Latest update April 14th, 2026 12:38 AM
STANDARDS IN FOCUS…Safety Standard for Laboratories
With the conclusion of Occupational Safety and Health Month (April, 2017) and Medical Laboratories Professional Week (April 23-29, 2017) it is appropriate to feature a National Standard that addresses safety in the laboratory. This standard is the GYS 235:2003 – General Requirements for the Safety in Laboratories.
The scope of the standard specifies the general requirements for a laboratory safety management system, which will enable a laboratory to formulate a policy and objectives, taking into account legislative requirements and information about significant risks, which the laboratory can control and over which it can be expected to have an influence, to protect its employees and others, whose health and safety may be affected by the activities of the laboratory.
Laboratory professionals cannot take for granted their personal safety and the safety of others during the handling of dangerous chemicals and other sensitive materials. They have to be mindful of the possible infections they can acquire from samples collected from patients for testing.
To ensure that safety is a key focus in laboratories, the standard firstly requires that the laboratory establishes implements and maintains an Occupational Safety and Health System. Top management shall establish a policy that clearly states the overall safety and health objectives and a commitment to improving health and safety performance.
Other general requirements included in the standard are hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control, legal and other requirements, establishment of the occupational safety and health programme and committee, training, awareness and competence, communication, consultation and documentation.
Meanwhile, specific requirements include design for safety, physical requirements such as lighting, temperature and ventilation, the use of personal protective equipment, warning signs and labels, electrical, chemical and fire safety.
Other aspects such as management of staff health, design for working with viable pathogens, safe work practices with material of biological origin and the control of equipment related hazards are included in the standard.
The GNBS encourages, manufacturing companies, hospitals and other facilities that offer testing services to ensure that the requirements of this National Standard become an integral part of their safety efforts. The Bureau can assist those interested in implementing the standard in their laboratories to demonstrate and maintain good occupational safety and health practices.
For further information, please contact the GNBS on Tel. 219-0064 – 66 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
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