Risk assessment in the lab: from box-ticking exercise to safety culture

During the LabSafety event, occupational hygienist Arco Engelen will talk about a crucial, but often underestimated aspect of laboratory safety: risk assessment. In practice, laboratories struggle with the implementation of laws and regulations. How do you ensure that a risk assessment does not become a box-ticking exercise, but actually contributes to a safer environment?

“A risk assessment is more than an administrative obligation,” Arco Engelen emphasizes. According to him, it is not only about which hazardous substances and biological agents are present in a laboratory, but especially about the exposure risks for employees. “We are often inclined to look at the danger of a substance, but not at the actual risk. A bottle of chlorine on the table with the cap on does not pose a danger, but if someone inhales or swallows it, the situation changes. The way in which we deal with the substance ultimately determines what the risk is.”

According to Engelen, a risk assessment is essential to minimize exposure to hazardous substances and the long-term health risks. “Many toxic substances only have negative effects after years or even decades, such as asbestos.” He emphasizes that employers bear a great responsibility: “You cannot expose people to a substance without knowing what the consequences are. That is like sending someone on the road without a driver's license, without an MOT and with slick tires. The difference is that safety is immediately visible – people want to get home safe tonight. But health effects develop slowly and are therefore often underestimated.”

From legislation to practice

One of the biggest challenges is the translation of legislation into daily practice. “The law prescribes that you must have a complete overview of the substances present and must make an assessment of the risks. But an average laboratory has tens to thousands of substances. That is almost impossible to do in practice,” says Engelen.

Another problem is that some laboratories only meet the minimum legal requirements, without really looking at the best solution. “Legislation is a safety net, not a goal in itself. A company that really cares about the health of its employees goes beyond the letter of the law. The less knowledge there is about risks, the more people cling to legislation instead of really thinking about safety,” says Engelen.

Common Pitfalls

In practice, Engelen sees a number of recurring problems:

1. Unnecessary stock of hazardous substances: Many laboratories keep substances they no longer use, while they are required to assess them. “If you do not use a substance, remove it from your lab. That saves unnecessary risks and administrative burden.”
2. Incomplete risk assessments: “Some laboratories have a substance register, but no proper risk analysis of exposure. This makes it impossible to take the right protective measures.”

3. Blind trust in personal protective equipment (PPE): “PPE, such as gloves and face masks, are often used as the first line of defense. But that is actually the last step. First you have to look at source measures, such as replacing hazardous substances or improving ventilation. PPE sometimes gives a false sense of security, especially if used incorrectly.”

Safety as a core value

How do you ensure that a risk assessment is not an administrative act, but has real impact? Engelen has clear advice: “Safe and healthy working must be an integral part of the company organization. Laboratory safety is not the responsibility of one prevention officer, the entire laboratory must be involved.”

He also points out the importance of conscious purchasing: “A good substance register is only useful if the purchasing department thinks along. If they choose another, cheaper product without looking at the risks, the entire safety strategy is undermined.”

Finally, Engelen emphasizes that legislation is not the end goal. “It is not about complying with the rules, but about protecting people. When companies do not see safety as an obligation, but as a core value, they are making a huge leap in the right direction.”