What are the differences between physical, chemical and biological hazards? Please try and answer in points.
Thanks and regards
Answers
Explanation:
Chemical Hazards
Handling chemicals is a typical part of the day-to-day routine for many lab workers, but the risks and hazards remain the same. Many organic and inorganic chemicals are corrosive to the skin and to the eyes, and can be toxic. Full safety wear should be provided to any members of the team handling chemicals, and provisions to treat any exposure or clean spillages should be present in the laboratory.It’s not only direct contact which may be hazardous, chemical reactions which generate heat can lead to thermal burns. This further demonstrates the importance of ensuring the surface of the skin is protected from the potential for burns and exposure.
Similarly, incorrect venting within the laboratory could be hazardous. Without full and correct ventilation, a distillation or chemical reaction could lead to an explosion in the lab. Depending upon the size of the explosion and the materials affected, this could be hugely dangerous for the team and for the lab.
Inhalation of certain chemicals can be dangerous, with many of the most common solvents proving to be extremely toxic. These dangers can be immediate or slowly manifest over time – making it important that the research team are protected from the fumes produced by these hazardous chemicals.
Ingesting chemicals is a huge risk in many laboratories, due to contamination on hands, food and drink. This demonstrates the importance of safe and secure storage for all food and drink items, away from chemical exposure. Furthermore, comprehensive hand-washing and sanitation provisions should be accessible for all members of the research team exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Prevention
When it comes to chemical hazards, effective prevention is the best way to manage the risks of working with these dangerous substances. Practising proper chemical segregation is essential in all labs, as some substances can react with each other to create chemical reactions, fires and even explosions. Protective clothing and good housekeeping are also important for protecting your team from chemical hazards.
Biological Hazards
The use of bacteria, viruses, blood, tissue and/or bodily fluids in the lab can lead to potential biological hazards. These materials can all carry disease or hazardous allergens which could put the lab team at risk. The effects of the diseases and allergens can be immediate or take significant time to manifest, demonstrating the importance that all members of the lab team are given sufficient protection, even if the dangers are not yet known.Diseases carried by humans and animals used in research can be transmitted by the team, who then may become carriers. This means that biological hazards could prove to be a massive risk for not only the lab professionals working with the materials, but anyone they come into contact with outside of work. Sometimes incredibly infectious, biological hazards (biohazards) can be amongst the biggest risks of the modern research lab, so every consideration must be made to ensure the team and the wider public are protected against contagious materials.
Prevention
Proper storage and protection is key to preventing a biological emergency in your lab. Wearing appropriate protective clothing and keeping biological agents contained in the correct areas are essential for minimising exposure to risk. Systems and procedures for safe use, handling, storage and transport of biological hazards should all be in place. Appropriate housekeeping, such as disinfecting work surfaces and properly disposing of waste, are also vital for minimising biological risk.