Laboratory Safety Management System, Framework and Mechanism
Laboratories are always full of hazards like chemicals, biological materials, gas cylinders, equipment, electricity and fire etc. “American Chemical Society’s (ACS), published the report “Identifying and Evaluating Hazards in Research Laboratories” which states that key elements of hazard identification and evaluation include defining the scope of work, recognizing the potential hazards involved in every step of an experiment and evaluate the chances of its occurrence.
Hazards are found in every lab (testing or research). The identification of hazards, its seriousness and treatment require expertise. Many standards and guidelines have been published on General &Lab safety related to one or the other aspect of lab.e.g., American Chemical Society (ACS) safety guidelines for labs, OHSAS18001, NEBOSH, IOSH, ISO15190, 29CFR1910.1450:2011& GHS etc.
My paper focuses on how to develop and implement effective and efficient safety management system specifically for laboratories by keeping in view above lab safety standards and guidelines. The paper would present the overall lab safety management mechanism and framework so that effective lab safety program can be implemented in the labs.
The lab safety mechanism/framework will start with “5S” technique for good housekeeping and then will focus on lab safety policy, Identification of hazards, converting hazards into risks, Risk estimation, Risk Evaluation, Risk Treatment/Risk Control, Risk communication and Risk Monitoring & Review.
About Dr. Shaukat H. Malik:
Ex Director General - Pakistan National Accreditation Council
- Certified Master Six Sigma Black Belt
- Certified Quality Manager (ASQ, USA)
- Certified H&S Manager
- Lead Assessor & Trainer for ISO 17025, 17020
- Member ASQ - USA
