Table of Contents

Introduction 1
Inspection Procedure

1. General Working Environment

1.1 Laboratory design and illumination

2-3

2. Overall Lab Hygiene and Waste Management

2.1 Hygiene facilities

2.2. Waste disposal

3. Electric Supply
3.1 Electric plug and wire 8
4. Housekeeping
4.1. Condition and calibration of lab equipment and apparatus 10
4.2. Storage of lab equipment

5. Chemicals in the Lab

5.1. Chemical storage

5.2. Labelling of chemicals and substances

6. Safety Measures
6.1. Engineering control
6.2. Administrative control

1
1

6.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

7. Emergency Measures
7.1. Emergency facilities and localised emergency signs 1
7.2. Emergency exits and exit sign

7.3. Emergency contact numbers 1

Conclusion

Appendix A: Interview
1
Appendix B: Laboratory Safety Audit Checklist 1

Introduction

Chemistry lab is the place where laboratory practices are carried out to study the
structure, composition, properties of substances and how they may be applied in the
worlds of medicine, technology, materials and environment. Chemistry lab can be a
hazardous working environment to work with. The users of chemical labs may expose to
numerous potential hazards such as manual handling hazards, chemical hazards and
physical hazards. Along with this, it is essential to identify and assess the specific hazards
in the chemistry lab so that the hazards can be minimised through appropriate control
measures and safety of all of the laboratory users can be assured. On 8th of May 2015, a
laboratory safety audit was carried out in Chemistry lab 2, located in level 7, building 2 in
Monash University Malaysia. This safety audit report summarised the current working
environment in chemistry lab in term of laboratory design, equipment and tools, storage
and labelling, safety and emergency measured provided, methods of waste disposal and
electrical, gas and water supply. A number of safety recommendations were provided
along with each aspect of the working environment in chemistry lab.
Laboratory Inspection Procedure
In order to have better understanding on the safety and regulations in chemistry
laboratory, an interview session with Mr Sri Jegan s/o Ramasamy, the senior technical
officer in School of Science of Monash University Malaysia was arranged. A checklist
and a set of questions were prepared before the interview session. The interview session
was held in Chemistry lab 2 on 8th May 2015 at 10 am. At the meantime, photographs
which illustrated the whole working environment in chemistry lab were taken and they
were used as evidence of potential hazards identified.

1. General working environment

1.1 Laboratory design and illumination

Figure 1: Empty workbenches in chemical labroratory2.

The overall layout of the chemistry laboratory 2 which had been audited, consists of
several rows of workbenches, with cushioned chairs placed under the table. All
workbenches were arranged in such the way that the laboratory users had ample space to
move around during experiment to minimize physical contact between individuals from
different workbenches. Moreover, figure 1 shows that all workbenches were empty to
provide proper working space for each different experiment at different time. The
workbench tables are made out of strong material that can withstand moderate amounts
of pressure, both physical and chemical. Cushioned stools are stowed under the
workbenches, prevents passing-by individuals from tripping or falling over it. Besides, all
chairs were nicely arranged under the tables.

Figure 2: The fluorescent light in the chemistry lab 2.

Figure 2 shows that the whole chemistry lab was well-illuminated with fluorescent lights
in the celling of the lab which is important to maintain a good lab illumination in order to
provide a comfortable and safe working environment which facilitates scientific
researches and teaching.

2. Overall Lab Hygiene and Waste Management

2.1 Hygiene facilities

Figure 3: The basin, liquid hand soap and tube brush.

Figure 4: Empty SCOTT 100% Recycled Fiber Hard Roll Towels

Washing basins were found at both sides of each workbench. There was no sign of
disposal of any chemical liquids or solid debris into the basins (Figure 3) as each basin
area was kept clean. Also, in every basin area, liquid hand soap is provided for hand
washing to ensure that any toxic chemicals do not transfer to those working in lab (staff,
demonstrators or students) via accidental ingestion through mouth or contamination to

other parts of the body or personal belongings. Moreover, brush specific to wash
glassware such as tubes were provided for each basin to ensure that glassware are washed
properly at the end of each experiment.
Description of a hazardous condition: However, hard roll towels were not provided
(figure 4).These tissues are used to wipe off small amount of spillage on floor and
workbenches to minimise the risk of physical hazard such as slip due to wet floor, as well
as to dry hands properly to make sure that incidents of dropping glassware due to wet
hands will not happen.
Control measure: Tissue papers should be constantly reloaded and provided to minimise
the risk of the physical hazard mentioned and to upkeep the laboratory area

Figure 5: Glove left on the floor of the lab.

2.2. Waste disposal

Figure 5: labelled blue waste container for disposal of broken glassware.

