Assessing Risks in Academic Labs: Uncertainties and Opportunities
Date
2022-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
An institution as large as the University of Calgary (U of C) consists of more than 1000 laboratories with varying risks. The Environment, Health, and Safety officers cannot audit every laboratory regularly due to limited personnel. Moreover, the academic setting presents unique challenges not encountered in the industrial setting. Research activities are constantly progressing, new hazards are introduced, and members with different experiences rotate through the laboratories. This project proposes a methodology to assess and rank the various chemical hazards in the laboratories. A tool for analyzing the chemical risk levels present at each laboratory was developed, enabling the University to identify laboratories with higher levels of chemical hazards and prioritize them for audit. The CSLs and Hazard Codes matrix was created using an in-depth literature review, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, and the support of the safety specialists working at the University.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Caparroz, D. C. (2022). Assessing Risks in Academic Labs: Uncertainties and Opportunities (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.