LAB MANAGEMENT::LAB SAFETY
Laboratory safety management roles and responsibilities
Joanne P. Christopher, MA, ELS K
eeping laboratory workers safe is a top priority and chal- lenge for laboratory management. Implementation of a laboratory safety program, efficient laboratory design,
and effective security measures are some considerations for laboratory worker safety. The laboratory director, safety officer, hazardous chemical waste disposal coordinator, and radiation safety officer, as well as laboratory employees themselves, all play roles in ensuring safety, with the laboratory director bearing the ultimate responsibility. This article presents a brief overview of the components of a laboratory safety program, important laboratory security concerns, as well as descriptions of the various roles and re- sponsibilities of laboratory employees responsible for the safe operation of the laboratory. Throughout this article, the phrase “the laboratory needs to”
explains an action directly related to fulfilling requirements of international, national, and accreditation organizations. The phrase “the laboratory should” describes a recommendation provided in laboratory literature, a statement of good labora- tory practice, or a suggestion for how to meet a requirement. A comprehensive safety program encompasses all aspects of daily laboratory operations, including chemical hygiene, blood-
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has identified the following broad types of laboratory hazards:1 • Allergic sensitization • Carcinogens • Equipment • General chemical hazards • Infection • Mutagens and teratogens • Physical stress
Lab-acquired infections The laboratory-associated hazards of working with microorgan- isms have been well documented.2
Accidental or unrecognized
exposure to specimens or cultures of highly transmissible microorganisms — such as Brucella species, Mycobacterium tu- berculosis, Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella, Shigella, and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli — has resulted in either life- threatening infection or death of clinical laboratory workers. For some of these organisms, laboratory workers are at greater risk of acquiring such infections than the general population.3 Laboratory-acquired infections may occur through inhalation;
ingestion; direct contact of the eye, nose, mouth, or skin; or parenteral inoculation. Laboratory workers, who are routinely exposed to potentially infectious materials, are a high-risk group for occupationally related infections. Implementing practices that decrease the worker’s exposure to potentially infectious materials can minimize the risk of infection.4 Laboratories should develop guidelines that address security
issues. Only authorized personnel should have access to the laboratory. For laboratories using biological agents or toxins capable of causing serious or fatal illness, additional security measures may be required, such as locking all storage cabinets, refrigerators, incubators, and doors to sensitive areas.5-7
The
threat of theft and tampering of biological agents, specimens, drugs, chemicals, and confidential information should be as- sessed. The biological, chemical, and radiation levels of the laboratory should be considered when establishing a security policy. The current version of the BMBL5 security recommendations for laboratories.
outlines additional Photo Credit © Robert Kneschke |
Dreamstime.com
A comprehensive safety program encompasses all aspects of daily laboratory operations
borne pathogens, respiratory protection, radiation safety, fire prevention, emergency management, occupational health, safety education, and recordkeeping. 1
A general safety program includes considerations for the
following: • Engineering controls • Personal protective equipment • Work practice controls • Emergency aids • Personnel responsibility • Waste disposal • Ergonomics
18 JANUARY 2022
MLO-ONLINE.COM
Laboratory director responsibilities The laboratory director is responsible for laboratory safety. This includes providing a safety manual for laboratory employees that details all aspects of the laboratory safety program (e.g., chemical hygiene plan, blood-borne pathogens plan, respiratory protection plan, safety committee, and safety training).8
The
safety manual should be readily available in work areas and specific to the laboratory’s needs. A safety officer may provide guidance to the laboratory director, but the ultimate responsibil- ity rests with the laboratory director.1 The laboratory director is responsible for ensuring the fol-
lowing items and tasks:1 • Adequate policies, procedures, and practices are in place to ensure the safety of laboratory employees, patients, and visitors • All policies and procedures are reviewed and approved before use
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