Working in a lab puts you at risk for a number of harmful injuries. While following standard safety protocol is the best way to maintain a productive environment, you will also need to go above and beyond in order to guarantee your protection. Consider these suggestions to increase safety in the lab and ensure a healthy environment for all.
Location Matters
One of the easiest rules to overlook when working in a lab is knowing the location of important items related to safety. From washes and rinses used to clean the skin or eyes after contact with a hazardous material to medical kits for handling burns or other immediate concerns, timing is everything when it comes to finding the materials you need in a pinch. Create a weekly habit out of looking for every item connected to safety and making sure that it is in the proper storage place.
Test for Safety
If your lab works with biological agents, you absolutely need to test your safety materials for quality. Not only is bio-safety cabinet testing crucial when you work in an isolated space, but it is also encouraged by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Have your cabinets and other storage units teste to ensure that there are no tears or abrasions that can cause pathogens to leak into the atmosphere and potentially infect lab workers.
Disposal Is Key
How you dispose of hazardous materials is also vital when it comes to lab safety and responsibility. Deciding to rinse dangerous chemicals down a drain that leads to a public pipe system can contaminate local water supplies. Be smart with the way you get rid of toxic waste and follow all guidelines given to you by regulatory organizations.
Lab safety might be involved, but it is necessary. Take time to familiarize yourself with extra ways to run a safe and secure lab and do your part to keep everyone out of harm’s way.