Being prepared to respond to common emergencies is a vital component of safety in the laboratory. Knowing and implementing an appropriate response during a medical event, a fire, a spill or a chemical exposure will mitigate the potential consequence of each of these incidents.
The following documents can be printed and posted in conspicuous areas of your laboratory such as exit doors, designated areas for use of HF or mercury, safety bulletin or next to safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, safety showers and eyewashes.
To allow you to respond to minor incidents such as cuts, burns, chemical spill, chemical splash or small fires, the following safety equipment must be available in your laboratory. These equipment need to be visible, labeled, unobstructed and routinely checked and maintained in functional condition:
- Fire Extinguisher – monthly checks [pdf]
- First Aid Kit – every 6 months [pdf]
- Chemical Spill Kit – replenished every after use [pdf]
- Emergency Shower Checks [pdf] and Eyewash Checks [pdf] (weekly activation and flushing required, according to ANSI Z358.1-2014), must be recorded in a Maintenance Log [pdf]