Objective

In this lesson we will answer the following questions:

 What equipment should be used to promote safety in the laboratory?

 What actions should be taken to promote safety in the laboratory?

Reading Assignment

Along with the online lecture, read chapter 1 in Simplified Procedures for Water
Examination.

Lecture

Introduction

Safety is just as important in the laboratory as in the treatment plant. A number of hazards
exist. Be alert, careful, and aware of potential dangers at all times. Although very dilute
solutions are being analyzed, the laboratory chemist does handle some extremely strong acids
and bases, as well as some toxins. A thorough knowledge of safe operating procedures for
each analysis is vital.

This lesson introduces emergency and personal safety equipment and notes some general
precautions for use in the laboratory. 

Emergency Equipment

Introduction

Before beginning any laboratory exercise, you should note the location of the various types of
safety equipment.  If a spill or fire occurs, you will not have time to read the instructions
before dealing with the problem, so it is a good idea to read the instructions now and make
sure that you understand how each piece of equipment is used. 

Every laboratory should contain a first aid kit, an eye wash station, an emergency shower, a
fire extinguisher, and a safety blanket.  We will discuss each piece of equipment briefly
below and will include a picture to help you locate the equipment in your treatment plant's
laboratory.  Most safety equipment is well labelled, easily accessible, and easily
recognizable. 
First Aid Kits

A few of the many types of first aid kits.

First aid kits can be used to bandage small injuries such as scratches and minor burns.  Each
laboratory should keep an approved, well-stocked first aid kit on hand in a convenient
location.  The components of the first aid kit should be checked and refreshed twice a year. 

Eye Wash Stations and Showers

.
Eye wash stations and emergency showers are used to deal with chemical spills.  If
chemicals come in contact with the skin or eyes, the affected body parts should be rinsed
thoroughly with large amounts of clean water.  Any contaminated articles of clothing should
be removed.  After flushing the chemicals away with water, the operator should notify the
supervisor immediately and contact a physician, if necessary. 

Fire Equipment

Good housekeeping, such as keeping laboratory and storage areas neat and organized, will
prevent many fires.  However, if a fire does occur, then it can be dealt with using a fire
extinguisher and/or a fire blanket.  Laboratories may want to contact local fire officials for
fire safety tips and suggestions. 
You should already be familiar with fire extinguishers.  However, you may not be aware that
there are several different types of fire extinguishers which are used to extinguish different
kinds of fires.  Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher may not only fail to extinguish the
fire, it may make the situation worse.  The table below summarizes the uses of the four types
of fire extinguishers. 

Type of Fire Type of Fire

Extinguisher
Class A ordinary combustible materials (paper, wood, cardboard, most plastics.)
Class B flammable or combustible liquids (gasoline, kerosene, grease, and oil.)
Class C electrical equipment (appliances, wiring, circuit breakers, outlets.)
Class D combustible materials often found in chemical laboratories (magnesium,
titanium, potassium, sodium)

The second type of fire safety equipment is the fire blanket, such as the ones shown below. 
Fire blankets are used to smother fires on people.  To use a fire blanket, first remove the
blanket from its wall holder.  Next, wrap the blanket around the flames on the person.  The
fire blanket will block the flow of air to the fire and cause the flames to die. 

Personal Safety Equipment

Introduction

Many accidents can be prevented by wearing appropriate personal safety equipment.  When
working in a laboratory, you should wear a protective apron and gloves to protect your
clothes and skin.  You should also wear safety goggles or a face shield when performing any
test where there is potential danger to the eyes. 

The primary purpose of most pieces of personal safety equipment is to prevent chemicals
from coming in contact with your body.  In every case, the personal safety equipment is
merely meant as a temporary barrier to prevent contact with the chemical.  If a chemical
splash or spill occurs, promptly remove the affected safety equipment and wash the skin with
plenty of water.  A short section of rubber hose attached to a water outlet (as shown below)
can be used to flush harmful chemicals away from the eyes or skin if safety showers or eye
wash stations are unavailable. 

You should inspect your safety equipment before each use.  Aprons and safety glasses should
be washed at intervals.  Some gloves are disposable and are used for only one exercise while
others can be washed and reused.  In any case, if a piece of safety equipment develops a hole,
tear, or crack, it should be promptly replaced. 

Aprons
Lab coats, smocks, and aprons will all protect the operator's skin and clothes from chemical
spills.  However, the operator should be aware that these articles of clothing are permeable. 
If a spill occurs, the apron, coat, or smock should be removed promptly to ensure that the
chemical does not soak through to the operator's skin. 

