GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETYOffice of Safety, Health & EnvironmentOffice of Safety, Health & Environment
Trainer ProfileTrainer Profile
Mr. Lau Kwok SiongSenior Safety & Health ManagerSenior Safety & Health Manager
Office of Safety, Health & Environment
Tel : 6516 5406
ObjectivesObjectives
• To be aware of:• To be aware of:– Hazards in the laboratory
S f t l d l ti i th– Safety rules and regulations in the laboratory
Course OutlineCourse Outline
• Common Hazards Found in a• Common Hazards Found in a LaboratoryGl S f t• Glassware Safety
• Understanding the Types of Laboratory Signage and Hazard Symbols
• How to Wear Correct Personal Protective Equipmentq p
Course OutlineCourse Outline
• Common Safety Equipment• Common Safety Equipment• Types of Laboratory Equipment &
Th i H dTheir Hazards• Type of Wastes Found in a
Laboratory• Biological, Chemical & Radioactive g ,
Wastes – Safe Handling of These Wastes
Course OutlineCourse Outline
• What To Do in An Emergency?• What To Do in An Emergency?• Common Emergency Response
E i tEquipment• First Aid Kit• Common Laboratory Accidents and
Incidents
Is it safer to work in a laboratory?
Is it safer to work in a laboratory?
Is it safer to work in a laboratory?
Type of HazardsFound in the Laboratory
Glassware Hazards
CChemical Hazards
Biological HazardsBiological Hazards
Radiation Hazards
Physical Hazards
Can You Recognize Them?Can You Recognize Them?
BeakerErlenmeyer Flask
Graduated C li d BurettesCylinder Burettes
Can You Recognize Them?Can You Recognize Them?
Test Tubes
Petri Dishes
Pipettes Cuvettes
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Glassware HazardGlassware Hazard• Cuts from damaged or broken glass.• Cuts from forcing plastic tubing, teats or rubber g p g
bungs onto glass tubing, pipettes or condensers that break.
• Cuts from broken glass and other sharp items i l di d f i di t biimproperly disposed of in ordinary waste bins.
• Cuts from flying glass due to explosion or implosion following pressurization or evacuation
• Burns from heated glass.• Poisoning following cuts by contaminated
glassware.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Gl H d P tiGlassware Hazard – Precautions• Check that all glassware is free from cracks and
flaws before use.• Use a brush and dustpan to clear up broken
glass.• Dispose of glass “sharps” in proper containers• Dispose of glass sharps in proper containers
and not in ordinary waste bins.• When fitting tubing to glassware, lubricate the
fglass with water or glycerol and soften the ends of the plastic tubing by brief immersion in hot water. Do not use excessive force.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Glassware Hazard – Precautions• When removing tubing, use a sharp knife to cut
off tubing that does not yield to gentle pressure.• Take care with hot glass (which looks the same
as cool glass) Place hot glass where no one canas cool glass). Place hot glass where no one can accidentally come in contact with it before it was cooled.
• Glassware subjected to either pressure or vacuum should be inspected carefully for flaws before use.before use.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Chemical Hazard• Risk of exposure.
A id i d i f l b• Acids – corrosive and can cause painful burns.• Bases – corrosive and can cause painful burns.• Solvents – highly flammable and is a fire hazard• Solvents – highly flammable and is a fire hazard.• Toxics – poisons, carcinogens, mutagens,
teratogens.• Routes of entry – Inhalation, Skin Absorption,
Ingestion & Injection.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Chemical HazardChemical Hazard• Acute Effect – Exposure of short duration with
large amount of chemical or highly concentrated chemicalchemical.
• Chronic Effect – Continuous or intermittent exposure extended over a long period of time with relatively low concentration.
• Localised Effect – Effect of the chemical localised on a specifc area of the bodyp y
• Systemic Effect – Entire body system and organs are affected by the exposure of the chemicalchemical.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Biological Hazard• Any material of biological origin y g g
capable of causing harm to human and its environment
• Examples: viruses, bacteria, fungi, human source material, animalhuman source material, animal source material etc
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Biological Ha ard Le elsBiological Hazard Levels• BSL 1 – not known of causing disease in healthy adult
humans, and of minimal potential hazard.• BSL 2 – similar to BSL 1 and is suitable for work involving
agents of moderate potential hazard to personnel and the environment.
