SEMINAR PRESENTATION

ON

HAZARDS IN LABORATORY AND ITS

PREVENSION

BY

JIMOH ABDULRAHAMAN
2107142003

SUPERVISED BY
MAL. LAWAL SANI MUHAMMAD
A SEMINAR SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED
SCIENCES, SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ABDU GUSAU
POLYTECHNIC, TALATA MAFARA ZAMFARA STATE.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF THE

AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN APPLIED SCIENCE (ND)

NOVEMBER, 2023

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 ABSTRACT

A hazard is a potential source of harm. Substances, events, or circumstances can

constitute hazards when their nature would allow them, even just theoretically, to
cause damage to health, life, property, or any other interest of value. Hazards can
be classified in several ways. They can be classified as natural, anthropogenic,
technological, or any combination therefore, such as in the case of the natural
phenomenon of wildfire becoming more common due to human-made climate
change or more harmful due to changes in building practices. Types of hazard are
Chemical Hazards, Electrical Hazards, and Biological Hazards. And Physical
Hazards

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INTRODUCTION
Experiments plays an important role in the progress of science as a large number of
inventions and path breaking discoveries have been possible through investigations
that are usually carried out in laboratories. A science laboratory is a place where
basic experimental skills are learnt only by performing a set of prescribed
experiments. Safety procedure usually involves chemical hygiene plan and waste
disposal procedures and significant physical and health hazards associated with the
specific type of research and instruction in specific procedures that researchers
should use in order to prevent and limit exposure to the health hazards in that
workplace. Safety is a learned behavior that must incorporate into our instructional
plans. There are several safety aids available which include posters, safety
contracts, safety tests, safety citations, texts, and handbooks on secondary science
safety and a variety of safety equipment.(Paul M. 2018)
Running a research lab is a challenge, to say the least. In all the hustle of
loading the auto sampler, 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. (Abraham James. 2015)
Many laboratories contain significant risks, and the prevention of laboratory
accidents requires great care and constant vigilance. Examples of risk factors
include high voltages, high and low pressures and temperatures, corrosive and
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toxic chemicals and chemical vapours, radiation, fire, explosions, and biohazards
including infective organisms and their toxins. Measures to protect against
laboratory accidents include safety training and enforcement of laboratory safety
policies, safety review of experimental designs, the use of personal protective
equipment, and the use of the buddy system for particularly risky operations.

HAZARD

A hazard is a potential source of harm. Substances, events, or circumstances can

constitute hazards when their nature would allow them, even just theoretically, to
cause damage to health, life, property, or any other interest of value. The
probability of that harm being realized in a specific incident, combined with the
magnitude of potential harm, make up its risk, a term often used synonymously in
colloquial speech. (Smith, 1992)

Hazards can be classified in several ways. They can be classified as

natural, anthropogenic, technological, or any combination therefore, such as in the
case of the natural phenomenon of wildfire becoming more common due
to human-made climate change or more harmful due to changes in building
practices. A common theme across many forms of harzards is the presence
of stored energy that, when released, can cause damage. Stored energy can occur in
many forms: chemical, mechanical, thermal, radioactive, electrical, etc. Situations
can also be hazardous, as for example confined or limited egress spaces, oxygen-
depleted atmospheres, awkward positions, repetitive motions, low-hanging or
protruding objects, etc. They may also be classified as health or safety hazards, by
the populations that may be affected, and the severity of the associated risk. In
most cases a hazard may affect a range of targets, and have little or no effect on
others. (Hewitt, et al., 2001)

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF LABORATORY 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.

1. 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. This would apply to things in the lab such as pump oil, Chromerge,

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or liquid nitrogen used in dewars. Although these chemicals are found in the lab,
their use does not meet the criteria for laboratory use. (Taous, 2017)
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. (Haiduc, I 2004)
Prevention

When it comes to chemical hazards, effective prevention is the best way to manage
the risks of working with these dangerous substances. Practising proper chemical
segregation is essential in all labs, as some substances can react with each other to
create chemical reactions, fires and even explosions. Protective clothing and good
housekeeping are also important for protecting your team from chemical hazards.

