- A wide variety of hazardous and toxic chemicals
- Recombinant and non-recombinant, or "wild type," biological hazards
- Human blood-borne pathogens and zoonotic illnesses
- Radioactive materials used in labeling experiments
Cuts and lacerations to the hands and arms
This leading injury for construction workers is also a danger for biotech workers, but developing a hand protection policy and following it each day can prevent it. The most important rule should be "no gloves, no work." Also, designating a specific glove for a specific task will ensure safety to the highest level. Examples of this would be using Kevlar or cut-resistant gloves when working with metals or using chemical-resistant gloves when working with chemicals.
Strains, sprains, and repetitive-use injuries
Many injuries happen when workers are not warmed up for the tasks at hand and therefore overexert themselves. In addition, noise and musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive strain injuries are becoming more widely recognized as potential hazards to research workers due to extensive use of computers and manual micropipettors. Many of these types of injuries happen when workers are not warmed up for the tasks at hand and therefore overexert themselves. Because of this, many companies are now using warm-up and stretching programs before work starts for the day, making sure to implement micro stretching before strenuous tasks. Basically, as we develop ergonomic programs that require stretching and flexing for workers-just as programs are being put in place for office workers to prevent carpel tunnel and eyestrain from computers-we hope to exponentially decrease the number of workers injured with strains and sprains.
Eye injuries
Developing and implementing an eye protection program is key. Eye protection is necessary at all times while working, period! Eyeglasses need to be Z87 with the proper sideshields. Where simple programs like this fail is in enforcement. The program needs to be enforced as soon as any workers step onto the jobsite, not when they get to their work areas. Better programs identify specific tasks where additional eye protection would be needed such as safety goggles, face shields, and welding hoods.
Leaks
Leaks and releases of aerosols are anticipated, and potential exposure is controlled in several ways. The exhaust gas filtration also protects workers and the work area from aerosols generated during the culture or fermentation. Depending on the biohazard potential of the system, validated biological inactivation of liquid effluents (usually by heat, steam, or chemical methods) is standard practice.
Thermal and chemical burns
In the laboratory, there is always the chance of thermal and/or chemical burns. The most common chemical burns come from acids and caustics such as phosphoric acid, sodium, and potassium hydroxide, whereas thermal burns would come from steam lines, hot liquids, or even open flames. If a thermal burn occurs, one should begin rinsing the entire affected area with water. First and second-degree burns heal in days or weeks without scarring. Deep second-degree and shallow third-degree burns will take weeks to heal and will probably cause some scarring. Larger third-degree burns may require skin grafting. If a chemical burn occurs, one should immediately remove any clothing near the chemical or contaminated by the chemical and rinse the area for at least 15 minutes or until additional help arrives. Remember that it is imperative to continue to rinse as long as possible, as chemicals can continue to attack even when you think the area has been thoroughly cleansed. However, certain chemicals such as metal sodium, when mixed with water, can actually worsen the burn. Your jobsite should have a posted list of these chemicals at all times.
About the Author
Kevin Scannell is both a certified safety professional (CSP) and construction health and safety technician. His firm, Scannell & Associates, Inc., a professional safety consulting company based in Phoenix, provides construction safety council, construction risk management, manufacturing installation, process installation, decontamination safety, and demolition safety, in addition to the development of environmental, health, and safety training programs. Scannell holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in industrial safety. He belongs to the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the Semiconductor Safety Association (SSA), and the National Safety Council (NSC). In addition, Scannell was a past presenter at the NSC Congress. Scannell & Associates proudly services the biotechnology, chemical, petrol chemical, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries. For more information on Scannell & Associates, please visit www.sasafety.com.
