Scientific research is one of the most important pillars of the modern world. It has brought mankind life saving medications and treatments, incredible technology and more. Many experiments use chemicals, biological matter or equipment that can be dangerous to humans. That is why it is so important for laboratories to be made safer for scientists, technicians and other personel.

Bio-Safety Cabinets

Scientists can store all kinds of potentially harmful biological substances, such as viruses or bacteria, in bio-safety cabinets. To ensure proper function, bio-safety cabinet testing should be performed regularly. This testing identifies weak points where biological substances could enter or escape the cabinet. This is crucial for the safety of lab personnel and the accuracy of experiments.

Fume Hoods

Fume hoods are used to contain potentially dangerous gases and safely transport them outside. Exposure to certain gases can pose heath risks for researchers. Using these hoods prevents gases from being released into the laboratory where it could harm researchers or impact other experiments being conducted in the area.

Sprinkler Systems

Many experiments require heat, which increases the risk of fires in laboratories. All labs should have sprinkler systems installed to quickly put out fires. This is especially important when working with flammable chemicals that could cause fires to grow quickly.

Eyewash Stations and Showers

Eyewash stations and showers are used to wash off potentially harmful chemicals that are spilled or splashed on researchers. Laboratories are required to place them in specific locations to minimize the risk of injuries. Laboratories should comply with the minimum requirements and add additional stations in high risk areas if needed.

Working in laboratories can be risky, but proper safety equipment can minimize those risks. Labs should have their bio-safety cabinets tested and make sure fume hoods, sprinkler systems, eyewash stations and showers are properly installed in order to keep staff safe while conducting experiments.