Secondary abstract: |
I wrote my thesis intending to identify critical points, irregularities, or deficiencies that affect the safe and healthy work of all those present in the laboratory, in laboratories intended for students, researchers, and employees of the higher education institution, and to determine measures to reduce or eliminate the irregularities.
Hazard identification is the first step in risk assessment. The inspection was carried out in three different laboratories, namely teaching, specialised, and research laboratories, using the Laboratory Checker, which allows us to systematically review the workplace to identify critical areas. In the laboratories, I measured the microclimatic conditions (lighting, thermal comfort, and noise) at the workstations provided, and I also checked the presence of documents (fume cupboard instructions, safety data sheets, laboratory rules, safe working instructions for cleaning laboratories and other instructions) for safe working in the laboratory. None of the laboratories in which I carried out measurements has a permanent full-time position.
I recorded the heat load in the teaching laboratory at four workstations. The installation of air-conditioning is recommended as a precautionary measure. However, the thermal comfort is adequate in the specialised and research laboratories. The lighting is adequate in the special and research laboratories, but not adequate in the teaching laboratory at one workstation. Noise exceeds the criterion for undisturbed work in all three laboratories. According to the occupational hearing hazard criterion, all measurements are below the permissible limit of 85 dB. Using the Laboratory Inspection Checker, I have noted deficiencies in the area of safe handling of chemicals in the teaching, specialised, and research laboratories. A general summary of suggested actions for all three laboratories would be: to carry out a regular chemical inventory, replace larger canisters of chemicals with smaller canisters, store chemicals consistently in dedicated cabinets, maintain work equipment regularly, and observe safety precautions for working in the laboratory. Only by implementing and following these measures can we ensure a safe and orderly working environment.
The main aim of the thesis is to identify how working conditions can be improved, thereby reducing the risk to those present in the laboratory. By identifying hazards or deficiencies and proposing measures, working conditions can be improved. The measures help to improve occupational safety and health in the laboratory. |