Gloves

The operator's hands are at the most risk from chemical spills in the laboratory.  As a result,
appropriate gloves should be worn at all times while performing laboratory exercises.  Below,
I have listed the main types of gloves used to prevent harmful chemicals from contacting the
skin, as well as the primary use of each glove type.  In addition to these chemical resistance
gloves, you may use insulated or fabric gloves to handle hot objects. 

Glove material is the primary factor influencing the ability of gloves to withstand chemicals. 
In the following sections, we will consider the resistance capabilities of latex, nitrile,
neoprene, and butyl rubber gloves.  Your textbook gives more specific information about the
uses of each glove in Table 1090:IV and in Table 1090:V.  In addition, you should be aware
that other factors such as the weight of the glove will influence a specific glove's chemical
resistance.  You can contact the manufacturer for more information about a specific brand of
glove. 
Latex gloves are the thin, disposable gloves often found in boxes in the laboratory.  They will
protect your hands from aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, salts, and ketones and from
biological hazards.  Latex gloves have the added advantage of great flexibility, so they do not
have much effect on your dexterity.  However, recent studies have shown that these gloves
should not be used as the all-around, general-use glove of choice.  Latex has a large pore size
which allows many chemicals to permeate the glove and reach your skin.  Many people have
also been found to be allergic to latex gloves. 

Nitrile gloves are more protective than latex gloves, but are still thin enough so that they
don't overly hinder dexterity.  Many nitrile gloves are disposable and can be found in boxes
within the lab.  They will protect the operator from many chemicals but, as with latex gloves,
nitrile gloves are not appropriate for submersion of the hands in chemicals.  If chemicals
contact the gloves, the operator should remove his gloves and wash his hands.  Still, nitrile
gloves are often the most useful for general laboratory work. 

The other two types of gloves we will mention in this lesson - neoprene and butyl rubber -
are more protective, but are also heavier and hinder dexterity.  Although these gloves will
protect your hands for a longer period of time, they are still not meant for immersion in any
chemicals.  Butyl rubber gloves will protect the operator from the widest range of chemicals,
specifically including nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and peroxide, but will not
protect the operator from all chemicals.  Neoprene gloves deal well with heat and resist some
acids and alcohols, among other chemicals. 

Safety Glasses
Safety glasses, safety goggles, or a face shield are used in the laboratory to protect the eyes
from chemical splashing or from non-ionizing radiation such as UV light.

Glassware
The typical laboratory is full of glassware, a few types of which are shown above.  You
should always follow some simple precautions in order to prevent the cuts that can result
from improperly handling glassware. 

If a piece of glassware breaks or cracks, always dispose of the glassware immediately.  Many
labs will have specific broken glass receptacles so that people will not be injured when
emptying the trash cans. 

During lab exercises, you will often be asked to make rubber-to-glass connections, such as
when you connect a rubber suction bulb to a glass pipet or when you place a rubber stopper in
a glass bottle.  The danger from this process can be minimized if you use the safety rules
listed below:

 Wear gloves or some other form of hand protection while making glass-to-
rubber connections.
 Support lengths of glass tubing while they are being inserted into rubber
stoppers or tubing.  Hold the glass tubing as close to the end being inserted as
possible to prevent breakage. 
 Flame polish the ends of the glass to smooth them out.
 Use a lubricant on the glass.  Water or glycerine are appropriate lubricants. 
Grease and oil are not. 

 Never force rubber stoppers or tubing from glass.  If necessary, cut the
rubber. 

Laboratory Precautions

Introduction

Now you know about emergency and personal safety equipment and are nearly ready to get
to work in the laboratory.  However, there are a few other safety precautions which you
should be aware of.  This final section presents some safety tips which will help you get the
most out of your laboratory experiences. 

General Behavior

A laboratory is full of potentially dangerous situations.  You should stay alert to your
surroundings while in the laboratory and never participate in horseplay or in any other
dangerous activities.  The best rule of the laboratory is "Think before you act."

Accidental ingestion of chemicals may occur if you smoke or eat in the laboratory.  Under no
circumstances should you perform either activity in the laboratory, except in designated
areas.  Before eating, smoking, or leaving the laboratory, you should wash your hands
thoroughly to remove any residual chemicals and biological organisms.  Never use laboratory
glassware as a food container or as a drinking cup.

You should exercise caution when mixing or heating chemicals in a beaker.  In either case,
the chemicals may splash or flow out of the beaker.  In addition, some chemical reactions will
create harmful fumes.  Never look into the open end of a container during a chemical reaction
or when heating the container. 

