Physical hazard
A physical hazard is a type of occupational hazard that involves environmental hazards that can cause harm with or without contact. Physical hazards include ergonomic hazards, radiation, heat and cold stress, vibration hazards, and noise hazards. Engineering controls are often used to …
What is the meaning of physical hazard?
Physical hazards are factors or conditions within the environment that can harm your health.
What are the hazards in the laboratory?
5 Safety Hazards In The LaboratoryChemical Burns. Many laboratory chemicals are classed as corrosive substances, which have the potential to break down or degrade common objects such as equipment, instruments and containers. ... Heat Burns. ... Eye Injuries. ... Cuts From Glassware. ... Inhaling Dangerous Gases.
What are the 5 example of physical hazard?
There are five main classes of physical hazard namely Explosive, Flammable, Oxidising, Gases under Pressure and Corrosive to metals.
What is a physical hazard in chemistry?
Physical hazard means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
What are the five types of laboratory hazard?
5 Types of Laboratory HazardsInfectious diseases. Infectious diseases and viruses, particularly those with high R0 ratings, are considered major hazards. ... Corrosive chemicals. ... Flammable materials. ... Mercury. ... Laboratory waste.
What do you do in physical hazards?
Providing safety equipment to employees that reduces their exposure to the physical safety hazard. Reduce noises and vibrations present in the workplace. Place barriers between employees and physical hazards such as radiation or microwaves. Provide proper ventilation and air conditioning for employees.
What are the 10 example in physical hazard?
Physical hazards include exposure to slips, trips, falls, electricity, noise, vibration, radiation, heat, cold and fire.
How can physical hazards be prevented in the laboratory?
Never place chemicals near the edge of a lab bench. Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals and other obstructions; never store or place chemicals on the floor without the use of a secondary container. Do not store personnel items on the bench tops, or near chemicals or equipment that is in use.
What are the 7 types of hazards?
The 7 common workplace hazards are:Safety hazards.Biological hazards.Physical hazards.Ergonomic hazards.Chemical hazards.Work organization hazards.Environmental hazards.
What are three examples of physical hazards?
There are five main classes of physical hazard namely Explosive, Flammable, Oxidising, Gases under Pressure and Corrosive to metals.
What is the difference between physical and chemical hazards?
Physical hazards- Physical hazards cause the physical harm to the body. This can occur naturally or through man made activities. For example, exposure to electricity, heat or cold, access to flammable etc. Chemical hazards- Chemical hazards destroy property or harm the environment.
Why is physical hazard?
Physical hazards are substances or activities that threaten your physical safety. They are the most common and are present in most workplaces at one time or another. These include unsafe conditions that can cause injury, illness and death.
What are 5 physical hazards in food?
Physical Hazards Examples include, slivers of glass, human hair, nails, false nails, nail polish, pieces of jewelry, metal fragments from worn or chipped utensils and containers, dirt, stones, frilled toothpicks. Pesticides may leave residues on fruits and vegetables.
What are the examples of physical hazards at home?
Some of the most common hazards at home include fire, poisoning and allergies. There may also be risks posed by your home's contents, such as falls, choking, cuts and burns. This is not an exhaustive list, so you may find it useful to do your own research and conduct a risk assessment of your home.
What are the 19 physical hazard classes?
List of Hazard ClassesFlammable gases.Flammable aerosols.Oxidizing gases.Gases under pressure.Flammable liquids.Flammable solids.Self-reactive substances and mixtures.Pyrophoric liquids.More items...
What are the 16 classes of physical hazards?
The 16 classes of physical hazards include: explosives, flammable gases, aerosols, oxidizing gases, gases under pressure, flammable liquids, flammable solids, self-reactive substances, pyrophoric liquids, pyrophoric solids, self-heating substances and mixtures, substances and mixtures emitting flammable gases when ...
What are the physical hazards of a laboratory?
In addition to the chemical hazards found in laboratories, there are also numerous physical hazards encountered by laboratory staff on a day-to-day basis. As with chemical hazard s, having good awareness of these hazards, good preplanning, use of personal protective equipment and following basic safety rules can go a long way in preventing accidents involving physical hazards.
What is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Supervisor?
It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator and laboratory supervisor to ensure that staff and students in laboratories under their supervision are provided with adequate training and information specific to the physical hazards found within their laboratories.
How to tell if you are under heat stress?
You should move the victim to a cool place and give plenty of fluids. Place cool compresses on forehead, neck, and under their armpits.
Do you have to turn off lights when you leave the lab?
As an energy conservation measure, please remember to turn off your lights when you leave your lab.
What are the hazards in a laboratory?
Hazards in the laboratory not only include chemical hazards but physical hazards as well. These include, but are not limited to, compressed gases, electrical equipment, lasers, radiation, and seismic considerations and thermal hazards. Compressed gases. Electrical equipment.
Why does LN2 shatter?
