Hygienic risk assessment in biotechnology laboratory using the EMKG method: guide to best practices and procedures

Abstract

Information on the production of biomaterials through electrospinning has been reported; however, it is necessary to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and researchers who may be inadvertently exposed to biomaterials during laboratory tasks such as weighing, solution preparation, polymer solution loading, and cleaning. Aim: The aim is to contribute to increasing knowledge in this area by assessing the hygiene risks of activities involving hazardous substances in the biomaterials laboratory where scaffolds with potential biomedical applications are produced. Method and materials: The occupational risk assessment was performed according to EMKG Tools Workplace & Chemicals due to its ease of use, speed, and clarity compared to COSHH and INRS methods. Accessible parameters are used to estimate hazards and associate them with control strategies, which are implemented using the control guide (operating procedures and solution preparation protocol). Thirty-five chemicals used in the biomaterials laboratory were evaluated using the EMKG method, the following nine were classified as hazardous chemicals: dimethylformamide, acetic acid, acetonitrile, methanol, hexane, lithium chloride, acetone, and ethanol, considering their respective Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Exposure estimates were based on parameters such as effective area, contact duration, quantity group, release group, and control strategy. Results: Of the nine chemicals identified, dimethylformamide and chloroform were classified as risk level 3, representing a significant hazard. Acetic acid, acetonitrile, methanol, hexane, and lithium chloride were classified as risk level 2, indicating the need for technical and organizational measures. Finally, acetone and ethanol were assigned a risk level 1, in line with good laboratory practices. Conclusions: Hygienic risks for teachers, students, and researchers were identified during laboratory activities, even when substances were used at low concentrations. Therefore, it is essential to implement measures that standardize procedures and minimize the possibility of unwanted incidents.