The best way to prevent lab accidents is to be prepared and knowledgeable about what you are working with such as equipment, chemicals, or biological materials. Having a range of knowledge for each type or chemical/biological class of hazard you will work with is called a “working understanding” of your environment in the lab.

1. Hazard recognition and evaluation
2. Risk evaluation
3. Elimination and minimization of identified risks
4. Attention to tasks being performed

Examples

• Injuries- chemical or biological exposure, Thermal or Electrical Burns/Cuts/Other
• Illness- Chemical or Biological exposure, chemical allergies or sensitization, repetitive trauma disorders
• Damage/loss to equipment or facility- Fire/Explosion, work time lost to facility evacuation
• Power failures
• Ventilation failure/malfunction
• Incidents/near miss situations
• Other

Contact
911
OSEH- 647-1143

Incident Report Form: http://www.engin.umich.edu/safety/invest.html
Work Connections Illness/Injury Form: http://www.workconnections.umich.edu/forms.htm

Causes of Lab Accidents

• Lack of working understanding of hazards
• Improper or unintended use of equipment
• Inexperienced
• Distractions, lack/loss of attention to task
• Broken, damaged glassware or equipment
• Other

Procedures to protect yourself

• Wear the proper personal protective equipment
• Do not leave operations unattended
• Do not work alone
• Complete the proper safety training
• Have regular safety inspections