The main priority should be the safety of their workers whenever a company opens a new laboratory. Lab owners can meet this goal by ensuring their operations follow the rules established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Learn about several OSHA standards to know before starting your lab below so you can avoid unsafe incidents.
Protective Equipment Standards
If your employees must work with hazardous materials in your laboratory, OSHA mandates that you need to give them equipment that will keep their bodies from harm. In addition, you must ensure these devices work, and they know how to use them.
Make sure you buy the proper gear and provide it to your workers before you open your doors. However, don’t think you will get a break if your associates bring in their own protective products to use. You must check these items and ensure they are sufficient so your employees are safe.
Hazardous Energy Standards
You should also review the administration’s hazardous energy standards before starting your lab. OSHA has designed these so employees will not experience accidental exposure to dangerous energy while repairing or providing support to equipment in your lab.
You can meet OSHA’s standards by adding a lockout device or tagout system that will stop any power surges or unexpected startups. You must properly train your employees so they know how to use these devices.
After you open, you must regularly check on your employees to ensure they are using their equipment correctly and following operating procedures. Doing so will help you feel more secure that your employees are working safely and not putting themselves at risk.
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Exposure to Substances Standards
OSHA also has rules when it comes to exposing your employees to hazardous substances. In addition to providing them with protective gear, OSHA requires that you create controls that limit your worker’s exposure to these substances and confirm that your fume hoods and other equipment are operating properly.
You must also provide employees with critical information, such as the safe amounts of exposure they can have and the symptoms of different levels of exposure. It is equally essential that you create processes so that they can remove dangerous waste and decontaminate their areas safely.
Take the time to train workers on how they can detect the release of a dangerous chemical and the hazards of that substance. This knowledge will ensure your employees avoid incidents when you open your doors and begin serving clients.
If you need lab management services to guarantee your new business meets OSHA standards, contact Lighthouse Lab Services. We can help you start your lab and keep your employees safe.