The most often broken lab rule is never pipet by mouth.  If you inhale too deeply, you may
ingest whatever liquid is being pipetted.  Even if you are merely pipetting water, you should
realize that the residual amounts of chemicals and biological organisms from a previous
pipetting episode may be enough to make you seriously sick.  Instead of mouth pipetting, you
should use a suction bulb or an automatic pipet. 
Finally, you should exercise care when handling hot glassware or equipment.  Always use
tongs, insulated gloves, or other suitable tools.  You should avoid using paper towels or rags
since these items will tend to slip, making you drop and break the hot item. 

Safety Rules

Below are some general safety guidelines you should follow in the laboratory:

1. Know where the safety equipment is. Essential equipment includes safety
shower, eye wash, fire extinguisher, telephone, first aid kit, and acid spill kit.
Emergency response must be automatic because it may be difficult to think
clearly.
2. No eating, drinking, or smoking in the lab.
3. Don't smell or taste any chemical.
4. Use pipet bulbs for pipetting.
5. Never handle chemicals with your hands. Use a spatula.
6. Never stopper a flash with your thumb to mix the contents. This is
unacceptable lab technique. It will contaminate the test, and chemical in
contact with the skin or mouth could be dangerous.
7. Wash hands well with soap and water before leaving the lab. There are
chemical toxins and biological pathogens in the lab.
8. Wear safety glasses in the lab at all times.
9. Label all prepared solutions properly. Include chemical name,
concentration, date prepared, and chemist's initials. If a solution is over 1%
 concentration (0.1% if it is a carcinogen), OSHA requires that labels also list
any fire and health hazards. Special labels may be purchased for this purpose.
Most liquids in a water lab look like water. If the concentration is not on the
label, the liquid is useless as a chemical and could be dangerous.
10. Add acid to water! When diluting concentrated acids, always put the water in
the beaker first, then add the acid, SLOWLY. Acids are hydroscopic; they
react quickly with the water they are dissolving in, creating heat. When a large
quantity of acid mixes with a little water, the reaction can be violent.
11. Use strong oxidizing agents carefully. Agents such as ammonium persulfate
can produce violet reactions. Store separately.
12. Keep highly reactive chemicals out of sinks. Chemical incompatability
resulting from the combination of oil, grease, mercury, volatile solvents, and
strong acids may trap vapors in the drains and create an explosion.
13. Be aware of heat! Don't touch a hot plate to see if it is on. Assume that it is.
Never leave a heating solution unattended. Dissolve strong acids and bases
slowly. They create great heat and may spatter or break the glassware. When
opening a furnace, oven, or hot water bath, stand a distance away. Always use
tongs and wear gloves.
14. Strong acids and bases emit choking fumes. Use them under the fume hood.
Do not lean over a boiling solution. It may be emitting toxic vapors. Boil
solutions under the fume hood. If you unexpectedly encounter fumes, rush to
the nearest source of fresh air.
15. Acid burn! Strong acids and bases are highly corrosive, especially to the skin.
Handle with extreme care to avoid contact. Wash off with plenty of running
water. Use the safety shower. If acids or bases make contact with the eyes, use
the eye wash station. Call for help. Seek immediate medical attention.
16. Carry all large chemical containers with two hands to minimize risk of
dropping. Hands and/or glassware are often wet.
17. Dont' try to pick up broken glass with bare fingers. Sweep it up with a
broom. Dispose of it in a special container labeled "broken glass".
18. Beware of electrical hazards. Do not plug in electrical equipment with wet
hands. When turning on a hot plate, ensure that no electrical cords are
touching the heater plate. The cord may melt and cause an electrical short.
19. Water may contain pathogens. Use medical lab goves when handling
samples, especially if you have a hand cut or abrasion. Anyone working in a
water treatment plant should update immunizations with the local Health
Department.
20. Compressed gas is not a toy. Keep cylinders chained to the wall. Do not fool
with pressure regulators. Always open cylinder valves slowly.
21. Don't try to change the lab test procedure. Chemicals added, subtracted, or
mixed in an order different from the order specified may cause explosive
conditions.

Good housekeeping is part of safety. Be crupulously clean with the glassware and chemicals.
Contaminated glassware will ruin the lab test and can be hazardous.

 
 

Laboratory Chemicals

The Chemical Label

Know your chemicals! When preparing reagents,

Chemical Handling

Perhaps the most obvious danger in the laboratory is from the various chemicals which are
used.  The operator can minimize the danger resulting from these chemicals by handling and
storing chemicals properly. 