• BSL 3 – applicable to facilities in which work is done with indigenous or exotic agents which may cause serious or potentially lethal disease.
• BSL 4 – Work which involves dangerous and exotic agents which pose a high individual risk of aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections and life-threatening disease.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Chemical & Biological Hazard PrecautionsChemical & Biological Hazard – Precautions
• SDS of all chemical inventory in your laboratory.• Acids and bases should always be kept in fume
hood.• Keep your work area tidy and clean up any spillage
th flon the floor. • Access to the laboratory is restricted.• Perform all biological procedures carefully to
minimize the creation of splashes or aerosolsminimize the creation of splashes or aerosols.• Decontaminate work surfaces at least once a day
and after any spillages.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
• Mouth pipetting is prohibited; mechanicalMouth pipetting is prohibited; mechanical pipetting devices are used.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
• Always wear proper PPE.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
• Eating drinking smoking handling contactEating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses and applying cosmetics are not permitted.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
• Always wash hands after handling viable materials and animals, after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratoryand before leaving the laboratory.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
• Dispose off all waste properly.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
R di i H dRadiation Hazard• 2 types of radiation:
- Ionizing radiation- Non-ionizing radiation
• Ionizing radiation – Alpha and beta particles, x-rays and gamma rays
• Non ionizing radiation microwaves infrared visible• Non ionizing radiation – microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet etc
• Lead to molecular changes and form chemical species that are harmful to the chromosome materials.
• Harm can come from changes in construction and function of the cells.
• Radiation can cause early death of cell or prevention or delay of cell division or permanent modification which isdelay of cell division or permanent modification which is passed on to daughter cell.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Biological Effects of Different Radiation
Al h ti l• Alpha particles– Short range in air– Penetrate less than one tenth of a mm in human tissue– Significant internal hazard
• Beta particlesp– Energetic betas can travel a few mm in human tissue– Skin or eye hazard– Significant hazard if inhaled or ingestedSignificant hazard if inhaled or ingested
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Biological Effects Different Radiation
• Gamma rays and x-rays– Highly penetrating electromagnetic radiations– If taken into the body, it presents an internal
radiation hazardI di ti th h l b d– Irradiating the whole body
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Basic principles on control of contamination:contamination:
• Minimize the amount of activity being handled.Minimize the amount of activity being handled.
• Contain radioactive material (normally 2 levels).
• Wear proper PPE.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Electrical• Overload circuits
and wiring• Worn, frayed or
corroded cords to be replaced
• Poorly maintained equipment
• Entangled wires
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
El i l P iElectrical - Precautions• Ensure electrical leads are not weakened
by pulling and sockets and plugs are in aby pulling and sockets and plugs are in a serviceable condition.
• Electrical installation, repair and i t l b d t k bmaintenance may only be undertaken by
qualified personnel.• Static electricity can be a source ofStatic electricity can be a source of
unexpected fires and explosions when handling non-conducting combustible materialsmaterials.
Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory
Physical
• Wet floors or obstructed walkways –slips and trips
• Sharp objects – cuts and bruises• Falling objects from objects piling to g j j p g
the ceiling
Laboratory Signages&
Hazard Symbolsy
Understanding Types of Laboratory Signage
Emergency Exit SignsEmergency Exit Signs• Shows the direction
of the emergencyof the emergency exit
• In case ofIn case of emergency, evacuate towards the emergency exit
Understanding Types of Laboratory Signage
First Aid SignFirst Aid Sign• Shows the location
of the first aid kitof the first aid kit
Fire Extinguisher SignFire Extinguisher Sign• Shows the location
of the fireof the fire extinguisher
Understanding Types of Laboratory Signage
No Smoking SignNo Smoking Sign• Strictly no smoking
in the surroundingin the surrounding premises
No Open Flame Sign• Do not strike aDo not strike a
match or light a lighterg
Understanding Types of Laboratory Signage
Head Protection SignHead Protection Sign• Personnel require to
put on helmet when pentering workplace
Eye Protection Sign• Personnel require to
put on safetyput on safety glasses when entering workplaceg p
Understanding Types of Laboratory Signage
Ear Protection SignEar Protection Sign• Personnel require to
put on ear muffs or pear plugs when entering workplace
RespiratoryProtection Signg• Personnel require to
put on respiratory h t iwhen entering
workplace
Understanding Types of Laboratory Signage
Hand Protection SignHand Protection Sign• Personnel require to
put on glovesp g
Footwear ProtectionSign• Personnel require to
put on covered footwearfootwear
Understanding Types of Hazard Symbols
Biological HazardBiological Hazard• Biohazardous
materials handled in laboratory
• Biosafety level of l b tlaboratory
Radiation Hazard• Radioactive
materials handled in l blaboratory
Understanding Types of Hazard Symbols
Flammable HazardFlammable Hazard• Chemicals are
flammable• Possibility of fire• No open flames
Poison Hazard• Chemicals are• Chemicals are
poisonous• Can be fatalCan be fatal
Understanding Types of Hazard Symbols
Corrosive HazardCorrosive Hazard• Chemicals are
corrosive• Use proper PPE
when handling
Electrical HazardP ibilit f• Possibility of electrocution
Personal Protective Equipment&
Safety Equipmenty q p
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
How to Wear Correct PPE?How to Wear Correct PPE?
Laboratory CoatLaboratory Coat• Provided for
protectionp• Worn at all times in
lab areasD t ibl• Due to possible absorption and accumulation of chemicals, lab coat should not be wore outside of laboutside of lab
How to Wear Correct PPE?How to Wear Correct PPE?
Eye ProtectionEye Protection• Type of eye protection
required depends on the q phazard
• Safety glasses are adequate in mostadequate in most situations
• Safety goggles are y g ggrequired if there is a danger of splashing chemicalschemicals
How to Wear Correct PPE?How to Wear Correct PPE?
Eye ProtectionEye Protection• It is not
recommended that contact lenses be wore in laboratory
• Safety goggles or• Safety goggles or face shields should be wore if there is hazard of splashes of corrosive liquids or flying particlesflying particles
How to Wear Correct PPE?How to Wear Correct PPE?
Foot ProtectionFoot Protection• Covered shoes
should be worn all times in laboratories
• Sandal and open-toed shoes shouldtoed shoes should not be wore because of danger of spillage of corrosive or irritating chemicals
How to Wear Correct PPE?How to Wear Correct PPE?
Hand ProtectionHand Protection• Correct gloves should
be used to protect us pfrom spills and contamination
• Change gloves often• Change gloves often or immediately when notice a hole or tear
• Wash hands after removing gloves
How to Wear Correct PPE?How to Wear Correct PPE?
Respiratory ProtectionRespiratory Protection• Use only when
engineering controls are g gnot sufficient to minimise exposure
• N95 95% efficiency• N95 – 95% efficiency
How to Remove GlovesHow to Remove Gloves
How to Remove GlovesHow to Remove Gloves
Common Safety EquipmentCommon Safety Equipment
• Fume Hood• Fume Hood• Explosion Proof Refrigerator• Biological Safety Cabinet• Flammable Storage Cabinetg• Acid Storage Cabinet
Common Safety EquipmentCommon Safety Equipment
Fume HoodFume Hood• To keep toxic or
irritating fumes away from general lab area
• Serve as a shield between worker andbetween worker and equipment
Common Safety EquipmentCommon Safety Equipment
Biological Safety CabinetBiological Safety Cabinet• Primary containment
devices in laboratory working with infectious agents
• Class I II & III Biological• Class I, II & III Biological Safety Cabinet
Common Safety EquipmentCommon Safety Equipment
Flammable Storage Cabinet• Store flammable chemicals
in liquid or powder form
Common Safety EquipmentCommon Safety Equipment
Acid Storage Cabinet• Store acids or corrosive
in the cabinet
Type of WastesFound in Laboratories
Type of Wastes Found in a Laboratory
Biological WastesBiological Wastes• Yellow bag with
biohazard symboly• Contains
biohazardous materials or infectiousmaterials or infectious materials
• Disposed off by p yauthorised waste collector
Safe Handling of WastesSafe Handling of Wastes
Biological WastesBiological Wastes• Wastes be placed in yellow waste
b ith bi h d b lbag with biohazardous symbol• Ensure that yellow waste bag is
properly sealed• Ensure that no sharps are p
penetrating from the bag• Use gloves when handling the bagUse gloves when handling the bag
Type of Wastes Found in a Laboratory
Chemical Wastes• Found in plastic bottles p
or glass bottles• Highly dangerous• Contain toxic waste
chemical, flammable or corrosive waste chemical
• Flammable Waste are i l d i thinclude in the Laboratory.
