6 Things To Look For In A Lab Safety Video

Among the hum of machines and the clinking of glassware is a bustling laboratory. While researchers and lab technicians are fueled by the desire to uncover new knowledge, danger may lurk.

While any day may seem like it’s going according to plan, a sudden unexpected emergency can create a significant moment of vulnerability.

“We have a spill!” are likely the words no lab manager wants to hear. Yet spills and other emergencies can happen, and in the heat of the moment, details can blur and uncertainty can take hold. 

A lab safety video can help guide through the chaos of those critical moments when seconds count and decisions matter. A well-prepared laboratory workforce can use the knowledge and demonstrations from a safety video as a lifeline that empowers them with the skills and confidence they need to navigate unexpected challenges.

But with the internet full of options, what should you look for in a lab safety video to ensure your employees get the most out of their learning experience?

The best lab safety videos will feature:

1. A clear and engaging presentation
2. Comprehensive coverage
3. Accurate information
4. Real-life scenarios
5. Step-by-step demonstrations
6. Emphasis on hazard mitigation

A Clear And Engaging Presentation

First thing’s first. While a lab safety video should be clear in what it is reviewing, it should also be engaging in order to make the biggest impact. In other words, if a video is over-technical, too complex or simply boring, viewers will lose interest quickly. And if that interest is lost, no matter how important the content, its effectiveness will be greatly diminished.

A safety video should instead be well-produced, visually appealing and engaging. Clear graphics, animations and demonstrations can help convey information effectively, keeping viewers interested and focused on the content.

Your goal should be to inspire safety at work, not induce indifference.

Comprehensive Coverage

Safety videos should be comprehensive in coverage, whether they are addressing one particular aspect or tool used in a laboratory, or lab safety in general.

For example, a lab safety video that focuses on using hazardous substances in the lab should include topics like:

• Proper lab safety goggles
• Knowledge of lab safety symbols
• What attire is required, such as lab coats, closed-toe shoes, gloves and hair coverings
• How to safely handle chemicals
• What emergency protocols should be in place in the event of a spill
• Which laboratory cabinets and countertops should be in the lab to accommodate these chemicals
• Steps for proper storage of chemicals and hazardous materials
• How to use and maintain safety equipment, such as eyewash stations and fire extinguishers 
• Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Electrical safety guidelines
• Prevention of cross-contamination and personal contamination
• Important lab safety rules and guidelines

While a lab safety video should address a wide range of topics to ensure individuals are well-informed, each topic should be discussed thoroughly, allowing viewers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific safety measures and protocols related to that particular topic. This ensures that viewers can absorb the necessary information and apply it effectively within the content of their laboratory work.

Accurate Information

While it may seem a given that a lab safety video should include accurate information, what’s accurate now may not be the same as what was accurate when the video was made.

Scientific understanding and safety protocols can change over time, so the video should reflect the latest best practices and standards.

Choosing videos from equipment manufacturers, industry organizations and regulatory bodies that oversee safety in the workplace and protocols for using specific products helps to ensure you’re receiving the latest information available. For example, organizations like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and American Chemical Society (ACS) all regularly publish updated guidelines and safety videos related to hazards in the workplace.

Real-Life Scenarios

Including real-life scenarios and examples can help viewers understand the practical application of safety measures. These scenarios can illustrate potential dangers and how to respond appropriately, making the content more relatable and memorable. 

These scenarios can range from chemical spills and equipment malfunctions to emergencies like fires or injuries. By observing how characters in the video react to these situations and employ proper safety protocols, viewers can gain insights into effective problem-solving and critical thinking under pressure.

This approach not only enhances understanding, but also encourages active engagement with the content that can be applied in real-world laboratory settings. 

Once the video is over, you can use the scenarios in the video to create role-playing sessions in which employees “act out” what they would do in those specific situations. 

Step-By-Step Demonstrations

A safety video should provide clear step-by-step demonstrations of various safety procedures. This could include proper techniques for handling chemicals, using equipment, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and responding to emergencies. 

These demonstrations should be easy to follow and understand. For example, a quality video that includes step-by-step demonstrations may showcase the correct procedure for something as simple as putting on safety gloves or something as complex as spill cleanup, guiding viewers through the necessary actions to contain, neutralize and clean up while minimizing risks to themselves and the environment.

These videos could also serve as starting points for creating your own demonstrations that employees could practice in real-life training scenarios, enhancing their proficiency and confidence in applying safety protocols.

Emphasis On Hazard Mitigation

One of the most important objectives of any effective lab safety video is to instill a strong emphasis on hazard mitigation. Hazard mitigation includes proactive strategies and measures that are designed to identify, assess and minimize potential risks within a laboratory environment. 

By focusing on hazard mitigation, a safety video’s goal should be to empower individuals to anticipate and address potential dangers before they escalate into safety incidents or accidents.

When choosing a lab safety video for your workplace, some key points the best videos feature often include:

• Identification and Assessment: This involves recognizing both obvious and subtle risks associated with chemicals, equipment, processes and workspaces. By understanding and categorizing hazards, individuals can better implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Hierarchy of Controls: The concept of the hierarchy of controls should be clearly explained. This hierarchy outlines a systematic approach to mitigating hazards. The hierarchy includes measures like elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Preventive Measures: These measures could include ensuring proper storage of chemicals, maintaining clear workspaces, adhering to ergonomic practices and adopting safe handling procedures for equipment.
• Training and Education: Hazard mitigation relies heavily on well-informed personnel. The video should stress the importance of thorough training and continuous education to enhance employees' understanding of hazards, risk assessment and appropriate mitigation techniques.
• Emergency Preparedness: While mitigation focuses on prevention, a quality video should also stress the significance of being prepared for emergencies. This includes understanding emergency protocols, knowing the location of safety equipment like eyewash stations and fire extinguishers, and practicing evacuation procedures.
• Reporting and Feedback: Encourage viewers to actively participate in hazard identification and mitigation by promoting an open communication channel for reporting potential risks. Emphasize the importance of feedback loops that allow employees to contribute to ongoing safety improvements.

While every safety video doesn’t necessarily have to include each of these key points above, the most effective videos will incorporate a message that emphasizes taking the steps to create a safer working environment for everyone.

A Cultural Commitment

A strong culture of safety can be felt across an entire company. Every employee plays an important role in ensuring a safe workspace, and a video should inspire a sense of collective responsibility for safety among all personnel, from new hires to seasoned professionals. 

This commitment can then foster an environment where hazard identification and mitigation become second nature. At the end of any safety video, workers should feel empowered to create a safer, more secure laboratory environment for themselves and their colleagues.