The Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the College of Pharmacy, University of Basrah, organized a workshop entitled: "Chemical Risk Assessment and Risk Management in Research Laboratories."
The workshop featured a lecture presented by Dr. Hussein Hassan Hussein from the College of Education / Qurna, providing an introductory overview of chemical safety and security—defined as a set of principles, procedures, and policies aimed at protecting personnel, laboratories, and the environment from hazards associated with handling chemicals. Chemical safety centers on mitigating the risk of accidents, spills, and chemical intoxication during the utilization, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances.
The workshop aimed to identify chemical hazards, characterize laboratory chemicals (such as flammable, toxic, corrosive, or explosive agents), and interpret Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS). It also focused on assessing risk levels, evaluating the probability and severity of potential harm based on chemical concentration, handled volumes, and operational procedures, in addition to establishing risk control and management protocols. Furthermore, the lecture emphasized adherence to wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)—including lab coats, chemical-resistant gloves, and safety goggles—safe storage and proper handling protocols such as segregating incompatible materials (e.g., acids and bases, or oxidizers and flammables), and implementing mechanisms for safe chemical waste disposal.
The overarching goal of the workshop is to provide periodic safety training for postgraduate researchers, reinforce adherence to laboratory safety protocols including the use of emergency equipment like safety showers and eyewash stations, and establish structured evacuation plans in the event of a chemical spill or incident.
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