GUIDELINES ON LABORATORY SAFETY
Introduction
These guidelines explain the hazardous nature of laboratory work and direct the reader to a wide range of information available on laboratory safety. They do not provide specific laboratory safety information - unlike a laboratory safety manual.
1. The Laboratory
A laboratory may be a place of specialised work, research, clinical or diagnostic evaluation, teaching and/or learning. Laboratories are commonly used in many scientific disciplines from chemistry, physics, botany and zoology to medicine, psychology, dentistry, chemical engineering, agriculture and veterinary science. The term laboratory may equate with workshop in engineering areas such as mechanical, electrical, aeronautical and civil engineering.
2. Access To Laboratories
Entry to any laboratory is restricted to personnel authorised to enter by the laboratory Supervisor. The Supervisor shall ensure that any person given authority to enter receives/has received appropriate (a) information regarding safety measures to be heeded eg., local procedures, suitable attire etc., and (b) supervision. Children are not permitted in scientific laboratories or workshops.
3. Laboratory Hazards
Defined simply, a hazard is something which may cause injury or damage. The hazards encountered in a laboratory are many and varied. These hazards fall generally into one of five categories:
- Biological - eg., pathogenic microorganisms, biological tissues, animals
- Chemical - eg., corrosives, flammables, toxics
- Physical - eg., noise, radiation
- Electrical/Mechanical - eg., high voltage apparatus, machinery with moving parts
- Psychological - eg., emotional stress
4. Information On Laboratory Safety
There are many different types of laboratories and a great number and variety of different hazards which may be found in them. Consequently, there is a large volume of information available which addresses health and safety in laboratories. This information may be derived from literature or personnel.
4.1 LITERATURE
(a) Australian Standard 2243 - Safety in Laboratories
This Standard comprises ten separate parts dealing with different aspects of laboratory safety (see list below). Copies of these are available for perusal at the Risk Management Office and the Engineering library, or may be purchased from the Standards Association of Australia.
- AS 2243.1 - 1997 General
- AS 2243.2 - 1997 Chemical aspects
- AS 2243.3 - 1995 Microbiology
- AS 2243.4 - 1998 Ionizing radiations
- AS 2243.5 - 1993 Non-ionizing radiations
- AS 2243.6 - 1990 Mechanical aspects
- AS 2243.7 - 1991 Electrical aspects
- AS 2243.8 - 1992 Fume cupboards
- AS 2243.9 - 1991 Recirculating fume cabinets
- AS 2243.10 - 1993 Storage of chemicals
(b) CCH Laboratory Safety Manual
This text gives clear safety advice and interprets relevant sections from the Australian Standards and legislation.
| Table of Contents |
Section, page number |
|---|---|
|
How to use Index / Finding List Scope and purpose / Glossary General Safety First Aid Reporting and recording Emergency procedures Chemical safety Radiation safety Biological safety Engineering safety Waste Disposal Legal requirements Outside assistance Cumulative index / New development |
3 2,001 7,001 10,001 15,001 20,001 28,001 32,001 40,001 47,001 65,001 80,001 |
(c) Other Australian Standards, Codes of Practice & Guidance Notes
A number of other Australian Standards have further information on laboratory safety - some of these are listed below. Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes are documents prepared by eminent or regulatory bodies which specify safe practices for particular tasks, workplaces or occupations. Some of those relevant to laboratory work are also listed below.
Australian Standards
- AS 1485 - 1983 Safety and health in workrooms of educational establishments
- AS 1473 - 1991 Guarding and safe use of wood working machinery
- AS 2211 - 1991 Laser safety
- AS 2252 Biological safety cabinets
- AS 2714 - 1993 The storage and handling of hazardous chemical materials - Class 5.2 substances (organic peroxides)
- AS 2830.1 - 1985 Good laboratory practice - Chemical analysis
- AS 2982 - 1987 Laboratory construction
- HB13 - 1988 Electrical equipment for hazardous areas
Worksafe Australia Guidance Notes, Standards, Codes, Technical Reports
- Prevention of eye damage
- Diseases acquired from animals
- Cyanide poisoning
- Arsenic and its compounds
- Solvent vapour degreasing
- Storage of Chemicals
- Control of workplace hazardous substances
- Labelling of workplace substances
- Assessment of health risks arising from the use of workplace hazardous substances
- Passive smoking in the workplace
- Prevention of occupational overuse syndrome
- Prevention of occupational noise-induced hearing loss
- List of designated hazardous substances
WorkCover Authority Publications
- Safe use of solvents at work
- Play it safe with pressure equipment
- List of approved respiratory protective devices
- Material Safety Data Sheets
- Hierarchy of hazard controls
- Principles of machine guarding
- Three steps to preventing manual handling injuries at work
(d) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
MSDS Links
MSDS are used internationally to provide the information required to allow the safe handling of substances at work. The MSDS describes:
- the substance - that is, its identity, physical properties, chemical properties and uses;
- health hazard information;
- precautions for use; and
- safe handling information.
Staff, students and other laboratory personnel shall be provided with ready access to MSDS for each chemical they use in their workplace/laboratory. Laboratory chemicals should only be purchased from supplier who will provide a satisfactory MSDS for each chemical supplied.
(e) University Policy and Guidelines
The University has policies and guidelines on a range of occupational health and safety issues, many of which are relevant to those working in laboratories. These may be obtained via computer from the University computer network, or in printed form (enquire with the Risk Management Office Tel: 14335).
(f) Other Texts on Laboratory Safety
There are many texts which provide information on various aspects of laboratory safety - subject areas range from dangerous properties of chemicals, toxicology and waste disposal to specific texts on laboratory safety. These texts are available from various book suppliers and a range is available for perusal in the RMO library.
4.2 PERSONNEL
Information on laboratory safety may also be acquired from other personnel (within or outside the University) who have relevant experience and knowledge.
Supervisor
Any health and safety concerns of staff or students should be discussed initially with the local Supervisor eg., academic staff member or senior technical officer in charge of the laboratory.
Safety Officer
Most departments have a Safety Officer who acts as a local source of information on OH&S matters and may be approached for advice.
Other Safety Officers
Many departments also have a Radiation Safety Officer or Biosafety Officer who has specialist knowledge in these areas. They may be approached for information on radiation safety or biological safety.
OH&S Committees
Each laboratory falls within the bounds of a Zone OH&S Committee. These Committees deal with OH&S issues arising in their area and may be approached for advice.
Risk Management Office (RMO)
The RMO has three full time OH&S Officers and an OH&S library (including a CD ROM chemical information database). The OH&S Officers can be consulted for advice and the library is available for staff to use (with or without assistance from RMO staff).
External Experts
There are many organisations and individuals external to the University who may provide information on particular safety issues eg., the WorkCover Authority, Worksafe Australia, ANSTO, CSIRO, specialist consultants etc.
Notes
Authorised by Deputy Principal, Financial Services: October 26, 1994
The Risk Management Office Guidelines for Working with Hazardous Substances provide advice on identifying, assessing and controlling risks of working with chemicals that are hazardous.
Last modified 23/3/01
Leanne Mumford, OHS Officer
Risk Management Office, University of Sydney.