Evaluating the status of safety and environmental regulations in the laboratories of Golestan University of Medical Sciences in 2019

The existence of different types of laboratory equipment, as well as chemical and biological materials necessitate a careful planning to prevent possible accidents in the laboratories of medical sciences universities. This study set out to assess the safety and environmental status in educational-research laboratories and its compliance with regulatory criteria.

In this descriptive study, a standardized checklist under the auspicious of the ministry of health was used to assess the situation of 17 laboratories of Golestan University of Medical Sciences in terms of building conditions, physical, chemical and biological hazards, as well as safety and ergonomic. Data were collected via interviews and observations during April to September 2019. SPSS 20 was used to describe obtained information. Ethical principles were observed in all steps of study.

The results showed that more than 62% of safety regulations and environmental requirements were compatible in the laboratories of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. Compliance rates were 61%, 70%, 71%, 59%, 56% and 59% in the sectors of building, physical, chemical and biological hazards, safety and ergonomic, respectively. Lack of proper locating of the laboratory building and allocated limited space were the main problems of these units.

Safety and environmental status of studied laboratories was in the limit of recommended requirements by ministry of health. Nonetheless, the existence of some defects regarding the hazards related to gas cylinders or chemical and biological substances may threaten employee’s health and environment. Hence, an appropriate plan and safe management implementation is needed to prevent accident incidents in the educational-research laboratories.