Investigation of Laboratory and Chemical Safety in Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Abstract

The present work aims at investigating laboratory and chemical safety in the case of Wolaita Sodo University. It provides the information to policy makers’ insights to establish laboratory and chemical safety in the developing countries, similarly in Ethiopia. The sample for the study comprised 39 respondents; 30 instructors and 9 laboratory technical assistances from chemistry and biology departments of Wolaita Sodo University. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklist. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results revealed that the need for corrective action to establish functional and safe chemical laboratories in the institution; and the majority of respondents agree with the statements, share the skills that students and other workers need if they are to handle chemicals safely, and hazard warning labels are properly used (94.9% ); care you and environments from hazard chemical misuses(92.3%); follow all of the safety protocols for the protection of themselves as well as others and reporting to the concerning bodies happened accidents immediately (89.7%); make clean and hygiene workplaces(82.1%); properly use personal protective equipment, appropriately sort chemicals in their compatibility, and take care waste management’s (76.9%) are their responsibility and accountability. Furthermore, the  major factors that influence establishment of safe and functional chemical laboratory is Unplanned / low quality order and purchase of chemicals and instruments; lack of trained personnel; the cost or limited availability of safety equipment; lack of companies to discard dangerous wastes from laboratories; limitation of budgets; lack of proper drainage system in the buildings where the lab rooms are situated; absence of continuous water flow in the labs; less attention of top managements to laboratory and chemical safety; large size of students in practical classes in the labs; and inappropriate infrastructure to laboratory rooms. From this result it was concluded that a successful chemical safety program requires a daily commitment from everyone in the institution; and finally recommendations were forwarded based on the major finding in order to improve functional and safe chemical laboratory in the institutions.

Keywords: Laboratory and Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Chemical Labeling