Evaluation of the Safety Status in Some University Laboratories. (English)

The present study included a sample of 36 chemical laboratories belonging to 8 faculties. A questionnaire composed of 80 items related to lab safety was used. The questions were divided into 3 parts: The first part included general knowledge, lab design and storage strategy; the second part included safety measures available in the lab; and the third part was related to waste disposal. The study revealed many weak points in lab safety requirements. Concerning lab design, absence of emergency exits and lack of electrical safety systems for lab equipment were found in many labs. The majority of labs had no clear strategy for chemical storage, and if present, the store was badly ventilated. No accident records were available in many of the visited labs. Workers in these labs had poor knowledge about safety, first aid and fire extinguishing. No plans for emergency was found. Disposal of wastes did not follow any plan and lacked safety measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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