Date: March 9, 2010 12:11:05 PM
EST
Subject: RE:
[DCHAS-L] GLOVES IN STUDENT LABS
Risk assessment is key - true - but risk
assessment extends beyond the immediate activity. And indeed, the rule-based
approach is less winsome than the rationale-based approach. I say do both - have the
rule but give the rationale.
The rationale is the vehicle by which the organization=92s rule
becomes the individual=92s own rule.
Most labs
I=92ve seen manage their PPE by activity, rather than by geography. =93When I do something
hazardous, I=92ll put on the gear.=94 Seems sensible. But it=92s much less
reliable. For one
thing, hazard identification is not a 100% kind of thing. And what is your neighbor
doing? How confident
are you that your neighbor - or you! - have cleaned up all residues,
spills, etc.
In my
view this comes down to identifying a lab as a hazardous workplace, as
opposed to office location or living space (think: the =93indentured
service=94 of many grad students). You don=92t wear gloves in
your living room - and most don=92t mind eating there either. So the loss of
appreciation of commonplace hazards is a real problem among the lab
denizens.
-Nick
