Understanding the Significance of Health and Safety Procedures in Chemical Laboratories

An employee of a laboratory on chemicals willbe applied poorly by a newbie, and the purpose
enjoy his experience once he knows that thefor which it is intended is lost.
provisions on health and safety measures as wellGarments and shoes must be safe so that they
as those required by the Control of Substanceswill not get in the way while working in the lab.
Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 or theHeadgear should completely cover the hair so
COSHH are being strictly implemented. With this,that single strands of hair, bobby-pins, clips, or
he knows that his work will be safe and thatparticles of dandruff or dust do not get in the
accidents are prevented.way while working with the chemicals. Any form
However, it is not enough that you know thereof distraction while working may cause trouble.
are such laws and that companies engaged inMask is also an important outfit inside a chemical
dangerous substances are compelled to takelaboratory. This is worn to minimize inhalation of
these laws in effect. It is of great importancethe chemicals. The mask must do this effectively.
that you know what is being required by the lawIn addition, it should leak no air, not interfere with
itself.breathing, be compact, comfortable, and not
Good health and safety are essential for anyhinder speech or vision. Many effective disposable
person working in a chemical laboratory. Chemicalmasks are available but your company should
burns and irritation are distinct menace and mustreadily provide you one.
be avoided at all cost. A serious effect ofShoes with rubber soles are nonconductors of
chemical contact can even trigger death.electricity, otherwise known as conductive shoes,
Therefore, it can be understood readily how veryand there is danger of generating static electricity
important it is for the companies to implementunder such conditions. Static electricity may ignite
rules and regulations promoting safety and healthgases to produce explosion in the laboratory.
measures within the premises of the laboratory.Shoes with conductive soles or conductive slip-ons
Here are two of the most valuable health andproduce a grounding of the wearer that avoids
safety measures that you should know:the generation of static electricity and so
1. Wearing apparel must be cleanremoves the danger from this source. Soles must
All clothing, including the headgear, should bebe cleaned after each wearing to remove any
changed daily. A mask requires changing muchchemical residue which tends to insulate at the
more frequently, certainly between operationsbottom of the sole.
and more often if necessary. Lab gowns shouldFor clothing, cotton clothing must be worn in the
only be worn in the laboratory only. Shoes used inlaboratory room. Wool, nylon, rayon, sharkskin,
the lab should not be worn on the streets either.and cellulose acetate are potential sources of
Chances are, traces of chemical residue can behazard because the rate of static build-up is so
found in previously used clothes. Bringing themrapid with these materials that sparking is hard to
home to your families may cause potentialcontrol with certainty. It is acceptable to wear
hazards.nylon or other synthetic undergarments if the
2. Style of clothing and shoes should be plainwhole garment is in contact with the skin.
It is important to wear plain clothing and shoes inFollowing these simple health and safety measures
the laboratory. This will facilitate cleaning, allowwithin the laboratory can save lives and
ease in dressing and ensure the comfort of theproductivity. Hence, better business and better
user. For example, a turban or headpiece thatlives are expected.
requires skill and practice to put on properly may