Introduction to a Safe Workplace Subhash Karkare
Safety Elimination of potential threats to human health and well being
Definitions Accidents Emergency Unusual and usually sudden events that cause harm Emergency Situation requiring immediate action to prevent an accumulation of harm or damage to people or property
Definitions Hazards Risk Equipment, chemicals, and conditions that have a potential to cause harm Risk The probability that a hazard will cause harm
Definitions Risk Assessment Safety Guidelines An attempt to estimate the potential for human injury or property damage from an activity Safety Guidelines Procedures that are designed to prevent accidents by reducing the risk of hazards in situations where the hazards cannot be eliminated entirely
Who is Responsible for a Safe Workplace? OSHA and US Secretary of Labor Institutions Laboratories Individuals
Federal Agencies that Regulate Safety and Environmental Protection on Biotech Organizations Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Department of Transportation (DOT) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Classification of Regulations and Standards Worker safety Environmental protection Use and handling of animals Regulation of radioisotopes
Examples of Professional Organizations Concerned with Safety Underwriters Laboratories (UL) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Employers must provide: Institutional Responsibility – Comply with Federal Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Employers must provide: Workplace hazard identification A written hazard communication plan Files of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals Worker training for safe use of all chemicals
Requires a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standards (29 CFR 1910) Requires a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) A written manual that outlines the specific information and procedures necessary to protect workers from hazardous chemicals
Environmental Protection EPA enforces laws. Major laws affecting biotech companies and institutions are: Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)