Sometimes LN2 leaks into the tube during storage. The nitrogen will rapidly expand upon warming, causing the tube to shatter.
What can cause a gas cylinder to turn into a projectile?
Leaks and ruptures can cause asphyxiation or turn the gas cylinder into a projectile.
Can you override safety features on electrical equipment?
Never override the safety features on electrical equipment.
What are the hazards of a laboratory?
These include, but are not limited to, slips, trips, and falls, sharps, compressed gases, pressurized equipment, electrical equipment, lasers, radiation, mechanical hazards, noise, and thermal hazards.
How to reduce physical hazards in a laboratory?
Reducing these risks in the laboratory can be accomplished through effective training and good housekeeping. Much like chemical hazards, awareness of these hazards, planning and procedures, use of personal protective equipment, and following basic safety policies can reduce or prevent accidents involving physical hazards. Laboratory personnel should be trained in the proper procedures for lifting, pulling and pushing, as well as the dangers of repetitive movements, and the handling requirements for different equipment.
Why is poor housekeeping important in a laboratory?
Good housekeeping is essential for preventing slips, trips and falls in the laboratory, potential hazards or spills should be quickly disposed of or cleaned by laboratory personnel as custodial staff generally are not as familiar with laboratory chemicals and their hazards .
How are toxic volatile compounds emitted?
Toxic volatile compounds can be emitted via outgassing of the thermoplastic resins during heating.
When to hydrostatically test equipment?
Hydrostatically test equipment before initial use and then periodically, based on use, for integrity.
Who authorizes the use of radioactive materials?
Use of radioactive materials requires prior authorization from the Radiation Safety Officer.
What are the physical hazards in a lab?
They vary from slip, trip and fall hazards to the use of lasers and high voltage electrical equipment . This document will highlight some of the more common physical hazards in a lab and provide some guidance and direction on mitigating these risks. The information in this document is provided as guidance only. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to ensure that specific hazards are identified and controlled within their area of responsibility and that operating and emergency procedures are communicated to their employees and supervisees.
Why are compressed gases dangerous?
Compressed gases are inherently hazardous due to the high pressure inside the cylinders. Knocking over an unsecured, uncapped cylinder of compressed gas can damage the cylinder valve resulting in a rapid release of gas that can transform a cylinder into an uncontrollable rocket or pinwheel and cause serious injury or damage. Poorly controlled release of compressed gas in the laboratory can burst reaction vessels, cause leaks in equipment and hoses or result in runaway chemical reactions. Compressed gases may also have flammable, oxidizing, dangerously reactive, corrosive or toxic properties. Inert gases such as nitrogen, argon, helium and neon can displace air, reducing oxygen levels in poorly ventilated or restricted areas and cause asphyxiation.
What is laser light?
A laser is a device that emits light (electromagnetic radiation) through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term laser originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are found not just in Physics labs but in a wide range of analytical devices.
What is the purpose of a laboratory oven?
Ovens are commonly used in the lab to evaporate water from samples, provide a stable elevated temperature environment and dry glassware. Heating mantles are used to heat reaction or sample solutions in round bottom flasks or reaction vessels, and hot plates are used to heat various general laboratory solutions. Bunsen burners are not to be used to heat reaction, sample or general laboratory solutions. The following precautions should be followed to ensure their safe use: Ensure that laboratory ovens and hot plates are designed such that they prevent contact between flammable vapours and heating elements/spark-producing components. Avoid heating toxic, even mildly volatile materials in an oven unless it is continuously vented outdoors.
Is acid bath corrosive?
Acid and base baths, often used to clean glassware are very corrosive, with the potential to cause significant injury to the personnel using them. Consideration should be given to substituting an acid/base bath with a bath prepared with a laboratory grade detergent. When preparing or handling acid or base baths, ensure that personal protective equipment includes a synthetic rubber apron, safety goggles, a face shield and long synthetic rubber gloves.
Is noise a health hazard?
Noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards. In heavy industrial and manufacturing environments, and laboratory settings with analytical equipment permanent hearing loss is the main concern.
Is lab caretaking a safety issue?
Lab caretaking and cleanliness is often overlooked as a safety issue especially in a lab where it is perceived as more of an organizational issue. The classic view of the “mad scientist” where everything appears to be a mess, but is claimed to be stored in some warped logic system, is pervasive in the media and in the minds of many. In reality, the most productive and safest labs are often those where there is a “place for everything and everything is in its place”.
What are the physical hazards?
Physical hazards include fire, explosions, compressed gases, high vacuum, and electrical hazards.
Is chemical exposure a hazardous event?
The hazards of chemicals vary widely, and appropriate precautions must always be used. Every chemical can be hazardous in certain circumstances. Exposures to chemical hazards may result in immediate irritation or injury, or may produce delay ed effects.
What are the biological hazards of a lab?
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, ...
How to prevent physical hazards in lab?
