Pharmaceutical Safety
With the latest research and manufacturing occurring within the pharmaceutical industry it is important to provide a general overview of laboratory safety requirements in order to keep your employees informed of safety measures and prevent injury or harm. The laboratory environment can be a hazardous place to work. According to Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), laboratory workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards including chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards, as well as musculoskeletal stresses. Only trained personnel should be allowed to enter the laboratory and those entering need to understand and follow all posted rules.
Employer’s Responsibility
As an employer it is important to be aware of potential dangers around the laboratory. Taking these few precautionary measures can help ensure your employees and guest are free from harm.
• Maintain a safe environment for all faculty, staff, and the visiting public
• Provide the necessary facilities, staff, and equipment for safety
• Minimize all chemical exposures
• Avoid underestimation of risk
• Provide adequate ventilation
• Institute a Lab Safety Manual
• Protect the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes
• Conduct laboratory inspections to ensure these goals are being met
