Every Accident Has A Cause...
Accidents can happen in any laboratory, sometimes with disastrous consequences. But, every accident has a cause and this is what can be prevented. Practice recognizing potential causes of accidents and take the necessary steps to prevent injury or harm.
Be on the lookout for these "Accidents Waiting to Happen"
- No eye protection or the wrong type of eye protection for the task
- No face protection or using improperly sized face shield
- No gloves, improper gloves, gloves that have pinholes, or gloves contaminated by previous use
- Ignoring information on Material Safety Data Sheets or ignoring warning labels
- Not knowing what to do in an emergency
- Not knowing the signs and symptoms of overexposure or not knowing what to do if overexposed
- Failure to communicate with co-workers when planning to carry-out hazardous procedures
- Lack of training
- Ventilation problems, fumehoods not being utilized properly
- Frayed or damaged electrical cords
- Flammable liquids not stored in appropriate containers or cabinets
- Incompatible chemicals stored together
- Aisles in the lab or storage spaces blocked by equipment or chemicals
- Pipetting by mouth
- Believing that "just this once" is a justifiable reason for unsafe behavior
- Storing food in lab refrigerator, eating in the lab or using equipment in place of cups, plates or bowls
- Use chemically resistant gloves when working with chemicals, do not use latex
 |
|
| Do not leave compressed gas cylinders unsecured | Laboratory worker not wearing eye protection |
Please contact the Occupational Safety and Health Division at 410.706.3490 if you have any questions on the above issues or need suggestions on how to prevent accidents in your lab. Thank you for your efforts to improve safety at the University.
Source: adapted from "Laboratory & Radiation Safety News", Cornell University, Department of Environmental Health & Safety.
Your help in improving safety at the
University is appreciated!
Safety Alert # 98-04