The first step in proper handling of chemicals is to be familiar with each chemical's properties
and hazards.  Material Safety Data Sheets, also known as MSDS's, provide this
information.   Before using a new chemical in the laboratory, you should familiarize yourself
with that chemical's MSDS.  You should also carefully read all of the precautions and
warnings on the chemical's label.  If you are using poisons or poisonous chemicals, you
should know their antidotes and should have the antidotes available for use.  Learn how to
read an MSDS document here.

Once you are familiar with the properties of a chemical, you are ready to use it in a laboratory
exercise.  The first step is always to check the label on each bottle to make sure the proper
chemical is being selected.   Many chemical names may look very similar and yet may
represent different chemicals with very different hazards. 
Chemicals must always be handled with care and should never be touched with bare hands. 
Always wear the proper personal safety equipment, especially gloves.  Use a spoon or spatula
to transfer dry chemicals from one container to another.  Use a glass rod or magnetic stirrer
for mixing chemical solutions.  Finally, always add acid to water unless the procedure
specifically requires the reverse. 

To use a magnetic stirrer, place the beaker

on top of the stirrer body.  Carefully drop
a stir bar into the beaker.  Turn on the
stirrer and adjust the stirring speed. 

Chemical Storage
Proper chemical storage is also essential to laboratory safety.  The first step in chemical
storage is proper labelling.  When a chemical container is first opened, it should should be
labelled indicating the contents and noting the date when the bottle was opened or when the
chemical was prepared.  All poisons should be labelled as such and should have antidotes
clearly marked. 

The next step in proper chemical storage is good housekeeping.  Storage areas should be kept
clean and organized, without an excess of unlabeled or undated containers.  Old or excess
chemicals should be disposed of promptly and carefully.

Flammable, explosive, or other especially hazardous items have special storage

requirements.  Fume hoods and glove boxes may be used to protect the operator from fumes
while storing or working with these chemicals, although neither piece of equipment should be
used to store large quantities of volatile chemicals.  Fume hoods and glove boxes provide
extra ventilation which prevents the operator from inhaling fumes.  While working in a
laboratory, remember that even very low concentrations of fumes or gases can be dangerous. 

Review

Safety in the laboratory results from being aware of the uses of emergency equipment, from
using personal safety equipment properly, and from following a few simple safety rules. 
Emergency equipment includes first aid kids, eye wash stations, emergency showers, fire
extinguishers, and fire blankets.  Personal safety equipment includes aprons, lab coats,
smocks, many kinds of gloves, safety glasses, safety goggles, and face shields.  Finally,
although there are many laboratory safety rules, most of them are self evident if you think
before you act, are aware of the proper uses of laboratory equipment, and understand the
properties of chemicals.

Assignment

This is a two part assignment.

1. First, find a MSDS for a common chemical. Materials Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) files tell us the materials and hazards contained in the chemicals we
use. For this assignment find a MSDS for a product you use at home, such as
detergent, deodorant, cosmetics, office supplies, etc. Include all the
information gathered in that product's MSDS. Send your assignment to the
instructor as an email attachment. Please make sure to include the name of the
product you chose. (Google is your friend here.)

2. The second part of the assignment is on lab safety. Please complete the
interactive lab safety assignment found here:
https://www.ncbionetwork.org/iet/labsafety/ and send me a copy of your
completion certificate as an email attachment. Once you enter your name for
the activity, you will need to click the area of the video that says "01:
Introduction to Lab Safety". It will take you through the entire assignment.

Quiz

Answer the questions in the Lesson 1 quiz .  When you have gotten all the answers correct,
print the page and either mail or fax it to the instructor. You may also take the quiz online and
directly submit it into the database for a grade.

Lab Safety & Chemical Hygiene Program

Requirements for First Aid and CPR Supplies

OSHA standard 1910.151 (b) also states an employer must have "adequate first aid
supplies...readily available," although specific first aid supplies are not listed.
OSHA does not have a minimum requirement, but references ANSI Z308.1-2003 Minimum
Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits. According to the ANSI document, a basic
workplace first aid kit should include:

Additional (but optional) items include:

 At least one absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm.) with no side smaller than 4
in. (10 cm)
 At least 16 adhesive bandages, 1 in. x 3 in. (2.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
 One roll of adhesive tape, 5 yd. (457.2 cm) total
 At least ten packets of antiseptic, 0.5g (0.14 fl oz.) applications
 At least six applications of burn treatments, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz.)
 Two or more pairs of medical exam gloves (latex or non-latex)
 At least four sterile pads, 3 in. x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
 One triangular bandage, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in. (101 cm x 101 cm x 142 cm)
 Four 2x2 inch bandage compresses
 Two 3x3 inch bandage compresses
 One 4x4 inch bandage compresses
 One eye patch
 One ounce of eye wash
 One chemical cold pack, 4x5 inch
 Two roller bandages, two inches wide
 One roller bandage, three inches wide
 CPR barrier device

These items are intended to be the minimum for a workplace first aid kit. Depending on the
potential for injury, a more complete kit may be necessary. OSHA recommendations do not
include an automated external defibrillator (AED), but current emergency cardiac care
guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend AEDs in most public places.

