Research laboratories are dynamic, fluid environments. For the most part, no two days are alike; experiments change frequently and represent a variety of hazards. Lab workers also represent a wide range of backgrounds and skills, from high school students to scientists with decades of experience.
Hazard identification and evaluation, hazard controls, roles and responsibilities, and general chemical safety are all important parts of this assessment.
Before beginning the hazard evaluation and risk assessment process, a researcher must define the scope of work. What are the tasks that must be evaluated? A well-defined scope of work is a key starting point for all steps in the risk assessment and hazard analysis.
The next step after identifying the scope of work is to identify the hazard. A HAZARD IS A POTENTIAL FOR HARM. Hazards can be identified as an agent, condition, or activity that has the potential to cause injury, illness, loss of property, or damage to the environment. The table below has been adapted from Identifying and Evaluating Hazards in Research Laboratories, which you can find in the Resource tab to the right.
Table 3-1: Examples of Hazards Commonly Identified for Research Activities |
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Hazard Types |
Examples |
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Agent |
Carcinogenic, teratogenic, corrosive, pyrophoric, toxic, mutagenic, reproductive hazard, explosive, nonionizing radiation, biological hazard/pathogenic, flammable, oxidizing, self-reactive or unstable, potentially explosive, reducing, water-reactive, sensitizing, peroxide-forming, catalytic, or chemical asphyxiate |
|
Condition |
High pressure, low pressure, electrical, uneven surfaces, pinch points, suspended weight, hot surfaces, extreme cold, steam, noise, clutter, magnetic fields, simple asphyxiant, oxygen-deficient spaces, ultraviolet radiation, or laser light |
|
Activity |
Creation of secondary products, lifting, chemical mixing, long-term use of dry boxes, repetitive pipetting, scale up, handling waste, transportation of hazardous materials, handling glassware and other sharp objects, heating chemicals, recrystallizations, extractions, or centrifuging |
When evaluating the risks associated with specific hazards, the results of this evaluation should guide the researcher in the selection of risk management techniques including elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. This is known as the Hierarchy of Controls.
Image courtesy of NIOSH.
The most preferred method of controlling risk is to eliminate the hazard altogether. In most cases, elimination is not feasible and when possible, substitution is the best approach to hazard mitigation. When possible, substitute less hazardous agents in place of their more hazardous counterparts. This also applies to conditions and activities. Examples include substituting toluene for benzene, non-lead-based paints for lead-based ones, or SawStop table saws for existing traditional table saws.
Engineering controls consist of a variety of methods for minimizing hazards, including process control, enclosure and isolation, and ventilation.
Administrative controls are controls which alter the way work is performed. They may consists of policies, training, standard operating procedures/guidelines, personal hygiene practices, work scheduling, etc. These controls are meant to minimize the exposure to the hazard and should only be used when the exposure cannot be completely mitigated through elimination/substitution or engineering controls.
PPE should always be used as a last line of defense and is an acceptable control method when engineering or administrative controls cannot provide sufficient protection. PPE may also be used on a temporary basis while engineering controls are being developed. See the standalone PPE section of this site for more information.
General Chemical Safety
Physical health hazards of chemicals, routes of entry, and chemical exposures are all discussed at length in the Hazard Communication-Chemical Safety section of this site.
For more specific chemical handling, storage, and waste considerations, please visit the Chemical Safety page located in the Laboratory & Research Safety section.
There are a variety of methods for conducting risk assessments. For assistance in conducting a risk assessment for your laboratory, please contact EHS.