How can you prioritize laboratory safety risks?

1 What is a risk matrix?

A risk matrix is a graphical tool that helps you to evaluate and compare the risks of different hazards in your laboratory. It consists of a grid with two axes: one for the probability of occurrence and one for the impact or severity of the consequence. By plotting each hazard on the grid, you can assign it a risk level based on the combination of probability and impact. The risk level can be color-coded or labeled as low, medium, high, or extreme.

2 How to use a risk matrix?

To use a risk matrix, you need to identify the hazards in your laboratory, assess their probability and impact, plot them on the grid, and prioritize them according to their risk level. Sources such as safety data sheets, laboratory manuals, incident reports, or inspections can help you identify the hazards. You can use a scale from 1 to 5 or qualitative terms to assess the probability and impact. Plotting the hazards on the grid will indicate their risk level and allow you to prioritize them - focusing on those in the red and orange zones first. This will help you identify systemic issues or trends that may be present.

3 How to plan actions?

Once you have prioritized the hazards, you need to plan actions to reduce or eliminate them. The actions should be based on the hierarchy of controls, a framework that ranks the effectiveness of different controls. This hierarchy consists of five levels, starting with elimination - the most effective control - which involves removing the hazard completely from the laboratory, such as replacing a hazardous substance with a less hazardous one. The second most effective control is substitution, where you replace the hazard with a less hazardous one, such as using different equipment or methods. The third is engineering, which involves isolating the hazard from staff by using ventilation, barriers, or guards. Administrative is fourth on the list, and involves changing the way staff work with the hazard through training and procedures. Last is personal protective equipment (PPE), which should be used as a last resort or in combination with other controls as it does not eliminate or reduce the hazard itself. You should choose the most effective and feasible control for each hazard and assign responsibilities, deadlines, and resources for implementing them. Additionally, you should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these actions and update your risk matrix accordingly.