Transcript Introduction to a Safe Workplace

Introduction to a Safe
Workplace
Subhash Karkare
Safety

Elimination of potential threats to
human health and well being
Definitions

Accidents


Unusual and usually sudden events that
cause harm
Emergency

Situation requiring immediate action to
prevent an accumulation of harm or
damage to people or property
Definitions

Hazards


Equipment, chemicals, and conditions that
have a potential to cause harm
Risk

The probability that a hazard will cause
harm
Definitions

Risk Assessment


An attempt to estimate the potential for
human injury or property damage from an
activity
Safety Guidelines

Procedures that are designed to prevent
accidents by reducing the risk of hazards in
situations where the hazards cannot be
eliminated entirely
Who is Responsible for a Safe
Workplace?
OSHA and
US Secretary of Labor
Institutions
Laboratories
Individuals
Federal Agencies that Regulate Safety and
Environmental Protection on Biotech
Organizations
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Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Classification of Regulations
and Standards

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Worker safety
Environmental protection
Use and handling of animals
Regulation of radioisotopes
Examples of Professional Organizations
Concerned with Safety

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Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM)
Institutional Responsibility – Comply with
Federal Hazard Communication Standard
(HCS)

Employers must provide:
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Workplace hazard identification
A written hazard communication plan
Files of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals
Worker training for safe use of all
chemicals
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous
Chemicals in Laboratories Standards (29
CFR 1910)

Requires a Chemical Hygiene Plan
(CHP)

A written manual that outlines the specific
information and procedures necessary to
protect workers from hazardous chemicals
Environmental Protection

EPA enforces laws. Major laws affecting
biotech companies and institutions are:
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Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA)
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)