A study of the working environment of Chemical technologists: Universiti Malaysia Perlis perspective

Abstract

Laboratory workplace must be safe and conducive for all workers to work. Workers in chemical laboratories are exposed to lots of hazards. In some the hazards are well recognized. Where hazards are recognized, precautionary measures can be taken. Accidents at the workplace happen due to various reasons i.e. from laboratory facilities to nature of work. Consequently in order to ensure a safety, healthy and a favorable working environment, proper safety procedures at the workplace must devise and adhere to. At this juncture, both the employer and employees ought to be well-informed of some of the laws which have bearing on laboratory safety such as the “Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and the Environmental Quality Act, 1974 vis-à-vis the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) (Amendment) Regulations 2005”. This paper aim to inform the employers and the laboratory worker on the relevant laws and the safety practices which is common to all laboratory operators. It is hope that this guideline should help to avoid accidents at the workplace.