Current status, challenges, and future directions of university laboratory safety in China
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors analyzed the current status and challenges of university laboratory safety in China and presented future directions to reduce accidents using engineering and administrative controls, and performed a descriptive statistical analysis of 110 publicly reported university laboratory accidents in mainland China since 2000.
Abstract: The past two decades have seen a rise in university laboratory accidents in China. Although there is a growing awareness due to higher reporting and media coverage, the evaluation and understanding of common hazards and deficiencies in university laboratories remains to be addressed. Aiming to enhance safety in laboratory-related activities, this study analyzed the current status and challenges of university laboratory safety in China and presented future directions to reduce accidents using engineering and administrative controls. A descriptive statistical analysis of 110 publicly reported university laboratory accidents in mainland China since 2000 was performed to investigate the proximate causes of the accidents, and further, to identify potential deficiencies existing in the current safety management of laboratories. It was found that human factors were the most contributing cause and the training element was a vulnerable competency in laboratory safety management. Based on the results, a comparative analysis between the underlying reasons for the poor safety situation and the efforts that have been made has brought the challenges and possible solutions for safety improvements in university laboratories. By suggesting top-down and bottom-up approaches, the present study provides valuable insights and serves as a reference for universities and relevant authorities to enhance safety in university laboratories.
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TL;DR: In this article , the authors assessed the chemical safety knowledge of students in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, concerning chemical storage, heat operation, waste disposal, and emergency response.
Abstract: This essay assessed the chemical safety knowledge of students in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, concerning chemical storage, heat operation, waste disposal, and emergency response. The results show that students’ familiarity and understanding of safety knowledge is not satisfactory, especially in the waste disposal and emergency response. In addition, the significant difference is also found among different subgroups (gender, major, and academic year). Therefore, in the following work, the analytical experimental courses incorporate online and offline safety education into the teaching design for first-year undergraduates. Prudent and continuous safety training is expected to be routinely provided for all undergraduates and postgraduates in the future.
6 citations
TL;DR: Hazards and operability analysis (HAZOPA) is one of a dozen-structured process Hazards Analysis (PHA) methodologies that assess risks associated with operating processes to mitigate their consequences as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: Hazards and operability analysis (HAZOP) is one of a dozen-structured Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) methodologies that assess risks associated with operating processes to mitigate their consequences. HAZOP applies to all six stages of process design from discovery to decommissioning. Industry massively adopted PHA methodologies as a consequence of several industrial disasters in the 1970s that increased society's scrutiny of chemical operations. HAZOPs are conducted by multidisciplinary teams that rely on a set of guide words in combination with the system parameters to identify deviations from the design intent. The team discuss the causes and consequences of deviations, and the project owner modifies the process accordingly. It relies on heuristics rather than algorithms, so the formal structure gives practitioners the false sense that the analysis is comprehensive. Academic institutions increasingly apply PHAs to experimental work, but the scope of a HAZOP is often ill-suited for this environment as it requires dedicated personnel with particular expertise. Here, we outline the essential features of a HAZOP analysis for early career researchers engaging in process development for conditions that include, for example, high temperature, high pressure, toxic compounds (Hg, phosgene, CO), and potentially explosive and flammable mixtures like organic peroxides. Web of Science indexed over 100 000 documents that mention safety in 2021 and assigned 1500 to chemical engineering. A bibliometric analysis grouped them into five clusters: (1) lithium ion batteries and nanoparticles, (2) fire, simulation, and combustion, (3) models, risk, systems, and techniques (including HAZOP), (3) models, risk, systems, and techniques (including HAZOP), (4) water treatment, and (5) mechanisms and thermal runaway.
5 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper analyzed accidents that occurred in a university laboratory in the past ten years and concluded the problems in current safety management in the university laboratory, and explored solutions and measures for those problems, making hazardous chemicals management a critical factor in campus laboratory safety management.
