New Materials on Laboratory Hazards

OSHA has published new educational materials for laboratory managers on protecting their workers from exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards.

The new materials include the document Laboratory Safety Guidance, which describes how electrical, fire, explosions, and falls: among other hazards: can be minimized or eliminated if employers use safety plans, worker training, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment. The materials also include fact sheets that each focus on a specific hazard related to laboratory environments, as well as safety guidance for using autoclaves, use of chemical fume hoods, labeling and transferring of chemicals, and latex exposure.

Over the past few years, OSHA reports, there have been a number of laboratory incidents resulting in fatalities and injuries caused by fires, explosions, and equipment. These new materials will help employers identify hazards and measures to ensure safe and healthful conditions for their workers.

To access the materials: www.osha.gov/SLTC/laboratories/index.html