What is the Law regarding first aid kits?

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), who regulate First Aid at Work, puts the onus back
onto the employer:

There is a British Standard BS 8599 for first aid kits, it is not a regulatory requirement
under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to purchase kits that comply
with this standard. Instead the contents of a first aid box is dependent on an employers
first aid needs assessment. 

This means for employers following a needs assessment the options are:

1. Within your workplace you have access to a first aid kit whose contents complies with
BS 8599 and matches or exceeds the findings from your needs assessment;

or

2. Within your workplace you have access to a first aid kit whose contents matches the
findings from your needs assessment but does not comply with the requirements of BS
8599.”
The contents of your first aid kit should be based on your First Aid Needs Assessment. You
as a business manager (either self-employed or with staff) are required to identify your needs
in terms of first aid cover required for your business. This will influence the number of first
aiders you will need, and the type of course they should be doing and also the type of first aid
kits you should have.

You can download our First Aid Needs Assessment guide which will help to determine the
what your likely hazards and risks are, and therefore what you might need to have in your
first aid box. The results of the needs assessment are dependent on the degree of hazard,
additional factors that could influence your overall first-aid provision, and the number of
employees in your workplace.

So, what should I put in my first aid kit?

As a guide, where work activities are low-risk (for example, desk-based work) a minimum
first aid kit might contain:

 a leaflet with general guidance on first aid (for example, HSE’s leaflet Basic advice
on first aid at work
 a faceshield for doing CPR
 individually wrapped sterile plasters of assorted sizes
 sterile eye pads
 individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
 safety pins
 large and medium-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings
 disposable gloves
 good quality scissors and tape
 medi-wipes
 Covid protection kit such as additional facemasks, gloves, hand gel, goggles or a full
faceshield.

This is a suggested contents list. British Standard 8599-1 (workplace) and BS8599-2
(vehicle) kits are a good place to start, but don’t be confused into thinking these are what you
must have. If you are buying a kit look for British Standard (BS) 8599. By law, your kit
doesn’t have to meet this standard but you should check it contains what you’ve identified in
your needs assessment.

You also have other clues as to the potential contents of your First Aid Kits at work – looking
at your Risk Assessments, Accident book and the characteristics of your clients or staff will
give you lots of ‘what ifs‘ to consider. Lone working is often a factor that we forget to
consider. This may influence both the contents and the number of first aid kits you may need.

When looking for a kit to buy, consider the size of the kit, whether it needs to be waterproof,
to be hung on a wall bracket or carried like a rucksack. Buy the ‘vessel’ that best suits your
business and then fill it with the appropriate content.

Outdoor First Aid Kits

As an outdoor practitioner, you will have different things to consider as well as the standard
content list. Pack size and weight of your first aid kit can be a factor. The requirement to
potentially look after a casualty for a longer period of time in a difficult environment is also
worth preparing for. What do you have in your kit to insulate and protect your casualty in a
changing environment? For this reason on our Outdoor First Aid 2 Day courses, we
emphasise – and practice- the need to improvise and be resourceful.

Consider the activities and the environment when

stocking your Outdoor First Aid Kit.

Some items to consider in your Outdoor First Aid Kit (in addition to the standard list above):

 A waterproof first aid kit , either a bag or box

 Medical scissors – for cutting through clothes to attend to or investigate a wound or
break. They are also useful for cutting clothing to make bandages! These are often
sold as ‘tuff-kut’ or ‘medi-scissors’
 Several good quality calico or linen triangular bandages
 Blister pads
 Foil blankets – to keep your casualty warm – and you whilst you’re waiting for
Mountain Rescue
 Good quality tape – zinc oxide or electrical tape for binding and splinting
 Tick removers
 An outdoor whistle and torch
 Casualty monitoring sheet & pencil (You can download our free card from our
website)
 Larger bandages such as Israeli bandages, haemostatic bandages and/or a tourniquet
 Permanent marker to mark time on a tourniquet or the pulse point on a casualty

Sports First Aid Kits:

However in the context of sports first aid, you may have serious injuries to deal with but
don’t have to carry your first aid kit about with you all day. You can afford to have a bigger
pack with more in it as long as its easily accessible. You may have to keep a casualty warm
and dry for a period of time however, and your casualty isn’t likely to be wearing more than
shorts and a t-shirt. So think about the season in which your sport takes place if it’s outside,
and the likely weather conditions and temperature. Consider some of the items listed for the
Outdoor First Aid Kit. These can be in a kit bag or in your First Aid Room.

