Laboratory Safety and Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Electrical and Ergonomic Hazards

Electrical hazards, such as shocks, often result from improper equipment maintenance or damaged insulation. Meanwhile, long-term physical strain is addressed through ergonomics. Poor posture and repetitive motions can lead to repetitive stress injuries (RSI).

Biological and Reproductive Hazards

Biological hazards include any agent—such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi—that can produce harmful effects. Furthermore, exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., lead) or specific biological agents can present reproductive hazards, affecting the ability to reproduce or the health of a developing fetus.

Exam Tip: Remember the "Hierarchy of Controls." Engineering controls (like ventilation) are the most effective, followed by administrative controls (like training), with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being the last line of defense.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

When hazardous materials leave the laboratory, they fall under the jurisdiction of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) framework. In Canada, this is a strictly regulated program managed by Transport Canada to ensure public safety across rail, air, and water transport.

The consignor (the person or organization sending the goods) is legally responsible for the correct classification of the material. This involves identifying the specific shipping name, the UN number, and the appropriate packing group.

Classification of Infectious Substances (Class 6.2)

Infectious substances are a specific subset of the nine TDG hazard classes. They are categorized based on the level of risk they pose to humans or animals:

• Category A: High-risk substances capable of causing fatal disease or permanent disability in humans or animals (e.g., Ebola or SARS-CoV). Common examples include UN2814 (infecting humans) and UN2900 (infecting animals).
• Category B: Substances where the likelihood of infection during transport is considered extremely remote. These are identified by the UN number UN3373 (Biological Substance, Category B).
• Medical/Clinical Waste: Often categorized under UN3291.

Packaging Requirements for Safety

Proper packaging is critical to prevent leaks or releases during transit. The requirements vary depending on the classification of the substance.

P620 Packaging

This standard is used for Category A substances and certain Category B items. It requires a rigorous triple-layer approach:

1. A leakproof primary receptacle.
2. A leakproof secondary packaging.
3. A rigid outer container with a minimum thickness of $100\text{ mm}$. Additionally, sufficient absorbent material must be included to soak up the entire volume of the liquid in case of a leak.

P650 Packaging

This is the standard typically used for UN3373 (Category B) substances. While less intensive than P620, it still requires specific leakproof and sift-proof inner packaging and must bear a specific "square-on-point" mark to alert handlers of the biological content.

Summary Note: Safety is a shared responsibility. While employers must provide resources and training, employees are responsible for following established protocols and reporting hazards immediately.