In case of an emergency it is important to have an emergency
response plan in place to reduce the risks or dangers that it have on the
safety and health of individuals. According to the National Institute of
Environmental Health and Science, emergency response is the organizing,
coordinating and directing of available resources in order to respond to the
event and get the emergency under control. Having a plan in place is crucial in
minimizing the effect of the event.
Emergency response plans must include the information needed
in evaluating the possible impacts that it could have. Being attentive and
careful when working in a lab can help prevent the case in which an emergency
response plan would need to be implemented. However, it is important in all
labs and organizations that a plan with specific steps and procedures are in
place. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration an
emergency can create a variety of hazards for people. Preparing for an
emergency before one has actually happened plays an essential role in ensuring
the safety of others. It is pertinent that the lab or other organizations have
the necessary equipment and know how to use it. It is also important that there
is a detailed route to get to safety.
If an emergency were to occur it is important to notify
officials so they can get to the emergency as soon as possible and help manage
and monitor the situation. Depending on how serious the emergency can depend on
who the lab personnel are required to contact. OSHA requires all businesses and
laboratories to have an emergency plan there are specific regulations and guidelines
that must be followed in all emergency response plans.
The emergency response plan should describe the actions that
individuals need to take in case of an emergency. The emergency response plan
should be discussed during employee training and should include emergency
response contacts, where personal protective equipment and clothing is located,
and how to properly use the personal protective equipment. If an emergency has occurred
it is important that personnel update the plan according to what went well and
what could use improving.
In a laboratory setting response actions should include
spill pads, personal protective equipment, and appropriate emergency equipment.
The labs should make sure that everything is up to date and meets all necessary
safety regulations. If a case were to
occur where an individual working in the lab were to get chemicals on their
skin or in their eyes, labs are equipped with eyewash stations and safety
showers. However, depending on the severity of the chemical that came in
contact the individual’s lab it is, is required to contact help. There should
also be spill kits available containing instructions, personal protective
equipment and absorbent pads, so that lab personnel can effectively clean the
spill if it is minor. If it is a major chemical spill individuals within the
lab are to evacuate, and alert individuals. Labs should also include fire extinguishers
in case a chemical reaction causes a fire. The emergency response guide should
be located in the lab near all exits and telephones. 
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