To stay safe in your lab facility, you need to adhere to certain safety standards. Not only does this protect the quality of your lab test results, which your clients depend on, but it also protects your employees from workplace injuries or hazards. Because there are many dangers in a pathology lab, you need to put safety first by displaying many signs throughout the lab. These are a few safety signs that every lab facility should display to keep their employees educated and safe.
You may notice safety graphics around the lab to remind employees to wear their Personal Protective Equipment to perform certain tasks. You will see images of gloves, lab coats, safety goggles, breathing masks, and face shields in particular areas that present dangers to these areas of the body. When you notice these symbols, it is imperative to put on your PPE as a line of defense.
A no eating or drinking sign lets your employees know that they are unable to bring food and beverages into areas where hazardous materials, chemicals, and samples are being handled. It also prevents cross contamination that can tamper with the test results for your clients, which can lead to errors and diagnostic issues.
In the event of an injury or emergency, your employees need to be able to quickly locate the first aid station inside your lab. This kit should be fully stocked and easily accessible. It should contain items recommended by the First Aid Kit Policy and Guidelines for Laboratories. By following their guidelines, you will prevent any potential liabilities in the event that an employee is injured in the workplace.
Labs contain many harmful chemicals, and these should all be appropriately labelled. Biohazards should contain the graphic to indicate the harmful effects of these supplies and chemicals. If a fridge or freezer contains these elements, you need to label the entire equipment with a biohazard sign to alert employees of proper handling techniques. This can prevent exposure and contamination from occurring, which can lead to severe health issues.
Labs often require the heating of elements to fully conduct testing. These hot surfaces need to be labelled to indicate the hazard is present. This can prevent burns, skin irritations, and fire hazards. Lab workers should avoid touching these surfaces. If they come into contact with hot surfaces or materials, they will need to seek first aid immediately to minimize injury.
By displaying these safety signs, you can keep your lab facility safe, protect the quality of your test results, and prevent employee injury at work. If you are looking for more assistance with laboratory growth management, contact the experienced professionals at Hankins Lab Consulting today.
