Hazard Assessment Permit Request

Laboratory Hazard Assessment & Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection Guide.

After answering the questions in this survey, researchers will see the results of the hazard assessment and recommended controls.

Hazardous materials, such as chemicals, biological agents, and radioactive materials, can enter the body in four different ways:

• Absorption through the skin

• Inhalation

• Ingestion (eating and drinking)

• Injection (needles or sharp pieces of glass, metal, or plastic

Whether or not exposure will lead to illness or injury depends on:

• Exposure frequency

• Exposure duration

• Individual factors (age, sex, and genetics)

First, access the risk by asking these questions:

• What are the hazards?

• What is the worst that could happen?

• What can be done to prevent this from happening?

• What should be done if something goes wrong?

Exposure risk can be minimized using these control factors (in order from most effective to least effective):

• Elimination of hazard

• Substitution of less hazardous materials

• Engineering controls (fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, blast shields, snorkels)

• Administrative controls (Safety Operating Procedures, training)

• Personal protective equipment *Note that PPE is your last line of defense. Apply other controls FIRST before selecting PPE. PPE is not a substitute for proper lab attire. Clothing such as shorts or short skirts, sandals, or open-toed shoes are not appropriate for the laboratory.