58
MAY 2017
FOOD FOCUSTHAILAND
STRONG
QC & QA
GoodHousekeeping
Good housekeeping and laboratory discipline go hand-in-hand to ensure
safe working laboratory environment. Good housekeeping cannot be over
looked if high safety standards are to bemaintained and it includes:
• General cleanlinessof laboratoryareassuchasworkbenches,storage
areas andutility areas.
• Cleanliness inside and aroundweighing balances.
• Ample free space on workbenches through proper planning and
execution of tasks.
• Priority on cleaning of laboratory spills.
• Adoptionof recommendedpractices for disposal of laboratorywaste
and samples after analysis.
• Alphabetical storageof chemicals isnot a recommendedpracticebut
instead always keep compatibility of chemicals inmind before storage.
• Laboratory safety wear should be washed regularly and separately
fromother garments to avoid cross – contamination.
LaboratoryDiscipline... Dos andDon’ts
• Eating, drinking or smoking should be strictly prohibited in the
laboratory
• Do not distract other laboratory workers by making disturbing
comments or jokes.
• Visitorentryshouldbe restrictedandpermittedvisitorsshouldbemade
towear required safety clothing andgear.
• Laboratory facilities should be used only for the intended purposes.
Laboratory glassware should never be used for making tea or coffee or
consumingcolddrinks.Thiscan lead toserious intakeofharmful substances.
• Use of mobile phones for talking or taking selfies should be strictly
prohibited.
• Donot insert fingers, pens or other laboratory objects in yourmouth,
ears or nose.
• Do not wear laboratory aprons or other protective clothing outside
laboratoryareassuchascanteens, toiletsorcommonareas.Even laboratory
foot wear should be removedwhen visiting such areas.
• Do not work in the laboratory when suffering from colds or other
contagious illness.
• Cover all openwounds and abrasionswithwaterproof dressings.
• If gloves areusedwashhands first withgloves onand subsequently
withwater and soapafter removal of gloves.
• Donotwearshorts,short-sleeveshirts, loosefittingorflowingclothing
and jewelry inside the lab. Insteadof open toeshoesor sandalswear shoes
withprotectiveshoecoversas theseserve toprevent laboratorycontamination
from street dust and also provide safety from hazardous and corrosive
materials.
• Laboratory refrigerators and ovens should not be used for storing
edibles or drinks.
• Do not use fume hoods for storage of general laboratory chemicals.
Asemphasizedboth laboratorysafetyandhygieneare inseparableand
recommendationsoftenoverlapbut theirobjectivesarecommon– topromote
laboratory safety, reduction of cross contamination and provide greater
reliability on laboratory data.
goodhygienepractices
INlaboratory forsafetyandqualityofresults
Hygiene isessential inallworkplaceenvironments.
It assumesevengreater significance in laboratory
as both safety and quality of results are in
direct relation to standards of personal hygiene.
Laboratorysafetymeasuresundoubtedlycontribute
toanaccident freeenvironment but goodhygiene
practicessupplement itwithhigherproductivityand
health of laboratoryworkers.