Abstract: In recent years, with accidents in campus laboratories happening more frequently, and sporadically many personnel and property concerned are under serious threat. To address this issue, it has become a priority for universities in China to enhance safety management in the laboratory. To begin with, this study analyzed accidents that occurred in a university laboratory in the past ten years. The aim of this act was to conclude the problems in current safety management in the university laboratory. This was followed by exploring solutions and measures for those problems, making hazardous chemicals management a critical factor in campus laboratory safety management. With this idea, an assessment of hazardous chemicals of their holistic life-cycle on campus has been conducted, which realizes the information perception throughout its entire life-cycle on campus as well. Last but not least, a platform for safety and emergency management of hazardous chemicals has been built. This platform can act as a catalyst, effectively improving the regulatory levels of hazardous chemicals. Thus, the main responsibility for hazardous chemicals units can be further implemented. Through the construction of the safety management system for the full life-cycle of hazardous chemicals, the process of safety management of the university laboratory is fulfilled, and the inherent safety of the university laboratory is finally realized. • Information perception for hazardous chemicals life-cycle in universities is analyzed. • The safety emergency management platform of hazardous chemicals in universities has been built. • The process safety management (PSM) is applied to the safety management of university laboratory.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors present a comprehensive strategic overview of the regulations currently in place for the construction and maintenance of hydrogen fueling stations, including gaseous and liquid safety issues, including possible threats and installation and operating expertise.
4 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the occurrence and development pattern of large-scale hazardous chemicals emergencies, a statistical analysis of 195 large and above accidents of hazardous chemicals in China during 2000-2020 was conducted.
Abstract: To investigate the occurrence and development pattern of large-scale hazardous chemicals emergencies, a statistical analysis of 195 large and above accidents of hazardous chemicals in China during 2000–2020 was conducted. A general description of the characteristics of larger and above accidents based on statistical data was analyzed, and then the system risk of the hazardous chemical industry was calculated and evaluated by the entropy weight method and the TOPSIS method comprehensively. Results show that: (1) The geographical distribution of large and above hazardous chemical accidents (LAHCA) varies significantly; (2) The high-temperature season has high probabilities of having large and above accidents; (3) Human factors and management factors are the main causes of LAHCA; (4) During the period from 2000 to 2020, due to the rapid development of the chemical industry, the overall risk of accidents involving hazardous chemicals were upswing accompanied by volatility, and the risk of serious accidents remains high. The development history of safety regulations in China’s hazardous chemical sector and the industry’s projected course for future growth were then discussed. Finally, based on the findings of the aforementioned statistics and research, specific recommendations were provided for the safety management of the hazardous chemical sector. This study expects to provide a practical and effective reference for the construction of safety management as well as accident prevention in the hazardous chemical industry.
3 citations
References
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TL;DR: It is concluded that safety climate might be considered an alternative safety performance indicator and that research should focus on its scientific validity.
1,696 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of the influence of organizational and individual factors on safety climate in university and college laboratories in Taiwan revealed that organizational category of ownership, the presence of a safety manager and safety committee, gender, age, title, accident experience, and safety training significantly affected the climate.
165 citations
TL;DR: The Review concludes by delineating research questions that must be addressed to minimize future serious academic laboratory incidents as well as stressing the need for committed leadership from research institutions.
Abstract: Over the past ten years, there have been several high-profile accidents in academic laboratories around the world, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities. The aftermath of these incidents is often characterized by calls for reflection and re-examination of the academic discipline's approach to safety research and policy. However, the study of academic lab safety is still underdeveloped and necessary data about changes in safety attitudes and behaviours has not been gathered. This Review article critically examines the state of academic chemical safety research from a multifactorial stance, including research on the occurrence of lab accidents, contributors to lab accidents, the state of safety training research and the cultural barriers to conducting safety research and implementing safer lab practices. The Review concludes by delineating research questions that must be addressed to minimize future serious academic laboratory incidents as well as stressing the need for committed leadership from our research institutions.
100 citations
Book•
01 Nov 1990
TL;DR: The concept and its scope intensification substitution attenuation limitation of effects, simplification other ways of making plants friendlier the road to friendlier plants do the authors go too far in removing risk?
Abstract: Introduction - what is a friendly plant? inherently safer design - the concept and its scope intensification substitution attenuation limitation of effects, simplification other ways of making plants friendlier the road to friendlier plants do we go too far in removing risk?.
93 citations
TL;DR: A review on the development of safety indices, with particular emphasis on their application for process design, is presented and the type of information and the output one obtains from the application of such indices is described.
Abstract: This paper was made possible by NPRP grant No. 6-678-2-280 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.
82 citations