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SAFETY MOMENT, DECEMBER 9

Use the fume hood the right way

See today's safety momentHow to give a safety moment

Safety moment, December 9

Use the fume hood the right way

Labs use many different chemicals, often in small amounts, and that makes it easy to get comfortable. A splash, a vapor you breathe in or a mislabeled bottle can cause burns, poisoning or a fire. Good habits and working equipment are what keep a small mistake from turning into an injury.

SAFETY MOMENT

December 9

The hazard

Labs use many different chemicals, often in small amounts, and that makes it easy to get comfortable. A splash, a vapor you breathe in or a mislabeled bottle can cause burns, poisoning or a fire. Good habits and working equipment are what keep a small mistake from turning into an injury.

The action

The chemical hygiene plan must require that fume hoods and other protective equipment work properly, with specific steps to make sure they do. Work with volatile or toxic chemicals inside the hood, keep the sash as low as you can, and do not block the airflow with clutter. If a hood alarm sounds or the hood does not seem to pull air, stop and report it. (29 CFR 1910.1450(e)(3)(iii))

ASK THE CREW

Which of our chemicals need the fume hood, and how do we know it is working?

From the talk: Laboratory safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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