The Challenge
Safety is first and foremost when conducting research. As an educational institution, CU aims to instill the importance of safety and security in our researchers, lecturers, students and personnel when using facilities on campus, especially research laboratories.
Therefore, the raise and maintain standards, the Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (CEHS), Environmental Research Institute Chulalongkorn Univeristy (ERIC) and National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) are collaborating in the implementation of Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratories in Thailand (ESPReL) to achieve the following goals:
1. To enhance safety of students, faculty and staff
2. To establish strict safety standards for all university laboratories
3. To prioritize instill a mindset for safety in all students, faculty and staff
We’re so lucky to have such advanced equipment. And even more important, we must follow the strictest safety protocals.
Sujinan NarksangThe labs here meet the highest safety benchmarks. Fire distinguishers are always nearby. Eyewash stations are close. I generally feel safe to work.
Nattapat SaraboonIt is an incredible place to learn as we are provided with the best equipment.
Sorawit SirimongkolWe are trained to be well prepared. There are also numerous safety exits. On the off chance there is a fire, I feel certain I can escape.
Pornphat PongpattanasakThe Method
The university has examined lab safety studies from many countries to to develop the Chula ESPReL, or Enhanced Research Laboratory Safety Practices that is composed of seven interrelated compoentents that are crucila to lab safety, as follows:
1. Administration of Safety Management System: This refers to the preparation steps: analysis of work plan, approval of action policies and appointment of responsibilities.
2. Chemical Management System: This refers to data and chemical storage, transport and handling of chemicals and hazardous materials. For this, CU employs ChemTrack, a software developed by the Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management. For added convenience and safety, he software allows users to monitor the storage and use of chemical substances by labeling them clearly.
3. Waste Disposal System: This refers to an internal network system, WasteTrack, that allows registered personnel to request disposal service for hazardous waste free of charge. Prior to waste pick-up, users must report the category and quantity of the hazardous waste via the software to ensure proper wastes handling methods will be used during pick-up and disposal.
4. Laboratories, Equipment and Tools: This refers to the condition of all facilities and their eqipment in every aspect to ensure the safety of all persons, both inside and outside the laboratories. Assistance by experienced architects and engineers is often required to complete renovation of technical labs and their electrical, ventilation and emergency systems.
5. Precaution of Hazards: This refers to specific precautions that all CU researchers, lecturers, students and staff must do prior to entering each research laboratory to protect against health dangers, explosion or fire.
6. Provision of Fundamental Knowledge regarding Safety Precautions: This is considered the most important component as it provides esearchers, lecturers, students and staff with the knolwedge and skills to properly solve problems and react to emergency situations correctly. For example, those with a fundamental knowledge would know the appropriate methods for cleaning up specific chemical substances in specific situations.
7. Document Management: This refers to management of data records and written evidence that are crucial for information updates and assignment of responsibilities. This data and evidence can also be used as secondary research for future research and studies.
Staff are giving guests a tour around the prototype laboratories.
Lab safety rules enforce everyone in the room to wear goggles.
Tools used to clean up spilled chemical substances
Laboratory’s air ventilation
The Result
ESPReL is available for individuals and departments to use. Participants are required to complete an online survey regarding laboratories’ current conditions. Some of those who register will be provided with addition budget to upgrade lab safety standards.
The Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University has successfully renovated two laboratories that now serve as prototype laboratories, featuring the highest safety and security standards in the country.
It is safe and clean. When you need to utilize any apparatus you know where you can find it.
Panumas MuangwutthanantThe labs are all well ventiallated. I can finally relax when I work in the lab.
Knut PaiboonAll facilities are always prepared and safe. It makes me happy to study science.
Natthakrit SutthaneeEverything is great here. New apparatuse that are well maintained. I feel safe and from danger.
Nattamon VajarasNext Step
The university will develop a proper communication method that will inform all university sectors regarding the existence of ESPReL. With the increased spread in awareness, more departments and sectors are expected to participate in ESPReL, which will enhance the overall lab safety standards of the university.
I can say it is safe. The college labs meets our requirments.
Watanyu JirakanwisalThe facilities at Chula are a lot better ahan other universitiess; this I know. The lab has a great ventilation system. There are numerous emergency exits. “hen the labs are safe, you will feel safe to work there.
Nusara Poomjaiติดต่อเรา
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