In this lab, for easy identification of the type of waste collected and to minimise the risk
of hazard associated with waste disposal, a blue colour waste container was provided for
the collection of broken glass wares (figure 5). The waste container was correctly labelled
with both type of waste broken glassware and to which lab it belongs to chemistry lab,
level 3 building 7, Monash University , Sunway campus, Malaysia. There was no waste
overflow.
Description of a machinery hazard: However the container was not firmly closed as
indicated in figure (5) above. Thus incidents of the blue-coloured waste container
toppling over due to its weight might occur which will expose the broken glassware
wastes and may lead to exposure to hazards such as cuts.
Control measure: The blue container used to collect broken glassware must be firmly
closed when not in use.

3. Electric Supply
3.1 Electrical plugs and cables
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Figure 6: switched- off three-prong outlets.

Referring to figure (6), all three-prong outlets, plugs and electrical wires were in good
condition with no overloaded plug sockets. Also all the electrical outlet were switched off
when not in use.

Figure 7: Top of fuse box was open.

Description of a potential (electrical) hazard: Figure (7) shows that the fuse box is placed
at a relatively high altitude for the safety of passers-by. Fuse box has the potential of
causing electrical shock and electrocution when in improper contact with wet body parts
or through damaged fuses as it conducts electricity resulting in current flow through the
body. However, the top of the fuse box wasnt closed properly as seen in figure (7) above

which may expose those electricity fuses to potential damage such as water released from
lab sprinklers in case of emergencies thus causing electrical short and fire.
Control measure: The fuse box should be closed and locked at all times to protect fuses
from damage.

Fig
ure 8: The wire of the audio system was tangled on the floor
Description of machinery hazard: The wire of audio system left tangled on the floor as
shown in Figure (8) may cause entanglement around a passing-by individuals legs.
Individuals who are entangled in the wires may trip, fall and hit their head on the edge of
the benches or cabinets, and sustain bad cuts.
Control Measures: The wires should be well-wrapped and placed on top of the table.

4. Lab Equipment and Tools

4.1 Condition of lab equipment and apparatus

Figure 8: Weight- measuring instrument with a recorded yearly inspection.

Most of the lab equipment and apparatus in the chemical lab were in good working
conditions as regular inspection or routine maintenance by specialized organizations are
carried out such as yearly inspection of the weighing plate shown in figure(8) above.
4.2 Storage of lab equipment

Figure 9: Outside view of labelled storage cabinet for lab equipment.

As shown in figure 9, apparatus such as measuring cylinders are stored in the lockable
cabinets to store them while preventing access to them by unauthorized personnel such as
students. The stock of the apparatus always has to be kept in check in order to make sure
none are stolen. In addition, they are stored in the cabinet to prevent any breakage by
students.

Figure 10: Unused water bath heater obstructing the narrow sink area.

Figure 11: Unused Styrofoam boxes clustered around the sink area.

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Figure 12: Unused hotplates stored in a fumehood.

Description of gravitational hazard: Improper placement and storage of unused lab
equipment such as waterbath heater (figure10) and Styrofoam boxes (figure11) in narrow
areas such as the sink may lead to gravitational hazard as these unused equipment may
drop off from the sink space and hit individuals who are using it or be tripped by them
causing injury.
Control Measures: A spacious storage area in a labeled cabinet or open shelf should be
provided for the proper placement of water bath heater and Styrofoam boxes

Description of hazardous condition: Improper placement and storage of unused hot plates
equipment (figure12) in a fumehood in which various reactions and emissions make up
unsafe environment for hot plates to be stored in.
Control measure: Unused hot plates equipment should be stored neatly into their
appropriate labelled storage cabinets or open shelves as the fumehood area should be
empty when not in use.

5. Chemicals in the Lab

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5.1 Chemical Storage

Figure (13): labelled chemical storage cabinet for Acids and Bases.
Inside the lab, there were lockable acid-resistant storage cabinets for acids and bases
placed at a low elevation for easy retrieval (figure 13). These cabinets were labelled with
warning signs to bring students attention to the presence of hazardous chemicals which
allow students in the laboratory to be well-informed on what potential chemical hazards
are present in the laboratory, while also knowing how to be safe from any danger in the
laboratory.

Figure (14): labelled chemical storage cabinet for Acids and Bases left open.

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Description of chemical hazard: leaving the cabinet door open increases the likelihood of
spillage of these acids and bases which damage human skin and eyes upon contact as
these chemicals belong to corrosive chemical class (8).
Control measure: The best way of handling is to isolate these corrosive chemicals by
locking the chemical-storage cabinets at all times, limiting access and reducing chemical
hazard.

Figure 15: Corrosive chemicals stored on the floor.

Description of chemical hazard: leaving these acids and bases stored on the floor
increases the likelihood of exposure to any spillage or leakage upon contact causing
damage to human skin and irritation to eyes as these chemicals belong to corrosive
chemical class (8).
Control measure: The best way of handling is to isolate these corrosive chemicals by
placing them in a labelled chemical-storage cabinets which are locked at all times,
limiting access and reducing chemical hazard exposure upon contact by unauthorized
persona.

