Did you know that almost 38 percent of lab personnel reported having suffered a lab-related injury in 2019? Unfortunately, despite rigorous lab safety procedures and protocols, these sorts of injuries continue to occur throughout the USA. But, the good news is that there is a wide array of laboratory equipment you can use to prevent lab-related injuries.
Are you a part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics group or most commonly known as the STEM field? If so, we strongly advise you to keep reading since we’ll be covering the best safety equipment you should be using during work hours.
Laboratory Refrigerators
Unfortunately, many laboratories use household fridges to store their vials or other dangerous chemicals. But, if you want to protect yourself and those around you, then you’ll need to start using laboratory-safe refrigerators. These refrigerators have safety compressors and self-closing magnetic doors that ensure the fridge remains shut at all times.
Additionally, if you work at a chemistry laboratory, you can add another layer of protection to the lab-safe fridge by adding aluminum enclosures.
Laboratory Safety Coats
Whenever a scientist (whether an engineer or chemical) is shown on a TV series or movie, you’ll see them wearing a plain white coat. But, as you can imagine, there are several different types of lab coats that can protect you from various hazards. Here are different types of lab coat material that exist:
- Polyester/Cotton Blend
- Polypropylene
- Nomex IIIA
- Microbreathe
For example, if you’re an engineer who works with sharp objects, you may want to consider a lab coat made with polypropylene. These lab coats are double padded, which means you won’t get harmed if a sharp object or tool hits you. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the lab coat you get is PPE-certified.
Fire Blankets
If you work at a chemical laboratory, then more than likely, you’ll be exposed to fire-prone chemicals. Thankfully, fire blankets can protect you from getting burnt if a fire breaks out in the lab. Additionally, a fire blanket can also put out a small fire, but make sure that you don’t expose yourself to the flames as a flare-up may occur.
Keep in mind that you can no longer use a fire blanket after it’s putting out a fire, so make sure you have extra ones in storage.
Safety Showers
Another essential piece of lab equipment is a safety shower since it can help stop severe injuries caused by chemical exposure. Additionally, a safety shower can remove harmful biological substances that can harm others. Of course, you should have several showers around the science laboratory so everyone can use one if a major incident occurs.
Must-Have Laboratory Equipment
Hopefully, you now know what kind of laboratory equipment you should have while working at the lab with this post. But, of course, each lab requires a different set of tools, so be sure to research your lab needs carefully. So, don’t wait any longer, and keep yourself safe from lab-related accidents!
Did you find this post about lab equipment useful? If so, we have other work-related posts that you may find interesting, so be sure to check them out!
