1)
Use General SOPs
Each
chemical has a unique set of hazards and needs to be handled properly to ensure
worker safety. However, for laboratories that handle a wide variety of
chemicals, establishing a separate protocol for each chemical complicates
training and increases the likelihood of mishandling and exposure.
A
standard operating procedure (SOP) that addresses the use of correct personal
protective equipment, safe handling, safe use, and proper disposal can cover
all chemicals in a laboratory. Flip charts, signs, or other literature can then
be used to remind workers of specific chemical hazards.
2)
Air Flow
Air
quality can quickly become compromised in workplace, making ventilation an
important factor in minimizing exposure. When determining whether the local
exhaust system is adequate, a good rule of thumb is that the system should be
capable of at least eight to 10 air change outs per hour when the space is
occupied.
In
addition to the general exhaust system for the workplace, exhaust hoods are
another tool to increase safety.
3)
Housekeeping
Keeping
floors clean and dry will help prevent slip and fall injuries -- the
third-leading cause of worker injury and lost work time. Stocking absorbent mat
pads and wipers in spill-prone locations helps employees clean up spills
quickly, so the chance of a slip-and-fall incident is reduced and exposure is
minimized. Providing a proper receptacle for spent clean-up materials also
helps to minimize exposure.
Cleaning
work surfaces throughout the day keeps work spaces uncluttered, decreasing the
likelihood of reactions and spills due to counter space being overcrowded.
Likewise, storing excess chemicals on countertops should be discouraged so
workers will have adequate space to perform their duties properly.
Waste
disposal procedures should also be established, with wastes being removed from
labs to a central storage area on a regular basis. Workers should be taught not
to pour liquids down drains or use hoods to get rid of volatile chemicals.
4)
Storeroom Safety
A
well-organized stockroom promotes safety and is more efficient. Putting one
person in charge of the stockroom can help to facilitate proper organization
and storage within the area. This person may also help to ensure that proper
inventory levels are kept, duplicate orders aren't being placed, and expired
chemicals are disposed of properly.
Even when
storage space is at a premium, segregating incompatible chemicals in storerooms
and providing containment for shelves are both important factors for worker
safety.
Establish
a plan for new chemicals. Before a chemical enters a lab, have a plan for
properly handling, storing, and disposing of it.
5)
Tools
Using
damaged glassware can be just as dangerous as using the wrong chemicals. It
doesn't take much for a hairline crack to fail and create a spill. Using
containment trays will help to control the mess, but avoiding it in the first
place helps save time and money and minimizes exposure.
Checking
glassware and equipment prior to each use should be part of the SOP. Workers
also should know how to properly handle, tag, or discard of any article that is
damaged so it is not reused or put back into service until it has been
repaired.
6)
Spill Response
Even
seasoned technicians can spill chemicals occasionally, so it's important to
know how to properly handle spilled chemicals. Spill response plans should
address spill prevention strategies, containment procedures, proper
ventilation, when to evacuate, how to obtain medical care, and reporting
requirements. Regular drills will help to reinforce the details of response
plans.
Having a
spill kit readily available in each laboratory helps trained workers contain and
control a spill quickly, further helping to minimize exposure.
7)
Safety Equipment
Signs and
container labels reinforce safety and serve as a constant reminder of specific
handling, use, and disposal procedures. It is equally important to properly
maintain eyewash stations, drench showers, fire extinguishers, and first aid
kits so that workers who are exposed to chemicals can quickly access these
tools in an emergency to lessen the effects of their exposure.
8)
Safety Training
Having a
chemical plan and making sure that workers understand the plan and how it helps
them to avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals. Training is required for all
workers prior to their assignment in a laboratory, but education should not
stop there. An annual presentation may not be enough to reinforce safety;
training should be a regular activity that addresses the many different aspects
of avoiding exposure.
Workers
should know:
- · the location of the chemical hygiene plan
- · the location of MSDS and other educational literature
- · how
personal protective equipment is selected, its location, how to use each piece properly, and how to determine when it needs to be replaced
- · the hazards presented by each chemical and procedure in the laboratory
- how to handle chemicals properly to avoid exposure.
- · how to label containers correctly.
- · proper workplace hygiene and conduct, such as never eating, drinking, or chewing gum in a workplace; confining loose hair and clothing; and avoiding horseplay and practical jokes
- · how to use the "buddy system" to avoid working alone
- · how to evaluate the procedure or process they'll be performing so that they take only the amount of chemicals necessary for the job they're doing
- · how to handle waste materials
Although
each workplace comes with its own set of unique challenges, addressing known
hazards and planning for anticipated ones will help to minimize chemical
exposure and ensure a safer workplace for everyone.
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