Safety in the Lab
Unfortunately accidents sometimes happen in laboratory settings. There are best practices though, which if followed can dramatically decrease the number and severity of laboratory accidents. The first thing that should be done is to make sure there is a laboratory safety plan in place. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the … Keep Reading → U.S. Department of Labor requires all laboratories to create a Chemical Hygiene Plan. This plan includes information on topics such as assigning supervisory roles, standard procedures, labeling hazardous materials, limiting exposure to chemicals, evaluating equipment, and creating emergency action plans. Most laboratory settings will produce a guide that outlines all of the safety standards. It is, of course, critical to read and follow these guides. Ultimately the safety of all people in the laboratory comes down to following established procedures as well as using good judgment and common sense.