Safe Handling of WastesSafe Handling of Wastes
Chemical WastesChemical Wastes• Wastes be placed in plastic bottles
l b ttlor glass bottles• Ensure that bottles are properly
sealed• Use gloves when handling the bagg g g• Hold bottles with both hands, at the
neck and bottom of bottleneck and bottom of bottle
Type of Wastes Found in a Laboratory
Radioactive Wastes• Red bag with
radiation hazard symbol
• Contains radioactive• Contains radioactive materials
• Disposed off by authorised waste collector
Safe Handling of WastesSafe Handling of Wastes
Radioactive WastesRadioactive Wastes• Wastes be placed in red waste bag
ith di ti h d b lwith radiation hazard symbol• Ensure that red waste bag is
properly sealed• Ensure that pipettes are not p p
penetrating from the bag• Use gloves when handling the bagUse gloves when handling the bag
Type of Wastes Found in a Laboratory
General WastesGeneral Wastes• Black trash bag or
white trash bag• Contains general
wastes such as waste paper waste plasticpaper, waste plastic bag
• Biological, chemical and radioactive wastes should not be dispose heredispose here
What to Do in An Emergency?• Chemical Spill• Chemical Spill• Biological Spill• Explosion• Fire
What to Do in An Emergency?
Chemical SpillChemical Spill• If you inhale vapours,
– Leave the area immediately– Inform others in the lab to leave
• If you spill chemical on yourselfIf you spill chemical on yourself– Immediately rinse the affected area with lots
of waterRemove contaminated clothing and change to– Remove contaminated clothing and change to new clothes
– Seek medical help if affected area remains red after rinsingred after rinsing
What to Do in An Emergency?
Biological SpillBiological Spill• Remove contaminated clothing and
evacuate the area• Inform other lab staff or student• Close area and let it settle
What to Do in An Emergency?
E l iExplosion• Minor explosion
– Switch off all equipmentq p– Ventilate the area– Clean up spilled chemicals– Broken glassware
• Major explosion– Evacuate the lab– Activate fire alarm or call 6874 1616 and 995 from a
safe phone– Assist any injured staff or students
What to Do in An Emergency?
