Orientation to Laboratory Safety - [Lab Worker Safety Training]

Summary

This video script emphasizes the critical importance of safety in laboratory settings. It covers essential topics such as understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS), adhering to a lab's Chemical Hygiene Plan, and utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly. The script also touches on the proper use of lab equipment, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and handling chemical and infectious waste safely. Additionally, it highlights the significance of being prepared for emergencies, including knowing evacuation routes and how to respond to chemical spills or other accidents.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Safety is paramount in laboratories, even when busy with routine tasks.
• 👨‍🔬 New lab members should familiarize themselves with safety rules and protocols early on.
• 📄 Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is crucial for handling substances safely.
• 🛡 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential and should be selected based on the specific lab work.
• 👟 Proper footwear, including closed-toe shoes, is required to prevent injuries from spills or accidents.
• 🧪 Regular inspection of lab equipment for cleanliness and functionality is necessary for safe operations.
• 🚫 Avoid using makeshift substitutes for specialized equipment as they can pose safety risks.
• 🌀 Proper use of ventilation controls like lab hoods is vital for containing hazardous vapors.
• 🏷 Accurate labeling of chemical containers ensures the correct identification and handling of substances.
• ♻️ Proper disposal of chemical and infectious waste is regulated and must be handled according to facility policies.

Q & A

Why is safety important in a laboratory setting?

Safety is crucial in a laboratory because it can be a dangerous place if proper precautions are not taken. This is due to the presence of hazardous materials, equipment, and processes that can lead to accidents if not handled correctly.

What is the significance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in a lab?

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are important because they provide detailed information about a substance's ingredients, properties, and hazards, which is essential for understanding how to handle and work with chemicals safely.

What does a Chemical Hygiene Plan cover in a laboratory?

A Chemical Hygiene Plan outlines the procedures and practices for working safely with chemicals in a lab, including guidelines for handling, storage, and disposal, as well as emergency procedures.

Why is it necessary to learn about lockout/tagout and respiratory protection in a lab?

Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that equipment is isolated from energy sources during maintenance or repair, preventing accidental start-ups. Respiratory protection is necessary to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances, ensuring the safety of lab workers.

What is the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a lab?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect lab workers from various hazards, such as chemical splashes, sharp objects, and harmful vapors. It includes items like safety glasses, lab coats, gloves, and respirators.

How should lab workers select the appropriate PPE for their tasks?

Lab workers should select PPE based on the specific chemicals and procedures they will be using, ensuring that the PPE provides adequate protection against the identified hazards.

What are the guidelines for using lab hoods correctly?

Lab hoods should be used to confine and remove released vapors. Users should work at least six inches inside the hood, keep the sash low, and never interfere with the airflow to maintain its effectiveness.

Why is it important to store chemicals properly in a laboratory?

Proper storage of chemicals is essential to prevent accidents such as spills, fires, or exposure to incompatible substances. It also ensures that chemicals are easily accessible and identifiable for safe use.

What should one do in case of a chemical spill in the lab?

In the event of a chemical spill, one should turn off ignition sources if dealing with a flammable substance, use eye washes and safety showers if necessary, flush affected areas with water, report the incident, and seek medical help if needed.

How can lab workers ensure they are prepared for emergencies?

Lab workers can ensure they are prepared for emergencies by reviewing their facility's emergency procedures, knowing the locations of emergency equipment, and being trained in the use of fire extinguishers and spill cleanup kits.

Outlines

00:00

🧪 Laboratory Safety Essentials

The paragraph emphasizes the critical nature of safety in laboratory settings, especially when under pressure or in a rush. It stresses the importance of adhering to safety protocols regardless of experience. New lab members are encouraged to learn about safety data sheets (SDS), chemical hygiene plans, and various safety measures including lockout-tagout procedures and respiratory protection. The paragraph also highlights the significance of personal protective equipment (PPE), the need for proper training, and the individual's responsibility for safety. It advises planning work carefully, assembling materials and SDSs beforehand, and understanding the types of PPE required for specific tasks. The importance of selecting appropriate PPE such as eyewear, lab coats, gloves, and respirators is discussed, along with the correct use and maintenance of PPE.