A critical injury pack includes equipment for major bleeds and medical traumas.

High Risk occupations such as Forestry and Farming:

Workers in situations that would be considered high risk, such as forestry or heavy industry,
may want to consider including equipment to deal with life threatening bleeding. Additional
training is required for this type of kit and is covered in out Outdoor and Forestry courses. A
critical injury pack like the one above may save a life one day – but only if you’ve done your
risk assessment, training and have your kit with you. Read our blog on how to deal with life
threatening bleeding.

What about medications?

When carrying out first aid in a ‘professional’ setting where you have duty of care, we cannot
use medications of any sort. First aid sprays, creams, painkillers, antihistamines are not
standard first aid kit items. This is because we do not know the medical history of the
casualty, their allergies or reactions. For example, giving Ibuprofen to an asthmatic may
result in an asthmatic episode going against the first aid principle of ‘preventing worsening’.
However, it is now accepted that aspirin can be carried in a first aid kit in case of heart
attacks. This should only be offered to a casualty who is not allergic to aspirin and who
consents to take it. This is covered in all of our first aid courses.

In addition, educational establishments are now allowed to carry spare medications for
students including asthma inhalers and epi-pens. You can read more about this in our blog on
the new regulations for personal medicines in educational settings.

First Aid in a non-workplace setting

If you aren’t doing first aid in a workplace setting, your own activity risk assessment should
guide you. As a general rule, keep it simple, and try and consider the types of situation that
you are most likely to deal with. Also consider if you’re out and about on the hill, on your
bike or on the water, what situations might you come across where you can help as a first
aider – but only if you have your first aid kit with you.

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What should a basic first aid kit contain?

Obviously not all accidents and emergencies happen in an environment where there is a first
aid kit to hand. But some do! Therefore it’s important to be as prepared as possible. The
contents of a first aid kit will vary slightly depending on the particular setting but in general
there are some important components which every first aid kit is likely to contain. NHS
Choices website (a reliable source of medical information) recommends that a basic first aid
kit should probably contain the following:

 plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes

 small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings
 at least two sterile eye dressings
 triangular bandages
 crêpe rolled bandages
 safety pins
 disposable sterile gloves
 tweezers
 scissors
 alcohol-free cleansing wipes
  sticky tape
 thermometer (preferably digital)
 skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
 cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
 antiseptic cream
 painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be
given to children under 16), or ibuprofen
 cough medicine
 antihistamine tablets
 distilled water for cleaning wounds
 eye wash and eye bath
 first aid manual

Laboratory Hazards and Risks

An overview of the most common hazards encountered in
typical research labs

Sep 08, 2011

Vince McLeod, CIH

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We know that running a research lab is a challenge, to say the least. In all the hustle of
loading the autosampler, pipetting, pouring, and mixing for research experiments, worker
health and safety can be overlooked, inadvertently pushed aside or forgotten—sometimes
with dire consequences. Understanding the required Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) programs and recognizing hazards will help you to identify and
minimize many of the common safety and health hazards associated with running a research
laboratory. This Safety Guys column will assist your navigation of the health and safety
maze. We present an overview of the most common hazards encountered in typical research
labs. Our hope is that one or more topics might strike a nerve and motivate you to dig deeper
to ensure a safe work environment.

OSHA tells employers that we must provide a workplace “free from recognized hazards.”
There are many specific OSHA standards that may apply to research laboratories. Most
notable is 29CFR1910.1450, “Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories,” also known as the OSHA Lab Standard.1 Other standards include hazard
communication, respiratory protection, and electrical and fire safety. In addition, there is a
“general duty clause” (Section 5(a)(1) that covers all other recognized hazards for which
specific standards may not exist, such as ergonomics and exposures to anesthetic gases or
experimental drugs.
Different types of hazards
An important first step in protecting worker health and safety is recognizing workplace
hazards. Most hazards encountered fall into three main categories: chemical, biological, or
physical. Cleaning agents and disinfectants, drugs, anesthetic gases, solvents, paints, and
compressed gases are examples of chemical hazards. Potential exposures to chemical hazards
can occur both during use and with poor storage.

