Reducing spillages in the lab will ensure the safety of your staff, prevent illnesses and reduce the waste of valuable samples. In this blog, we will offer our expert advice on how to ensure your lab operations are efficient and secure. Organisation and following through with proper practices are key here. Continue reading to find out more.
Liquids and chemicals are usually stored away in reagent storerooms. Some substances may have specific storage requirements, due to being temperature-sensitive or hazardous. Sometimes, days at the lab can be long and tiring, so things may not be stored away as required. While unintentional, a lack of attention to detail can inflate the risk of spills, if containers are not stored away correctly or fully sealed.
Stock is constantly moving and rotated in reagent storage rooms. Depending on the size of your laboratory, containers may be stacked above head-height or in refrigeration units. Large quantities of stacked stock can also increase the risk of spillage.
Sample processing areas are prone to spilling. When it comes to handling, measuring, or processing chemicals and liquids, the slightest human error can cause accidental spillage. The frequency at which containers are opened, and samples are handled at a workbench increases the likelihood of spilling.
In IVD processing, centrifugation is a common process at sample preparation stations. If not performed with precision, centrifuging samples can lead to leaks or spills. Exact measurements are required to avoid overfilling tubes.
Implementing Standard Operating Procedures for the lab when it comes to storing, handling, transferring, and disposing of liquids will help prevent spillages.
Outlining the best practices and ensuring they are clear across your team of staff will minimise storage errors. This can also apply to the equipment used to store liquids and chemicals, ensuring uniformity and organisation.
Spill-proof equipment with secure lids should be used to store hazardous equipment. Using durable precision handling equipment, such has high-precision pipettes, will also minimise loss of control when handling reagents and samples.
All preparation stations and sampling areas should be equipped with proper waste containers, so that disposal of hazardous substances can be done swiftly with little transportation.
One of the best approaches for reducing spillages in the lab is to conduct regular training. Handling hazardous chemicals requires specialist training and this needs to be maintained. For even the most experienced microbiologists, is easy to forget or lack concentration without constant reminders of correct practices.
Limiting distractions in the laboratory will help maintain focus and minimise accidental spillages. While some might think this should go without saying, it’s easy over time to become overly relaxed in a familiar environment. Vigilance when handling samples and reagents is necessary.
Loud noises, ‘background’ music, or general chit-chat could distract chemical handlers. This could lead to mislabelling, improper sealing of containers, and a lack of attention to detail, thereby increasing the risk of spillage.
Having a spill-response plan in place that is well-understood by staff will mitigate slipping or further spillages. This will ensure that any spillages are attended to swiftly, as lab staff know the steps for containment, cleanup, and proper reporting.
This aligns with Occupational Health and Safety practices and will ensure that your lab is compliant with legislation, as well as maintaining the safety of your team.
Of all the preventative measures you can take when reducing spillages in the lab, one of the most important factors is having the right laboratory equipment.
The quality and durability of equipment can make or break a lab. We recognise this here at Pro-Lab, so we do our utmost to support labs across the globe, by offering an extensive, affordable range of high-quality benchmark equipment.
Pro-Lab is a world-leading provider of diagnostic kits, reagents and equipment. We don’t just supply your lab with everything it needs, our experts will collaborate with you to ensure you achieve the best results. We can help with gathering all your lab essentials, as well as Total Laboratory Automation and more. You can browse our product range here.
If you would like more information on reducing spillages in the lab or wish to partner with us, please contact us today.