05:02

🔬 Safe Use of Equipment and Chemical Storage

This paragraph focuses on the safe operation of laboratory equipment and the proper storage of chemicals. It advises checking equipment for cleanliness and functionality, with a special mention of the dangers of using chipped or cracked glassware. The use of specialized equipment and containers is emphasized to prevent accidents. The paragraph also covers the importance of maintaining a clean and clutter-free lab environment, the correct use of ventilation controls like lab hoods, and the need to understand the types of hoods for specific processes. Chemical storage is highlighted, with guidelines on using approved containers and storage cabinets, and the safe handling of compressed gas cylinders. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the necessity to label chemical containers correctly and to be aware of the potential hazards of experimental compounds.

10:05

🚨 Emergency Preparedness and Waste Disposal

The final paragraph addresses emergency preparedness and the proper disposal of chemical and infectious waste. It outlines the importance of understanding a lab's emergency procedures, knowing the locations of emergency equipment, and the significance of life over property in safety protocols. The paragraph advises on how to handle chemical spills, including turning off ignition sources and using safety showers or eyewash stations. It also covers the facility's policy on waste disposal, the planning required before starting work, and the potential legal implications of improper disposal. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to familiarize oneself with the lab's chemical hygiene plan, PPE requirements, equipment checks, and emergency procedures to ensure daily safety in the lab.

Keywords

💡Safety

Safety refers to the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, harm, or injury. In the context of the video, safety is paramount in laboratory settings where various hazards exist. The video emphasizes that even amidst the hustle of laboratory work, safety should never be compromised, and it is the responsibility of each individual to adhere to safety protocols to prevent accidents.

💡Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets, or SDS, are documents that provide information on the properties of a substance, its potential hazards, and how to handle it safely. The video mentions that learning about SDS is crucial for lab workers as it helps them understand the ingredients, properties, and hazards of substances they work with, ensuring they can take necessary precautions.

💡Chemical Hygiene Plan

A Chemical Hygiene Plan is a written program that outlines the procedures for using and storing chemicals safely in a laboratory. The video highlights the importance of being familiar with one's facility's Chemical Hygiene Plan, as it guides on how to work with chemicals safely, covering aspects like handling, storage, and disposal.

💡Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, refers to equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards or convey additional protection to the wearer. The video stresses the importance of selecting and using PPE based on the chemicals and procedures being used, including safety glasses, lab coats, gloves, and respirators, to ensure personal safety in the lab.

💡Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection involves the use of devices like masks or respirators to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances. The video mentions that if work demands it, one must be properly trained and fit-tested for a respirator to ensure it fits correctly and provides adequate protection.

💡Ventilation Controls

Ventilation controls, such as lab hoods, are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment by managing the flow of air and removing contaminants. The video explains that lab hoods create an 'invisible curtain of air' that prevents vapors from escaping, emphasizing the need to use them correctly to avoid interference with airflow.

💡Chemical Storage

Proper chemical storage is essential to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of lab personnel. The video advises against using bench tops or hoods for storage and suggests using UL-listed containers and flammable storage cabinets for flammable substances, as well as following special regulations for compressed gas cylinders.

💡Labeling

Labeling in a lab context refers to the practice of marking containers and equipment with information about their contents. The video underscores the importance of correct labeling for chemical containers to ensure that anyone can quickly identify the substances and locate their corresponding Safety Data Sheets, thus taking necessary precautions.

💡Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are the steps to follow in case of an accident or emergency in a laboratory. The video stresses the importance of reviewing these procedures, knowing the location of emergency equipment, and being prepared to respond to incidents such as chemical spills or fires, prioritizing life over property.

💡Unauthorized Experimentation

Unauthorized experimentation refers to conducting experiments or handling materials without proper authorization or knowledge of their hazards. The video warns against such practices, as they can lead to accidents and pose risks to the individual and the lab environment, emphasizing the need to follow established protocols and guidelines.

Highlights

Safety is crucial in laboratories as they can be dangerous places if proper precautions are not taken.

New lab members should learn safety rules alongside understanding the lab's layout and operations.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are essential for understanding the ingredients, properties, and hazards of substances.

