Related Experiment Videos
Safety never takes a holiday.
1tjgile@worldnet.att.net
Clinical Leadership & Management Review : the Journal of CLMA
|December 16, 2004
Summary
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards protect lab workers from hazards. This includes engineering controls like safety needles and ergonomic practices to improve safety and reduce costs.
Area of Science:
- Laboratory Safety
- Occupational Health
Background:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates laboratory worker protection from chemical and bloodborne pathogen hazards.
- Compliance is assessed using OSHA document CPL 2-2.69, with updates available on the OSHA website.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss essential safety measures for laboratory personnel.
- To provide an overview of engineering controls, work practice controls, and personal protective equipment relevant to laboratory safety.
Main Methods:
- Review of OSHA regulations and compliance documents.
- Discussion of engineering controls, including safety needles and single-use needle holders.
- Exploration of work practice controls, focusing on ergonomics and its benefits.
- Analysis of fabric testing standards (ASTM) for laboratory coats.
Main Results:
- Safety needles and single-use needle holders are mandated engineering controls.
- Ergonomic interventions can enhance employee comfort, productivity, and job satisfaction, while lowering workers compensation costs.
- Fabric testing for lab coats involves evaluating properties like water repellency and tear resistance.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to OSHA standards through proper controls is crucial for laboratory worker safety.
- Implementing engineering and work practice controls, alongside appropriate personal protective equipment, is essential for a safe laboratory environment.
- Understanding fabric properties and testing is vital for selecting effective personal protective equipment like lab coats.