Biological hazards include potential exposures to allergens, infectious zoonotics (animal

diseases transmissible to humans), and experimental agents such as viral vectors. Allergens,
ubiquitous in animal research facilities, are one of the most important health hazards, yet they
are frequently overlooked.

The final category contains the physical hazards associated with research facilities. The most
obvious are slips and falls from working in wet locations and the ergonomic hazards of
lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive tasks. Other physical hazards often unnoticed are
electrical, mechanical, acoustic, or thermal in nature. Ignoring these can have potentially
serious consequences.

Chemical hazards
The use of chemicals in research laboratories is inevitable, and the potential for harm or
injury could be significant if they are misused or mishandled. OSHA has developed two
important standards to help mitigate these potential problems. The first is the Hazard
Communication standard (29CFR1910.1200) that deals with requirements for employers to
inform and train employees on non-laboratory use of chemicals.2 This would apply to things
in the lab such as pump oil, Chromerge, or liquid nitrogen used in dewars. Although these
chemicals are found in the lab, their use does not meet the criteria for laboratory use.

The second, we’ve already mentioned. Known as the “OSHA Lab Standard,”
29CFR1910.1450 requires laboratories to identify hazards, determine employee exposures,
and develop a chemical hygiene plan (CHP) including standard operating procedures. The
“lab standard” applies to the laboratory use of chemicals and mandates written Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) addressing the particular hazards and precautions required for
safe use. This goes hand in hand with experimental design and planning. Both standards
require providing material safety data sheets and employee training.

Biological Hazards
Biological hazards encompass microbes, recombinant organisms, and viral vectors. They also
include biological agents introduced into experimental animals. Health and safety issues such
as containment, the ability for replication, and potential biological effect are all important.
When working with biological hazards, ensure that procedures can be conducted safely.
Much of the work with recombinant DNA, acute toxins, and select agents is now regulated by
federal agencies such as the US Department of Agriculture, the Department of Homeland
Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services (including the National
Institutes of Health). If your facility is conducting research in these areas, you should have an
Institutional Biosafety Committee to keep everything in order and running smoothly.
The most prevalent biological hazards, in terms of frequency of occurrence, are simple
allergens associated with the use and care of laboratory animals. Health surveys of people
working with laboratory animals show that up to 56 percent are affected by animal-related
allergies. In a survey of 5,641 workers from 137 animal facilities, 23 percent had allergic
symptoms related to laboratory animals. These figures do not include former workers who
became ill and could not continue working.

Physical hazards
Research facilities inherently have significant physical hazards present. Included here are
electrical safety hazards, ergonomic hazards associated with manual material handling and
equipment use, handling sharps, and basic housekeeping issues.

Many operations in the lab can result in lab workers assuming sustained or repetitive
awkward postures. Examples are eluting a column in a fume hood, working for extended
periods in a biosafety cabinet, or looking at slides on a microscope for extended periods.
What is found acceptable for brief or occasional use may become problematic if performed
for long durations or very frequently. Pain is a good indicator that something is wrong.
Conduct work with a neutral, balanced posture. Magnetic assist or programmable pipettes can
reduce frequency of hand force required to prevent worker injury.

Sharps containers are ubiquitous in research labs and following a few safety rules can help
prevent getting stuck with accident reports. Use only puncture-proof and leakproof containers
that are clearly labeled. Train employees never to remove the covers or attempt to transfer the
contents. Make sure these containers are only used for “sharps” and that they get replaced
when three-fourths full to prevent overfilling.

Many injuries stem from poor housekeeping. Slips, trips, and falls are very common but
easily avoided. Start with safe and organized storage areas. Material storage should not create
hazards. Bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers should be stacked, blocked,
interlocked, and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or
collapse. Keep storage areas free from an accumulation of materials that could cause tripping,
fire, explosion, or pest harborage.

Electrical hazards
Electrical hazards are potentially life threatening and found much too frequently. First, equip
all electrical power outlets in wet locations with ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs,
to prevent accidental electrocutions. GFCIs are designed to “trip” and break the circuit when
a small amount of current begins flowing to ground. Wet locations usually include outlets
within six feet of a sink, faucet, or other water source and outlets located outdoors or in areas
that get washed down routinely. Specific GFCI outlets can be used individually, or GFCIs
can be installed in the electrical panel to protect entire circuits.

