratory workers must be familiar with the potential hazards of the materials and equipment, and follow recommended procedures for their use, handling, storage and disposal.

  1. Biological Hazards

    • Biological hazards arise in laboratories from living organisms. Nurses using needles for drawing blood, for example, are at risk from blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B. Standard Precautions, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are effective in the control of transmission of communicable diseases. Precautions such as vaccination of employees, employee training, washing hands before leaving the work area and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are safe practices.

    Chemical Hazards

    • Chemical substances used in laboratories give rise to hazards such as toxicity, malformation of the embryo, genetic mutation, and cancer. Laboratory assistants handling formaldehyde regularly, for example, are at risk of developing cancer. Chemicals could also be flammable or explosive. Chemical hazard management programs dealing with the storage, handling and transportation of chemicals; exposure assessment; use of material safety data sheets (MSDS); employee training; and use of PPE are designed to minimize the level of risk.

    Ergonomic Hazards

    • Repeated tasks and/or improper postures give rise to ergonomic hazards. Scientists working long hours at computer workstations, for example, are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Other risk factors include poor lighting, inadequate ventilation and air conditioning, and bad workspace design. Musculoskeletal disorders, sprains, stress, and disability are risks from ergonomic hazards. Fitting the task to human functions and training of personnel are effective in dealing with ergonomic hazards.

    Physical Hazards

    • Electricity,radiation, heat and noise are sources of physical hazards. Technicians working with radioactive materials, for example, are at risk of developing cancer. Hearing loss from noise and injuries or burns from equipment such as ovens are common risks. Physical hazards can be minimized by standard procedures, awareness and training, and use of PPE.

    Regulations

    • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs workplace safety in the laboratory. Use OSHA's Form 300 Log to record and report accidents, injuries, or illness in the laboratory. Maintain an up-to-date compilation of MSDS for all hazardous chemicals used or stored in the laboratory as a part of the hazard communication plan. Follow U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations while shipping diagnostic and infectious specimens; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for ventilation, air contamination, and disposal of hazardous waste; U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) standards for laboratory design and ergonomics; U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for approval of new medicine and medical devices; and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards for blood-borne pathogens.

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