Course Objectives

This course is written with the aim of making staff aware of the potential hazards involved with chemicals in the workplace and to instill in them the need to think about what they are doing.

Therefore, it is essential that all staff be made aware that the use of chemicals and equipment in a work environment is potentially dangerous. Staff should take all possible steps to minimize and guard against accidents; and adopt safe work practices at all times.

It is important that all laboratory staff adopt a new analytical psychology. This psychology necessitates them becoming totally aware of the work process they are performing, and understanding the techniques and chemicals they are using, to minimize the chances of human error.

Course Outline.

Safety in the laboratory

• Chemicals and us
• How chemicals harm us (Chemicals classification)
• Chemical reactions
• Poisons and Carcinogens
• Handling toxic substances
• Lunch /End of Day One
• Spillages
• General laboratory Equipment
• Protective equipment and safety kit
• Fire and evacuation procedures in chemical laboratory
• Occupational health and safety audit
• Total quality management and safety
• Smart work not hard work
• Working under pressure and stress, safety first!
• Storage and disposal of chemicals materials/compounds
• Laboratory facilities and space
• Identifying potential dangerous laboratory practices
• Cost of safety versus the cost of injuries/accidents
• Safety and quality equal success
• Open forum/presentation of certificates.

Who Can Benefit

• Laboratory managers.
• Analytical chemists.
• Medical scientists.
• Laboratory supervisors.
• Research and development scientists.
• Microbiologists.
• Food technologists and quality assurance.
• Control managers.