Enhancement of Laboratory Safety of Chemistry Laboratory of Regional Medical Sciences Center 5 Samut Songkhram

Chemistry Laboratory Safety Enhancement

Abstract

         The chemistry laboratory of Regional Medical Sciences Center 5 Samut Songkhram consists of a pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory, a food chemistry laboratory, and a toxicology laboratory, utilizing various types of chemicals with different levels of chemical hazard. Based on the chemistry laboratory safety self-assessment result using the Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratory in Thailand (ESPReL) checklist, consisting of 162 items across 7 components, the overall score was 68.5%. The score did not meet the peer evaluation accreditation criteria, which required an overall score of at least 80%. This study aimed to analyze the non-conformities found in safety assessment to enhance laboratory safety standards compliance with the research laboratory safety standards in Thailand and to obtain peer evaluation accreditation. The result indicated that in 2022, several components did not meet the requirements. These components were the safety management system, chemical management system, waste management system, physical characteristics of the laboratory, equipment and tools, chemical hazard prevention and correction system, and data and document management. Therefore, we implemented the improvement plan for all components in 2023 by establishing safety policies, assigning responsibilities for each safety component, improving the chemical storage system, setting waste management guidelines, checking building infrastructure and managing safety risk. Following these enhancements, the overall safety score according to ESPReL checklist increased to 93.2%, and the laboratory was certified for peer evaluation standards with a score of 100% across all seven components. This success resulted from the collaboration of all involved parties, reduced the work-related risks and served as a model for other laboratories within the organization to elevate their safety standards.