Assessing the safety of chemical management practices in academic laboratories in Hargeisa, Somaliland

Abstract

This study assessed chemical safety management in academic laboratories in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Hence, this study aims to assess the level of chemical laboratory safety practices, chemical inventory and record management, and chemical waste procedures in laboratories. This study collected data from three academic institutions using a mixed method comprising structured questionnaires and an observation checklist. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and descriptive analyses were performed. It also codes qualitative data and categorizes the observational data into themes. This study found that most academic laboratories in Hargeisa, Somaliland, have poor chemical safety practices. The academic laboratories had inadequate knowledge and awareness of chemical laboratory safety, lacked proper record-keeping and inventory management of chemicals, and did not follow appropriate chemical waste management procedures. The observation findings confirmed that the laboratories had inadequate facilities, equipment, and personal protective equipment to ensure chemical safety. In conclusion, these results indicate that academic laboratories have poor safety practices that could endanger the chemical management safety of staff and students, and harm the environment. This study recommends enhancing chemical management safety practices in laboratories by developing a continuing education curriculum, providing adequate training and supervision to staff and students, and establishing clear chemical safety policies and guidelines.

Keywords

• Chemical management
• assessment
• chemical safety
• academic laboratories
• Hargeisa
• Somaliland