Assessing the Safety Situation in the Laboratories of Educational and Research Centers

Abstract

Background: The use of chemicals in academic laboratories is a major concern for the health and safety of individuals and the environment. Academic institutions are currently developing safe work procedures to ensure compliance with standard criteria and laboratory accreditation. However, it is unclear to what extent the activities of research laboratories are safe for the personnel and environment. Therefore, this research produces a chemical hazard assessment assembling data and knowledge on the health, safety, and environmental aspects of chemical applications in laboratories. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 in five research and teaching laboratories. The collecting data tool was a checklist, developed in 7 sections with 125 items and completed in all laboratories understudy. Then, the research team conducted a risk assessment for the 10 most widely used chemicals in the laboratories. In the end, the risk categorization was conducted based on the risk matrix of ISO 31000. Results: Determining risk levels associated with using chemicals may provide a reasonable way to assess hazards and suggest controls for working in laboratories. Most non-compliance hazards were linked to inadequate waste disposal processes, the potential for poisoning and illness effects, and emergency actions. Conclusion: It is suggested to conduct knowledge, attitude, and practice studies of the students, staff, and faculties to provide appropriate level of training courses in the academic laboratories.

Keywords

• risk assessment
• safety
• academic laboratory
• chemicals