Safety in a laboratory is of vital importance. But it can and especially must be improved. This is also the view of occupational hygienist Corné Bulkmans. From his own consultation bureau Muopo and for Stichting PHOV he has been visiting all kinds of laboratories for many years. We spoke to him about safety, and he sees many areas for improvement. “There are still many steps to be taken.”
Awareness is lacking
Properly process chemical waste, take off gloves when answering the phone and use the fume cupboard correctly. Of course, many laboratories are doing a great job in terms of safety. But in many labs, these simple basic actions are neglected. Due to lack of time, a certain corporate culture or because people simply do not see the need. Corné Bulkmans: “Everyone knows what can go wrong if you do not observe the safety rules. You quickly think 'nothing will go wrong with me'. But you can also endanger others. That bit of awareness is often still lacking, I see.”
Bulkmans knows what he's talking about. For years, he's been visiting laboratories on a regular basis, who hire him to come and take a look and make a Risk Inventory and Evaluation, a RI&E. "Then you walk around a lab and take a close look at everything. You talk to employees, conduct surveys. You evaluate risks and recognize dangers. We really look at the workplace level to see what's going wrong and what could be improved. You make a report of that, that's a RI&E."
Accidents can happen in a small corner
A laboratory is of course a small reflection of a large production environment. The dangers exist on a smaller scale, which makes them less noticeable or visible. “A laboratory technician is often working with very small quantities of substances. That doesn't matter for a while, you don't notice anything. But what do all those substances do to your body in the long term? We still know far too little about that scientifically,” Bulkmans knows. “Also think about new medicines. You don't know the long-term effects. But if you are aware of the risks, that is already step one.”
The latest developments also come into play. “Many labs are mechanising. This involves new equipment, so it is important to map out whether this also entails new dangers. There has also been a lot of talk about tinnitus lately. What is the situation like in a lab with decibels? Map it out, let's do an analysis. But don't be afraid to speak out either. Expose abuses. You do it for your own safety and that of others.”
Straight leg
But yes, how do you ensure that you pay proper attention to safety together? “There could be more attention to it in the training courses. And it is important that there is an open culture in a lab. But of course it is difficult to address each other. That is nice and easy for us. We enter somewhere, can name everything and can go in with a straight leg. Then you can say things that an employee would not say so quickly because he or she is thinking about his or her career. Once we have finished our RI&E, it is up to the company.” With a laugh: “But fortunately they usually listen to us.”
In such a RI&E it is not only about fume cupboards and gloves. But also about things that you would not immediately think of but that actually also fall under safety. Bulkmans: “Think of undesirable forms of conduct, high work pressure, intimidation on the work floor. These matters are also included in the Working Conditions Act and it is our job to pay attention to them. Together. We regularly see that between 15% and 30% of the people in a lab indicate that they are being bullied. Figures that are shocking. Fortunately, this social side has received more attention in recent years.”
LabSafety event
During the LabSafety event, on May 23, 2023 in the Van der Valk hotel in Vianen, the focus will be on safety in the lab. The event has a varied lecture program, with experts and safety specialists from various disciplines speaking. You will also learn a lot about a safe lab design, products and equipment that promote safe working. Bulkmans will be the chairman. How will he fill that in? “In my way. Light-hearted and with a wink. That is what people remember best and that is how we all ensure that laboratories are as safe as possible.”
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