Risk Management in Laboratory Safety

Abstract

Risk management is a process of identifying, analyzing, assessing, managing, controlling and communicating to reduce risk proportion acceptably. The present study aimed to assess the hazards and potential risks associated with the chemicals, equipment and operations in clinical laboratory. The results showed three significant risks which needed to be considered including the location of shower or eyewash station within 30 meters without obstruction (no. 17), the separation of the used gown and in use -gown (no. 37) and the emergency phone contact of staff/division (no. 57) at level 10, 4 and 3 respectively. We then prioritized risks to plan for mitigation actions. The activity that needed urgent attention within 6 months was no.17, in which the survey of number and installation area for the eyewash was conducted and under the process of getting the approval from the top management. Risk no. 37 and 57 were acceptable, so the risk management plan was not required. The risk management plan not only ensured the worker or related person that the operations were safe but also pointed out the need for training, advice and proposing the change of method for laboratory safety. Furthermore, the risk assessment helps worker to decide the desired space and tools leading to safe, efficacy and effective operations.