FireFire• Chemical Fire
– Quickly cover the flames with a piece ofQuickly cover the flames with a piece of glassware
– If it is feasible, use a fire extinguisher to put the fire outthe fire out
– If fire is large, evacuate the lab and activate the fire alarm or call 6874 1616 and 995 from
f ha safe phone• If the fire alarm sounds, leave the room
immediately and exit the buildingimmediately and exit the building
Type of EmergencyResponse Equipment
Common Emergency Common Emergency Response Equipment
• Safety Shower
• Safety Eyewashy y
• Fire Extinguisherg
Emergency Response Equipment
Safety Shower• Accidental splash of
toxic chemical on body
• Ensure that access is• Ensure that access is not obstructed
• Adequate pressure or flow
Emergency Response Equipment
Safety EyewashSafety Eyewash• Accidental splash of
chemical into eyes• Ensure that access is
not obstructedProtective eyewash• Protective eyewash covers are clean and intact
• Bowl and spouts are clean and free from trashtrash
• Adequate flow/pressure
Emergency Response Equipment
Fire ExtinguisherFire Extinguisher• Three types of
extinguishers: Dry Powder, Water & Carbon Dioxide
• PASS – Pull Aim• PASS – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
• Ensure that the fire extinguisher is not expired
• Pressure indicator is in• Pressure indicator is in the green zone
First Aid KitFirst Aid Kit
• Provision of first-aid box in every workplace• 1 Box A first-aid box for every 25 persons or less
employedp y• 1 Box B first-aid box or 2 Box A for every 50
persons employed• 1 Box C first-aid box or 2 Box B or 4 Box A for1 Box C first aid box or 2 Box B or 4 Box A for
every 100 persons employed
First Aid KitFirst Aid KitContents Box A Box B Box C
1 Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressing 20 40 40
2 Crepe bandage 5cm 1 2 4
3 Crepe bandage 10cm 1 3 6
4 Absorbent gauze (packet of 10 pieces) 5 10 154 Absorbent gauze (packet of 10 pieces) 5 10 15
5 Hypoallergenic tape 1 1 2
6 Triangular bandages 4 4 6
7 Scissors 1 1 1
8 Safety pins 4 4 6
9 Disposable gloves (pairs) 2 2 4
10 Eye shield 2 4 6
11 Eye pad 2 4 6y p
12 Resuscitation mask (one-way) 1 1 2
13 Sterile water or saline in 100ml disposable containers (only where tap water is not available)
1 3 3
14 Torch light 1 1 114 Torch light 1 1 1
Common Laboratory Accidents & Incidents
• Slips / Trips / Falls• Cut and Laceration• Needle Stick / Splash Injury• Spills e.g. Chemical spill, Biological
spill etcsp etc• Burn e.g. chemical / Heat
AIRS ReportingAIRS Reporting
All incidents/accidents big or smallAll incidents/accidents, big or small, MUST be reported centrally to
OSHE via AIRS within 24 hours:OSHE via AIRS within 24 hours:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osh/
Total cases reported to AIRS
222250
177
222
150
200
78
100100
150
49
0
50
02005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Accident & Incident S 2009Summary 2009
11
4615
96
15
Dangerous Occurances
Cut/ laceration
Burns (chemical/heat)
Needle stick / splash injury
Slip/trip/fall/injury due to impact
2556
Animal work injury / allergy
Failure of machinery /equipment;collapse of structuresExplosion / fire
39
Others - minor occurrence / injury
Accident / Incident Statistics 2009 b D t t2009 by Departments
70%80%90%
100%
40%50%60%70%
Post Graduate
Under Graduate
0%10%20%30% Staff
ScienceMedicineEngineeringAdmin Office, FAS
Design & Environ
DentistryBusinessRI/RCComputing
ASS, GMS, Lawnment
Faculty of Engineering
2%4% 4%
Animal Bites
Cut/ laceration
31%2%
5%4%
Dangerous Occurance
Needle stick injury
Rash, burn & respiratory issues
Slip / trip / fall / injuries due toimpact
29%
p
Explosion / fire
Failure of Machinery /Eqpt
9%
5%9%
Chemical Spill
Occupational Disease
Faculty of ScienceAnimal Bites
11%
13%
5% Cut/ laceration
Dangerous Occurance
27%
5%
Needle stick injury
Rash, burn & respiratory issues
Sli / t i / f ll / i j i d t
5%
Slip / trip / fall / injuries due toimpactExplosion / fire
Failure of Machinery /Eqpt
7%5%4%
18%
y qp
Chemical Spill
Allergy
School of Medicine
8%
5% 3%
2%Animal BitesCut/ laceration
46% 2%
0%
2%
Dangerous OccuranceNeedle stick injuryRash, burn & respiratory issuesSlip / trip / fall / injuries due to impact
5%
Explosion / fireFailure of Machinery /EqptChemical SpillOccupational Disease Allergy6%
21%
Allergy
Q & AQ & A