Failure to implement safe operating procedures can cause injury to personnel and damage to laboratory facilities. Most laboratory accidents are preventable but require meticulous attention to practices that will insure safe handling of hazardous materials, reactions, and procedures. Excellent reference sources for laboratory safety may be found in VA libraries. All employees are responsible for reporting all accidents.
Supervisors are responsible for investigating the incident and initiating corrective actions.
The facility's Safety and Fire Protection Officer shall be contacted any time there is an accident. A VA Form 2162, Report of Accident, must be filled out for specific incidents. See chapter 3 of MP-3, part III for requirements. Prompt action is necessary to minimize damage and exposure. Other personnel in the area should be alerted along with professional help such as firefighters.