Facilities have chemical hygiene plans detailing safe handling of chemicals in labs.

Awareness of various safety plans for different hazards, including biological and respiratory protection, is necessary.

Education on using fire extinguishers, performing first aid, and CPR is important for lab personnel.

Individuals are ultimately responsible for applying the safety knowledge they acquire.

Planning work carefully and assembling materials and SDSs beforehand is a key safety practice.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory, and its selection should be based on the chemicals and procedures used.

Lab rules often specify areas where PPE is required, and it is provided at no cost to lab personnel.

Different types of PPE, such as eyewear and lab coats, are crucial for protecting against various lab hazards.

Proper gloves should be chosen based on the hazards associated with materials and equipment used in the lab.

Respirators may be necessary for certain work and require proper training and fit testing.

Sensible shoes, including safety shoes with protective features, are important for lab safety.

All PPE should be checked for damage before use, and damaged PPE should be replaced or discarded.

Removing lab coats and PPE and washing hands before leaving the lab area prevents contamination spread.

Apparatus and equipment must be checked for cleanliness and proper working order before use.

Using proper containers and storage methods for chemicals is critical to prevent accidents.

Understanding how to use ventilation controls, such as lab hoods, is essential for containing hazardous vapors.

Chemical containers must be correctly labeled to ensure the safety of all lab users.

Unauthorized experimentation is prohibited to maintain lab safety.

Proper disposal of chemical and infectious waste is governed by facility policies and is crucial for safety.

Knowing emergency procedures and the location of emergency equipment is vital in case of accidents.

Being prepared to deal with chemical spills and knowing the appropriate response is an important safety measure.

A comprehensive understanding of lab safety, including materials, equipment, and emergency procedures, is necessary for all lab personnel.

Transcripts

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there's a lot going on in our

laboratories sometimes it's hard to keep

on top of it all and when you have your

hands full just making sure everything's

running right it can be easy to forget

that you have to think about safety too

but safety is important because if

you're not careful laboratory can be a

pretty dangerous place for all human no

matter how many years of school or work

we have under our belts and when things

get hectic we often suffer from an

overwhelming urge to do the wrong thing

to take shortcuts and ignore safety

precautions so if you're new to your lab

while you're learning where the light

switches are you should also learn the

safety rules there's a wealth of safety

information you should know you need to

learn about safety data sheets SDS a--'s

which described a substances ingredients

properties and hazards and there's your

facility's chemical hygiene plan which

explains how to work with the chemicals

in your lab safely in fact there are

plans covering all types of hazards

including biological infectious

materials you may read about things such

as brick rush lockout tagout and

respiratory protection you could also

take courses on how to use fire

extinguishers perform first aid and CPR

and other important topics as well but

remember the courses and written plans

are only sources of information you're

the one who has to put the knowledge

they give you to work the ultimate

responsibility to be safe lies with you

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you should start by planning out your

work carefully assemble all of the

materials and sdss you'll need ahead of

time

remember your personal protective

equipment you'll often hear it referred

to as PPE select it based on the

chemicals and procedures you'll be using

each lab has rules about which areas

require PPE so you'll need to know this

as well make sure you know where to find

it

PPE is often stored in a central

location any PPE that you need will be

supplied at no cost to you there are

many types of PPE eyewear ranging from

safety glasses to face shields is

particularly important be sure to wear

the type or combination that's right for

the job you're doing and remember

regular Street glasses are not

acceptable lab coats are also personal

protective equipment they help shield

you from accidental slashes wearing the

proper gloves is important as well

choose them according to the hazards

associated with the materials and

equipment you're using

check with your supervisor as to whether

you'll need to use a respirator if your

work demands one it's important that you

be properly trained and fit tested a

respirator that doesn't fit properly

won't protect you air purifying

respirators APRs are the most common

they use chemical cartridges to trap

contaminants before you breathe them in

a self-contained breathing apparatus

SCBA is only used in extreme situations

they're sophisticated pieces of

equipment and you shouldn't put one on

unless you've been instructed in their

use wear sensible shoes in the lab no

open toes closed leather shoes keep

spilled chemicals off your feet many

labs require safety shoes with special

soles and protective toe plates check

all personal protective equipment before

using it if PPE is cracked or worn it

won't be effective so get it repaired or

discard it remember to remove your lab

coat and other PPE before leaving the

lab area and wash your hands you don't

want to take contamination with you

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it's important for the apparatus and

