Building a Culture of Total Workplace Safety & Health - Our Commitment
Issue January, February & March 2025
This infographic highlights the commitment to Total Workplace Safety & Health by fostering a culture of well-being and safety. Through initiatives like Annual Fruit Day, the Activity Challenge, and a stair-climbing campaign, we encourage physical activity and prioritize nutritious food choices at departmental events. Mental well-being is supported with workshops, World Mental Health Day observance, and access to certified psychological first aiders. Safety practices, including fire drills, a buddy system for hazardous tasks, and Risk Assessment workshops, ensure emergency preparedness. Ergonomic investments, such as transport trolleys and automated lab equipment, reduce strain and enhance efficiency. Stringent infection control measures, including workstation decontamination and designated handwashing sinks, safeguard staff and immunocompromised individuals. These efforts reinforce a safer, healthier, and more resilient workplace for all.
Green Procurement In The Lab
Issue November & December 2024
This infographic highlights the importance of sustainable practices in laboratory management, starting with maintaining an up-to-date inventory to reduce waste by avoiding over-ordering and stockpiling. Efficient strategies such as consolidating deliveries minimize transportation emissions and packaging waste, while adopting alternatives to single-use plastics and choosing eco-friendly lab products promote a greener environment. At NUS, leveraging energy-efficient equipment is strongly encouraged to reduce operational costs and energy consumption, aligning with the university's commitment to sustainability. The infographic also emphasizes resource-sharing and collaboration among labs as key measures to optimize resource usage and minimize costs. These practices foster a culture of sustainability while supporting efficient lab operations and environmental stewardship.
Unlocking Safety: Why Risk Assessment Matters!
Issue September & October 2024
This infographic highlights the importance of risk assessments in laboratory safety, starting with hazard identification to help researchers understand potential risks in materials and procedures. Effective mitigation measures—such as engineering controls, administrative protocols, PPE, and safe work practices—are essential to minimize these risks and promote a safer environment. At NUS, risk assessments are a mandatory step before experimental work, ensuring regulatory compliance and reinforcing the university’s commitment to lab safety. The infographic also emphasizes how hazard identification aids emergency preparedness by facilitating response planning and resource allocation. Regular assessments foster a proactive safety culture and support efficient resource management for safety equipment, training, and emergency readiness.
Working in BSL2 Laboratories: Our Roles & Responsibilities
Issue July & August 2024
The infographic outlines essential guidelines for working in BSL-2 laboratories, emphasizing safety and compliance. Access is restricted to trained personnel, and unauthorized individuals are not permitted without prior risk assessment and approval. Proper PPE, including lab coats, gloves, masks, and safety eyewear, is mandatory to prevent contamination and exposure. Good work practices, such as handwashing, surface decontamination, and proper disposal of sharps, are crucial. Adhering to SOPs and emergency preparedness protocols ensures effective incident management. Proper containment procedures, including the use of certified Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), are vital for aerosol-generating activities.
Laboratory Ergonomics
Issue May & June 2024
The infographic provides essential guidelines for maintaining safety and efficiency in laboratory ergonomics. Emphasizing proper storage, it advises placing frequently used items within easy reach and storing heavy items at waist level to prevent awkward postures. Ensuring PPE fits correctly is crucial for comfort and safety. The infographic suggests alternating tasks to maintain varied postures and organizing workflows to minimize unnecessary movements. For moving heavy items, it recommends using two-person lifts or mechanical aids. Utilizing automated equipment can reduce repetitive strain, while proper visual ergonomics, such as adequate lighting and correct monitor positioning, can prevent eye strain. Adhering to these practices promotes a safe and productive laboratory environment.
Tips for Going Green in the Lab
Issue March & April 2024
The infographic presents a comprehensive guide to fostering sustainability within laboratory operations. It advocates for the adoption of energy-efficient equipment to minimize energy consumption and prioritize sustainability. Emphasizing the optimization of resource usage, the infographic recommends autoclaving full baskets to maximize efficiency and reduce energy expenditure. It underscores the importance of minimizing plastic usage by opting for autoclavable glassware and repurposing Styrofoam boxes to minimize waste. Responsible chemical disposal is highlighted as imperative, alongside practical measures like powering down lab computers overnight and closing fume hoods when not in use to conserve electricity. Adjusting equipment settings for optimal energy efficiency is suggested for overnight runs, ensuring performance without unnecessary energy consumption. By integrating these practices, laboratories can contribute to a greener future while enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
Safety Precautions & Best Practices for Electrophoresis
Issue January & February 2024
This infographic offers essential safety guidelines for conducting electrophoresis procedures in laboratory settings. It covers a range of critical safety aspects, including electrical safety to prevent electric shock by ensuring proper grounding and isolation of equipment, alongside the importance of disconnecting power supplies before accessing the gel chamber. Fire safety measures advocate for cautious handling of flammable chemicals, proper lab ventilation, and keeping flammable materials away from electrical equipment and heat sources. UV protection protocols stress the importance of wearing protective eyewear during gel visualization to shield against UV radiation, complemented by the use of UV-blocking shields for minimizing exposure. Chemical safety practices underscore careful handling of staining agents, buffers, and other chemicals, emphasizing the need for awareness of hazards and usage in a fume hood. Emergency preparedness is highlighted, emphasizing the availability and knowledge of the location and proper use of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles are essential safeguards against chemical spills and splashes. Adhering to these safety guidelines ensures a secure laboratory environment, promoting both lab safety and personnel well-being.