Chemical
Hazards in
Research
Laboratories
Ahmed Gamal
Ahmed EL Sayed Saakr
Amir Mohamed
I. Introduction
Background
•The study focuses on evaluating knowledge,
attitudes, and practices related to chemical
hazards and safety in research laboratories.
•Chemical hazards in laboratories pose potential
risks to the health of researchers.
II. Literature
Review
Relevant Regulations
1.Directive 76/769/EEC and Related Directives
1.Establishes guidelines on chemical hazards.
2.Key directives include 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC,
and 2000/21/EC.
2.Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 -CLP
1.Focuses on classification, labeling, and packaging of
substances and mixtures.
2.Amends and repeals Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC.
3.Legislative Decree 9 April 2008, n. 81
1.Implements Article 1 of Law no. 123, concerning workplace
health and safety.
Previous Studies
•Investigations into occupational exposures:
•Nurses handling antineoplastic drugs.
•Risk perceptions and safety practices among
various groups.
•Incidence of needle-stick injuries in healthcare
settings.
•Chemical exposure and health risks in
laboratory workers.
III.
Methodology
Study Design
•Design:Cross-sectional study.
•Sample:Researchers in Southern Italy.
•Response Rate:High (>80%).
Data Collection
•Surveys and questionnaires used to gather information
on:
•Knowledge.
•Perceptions.
•Practices.
•Ethical approval obtained from the Regional Ethical
Committee.
IV. Results
and
Discussion
Knowledge on Chemical Hazards
•Findings:
•Researchers showed awareness but lacked confidence in protective
measures.
•Knowledge on personal protective equipment (PPE) was insufficient.
Perceptions and Practices
•Observations:
•Majority considered laboratories safe, but a notable proportion felt
unsafe.
•Inadequate training and high workload identified as risk factors.
•Suboptimal safety practices observed, including insufficient use of PPE.
Relationship Between Perceptions and Practices
•Key Points:
•Correct safety practices more frequent in those with low perceived
exposure and adequate training.
•Emphasizes the importance of risk perception in predicting safety
behavior.
V.
Conclusion
Key Findings
•Gaps in Knowledge:
•Researchers showed significant gaps in knowledge and
preparedness.
•Recommendations:
•Emphasis on enhanced occupational training and increased
awareness of hazards.
Implications
•Role of Senior Researchers:
•Importance of senior researchers and supervisors in promoting
safety practices.
•Advocacy for Safety Measures:
•Need for increased awareness and training for a safer laboratory
environment.
VI.
References
1.European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
(https://osha.europa.eu/)
2.Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. (https://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R1907)
3.Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. (https://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32008R1272)
4.Legislative Decree 9 April 2008, n. 81.
(http://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2008/04/30/00
8G0104/sg)
5.KrstevS, PerunicicB, VidakovicA. (Med Lav.
2003;94:432–439)
6.Lawson CC, RocheleauCM, Whelan EA, et al. (Am J
ObstetGynecol. 2012;206:327)