Maintenance materials, health effects

In recent years dissemination of indoor environmental knowledge and expertise has been greatly promoted in China. The general public has been educated about the causes and effects of pollution, especially health hazards from certain decorating and refurbishing materials, combustion products, furnishings, construction and maintenance, pesticides, home and office products. 

The cornerstone of a sound program for prudent laboratory practices is a process designed to comprehensively review the operations and potential hazards associated with each experiment over its life cycle. This review should take place before any work is conducted. The diverse nature of research and development activities makes it advisable to have such a process in place as part of the scientific method of experimentation. In laboratories where this preliminary survey is routinely practiced, it has proved to be useful in both the maintenance of safe laboratory operations and the minimization of chemical exposure and waste generation. Because of the diversity of types of researchers and laboratory work, such processes— both formal and informal—can help individuals associated with new, modified, or unfamiliar experiments or procedures to plan and work safely, responsibly, and productively. By first evaluating the work area, materials, equipment, and procedures in depth, hidden hazards may be identified and addressed. The pre-experiment review process can also help to ensure that every experiment and laboratory operation complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and other policies. Moreover, by addressing all relevant health, safety, and environmental issues when an experiment is first conceived, further research, scale-up, or development based on it can be made safer and more effective. 

As for the current ANSI standard ([Z]358.1-2004), Fairfax notes that while it does not have the force of a regulation under the OSH Act, it does provide for eyewash and shower equipment in appropriate situations when employees are exposed to hazardous materials. ANSI s definition of hazardous material would include caustics, as well as additional substances and compounds that have the capability of producing adverse effects on the health and safety of humans. ANSI s standard also provides detail with respect to the location, installation, nature and maintenance of eyewash and shower equipment ... 

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