It is generally believed in the life science world that all regulatory and compliance issues go away when a document management system is implemented, preferably the most expensive system with untold rewards. And why should this misconception not be believed? The regulatory bodies almost promote this idea. Most of these systems do not do all of the things required for the life science industry out of the box. Rather they require a significant amount of configuration during implementation to meet those needs. This implementation will either succeed or fail to make a company more impervious to compliance issues.

The truth is that a document management system, if implemented correctly, can significantly improve the regulatory landscape of a company and at the same time yield s...

Laboratory researchers are at risk for repetitive motion injuries during routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, working at microscopes, operating microtomes, using cell counters and video display terminals. Repetitive motion injuries develop over time and occur when muscles and joints are stressed, tendons are inflamed, and nerves are pinched and the flow of blood is restricted. Standing and working in awkward positions in laboratory hoods/biological safety cabinets can also present ergonomic problems. By becoming familiar with how to control laboratory ergonomic risk factors, you can improve employee comfort, productivity, and job satisfaction while lowering chances for occupational injuries.

Repetitive Pipetting

Pipetting is on...

Information on What’s Required to Make Your Lab Safe

At a recent chemistry meeting, a question came up concerning the proper method of labeling a chemical container. Of the 24 chemistry teachers in attendance, not one of them was sure what kind of information was required on a chemical label. In 1983, OSHA implemented the Hazard Communication Standard (Right-to-Know law). This standard gives teachers, students and parents the right to know about the hazards associated with the chemicals they are using in the classroom/laboratory. The standard requires chemical manufacturers to transmit this safety information to their customers by means of labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

At the time, the only guideline for labeling was that th...

For any new construction or renovation of laboratory areas, consider health, safety and regulatory compliance issues early in the design stage of the project. The following outlines some of these issues:

• Layout
• Furniture and Fixtures
• Storage
• Laboratory Ventilation
• Emergency Equipment
• Princeton University  @  7/27/2009 10:51:14 AM  |  read more  |  Category: Industry Views   |  Click: 2100