Laboratory Caution Signs must be posted. These signs provide laboratory specific information: emergency contact names and numbers, chemical, physical, and biological hazards, and entry requirements for visitors. Laboratories are required to post an up-to-date sign at the entrance to all rooms, except offices. The sign is intended to alert emergency responders and visitors of potential hazards and precautions for entry.
Additional signage may be posted to alert to specific hazards (such as a laser, magnetic fields, or high voltage equipment), prohibit unsafe behavior, describe additional required protective measures or designate locations of various supplies and equipment.
Magnetic or framed signs may be used to designate a temporary hazard. Warning signs must be removed when the hazard no longer exists (such as a sign indicating the presence of a chemical that is no longer kept in a laboratory).
Biohazard warning signs must be posted when BSL-2, BSL-2+, or BSL-3 work is performed. For BSL-2 laboratories, the Biohazard Warning Sign must be affixed to entry doors in a way such that it can be easily removed or turned over in circumstances when work is complete and support staff or persons not conducting BSL-2 work may access the room.
COSHH SYMBOLS
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) system is a set of regulations in the UK that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health in the workplace. This includes identifying and assessing the risks associated with hazardous substances, implementing control measures to minimize exposure, providing appropriate training and information to employees, and monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of these measures.
Employers must also maintain records of hazardous substances used in the workplace, conduct regular risk assessments, and provide employees with access to safety data sheets and information on the safe handling and storage of hazardous substances. Failure to comply with COSHH regulations can result in fines and legal action.
Overall, the COSHH system is designed to protect the health and safety of employees by ensuring that they are not exposed to harmful substances in the workplace.
NFPA SYMPOLS
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) symbol is a standard system used to quickly convey information about the hazards of a chemical substance. The symbol consists of a diamond shape divided into four sections, each representing a different type of hazard:
- Blue (Health Hazard): Indicates the level of health hazard posed by the substance, ranging from 0 (minimal hazard) to 4 (severe hazard).
- Red (Flammability Hazard): Indicates the flammability of the substance, ranging from 0 (non-flammable) to 4 (extremely flammable).
- Yellow (Instability Hazard): Indicates the potential for the substance to react violently or explosively, ranging from 0 (stable) to 4 (highly unstable).
- White (Special Hazard): Indicates any special hazards associated with the substance, such as oxidizers or water-reactive materials.
Employers and employees can use the NFPA symbol to quickly assess the potential hazards of a chemical substance and take appropriate safety precautions when handling or storing it.
For more information on MSDS, NFPA, and COSHH guidelines in clinical laboratories, you can refer to the following links:
1. MSDS: https://www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/
3. COSHH: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/
Please note that these guidelines may vary depending on the country or region, so it is important to consult local regulations and guidelines as well.