Testing of Laboratories Exposure Control

The Testing of Laboratories is Needed to Implement Adequate Exposure Control

Safety in the workplace is an ongoing concern and one that is constantly evolving. In the past few decades, safety measures in various industries have improved drastically, and for very good reason. People are irreplaceable and their health and wellbeing are non-negotiable. In addition to being very good for the safety of employees – the most important factor of any operation – it is also highly beneficial to the organisation itself. This is especially true for the laboratory environment, no matter that discipline or objective of the specific laboratory, as work often involves hazardous materials. This is also why the environmental and procedural testing of laboratories is so vital in order to apply effective exposure control measures. 

The Importance of Testing Laboratories for The Purpose of Exposure Control

It is not enough to simply follow instructions and apply logic to daily procedures in a laboratory. While these are certainly necessary and expected behavioural attributes in this environment, regular and repeated testing of laboratories is required to ensure sustained exposure control.

Such thorough measures hold many benefits. Some of the most important – and most obvious – advantages include:

• Less Downtime – Needless to say, exposure to hazardous substances, contagions, or harmful conditions can be dangerous and should be avoided. If such a situation arises, it might be necessary to evacuate all personnel until the issue has been resolved, which means work will be interrupted, and might even have to be scrapped.

• Lower Staff Turnover – Dangerous or unhealthy working conditions are not conducive to employee happiness. Conversely, safe and well-controlled working conditions are more likely to attract professionals who are committed to achieving results. 

• Reduced Wastage – One of the causes of unwanted exposure to substances is through seepage or leakage. By testing and controlling an environment, such wastage can be avoided or minimised. 

• Less Damage – Adequate control measures that limit unnecessary or prolonged exposure can also help prevent deterioration, corrosion, or other types of damage. This helps to extend the life of certain items and eliminates the need for unnecessary replacements or repairs.

• Improved Accuracy of Work – Contamination or unplanned exposure in laboratories could lead to inaccurate findings or results, which could render an entire project moot. Proper exposure control helps to avoid this from happening. 

• Increased Profitability – Profits can be increased by avoiding unnecessary downtime and high staff turnovers, reducing waste and damage, and improving the quality of work.

• Lower Risk of Litigation – Accidents due to negligence, dangerous working conditions, or the flouting of regulations can expose an employer to costly legal action, whereas proper control and clear policies could help protect against this.

The testing of the environment in laboratories can help you identify potential risks and failures and proactively work towards avoiding these by creating the necessary regulations, as well as design, and introduce protocols for the handling of issues that may arise in order to minimise the impact.

IOH Solutions works with some of Africa’s largest companies to conduct the testing of laboratories in accordance with the latest regulations in order to manage exposure control. To find out more about this service, contact the expert team at IOH Solutions.