2. 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. (Darragh et al., 2015) 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of
Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services (including

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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. (Hanlon et al., 1999)

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. (Corlar 2015)

Prevention

Electrical hazards can easily be overlooked in labs, which tend to have more health
and safety risks than in other workplaces. Electrical hazards are potentially life
threatening, however, so minimising their risk is vital. All power outlets that could
be exposed to wet conditions should be equipped with ground-fault circuit
interrupters. Flexible extension cords should also be well maintained and never
used as a substitute for permanent wiring. Electrical pendants can be used where
possible to keep cords out of the way.

Emergency

Emergency procedures should be prepared in advance, and the primary objective

should be to contain the biological hazard and minimise risk to people and the
environment. Depending on the situation, a variety of actions may be required,
such as informing others, isolating the area, evacuation, seeking assistance,

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preventing the spread of contamination or spills, or decontaminating the work area.
First aid or medical treatment may be required in some situations.

3. 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. (Darragh et al., 2015)

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. (Hanlon et al., 1999)

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

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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. (Lucian et al., 2015)

Prevention

Preventing physical risk to your team in the lab can often be achieved by effective
training and good housekeeping. Staff should be trained in the proper procedures
for lifting, pulling and pushing, as well as the dangers of repetitive movements,
and the handling requirements for different equipment. Proper housekeeping is
essential for preventing slips, trips and falls in the lab, so any potential hazards
should be quickly disposed of or tidied away. Also, a safety policy can help
identify and protect your research team from any kind of potential hazard.
Emergency

In an emergency situation, effort should be made to contain the hazard as quickly

as possible. First aid or medical assistance should be provided by an appropriately
trained team member or medical professional.

4. 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

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routinely. Specific GFCI outlets can be used individually, or GFCIs can be
installed in the electrical panel to protect entire circuits. (Haiduc, I 2004)

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. (Hanlon et al., 1999)
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.
Prevention

Proper storage and protection is key to preventing a biological emergency in your

lab. Wearing appropriate protective clothing and keeping biological agents
contained in the correct areas are essential for minimising exposure to risk.
Systems and procedures for safe use, handling, storage and transport of biological
hazards should all be in place. Appropriate housekeeping, such as
disinfecting work surfaces and properly disposing of waste, are also vital for
minimising biological risk.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Whether you’re an experienced part of a commercial research team, an

aspiring scientist or a lab manager, it’s important that you are aware of the
potential hazards and risks in the scientific workplace.
2. Many labs are more hazardous and risk-filled than the average workplace –
the cost of existing on the cutting edge of the sciences.
3. Whether you’re looking for cures, breakthroughs or new technologies, it is
vital that you and the whole team understand each and every hazard of the
laboratory.

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!

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 REFERENCES

"CDC - Chemical Safety - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health

Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
Corlar T. (2015) "Biological Agents and Biological Toxins". Occupational Safety
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Darragh AR, Harrison H, Kenny S. (2015) Effect of ergonomics intervention on
workstations of microscope workers. American Journal of Occupational
Therapy. 2008. 62:61-69.
Haiduc, I., "Silicone Grease: A Serendipitous Reagent for the Synthesis of Exotic
Molecular and Supramolecular Compounds", Organometallics 2004, volume
23, pp. 3-8.doi:10.1021/om034176w
Hanlon, Dave; Ramiń, Jim (1999). "Safety practices with laboratory
glassware". Chemical Health and Safety. 6 (6): 17–20. doi:10.1016/S1074-
9098(99)00051-9
Hewitt, et al., (2001). The hazardousness of a place: a regional ecology of
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70. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2015.07.005.
Smith, Keith (1992). Environmental Hazards: Assessing Risk and Reducing
Disaster. Routledge Physical Environment Series (first ed.).
Routledge. ISBN 9780415012171.
Taous P. (2017) "Occupational health and safety – chemical
exposure". www.sbu.se. Swedish Agency for Health Technology
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