The cost of living on the edge of science
Added on 2022-09-17
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Running head: LABORATORY HAZARDS
Laboratory Hazards
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author’s name
Laboratory Hazards
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author’s name
LABORATORY HAZARDS1
INTRODUCTION
Whether an individual is a part of research team, a scientist, or a lab manager, it is crucial
for that person to be conscious about all the potential hazards and risks related with a laboratory.
Almost maximum laboratories whether used in the manufacturing industries for the production
of some important compound or a laboratory in any healthcare facility are mainly filled with
several risks which is the cost of living on the edge of science. Whether a person is designing
any medicine, creating any innovative technique, or creating new technologies, it is vital for the
individual and the whole team to understand every hazard and its consequences [2]. Since
laboratories consist of various substances, methods, and protocols, they need precautionary
measures. Laboratory precautionary measures consist of chemical safety, equipment handling
safety, electrical safety, and other safety measures [1]. In any emergency scenario, the main
priority should be to reduce the hazard as fast as possible. First aid or medical assistance should
be delivered by a proper trained team member or medical specialist. A key step in the safety
protocol is to conduct a thorough hazard assessment of all work environments and the equipment
which will be used.
INTRODUCTION
Whether an individual is a part of research team, a scientist, or a lab manager, it is crucial
for that person to be conscious about all the potential hazards and risks related with a laboratory.
Almost maximum laboratories whether used in the manufacturing industries for the production
of some important compound or a laboratory in any healthcare facility are mainly filled with
several risks which is the cost of living on the edge of science. Whether a person is designing
any medicine, creating any innovative technique, or creating new technologies, it is vital for the
individual and the whole team to understand every hazard and its consequences [2]. Since
laboratories consist of various substances, methods, and protocols, they need precautionary
measures. Laboratory precautionary measures consist of chemical safety, equipment handling
safety, electrical safety, and other safety measures [1]. In any emergency scenario, the main
priority should be to reduce the hazard as fast as possible. First aid or medical assistance should
be delivered by a proper trained team member or medical specialist. A key step in the safety
protocol is to conduct a thorough hazard assessment of all work environments and the equipment
which will be used.
LABORATORY HAZARDS2
TYPES OF HAZARDS
Biological and human hazards consist of various micro-organisms and various experimental
biological species. When working with such biological species, there are chances of
occurrence of simple allergens and infections associated with the use and care of laboratory
animals. There is a chance of exposure to poisonous or dangerous species [3].
There are various types of organic, inorganic, toxic, and hazardous chemicals. There are
chances of multiple accidents with the use of chemicals such as explosion or ignition of
gases, vapours, liquids — exposure to toxic concentrations of compounds which can harm
the skin, inhalation [3].
There are also chances of various accidents related to electrical equipment. Such as contact
with a ‘live’ component during testing, inspection, operation, maintenance. Another common
electrical hazard is the improper use of the extension cords as a substitute for permanent
wiring [3].
In a laboratory, there are significant physical hazards. Many operations in the lab are
achieved by assuming a sustained or repetitive posture like excessive bending or twisting of
back or neck in any direction and working with hands above shoulders. Swift movements,
lifting, lowering or carrying heavy loads can put strain on the body which can give rise to
accidents [3].
Many injuries can arise from poor housekeeping, uneven or slippery workplaces,
uncontained spillages or wastes, poor lighting. If there is dust or smoke, they can hamper the
experimental outcomes. Exposure to harmful noise levels or improper labelling of containers
can also cause unnecessary accidents [3].
TYPES OF HAZARDS
Biological and human hazards consist of various micro-organisms and various experimental
biological species. When working with such biological species, there are chances of
occurrence of simple allergens and infections associated with the use and care of laboratory
animals. There is a chance of exposure to poisonous or dangerous species [3].
There are various types of organic, inorganic, toxic, and hazardous chemicals. There are
chances of multiple accidents with the use of chemicals such as explosion or ignition of
gases, vapours, liquids — exposure to toxic concentrations of compounds which can harm
the skin, inhalation [3].
There are also chances of various accidents related to electrical equipment. Such as contact
with a ‘live’ component during testing, inspection, operation, maintenance. Another common
electrical hazard is the improper use of the extension cords as a substitute for permanent
wiring [3].
In a laboratory, there are significant physical hazards. Many operations in the lab are
achieved by assuming a sustained or repetitive posture like excessive bending or twisting of
back or neck in any direction and working with hands above shoulders. Swift movements,
lifting, lowering or carrying heavy loads can put strain on the body which can give rise to
accidents [3].
Many injuries can arise from poor housekeeping, uneven or slippery workplaces,
uncontained spillages or wastes, poor lighting. If there is dust or smoke, they can hamper the
experimental outcomes. Exposure to harmful noise levels or improper labelling of containers
can also cause unnecessary accidents [3].
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