Under the supervision of the respected Dean of the Institute, and through the University Quality Assurance Division, the Department of Medical Devices Technologies organized, during the current month of January, a workshop on laboratory safety procedures. The workshop was delivered by Engineer Hafsa Hassan Taha, and the target audience included the staff and students of the aforementioned department.
The workshop aimed to introduce laboratory safety procedures and to achieve a set of fundamental objectives, most notably:
Protecting laboratory personnel from injuries and occupational accidents resulting from chemical substances, microorganisms, or laboratory equipment.
Preventing short- and long-term health risks, such as poisoning, burns, infections, or harmful inhalation of hazardous materials.
Providing a safe and organized working environment that supports efficient and confident laboratory performance.
Preserving the safety of laboratory devices and equipment and reducing malfunctions and material losses caused by misuse.
Minimizing accidents and emergencies such as fires, explosions, or leakage of hazardous substances.
Ensuring the quality and accuracy of laboratory results by working under safe and stable conditions.
Enhancing a culture of awareness and professional responsibility among staff and students within laboratories.
Complying with locally and internationally approved standards and regulations in the field of occupational safety and health.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of the following:
Full compliance with approved laboratory safety instructions without violation under any circumstances.
Continuous use of personal protective equipment, such as laboratory coats, gloves, safety goggles, and masks when required.
Ongoing training of staff and students on safety procedures, handling hazardous materials, and emergency plans.
Ensuring the safety of laboratory devices and equipment before use and conducting regular maintenance.
Safe handling of chemical and biological materials according to approved guidelines and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Proper storage of hazardous materials, including classification and the use of appropriate warning labels.
Safe disposal of chemical and biological laboratory waste in accordance with applicable regulations and instructions.
Prohibiting eating, drinking, or smoking inside laboratories to maintain public safety.
Providing safety and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, safety showers, and eyewash stations, and ensuring their readiness.
Immediate reporting of accidents or malfunctions, regardless of their severity, to prevent escalation.
Maintaining cleanliness and order within laboratories to reduce the risks of slipping, contamination, or accidents.
Promoting a culture of safety and shared responsibility among all personnel working in laboratories.