Safety Must-Haves for Any Lab
To operate a fully functioning lab properly, it’s important to have the right laboratory safety equipment in place. Not only does this help keep employees safe, but it also supports a safer and more efficient work environment. Along with obvious items like a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, here are five additional pieces of equipment that are important for lab safety.
1. Fire Blanket – Interestingly enough, the chemical compound in fire extinguishers may be harmful to different types of lab elements. If so, then an alternative must be considered in the event of a fire. The go-to after the fire extinguisher is a fire blanket, which is composed of a fire-retardant material that suppresses the blaze immediately.
2. Eye Wash – An eye wash is a specifically designed lab safety sink in which water will move upward to cleanse your eyes. They can be either free-standing sinks that are used solely for eye washing, or the fixtures can be incorporated into existing lab sinks. In case of a chemical splash or other injury, the eye wash is an eye saver.
3. Safety Showers – Safety showers are essential to keeping harmful chemicals off the body. Sometimes the eye wash simply isn’t enough, and if a full body or partial body rinse is necessary, then a safety shower is a must. And depending on the lab, you can choose from a free-standing shower or one that is mounted on the wall to save space.
4. Fume Hood – It’s important to choose the best fume hood for your specific lab. Inhaling dangerous chemicals has the potential to cause major harm to your body if the vapors aren’t ventilated properly. Make sure that you choose the fume hood carefully and specifically for your lab.
5. Electrical Outlets – Many people do not think about these small, out-of-sight installations, but they’re a safety concern as well. Different pieces of equipment require different levels of amps and volts, as well as connection prongs. You cannot simply jam a plug into an outlet that it’s not designed for, so be sure to choose them wisely, as your lab is at much higher risk of a fire.
The main thing to consider when stocking your lab with laboratory safety equipment is the type of lab you operate. Fire extinguishers are must-have safety items, but your lab may also need features like a safety shower or fire-resistant electrical outlets. By understanding your lab’s functions, you can choose the proper safety equipment for its daily risks and requirements.