What is an ineffective way to identify hazards in a lab setting?

The identification of hazards in a laboratory setting is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. Considering only hazards that have previously caused obvious illness or injury is ineffective because it limits the scope of hazard assessment. This approach can lead to complacency, as it might overlook potential risks that have not yet resulted in overt incidents but may still pose significant threats. Hazards can change over time; new materials, techniques, or procedures may introduce risks that were not previously recognized or associated with illness or injury. By restricting focus solely to past incidents, one becomes reactive rather than proactive, which can compromise safety.

In contrast, actively consulting governmental agencies, involving environmental health and safety professionals, and relying on broader experiences can provide a more comprehensive understanding of potential hazards that may not have immediate historical data backing them. By utilizing a diverse array of resources, a more thorough and effective hazard identification process can be achieved, ultimately leading to a enhanced safety culture within the lab environment.