Course Description
Individuals working in a laboratory can potentially be exposed to a variety of hazardous products and processes. Lab safety training is vital for those working and studying in labs as it equips them with the necessary skills to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring their own safety and that of their colleagues. Effective training helps prevent accidents and exposure to hazardous substances by instilling proper handling techniques and emergency response procedures. It promotes a culture of safety, compliance with regulatory standards, and responsible management of chemicals and laboratory waste. By prioritizing lab safety training, universities protect their academic community, enhance the quality of research, and create a secure environment conducive to scientific discovery and learning.
This course is designed for all individuals working in laboratories and will cover the major elements of laboratory safety, giving the participant a strong general foundation to understand the risks associated with working in a laboratory.
It is important to note that additional laboratory-specific training may also be required to properly address the specific chemicals, processes, and equipment in use in that laboratory.
Important for Dalhousie Students & Faculty
If you are a Dalhousie University student, you do not need to purchase or pay for this course. This course is available to you at no cost through Brightspace.
Please access the course directly in Brightspace instead of enrolling or paying here. If you’re unsure how to find it, check your course listings in Brightspace or contact openlearning@dal.ca for guidance.
Course Outline
There are a total of seven modules that make up the Laboratory Safety course:
- Module 1: Introduction to Safety
- Module 2: Planning and Responding to Emergencies
- Module 3: Evaluating Hazards and Assessing Risks in the Laboratory
- Module 4: Management of Chemicals
- Module 5: Working with Chemicals
- Module 6: Working with Laboratory Equipment
- Module 7: Management of Laboratory Waste
What You Will Learn
- Responsibilities
- Recognition and mitigation of laboratory hazards
- Working safely with chemicals
- The use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment
- Emergency procedures
Notes
The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of the minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
Recommended For
- Students in laboratory environments
- Laboratory workers
- Researchers
- Supervisors
- Principal Investigators (PIs)