Occurrence Management
Occurrence Management
Occurrence Management
This chapter will explain, describe, and identify potential problems that may arise in the
laboratory setting, as well as provide strategies for resolving and preventing future problems.
Definition
Common error inside the laboratory is when students or researchers does not follow the
protocols that has been set in order for have safe and sound performance while doing the
activity. There are many common mistakes, accidents or errors inside the laboratory, however,
these occurrences can be managed as long as students will be able to follow all kinds of
preventive actions to avoid accidents. Below are some of the errors that might happen inside
the laboratory and how to manage from getting occur.
Before undertaking any action, put on appropriate PPE. Laboratory gown, gloves,
laboratory shoes, hairnet and goggles are needed inside the laboratory.
Chemical exposure should be avoided at all costs.
It is best to not wear any jewelry while in a laboratory. Chemicals can become
trapped under the jewelry and cause injuries to the skin. Jewelry can also
conduct electricity.
For example, a beaker was accidentally fell on the floor. Cleaning this type of
accident should be aware and careful.
Wear gloves to clean the mess to avoid getting injured.
To prevent from breaking glassware materials always put the glassware in a safe
place where no one can break the glass and hold properly the materials to avoid
from breaking. Also, put the materials in one area or placing it on a tray.
All chemicals spilled on a body should be washed off immediately with a safety
shower for at least 15 minutes. Remove clothing quickly if it has been
contaminated by a spilled chemical.
If the spill goes into your eyes, use an eyewash immediately for at least 15
minutes. Allow for complete cleaning by opening the eyes.
To avoid severe or painful burning, wipe off the spilt chemical residues first
before washing.
Take away contaminated clothing as soon as possible to minimize further
chemical exposure.
Call 911 or EHS for emergency assistance, and notify individuals in the area of
the spill.
All chemicals should be labeled, and each label should put some warning
statement in order for the students to be aware and prevent getting wrong
chemicals for the experiment that will cause occurrence or accident.
The labels will help the students to be careful of the chemicals they used.
Emergency Guidelines
1. Fire
Identify all possible areas or equipments that may cause fire.
First prepare an evacuation plan or exit pathway in order for the laboratory in
charge or staff to be aware.
Call security number or activate nearest fire alarm.
Close all doors to confine fire.
Do not use a lift, evacuate to safe area or exit building through stairwell.
Be knowledgeable of the incident and laboratory assist emergency personnel.
2. Earthquake
Evacuation plan and area should be disseminate.
Apply the duck, cover and hold technique. Use the laboratory table to perform
this method.
Evacuating the building, do not go alone, you should be accompanied by your
classmates or teacher. This is what we called “The buddy buddy system”.
Stay calm and do not panic.
3. Electrocuted
Cut off the electrical supply if it can be done easily and very quickly. (Remove the
plug from the wall).
Call emergency for help.
Unconscious victims should be placed on their side to allow drainage of fluids.
Never touch the victim that is being electrocuted with bare hands as you will also
be electrocuted.
4. Accidentally Slip
Report the accident
Document everything for example, know the reason why the victim slip and all
potential witnesses. The statements victim is crucial for further investigation.
5. Chemicals weren’t disposed properly
Dangerous chemicals that can cause irritation or sickness should be disposed of
properly.
Put all the used chemicals in one container.
Do not throw it on the sink because it will cause awful odor to the laboratory
room. Some students are allergic to dangerous chemicals.
Some chemicals develop diseases and it will cause break out.
Any event that has a negative impact on an organization, including workers, products,
equipment, or the environment, is referred to as an occurrence. Actions, plan and strategies to
minimize the occurrences happening inside the laboratory, including the following.
Responsibilities
Everyone working in the laboratory is accountable for keeping an eye out for events.
Someone must be appointed as the person in charge of channelizing the energies and
operations of all workers into an effective management process.
In many cases, this is the job of the laboratory director, laboratory manager, or quality
manager.
Summary