Another very common electrical hazard is improper use of flexible extension cords. Do not
use these as a substitute for permanent wiring. The cord insulation should be in good
condition and continue into the plug ends. Never repair cracks, breaks, cuts, or tears with
tape. Either discard the extension cord or shorten it by installing a new plug end. Take care
not to run extension cords through doors or windows where they can become pinched or cut.
And always be aware of potential tripping hazards when using them. Use only grounded
equipment and tools and never remove the grounding pin from the plug ends. Also, do not
use extension cords in a series—just get the right length of cord for the job.

The use of hanging pendants and electrical outlets are widespread in research lab facilities to
help keep cords off of floors and out of the way. Check electrical pendants for proper strain
relief and type of box used. The box should be totally closed and without any holes. If it
contains knockouts or holes for mounting, it is not the right type for a hanging pendant.

As a final check for possible electrical hazards, look over your lighting. Protect all lights
within seven feet of the floor to guard against accidental breakage. Slip plastic protective
tubes over florescent bulbs prior to mounting or install screens onto the fixtures.

Conclusion
Research laboratories present many challenges. In the day-to-day bustle of conducting
research experiments, worker health and safety can be easily overlooked. However, with
proper guidance, a trained eye, and practice in noticing the mundane, we can find and correct
many common mistakes and prevent illness or injury. The Internet provides a vast amount of
valuable information that can be easily researched. Begin with the OSHA website
(www.osha.gov) and chances are you will find what you need. Be diligent and remember:
“Safety First!”

Tags: hazardsHealth & Safetyhealth risks Lab Safetysafety guidelinestrainingWorkplace

Safety

Remote Monitoring to Protect Precious

Samples
State-of-the-art monitoring and alarms for temperature
fluctuations, power outages and surges, energy
consumption, and more
Jul 14, 2021

Thermo Fisher Scientific

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66
The InSight system provides peace of mind with remote notifications by text or email to
help protect irreplaceable samples.

1. Monitor critical parameters

2. Lab equipment health and efficiency assessment
3. Scalable design
4. Easy to use and maintain
5. Customized solutions
6. Minimize hardware investment
7. End-to-end support and service

Finding the right monitoring system to better maintain sample integrity in cold storage can be
a challenge. The School of Public Health at a large, prestigious research academy had an
aging fleet of ultralow temperature (ULT) freezers. Challenges included increased cost of
usage, unpredictable maintenance costs, and sample integrity threatened by the risk of
equipment failure.

Many factors can affect equipment performance, including frequency of maintenance, usage
behavior, power fluctuations, and mechanical stress over time. Based on a diverse set of
customers, indications show 30–50 percent of even well-maintained ULTs in the US are
operating out-of-spec and exhibiting signs of mechanical stress. An average of 12 percent of
ULTs will have a significant alarm condition each year. If the instruments fail to maintain
settings accurately, then scientific products are at risk. 

In addition to sample risk, stressed ULTs waste significant amounts of energy. A ULT freezer
that’s 10 years old or older can consume as much energy as a house: on average, 30
kWh/day. Today’s Thermo Scientific™ ULT freezers with green, hydrocarbon (HC)
refrigerants reduce CO2 emissions by over 30 percent* and can save over 50 percent on
energy usage and costs. To support a retirement and replacement program, the emergency
management director at the academy analyzed their aging install base with a focus on
sustainability and asset management. They wanted a better system that offered state-of-the-art
monitoring and alarms for temperature fluctuations, power outages and surges, energy
consumption, and more. 

A monitoring solution for aging ULTs

The Thermo Scientific™ InSight system provided the monitoring solution they needed, with
multiple benefits such as wireless monitoring and asset management. The emergency
management director’s analysis of operating costs, unplanned maintenance costs, and product
and sample loss provided realized value of their return on investment (ROI). 

Proactive data analytics

The InSight system assists in managing fleet assets by providing information from multiple
sensor parameters. The proactive data analytics allow visibility into equipment that requires
service and preventive maintenance. 

Details energy usage to support sustainability

This monitoring solution supports sustainability efforts by listing assets according to energy
efficiency, calculating energy savings attributed to proactive maintenance, and providing
kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption information. 

Notifies the customer remotely when an alarm sounds

InSight ULTs provide peace of mind with remote notification by text and/or email to help
protect irreplaceable samples. 

Results
By implementing the InSight solution, the customer now has a ULT fleet operating at
sustainable levels and the data to support equipment retirement programs with focused fleet
identification. Retiring old ULTs can result in energy cost savings of $1,000 per ULT per
year, on average. And the hydrocarbon refrigerants, in addition to being better for the
environment, promote lower pressures and temperatures in the refrigeration system. This
drastically improves the mechanical wear and tear on the refrigeration components, extending
the system's life.