Lab Safety: PPE and Risk Management

Aug 23, 2024

Lecture on Lab Safety and Risk Minimization

Introduction to PPE and Lab Safety

  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is selected based on risk assessment.
  • In scenes without PPE, chemicals were removed to eliminate hazards.

Overview of Risk Minimization

  • Part of a larger process called RAMP:
    • Recognize hazards
    • Assess risks
    • Minimize risks
    • Prepare for emergencies
  • Focus on minimizing risks assuming the first two RAMP steps are complete.

Routes of Chemical Exposure

  1. Inhalation
    • Common route; gases and vapors can be inhaled.
    • Some gases have no odor or are too dilute to smell but still harmful.
  2. Direct Contact
    • Skin and eyes are sensitive to chemical exposure.
  3. Ingestion
    • Rare, as eating or drinking in labs is forbidden.
  4. Injection
    • Can occur via cuts from contaminated glassware.

Hierarchy of Controls for Risk Reduction

  • Elimination
    • Best method; no hazard means no risk.
  • Substitution
    • Replace hazardous materials with less hazardous ones.
  • Focus on the lower three options for lab practice:
    • Engineering Controls
      • Use of fume hoods to remove gases and vapors.
      • Correct use is crucial; ensure proper maintenance and use.
    • Administrative Controls
      • Lab rules and safety procedures.
      • Read and follow safety precautions and experimental directions.
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
      • Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles.
      • Skin protection: Long sleeves, natural fibers, and lab coats.
      • Gloves: One-time use, resistant to specific chemicals.
      • Remove gloves correctly to avoid contamination.

Lab Dress Code and PPE Guidelines

  • Cover as much skin as possible.
  • Natural fibers preferred over synthetics due to fire risk.
  • Lab coats may be required based on institutional rules.

Handling and Disposal of Gloves

  • Remove gloves without skin contact.
  • Pinch close to wrist, turn inside out, and discard appropriately.

Acceptance of Risk Levels

  • Risks in labs are reduced to a reasonable level by instructors.
  • Higher risk acceptance is more complex in research settings.

Conclusion

  • Constant vigilance and understanding of hazards are key.
  • Consider exposure routes, use of hoods, and PPE to stay safe.
  • Further information available in additional RAMP videos.