Health and safety are critical pillars of any laboratory environment. With the complexities of handling hazardous substances, operating specialised equipment, and maintaining strict procedural standards, laboratory professionals must be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to ensure workplace safety. The OSHAA 30-Hour Diploma in Health and Safety Practices in the Laboratory is an essential qualification for anyone working within scientific, medical, or industrial laboratories seeking to enhance their understanding of occupational safety and compliance.
The OSHAA 30-Hour Diploma is a structured training programme designed to educate laboratory personnel on key health and safety principles. This internationally recognised qualification addresses various aspects of occupational safety tailored specifically for laboratory settings. The course is ideal for laboratory technicians, supervisors, managers, researchers, and safety officers who are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment.
This diploma aligns with global health and safety standards, offering comprehensive instruction on hazard identification, risk assessment, incident response, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). It is especially beneficial for organizations aiming to improve their internal health and safety culture and comply with both local and international regulations.
The OSHAA 30-Hour Diploma in Health and Safety Practices in the Laboratory is a vital investment for individuals and organisations committed to safety excellence. By equipping laboratory personnel with the skills to identify risks, implement preventative measures, and respond effectively to incidents, this qualification contributes significantly to a safer working environment.
OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Health and Safety Practices in the Laboratory
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Laboratory Health and Safety (2 hours)
- Understand the importance of health and safety in laboratory environments
- Recognise the common risks associated with laboratory work
- Identify key components of a safe laboratory culture
- Appreciate the role of individual responsibility in promoting safety
Legal Requirements and Regulatory Compliance (5 hours)
- Interpret key legislation relevant to laboratory health and safety
- Understand employer and employee legal duties under health and safety law
- Identify national and international regulatory bodies and standards
- Apply legal frameworks to ensure laboratory compliance
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in Laboratories (4 hours)
- Identify various types of hazards in laboratory settings
- Conduct effective risk assessments using recognised methods
- Evaluate and prioritise risks based on likelihood and severity
- Develop control measures to mitigate identified hazards
Chemical and Biological Safety Practices (4 hours)
- Understand the properties and classifications of hazardous chemicals
- Apply safe handling procedures for chemical and biological agents
- Use safety data sheets (SDS) to inform safe practice
- Implement protocols to minimise exposure and contamination risks
Safe Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials (3 hours)
- Identify appropriate storage conditions for various hazardous substances
- Apply segregation principles to prevent incompatible chemical storage
- Use correct containers and labelling for storage and transport
- Maintain inventory and documentation in accordance with regulations
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (5 hours)
- Select appropriate PPE for specific laboratory tasks and hazards
- Demonstrate correct use and maintenance of PPE
- Recognise limitations of different types of PPE
- Promote PPE compliance through proper training and supervision
Emergency Procedures and Incident Response (3 hours)
- Respond effectively to common laboratory emergencies
- Implement evacuation, fire response, and spill containment procedures
- Report and document incidents accurately
- Support post-incident reviews and corrective actions
Waste Management and Environmental Controls (4 hours)
- Classify different types of laboratory waste
- Apply safe disposal methods for chemical, biological, and sharps waste
- Understand environmental regulations impacting laboratory operations
- Implement waste minimization and sustainability practices
- Enhances understanding of critical health and safety principles tailored specifically to laboratory environments
- Equips participants with the practical skills to identify, assess, and control laboratory-specific hazards
- Supports compliance with national and international health and safety legislation and industry best practices
- Reduces the risk of workplace incidents, injuries, and exposure to hazardous materials
- Promotes a proactive safety culture within laboratory teams and organisations
- Improves professional credibility and boosts career development opportunities in science, healthcare, and industrial sectors
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to workplace safety, making candidates more valuable to employers
- Strengthens emergency preparedness and response capabilities in high-risk environments
- Encourages environmentally responsible practices through safe waste management and sustainability awareness
- Provides an internationally recognised certification that validates knowledge and competence in laboratory health and safety
The OSHAA 30-Hour Diploma in Health and Safety Practices in the Laboratory is designed for individuals working in, or intending to work in, laboratory environments where health and safety are a critical concern. It is particularly suitable for:
- Laboratory technicians and assistants handling chemicals, biological agents, or hazardous equipment
- Health and safety officers responsible for ensuring compliance within laboratory settings
- Laboratory supervisors and managers overseeing day-to-day operations and safety standards
- Scientific researchers and analysts working in academic, clinical, or industrial laboratories
- University staff and postgraduate students engaged in laboratory-based research
- Quality assurance and compliance personnel involved in laboratory audits and inspections
- Professionals in pharmaceutical, biomedical, chemical, and environmental sectors
- Anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge of laboratory safety and gain an industry-recognized qualification