equipment you'll be using in your

procedures to be safe as well

check each piece before setting it up

everything should be clean and in proper

working order glassware that is chipped

or cracked must be replaced any amount

of pressure could shatter it if your

work requires specialized equipment or

containers use them

makeshift substitutes can be dangerous

work to keep your lab clean and

clutter-free report and correct any

unsafe conditions misplaced equipment or

furniture can cause trips and falls move

it to a more suitable area

[Music]

you also need to know how to use

ventilation controls such as lab hoods

when it's working correctly the airflow

within and exhaust hood effectively

confines and removes released vapors an

invisible curtain of air blows across

the opening and keeps vapors from

escaping under the sash but you still

need to keep the sash as low as possible

[Music]

never interfere with the airflow in a

hood this will reduce its effectiveness

and could allow contaminated air to make

it into your breathing zone there are

many types of lab hoods so make sure

you're using the right one for the

process you're running for instance

biological safety cabinets can find any

potentially infectious aerosols but

might not be appropriate for industrial

chemicals be sure to test any hood

you'll be using to make certain its

operating the way it should and remember

to work at least six inches inside the

hood

[Music]

storing your chemicals properly is

extremely important try not to use bench

tops or hoods as storage areas

containers in these locations are too

easy to knock over and are unprotected

from accidental fires collect small

quantities of flammables in ul-listed

containers with spring-loaded caps place

amounts greater than one liter in

flammable storage cabinets there are

special regulations governing the use of

compressed gas cylinders cylinders

should be located away from any sources

of flames or sparks strap or chain them

to benches or wall so they won't fall

and hoses won't rip free ask your

supervisor about the number of cylinders

that can be safely stored in your lab

knowing exactly what you're working with

is essential in a lab environment all

chemical containers must be correctly

labeled so that anyone who uses them

will be able to tell what's in them a CN

may mean acrylonitrile to you a potent

carcinogen but to someone from outside

your lab ACN may indicate acetonitrile a

common solvent writing out the proper

name of a substance will also allow

others to easily locate the chemical

safety data sheet some experimental

compounds may never have a written SDS

this doesn't mean there isn't a hazard

make sure to determine the materials

properties and take all the necessary

precautions

unauthorized experimentation though is

never permitted if an accident occurred

and you weren't in the lab no one would

know how to handle it

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what to do with chemical and infectious

waste is another thing you need to know

about your facility has a written policy

on how to handle this type of material

plan for how you'll dispose of any waste

before you begin your work a mistake in

disposal could cause serious problems

with public health and the environment

and could subject your lab too harsh

criminal and civil penalties ask your

supervisor or Safety Manager if you have

any questions if there's an accident in

your lab it's vital that you know what

to do review your facility's emergency

procedures you may need to dial 911

emergency responders walk every inch of

your evacuation routes it's important to

know what areas you'll be going through

talk to your supervisor about the

emergency systems and fire alarms in

your labs knowing the location of

emergency equipment like fire

extinguishers and spill cleanup kits is

also important but if you aren't trained

don't try to use them remember the

watchword of safety is always life over

property be prepared to deal with a

chemical spill if it's a flammable

substance turn off all sources of

ignition know the locations of I washes

and safety showers as well as how to use

them if you come into contact with a

chemical remember to flush the affected

area with water for at least 15 minutes

then report the incident and call for

medical help coming into a new lab can

be both exciting and stressful there are

new people to meet new materials to work

with and new procedures to learn but

most importantly you'll need to learn

how to do your work safely

let's review know what materials you'll

be working with and where to find their

SDSS be familiar with your labs chemical

hygiene plan

[Music]

know what personal protective equipment

you'll need and how to use it check the

equipment and apparatus you'll be using

make sure it's functioning correctly

keep your work area clean and

clutter-free and know what to do in an

emergency every laboratory has its

hazards but if you pay attention to your

supervisor and know the rules you'll be

able to work safely all day every day

[Music]