Accidents and OSHA

Accidents

In the event of a lab accident it is important to know where safety equipment is located. Most labs will have a shower and an eyewash station. If a person becomes covered in a chemical they may need to quickly move to the emergency shower. If they have chemicals in their eyes they will need to use the eyewash station. Often if a person becomes involved in an accident they may not be able to see well enough or think fast enough to get to the shower or eyewash station. If this happens those around them may need to assist the person in getting to the shower.

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If there is a fire in the lab it is important to know where fire-extinguishers, fire blankets, or other dry extinguishing agents are. Some types of fires need to be put out with specific extinguishing agents. It is important to know about the chemicals you are working with in the lab so that proper safety procedures can be followed.

Labs should also have a first aid kit on hand so that common cuts can be taken care of. If an accident occurs and the person needs immediate medical attention someone should call 911.

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OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration protects workers in most industries by providing safety regulations and requiring that workers use protective equipment. All forensics labs must follow OSHA regulations and standards. OSHA will sometimes do inspections in labs and other work places to make sure that regulations are being followed.