ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
Floors: | |
Clean? | |
Clear of obstacles? | |
Damaged surface? | |
Free from spills? | |
Loose covering? | |
Rough or uneven. | |
Wet or slippery floors, especially in histology laboratories. | |
Aisles: | |
Adequately lit? | |
Clean and clear of obstacles? | |
Congestion in work place or of traffic flow. | |
Free from protrusions? | |
Wide enough? | |
Equipment: | |
Adequate for the job? | |
Adequate guarding? | |
Adequate work space? | |
Clean? | |
Noise level satisfactory? | |
Well maintained? | |
Work surfaces: | |
Clean? | |
Clear of electrical leads? | |
Damaged surface? | |
Free from spills? | |
Tidy and uncluttered? | |
Lighting: | |
Are the light fittings optimally placed in relation to work? | |
Do any tasks require special or additional lighting? | |
Have employees complained about any aspect of the lighting in the past? | |
Is there good light reflection from walls and ceilings? | |
Laboratory adequately lit? | |
Light fittings well maintained? | |
No direct or reflected glare? | |
Windows: | |
Any draughts? | |
Clean? Any broken? | |
Easy to open? | |
Ledges free of obstacles? | |
Well fitting? | |
Electrical: | |
Adequate supply of sockets? | |
Are extension cords used? | |
No broken plugs, sockets or switches? | |
No frayed or worn wires? | |
No unprotected leads over benches or access ways? | |
Hygiene: | |
Adequate supply of lockers? | |
Adequate toilet facilities? | |
Adequate washing facilities? | |
Facilities for drying and storing outdoor clothing. | |
Poor housekeeping. | |
Provision of protective clothing? | |
Room for eating, drinking and meal preparation? | |
Staff rest room? | |
Supply of safety equipment? | |
Chemical, toxic corrosive and dust hazard: | |
Adequate ventilation for dust, fumes and vapours? | |
Antidotes readily available for poisons? | |
Emergency eye wash station? | |
Emergency shower? | |
Provision of appropriate safety handling equipment? | |
Provision of fume cupboards for toxic substances? | |
Provision of monitoring equipment for gases, radiation, etc.? | |
Safe storage, labelling and handling protocols? | |
Safety control: | |
Appropriate protective clothing supplied? | |
First aid equipment readily available? | |
Gas, electric and other utilities clearly marked and suitably sited? | |
Safety equipment safely stored and readily available? | |
Storage: | |
Adequate space? | |
Clear traffic areas? | |
Decomposed or contaminated containers. | |
Enough shelves? | |
Free of rubbish? | |
Inflammable or explosive characteristics displayed. | |
Poisonous characteristics displayed. | |
Suitable storage for disposal of various wastes? | |
Unsafe high level storage that could collapse. | |
Unsafe storage or exposure to heat, moisture, vibration, flame, sparks, chemicals or electrical current. | |
Use of unsafe storage containers | |
Ventilation: | |
Faulty ventilation particularly in storage areas. | |
Fire safety: | |
Access to fire equipment clear and unobstructed? | |
Adequate provision of fire extinguishers, regularly checked? | |
Adequate training for staff in fire fighting and use of equipment? | |
Clear instructions displayed in the event of a fire? | |
Correct operation of fire doors? | |
Emergency telephone number displayed? | |
Fire doors and exists clearly marked? | |
Flammable and explosive material suitably and safely stored? | |
Regular evacuation to familiarise staff with evacuation procedures? | |
Sprinkler systems or other alarms regularly checked for operation? | |
Look at Staff For | |
Failure to follow safety protocols. | |
Failure to use supplied safety equipment. | |
Horseplay in the laboratory. | |
Lack of adequate footwear. | |
Lack of adequate protective clothing. |
Table 4: Checklist 2
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