When you're working in a science lab, you have to be extremely careful since you may be dealing with hazardous materials. All of the equipment needs to be used properly as well. To keep everyone safe, follow these tips.
1. Establish Detailed Safety Protocols
You need to set up protocols that people can follow while in your lab. Standard operating procedures should be developed with safety in mind. Chemicals and other potentially dangerous items should be locked securely and handled properly, and there should be an established manner in which employees should conduct themselves when performing various tasks.
2. Train Everyone
Everyone who works in the lab needs to receive proper training. This training should be provided by someone experienced in the field. During training, it can be better to demonstrate proper techniques rather than just describing them, and employees may retain more information if provided with written manuals.
3. Assess Your Employees
After they've received training, your employees should be able to pass a basic safety test. This can be informal or formal, depending on how your organization is set up. The results of your assessment can let you know whether you need to review certain topics.
4. Use Signs
It's a smart idea to label the various parts of your lab. Mark the cabinets where emergency scientific equipment is stored, mark your exits, and indicate areas in which hazardous materials may be located. In an emergency situation, people won't have to guess as to where certain items are located. They can quickly find them and take care of the problem.
5. Print Out Protocols
Even if your employees know proper procedures, they might forget them when under duress. To prevent this from happening, print out some of your safety protocols and affix them in prominent locations. You can laminate them or put them in plastic sleeves so they stay clean and protected. Having instructions written out will reduce the chances that your employees will make mistakes during their work.
6. Stock Up on Personal Protective Equipment
To keep your employees safe, you may need to purchase personal protective equipment. When shopping for this kind of equipment, remember that quality matters. You'll want to purchase items that have been proven to be effective. Additionally, you'll have to invest in different sizes of items so that everyone can find products that work for them. It can be dangerous to wear lab coats that are too big, for example, just like gloves that are too small might not be effective since they may be more likely to rip.
7. Establish Clear Lines of Communication
If one of your employees ever notices an issue, they should be able to speak up without hesitation. To promote transparency, establish clear lines of communication. Let people know exactly what they should do when bringing up concerns. They might need to fill out a form or send an email to establish a written paper trail.
8. Perform Regular Inspections
Keep an eye on everything and perform periodic inspections to make sure your standards are being met. If needed, you'll have to make adjustments to your lab.
