WSH Guidelines on Laboratories Handling Chemicals

This training course is designed to enhance Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) in laboratories that handle chemicals, particularly focusing on company quality control labs and teaching laboratories in educational institutions. It provides detailed guidelines on the safe storage, transfer, handling, and disposal of chemicals, supplementing existing WSH Guidelines on the Management of Hazardous Chemicals. The course also offers guidance on effective emergency response measures for incidents involving chemicals in laboratory settings.

A laboratory is considered "basic" for this course if it involves standard experimental techniques, commonly available laboratory equipment, and well-understood chemicals. The course does not cover research and development (R&D) laboratories due to their complexity and the use of specialized equipment and novel chemicals. 

The course will be particularly beneficial for those setting up or redesigning a laboratory. It covers essential WSH considerations, offering guidance on laboratory design, safety protocols, and risk assessments (RA). A chemical laboratory safety inspection checklist is included to help chemical users, laboratory managers, and safety auditors address WSH concerns effectively and implement necessary control measures.

Additionally, the course outlines recommended WSH considerations for planning new laboratory experiments or testing methods, ensuring that safety protocols are fully integrated into the experimental setup. By the end of the training, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of chemical safety practices and be better equipped to manage risks and ensure a safe working environment in laboratories. This course is essential for improving safety standards and reducing risks associated with chemical handling in laboratories.