Legal Requirements for Health and Safety in Laboratory Practice

Abstract

Background: Laboratory is built and used for specialized services, research, teaching and learning. Commonly, laboratory often leads to health hazards to human and/or the environment from inappropriate use. To limit and avoid the possibility of hazards, laboratory are designed to operate under some legal requirements. This paper will give the legal requirement preconditions needed to facilitate the wellbeing, welfare and protection of the employees.

Methods/Results: The paper explores the existing laws in Nigeria and identified, as relevant those amended in the 1999 constitution, hinging on the Factories Act 1987, now Cap F 1 LFN 2004 and Employees Compensation Act 2010. It gave the safety rules that employer and employee must observe in addition to the duties expected for the health and safety of both. It discusses what constitutes criminal breech and possible compensation that should be given out should the need arise.

Conclusion: In conclusion, it is important for health workers to obtain and renew their practicing licence as at and when due.

Key words: Laboratory, Legal Requirements, Health, Safety.