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757 Laboratory Safety
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Barriers

When the hazard cannot be removed, replaced, or completely enclosed, the next best approach is to place a barrier or guard between the worker and the hazard to prevent exposure.

Partial enclosure, a barrier, and ventilation is used to reduce exposure to air contaminants.

For more information on effective barriers, see OSHAcademy course 726 Introduction to Machine Guarding.

Examples of effective barriers include:

  • Machine guarding to separate the hazard from the employee
  • Baffles used as noise-absorbing barriers
  • Nuclear radiation or heat shields

Ventilation

Ventilation involves removing potential air contaminants during normal operations. Consequently, it should be used only in conjunction with other types of controls, such as safe work practices designed specifically for the site condition and/or PPE. In the laboratory, the most common type of ventilation is local exhaust ventilation.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-5. In the laboratory, the most common type of ventilation is _____.