Preventing physical risk to your team in the lab can often be achieved by effective training and good housekeeping. Staff should be trained in the proper procedures for lifting, pulling and pushing, as well as the dangers of repetitive movements, and the handling requirements for different equipment. Proper housekeeping is essential for preventing slips, trips and falls in the lab, so any potential hazards should be quickly disposed of or tidied away. Also, a safety policy can help identify and protect your research team from any kind of potential hazard.
Why is it important to prevent chemical hazards?
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.
Why is housekeeping important in a lab?
Proper housekeeping is essential for preventing slips, trips and falls in the lab, so any potential hazards should be quickly disposed of or tidied away. Also, a safety policy can help identify and protect your research team from any kind of potential hazard.
What is the most common danger in a science lab?
And finally, perhaps the most common of all hazards and risks in the science lab is the humble glass tube.
What are the hazards of electrical equipment?
Electrical fires are another common laboratory hazard, which can occur when incorrect or unsafe cords and plugs are used. Any electrical appliances used in the laboratory should be fit for purpose, up-to-date and correspond to connected devices before they are implemented. Any electrical apparatus, from adaptors to cables, not safety-tested could compromise the safety of the lab and research team.
How to prevent a biological emergency in a lab?
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.
What are the physical hazards associated with research facilities?
The most obvious are slips and falls from working in wet locations and the ergonomic hazards of lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive tasks. Other physical hazards often unnoticed are electrical, mechanical, acoustic, or thermal in nature.
What are the potential hazards of chemical substances?
Biological hazards include potential exposures to allergens, infectious zoonotics (animal diseases transmissible to humans), and experimental agents such as viral vectors.
What is a lab standard?
The “lab standard” applies to the laboratory use of chemicals and mandates written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) addressing the particular hazards and precautions required for safe use. This goes hand in hand with experimental design and planning.
What are the three types of hazards?
Most hazards encountered fall into three main categories: chemical, biological, or physical. Cleaning agents and disinfectants, drugs, anesthetic gases, solvents, paints, and compressed gases are examples of chemical hazards. Potential exposures to chemical hazards can occur both during use and with poor storage.
What is Hazard Communication Standard?
The first is the Hazard Communication standard (29CFR1910.1200) that deals with requirements for employers to inform and train employees on non-laboratory use of chemicals.2 This would apply to things in the lab such as pump oil, Chromerge, or liquid nitrogen used in dewars.
How to prevent injuries in storage?
Start with safe and organized storage areas. Material storage should not create hazards. Bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers should be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they are stable and secure against sliding or collapse. Keep storage areas free from an accumulation of materials that could cause tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage.
Can injury be avoided with proper guidance?
Only with proper guidance and a trained eye can injury and illness be avoided
Compressed Gases
Electrical Equipment
- Always inspect electrical cords prior to use. Do not use if they are cracked or have exposed wiring. Never use electrical appliances near water. Make sure hands are dry when unplugging a cord. Do not overload outlets. Avoid excessive use or “daisy chaining” (several cords strung together) of extension cords. Never override the safety features on electrical equipment.
Lasers
- If you work with lasers in your lab, your supervisor must provide you with specific operating procedures and safety information. Laser Safety training is available through EHSRM (907-474-2762).
Radiation
- Radioisotope use at UAF includes both sealed and unsealed sources. 1. Sealed: gas chromatographs, scintillation counters 2. Unsealed: Tritium (3H), Carbon 14 (14C), Phosphorus 32 (32P), Iodine125 (125I) Use of radioactive materials requires prior authorization from the UAF Radiation Safety Officer (907-474-6771). For more information on radiation safety.
Seismic Bracing Considerations
- Interior Alaska is in a geologically active region that experiences earthquakes on a regular basis. Most of them are too small to be felt but they can be much bigger as the Interior found out on November 11, 2002 after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. Some damage as a result of a seismic event will be inevitable but there are a few precautions that employees can take to help minimiz…
Thermal Hazards
- Hot items:
1. Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot items. 2. Use caution when heating liquids on hot plates. 3. Use a stir bar or Boil-Eezers to ensure even heating of the liquids (to prevent superheating and boil-overs) 4. Never leave hot plates unattended. 5. Bunsen burners 5.1. Inspe… - Cold items:
Ultra cold freezers 1. Wear insulated gloves when accessing ultra cold (-60 to -80 °C) freezers. 2. Bare skin can stick to cold surfaces, especially if fingers are damp. Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) 1. Wear insulated or cryoprotective gloves when accessing LN2. 2. Note: cotton gloves are not sufficient…
Physical Hazards Examples
Physical Hazard Examples in Food
Physical Hazard at Workplace
Physical Hazard Categories
How to Prevent Physical Hazards
Physical Hazards in Laboratory
- Laboratory hazards include not only chemical and biological hazards but physical hazards as well. These include, but are not limited to, slips, trips, and falls, sharps, compressed gases, pressurized equipment, electrical equipment, lasers, radiation, mechanical hazards, noise, and thermal hazards. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investig...