Skill Profile
Health & Safety in Laboratory
"The observable action of identifying and managing the biological, chemical, and physical hazards present in a clinical or research laboratory — applying COSHH regulations, infection control procedures, PPE selection, waste disposal protocols, and emergency procedures — to protect laboratory staff, patients, and the environment from harm."
YOUR SKILLS
Problems This Skill Solves
- Needlestick and sharps injuries from unsafe handling of blood collection devices — applying safe sharps procedures (no resheathing, immediate disposal in sharps containers) eliminates the most common route of bloodborne pathogen exposure for laboratory and clinical staff.
- Chemical exposure incidents from incorrect handling of hazardous reagents — COSHH assessment identifies substitute substances, engineering controls (fume hood), and PPE requirements that reduce exposure to acceptable levels.
- Biological exposure incidents from spills or aerosol-generating procedures on potentially infectious samples — correct containment levels, appropriate PPE (gloves, gowns, face protection), and validated decontamination procedures prevent transmission.
- Fire, electrical, and gas hazards from laboratory equipment — regular equipment maintenance, PAT testing, and gas cylinder handling training prevents the physical hazards inherent in laboratory environments.
Tools Used
Roles That Use This Skill
1 total · 1 industryThis skill is concentrated in one industry.
Biomedical Science / NHS Pathology / Biotech
"PPE is the first line of defence against laboratory hazards."
PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls — used when higher-level controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls) are not sufficient to reduce the risk to acceptable levels. Relying on PPE as the primary control is poor practice because PPE can fail, can be used incorrectly, and places the burden of hazard management on the individual rather than on the system. The correct approach is to eliminate the hazard where possible, substitute a less hazardous alternative where not, engineer out the risk through containment, and only then apply administrative controls and PPE for residual risk.
Research & Outlook
Automation is reducing direct human contact with hazardous samples in clinical laboratories — automated sample processors, closed-tube sampling analysers, and robotic liquid handling systems reduce needlestick risk and chemical and biological exposure. New biosafety challenges are emerging from gene editing technologies, synthetic biology, and novel infectious disease agents requiring enhanced containment procedures. Remote working has increased audit complexity for laboratory safety compliance in multi-site pathology networks.
See This Skill In Action
Watch a professional demonstrate Health & Safety in Laboratory in a real working environment — what it looks like, how it's applied, and why it matters.
Healthcare / Laboratory Science
Health & Safety in Laboratory
Also Known As
Growth Path
Follows safe working procedures and wears appropriate PPE for all laboratory procedures. Handles and disposes of clinical and chemical waste correctly. Reports accidents, near misses, and hazards to the safety officer. Knows the location and use of emergency equipment (eyewash, fire extinguisher, spill kits).
Conducts COSHH and risk assessments for laboratory procedures. Investigates accidents and near-misses and implements corrective actions. Delivers health and safety induction training for new laboratory staff. Maintains safety inspection records and ensures compliance with RIDDOR and COSHH documentation requirements.
Leads the laboratory health and safety management system — developing risk assessment frameworks, managing safety audits, liaising with HSE inspectors, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations (COSHH, RIDDOR, CL3 containment requirements, ionising radiation regulations). Investigates serious incidents and implements systemic changes. Contributes to national biosafety guidance.
How to Practise
- 1.Complete a COSHH assessment for the most hazardous substance in your laboratory — identify the hazards, exposure routes, health effects, engineering controls, PPE required, and emergency procedures.
- 2.Review your laboratory's infection control risk assessments for common procedures — identify the containment level, PPE requirements, and spill management procedure for each.
- 3.Participate in a laboratory safety inspection — use a checklist to audit your work area for hazards, near-misses, and compliance with safe working procedures.
- 4.Study the RIDDOR reporting requirements — understand which laboratory accidents and occupational diseases must be reported to the HSE and how to complete a RIDDOR report.
How to Prove
- ·NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) qualification — the specialist qualification for health and safety practitioners.
- ·HCPC or IBMS registration — regulated laboratory professions with health and safety competency as a requirement.
- ·Laboratory safety officer appointment — demonstrating responsibility for a laboratory's health and safety management.
- ·IOSH Managing Safely certification — widely recognised workplace safety training for laboratory managers.