Page 45 - FoodFocusThailand No.226 January 2025
P. 45

STRONG QC & QA
                     Enhancing Safety Standards


                     in Chemical Laboratories



                     Safety in chemical laboratories is of utmost importance for those working in this field. Maintaining safety
                     protocols not only helps prevent potential accidents that may occur to personnel but also reduces the risk
                     of damage to public property and the environment.

                        Managing safety in chemical laboratories is a process   4. Chemical Vapor Ventilation System: The laboratory must have
                     that involves multiple factors, especially the knowledge   a continuous ventilation system through air ducts. The airflow speed
                     and experience of personnel within the organization.   should be sufficient to prevent accumulation and residue, aligning with
                     These elements play a crucial role in implementing safety   the designed room pressure. Additionally, temperature and humidity
                     systems in a tangible and practical manner. Beyond   must be controlled, with real-time monitoring and display of these
                     personnel, another significant factor is the physical   parameters.
                     characteristics of the laboratory. Laboratories must be   5. Lighting and Sound Systems in the Laboratory: The lighting
                     appropriately designed and equipped with the necessary   and sound systems in the laboratory should comply with occupational
                     tools and equipment to support operations. This includes   health standards as stipulated by ministerial regulations to ensure worker
                     having a good ventilation system and well-organized   safety. Given that most chemical laboratories are equipped with
                     architectural space allocation. However, if there is a need   numerous instruments, noise pollution must be controlled to prevent
                     to improve or modify the laboratory to enhance safety,   adverse health effects on personnel.
                     the following approaches can be considered:       Improvement in the laboratory can include the use of various software
                        1. Surface Safety and Walkway Management:   tools and automated systems, such as gas detector for monitoring gas
                     Ensure adequate lighting for work activities, fire-resistant   leaks. These detectors can send signals to the system to automatically
                     and flame-retardant surfaces and materials within the   shut off gas supply valves, enhancing the efficiency of the ventilation
                     laboratory, safe and unobstructed walkways, and clearly   system. If flammable chemicals are used in the laboratory, materials
                     marked emergency exits.                        with fire-resistant property should be employed to further improve
                        2. Emergency Management: Install appropriate and   chemical laboratory safety.
                     comprehensive fire suppression systems covering the   Chemical safety in laboratories can be achieved through proper
                     entire area, along with audible and visual alarm systems   waste management and disposal of materials and equipment. Moreover,
                     to ensure workers can promptly respond to emergencies.  personnel must remain vigilant and monitor any abnormalities in
                        3. Chemical Storage and Handling: Implement           the laboratory to address issues promptly. The most critical factor is
                     gas leak detection systems with annual inspections,   regular training on correct operating procedures to ensure workers have
                     enforce strict control measures for handling chemicals,   the knowledge and skills necessary to handle chemicals safely.
                     maintain chemical storage volumes within regulatory
                     limits, and separate storage areas by chemical types to
                     ensure safe usage.                                         More Information        Service Info C008




































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         44-45_Strong QC&QA_Official.indd   45                                                                      20/12/2567 BE   15:09
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