Health and Safety Surveys at University Chemistry Laboratories

Abstract

The academic chemistry laboratory has been described as a setting which provides the occupational health professional with unique challenges. The chemistry laboratories of a major public university were surveyed to determine the nature of likely exposures, the level of utilization of personal protective equipment, provision of safety equipment, level of hygienic practices, and compliance with generally accepted health and safety measures. Of the 23 laboratories surveyed, all were in need of some type of remediation. Among problems commonly found were lack of provision of eye washes, failure to use personal protective equipment, evidence of ingestion of food and drink in laboratories, and lack of certification of hood performance. In addition, the systemwide program for chemistry laboratories was in need of changes with regard to planning, training, and monitoring. While the academic chemistry laboratory is not equivalent to general industry in terms of occupational risk or level of compliance, general principles of occupational health can be applied to reduce hazards.