Identification of Hazards in the Laboratory

According to OSHA, identification of hazards are divided into six elements. These elements include safety, biological, physical, ergonomic, chemical, and work organization hazards.

Safety Hazards:

These are the most common type of hazard presented in the workplace. This includes any unsafe conditions that may result in injury, illness, or death. These hazards include spills on the floor, tripping hazards (blocked isles or cords across the floor), working with heights that includes ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or any raised work area. Unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts are considered a safety hazard as well, especially if a worker accidentally touches guard that are removed. Electrical hazards (frayed cords, missing ground pins, and improper wiring), confined spaces, and machinery-hazards (lockout/tagout, boiler, safety forklifts, etc.) are also safety hazards incorporated. 

 Biological Hazards:

These hazards are associated with working with any animals, people, or infectious plant material. Working in facilities such as schools, day cares, colleges and universities, hospitals, laboratories, emergency response, nursing homes, outdoor occupations, and more have the ability to project biological exposure. Types of biological hazards include blood and other body fluids, fungi/mold, bacteria and viruses, plants, insect bites, and animal and bird droppings. 

(http://www.slideshare.net/ruthlepago/occupational-hazards-27259485)

Examples of biological hazards. 

Physical Hazards:

Physical hazards are considered to be any hazard that include factors from the environment that can harm the body without necessary touching it. These include radiation (ionizing, non-ionizing, EMF's, microwaves, radiowaves, and etc.), high exposure to sunlight/UV rays, hot and cold temperature extremes, and constant and consistent loud noise. 

Ergonomic Hazards:

These types of hazards occur during the type of work being preformed that cause a strain on the body because of the work conditions. These hazards are considered to be the hardest to spot. Short term exposure to ergonomic hazards can create sore muscles, but long term exposure can result in serious illnesses. These hazards include improperly adjusted workspaces and chairs, frequent lifting of materials, poor posture, awkward and repetitive movements, constant repetition, using too much force, and vibration. 

(http://www.gribbins.com/summer-safety-tip-ergonomics/)

Example of an idea ergonomic structure in the workplace. 

Chemical Hazards:

Chemical hazards are present when a worker is exposed to any chemical preparation in the workplace in any form (solid, liquid, or gas). Some chemical hazards are safer than others, but it depends on how sensitive the worker is to the chemical. Even common solutions can cause illness, skin irritation, and breathing problems. Some chemical hazards include liquids (cleaning products, paints, acids, solvents - especially in an unlabeled container), vapors and fumes that come from welding or exposure to solvents, gases such as acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide, and helium, flammable materials such as gasoline solvents and explosive chemicals, and pesticides. 

Work Organization Hazards:

Work organization hazards include hazards or stressors that cause stress (short-term effects) and strain (long-term effects). These hazards are associated with workplace issues such as workload, lack of control, and/or respect. Examples of work organization hazards include workload demands, workplace violence, intensity and/or pace, respect (or lack of), flexibility, control or say about things, social support and relations, and sexual harassment.