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5.2 Labelling of chemicals and substances

Figure 16. Acid-resistant chemical container with clear label and warning signs
Most of the chemical containers in the lab were properly labelled with chemical formula,
concentration and the significant hazard associated with the chemical (figure 16).

Figure 17: Absence of hazard symbols on some of the chemical containers in the lab.

Description of chemical hazard: lack of hazard symbols on the chemical containers as

shown in figure (17) provide insufficient information on the significant hazards
associated with each chemical. Thus, it may distract attention of individuals to significant
hazards and safety on using these chemicals.
Control Measures: Proper labelling of each of these container by referring to National
Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances [NOHSC: 2012 (1994)]
should be done. This allows immediate identification of contents in the container, thus

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bringing the attention of individuals to any significant hazards on using the particular
chemicals.

6. Safety Measures
6.1 Engineering Control

Figure 18: Working ventilation system (air-conditioning)

The two main engineering controls present in the chemical lab were the ventilation
system and the fume hoods. The lab had several air vents and air conditioner to facilitate
good air circulation within (figure 18).

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Figure 19: Widely open unused fumehood as well as indicated maximum sash opening
sign on the left.

Recommendation: When the exaust fan is switched off in unused constant volume
fumehood like the one in figure(19), the sash should be shut as it is the recommended
safest position .
6.2 Administrative Control

Figure 20. Laboratory emergency shower and eyewash monthly maintenance report

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Figure 21.Annual examination and testing report of local exhaust ventilation systems
(fumehood) in the lab.

Figure22: Guidelines indicating proper operating procedure for constant volume

fumehoods (left), chemical labelling and hazards information (middle) and chemical
waste disposal procedures (right) in the lab.

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Administrative staffs of the chemical lab had adopted routine maintenance and
housekeeping procedures to ensure the safety of the lab. The emergency shower and eye
wash were routinely checked to ensure the flow rate, water quality and their mechanical
parts were working within an acceptable range (figure 20). The fume hoods also had
annual examination of the exhaust ventilation system to ensure that they have adequate
air flow velocity (figure 21). Several posters with guidelines regarding the proper
handling of constant volume fumehoods and information regarding chemical labelling
and hazards for both students and staff in the lab, as well as form on chemical waste
disposal procedures for staff members only (figure 22).
6.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Figure 23.Instructions on proper lab attire posted on the door to the lab

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Figure 24. Safety googles and disposable gloves provided as personal protective
equipment in the lab.
The chemical lab had instructions indicating the proper lab attire that should be worn in
the lab posted on the door as a reminder (figure 23). Safety googles were routinely
checked to ensure they are in good working condition , while disposable gloves in
various sizes were labelled accordingly replenished when supply is low (figure 24).
7. Emergency Measures
7.1 Emergency facilities and localised emergency signs

Figure 25. First aid kit (left) and Chemical Spillage Treatment Kit (right).
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Figure 28. Emergency light

Figure 27. Signage indicating location of

Laboratory Emergency Shower and
Eyewash
Figure 26 .Laboratory Emergency
Shower and Eyewash

Figure 29. Fire safety: signage indicating location of fire extinguisher (left), fire
extinguisher (middle) and sprinklers (right).

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The chemical lab had emergency facilities in place such as first aid kit and chemical
spillage emergency kit. The first aid kit was fully stocked with medical equipment to treat
minor wounds and the contents were routinely checked to ensure that no medicine has
expired or found lacking. While chemical spillage kit had the essential chemicals for a
chemical spillage clean-up (figure 25). In case of fire emergency, the lab had two fire
extinguishers located at the front and back of the lab with the appropriate signs indicating
their location (figure 29). All fire extinguishers were had up-to-date inspections.
Moreover, the area around the fire extinguishers and sprinklers, located throughout the
lab, was cleared and not obstructed by any objects. The lab also had an emergency
shower and eyewash in case of a chemical splash (figure 26) with a sign indicating its
location (figure 27).The areas around the emergency shower and eyewash were not
blocked. Emergency lights were found throughout the lab for use during a blackout were
in good working condition (figure 28).

7.2. Emergency exits and signs

Figure 30 .Emergency exit sign and door

In the lab, there was an emergency exit sign indicating the location of the emergency exit
which is the back door of the lab. There was an emergency exit sign located on top of the
door which will light up during emergency.
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Recommendations
A fire evacuation plan should be posted in the lab and the plan should show the
appropriate route that should be taken to leave the building during an emergency.
Emergency signs should be bilingual (BM and English) so it can be clearly understood.
7.3. Emergency contact numbers

Figure 31.Emergency contact number for floor marshalls

Emergency contact number for floor marshals were placed at the corridor outside the lab
(Figure 31).
Conclusion
Overall, chemistry laboratory 2 is deemed to be well-equipped, well designed, and clean,
as well as having the necessary equipment to deal with accidents if they are to occur.
However, several potential hazards are visibly noticeable. Control measures for each
hazard are provided to reduce the risk level of each of the inspected hazards.

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