SRM Stay Safe Podcast - TBT Specials

Liam Scott explains how incorrect use, poor maintenance, modification, or complacency with laboratory equipment can lead to injuries, near misses, and serious incidents in UK labs. The episode outlines the importance of pre-use checks and compliance with work equipment regulations, emphasizing that equipment must be suitable, maintained, and used by trained competent people. It covers key risks and controls for centrifuges (balancing loads, inspecting rotors, never bypassing interlocks), autoclaves and pressure systems (thermal PPE, waiting for full pressure reduction, following loading instructions, not overriding safety systems, and meeting pressure system safety regulations), cryogenic liquids like liquid nitrogen (oxygen depletion, cold burns, brittle fracture, pressure buildup, ventilation, oxygen monitoring, suitable vented storage and PPE), and heating equipment (preventing fires through inspections, proper glassware, keeping flammables away, stability, switching off when unattended, and ensuring equipment is fit for continuous use). The script also stresses the role of portable appliance testing, calibration, servicing, integrity checks, and maintenance records, noting that overdue or unknown maintenance may mean equipment should not be used. It concludes that safe science depends on pre-use checks, respecting safety features, reporting faults, and refusing unsafe equipment use.

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast, host Liam Scott delves into the critical topic of biological hazards in laboratory settings. Regardless of whether a facility identifies as a biological lab, the presence of biological materials—from enzymes and cultures to environmental swabs and water samples—necessitates stringent safety measures. Liam covers essential topics such as the classification of biological agents, the importance of aseptic technique, the correct use of biosafety cabinets, effective decontamination methods, and strategies to prevent cross-contamination. By understanding and implementing these safety protocols, laboratory personnel can protect themselves, their colleagues, and the integrity of their scientific work.

Join Liam Scott in this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast as he delves into the crucial topic of laboratory waste management. Learn about different types of scientific waste, including chemicals, biological residues, and sharps. Discover the risks of poor waste management such as toxic vapors, environmental pollution, and non-compliance with UK laws. Get practical advice on segregating chemical waste by compatibility, safely handling biological waste, managing sharps to prevent injuries, and understanding why sink disposal is rarely appropriate. Ensure safety for yourself, your colleagues, and the environment by following proper waste management practices. Stay tuned for our next episode on biological safety and contamination control in mixed-use labs.

Welcome back to the Stay Safe Podcast with Liam Scott! In this episode, we delve into the critical aspects of chemical storage in UK laboratories. Learn about the importance of proper segregation, labeling, and stock control to prevent fires, toxic gas releases, and other serious incidents. Understand the legal requirements under COSHH and DSEAR for safe laboratory environments. Join us as we explore the best practices to ensure hazardous substances are stored safely, reducing risks and maintaining a stable lab environment.

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast Toolbox Talk series, Liam Scott delves into the critical components of laboratory safety: documentation and human competence. Learn about the importance of method statements, safe operating procedures, technical instructions, and risk assessments. Understand why clear, current, and accurate documentation is necessary to mitigate hazards, and why human competence goes beyond qualifications to include ongoing learning and practical experience. Discover how these two elements work together to create safer laboratory environments, reducing the risk of incidents and ensuring legal compliance. Stay tuned for our next episode on chemical storage and segregation.

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast's Toolbox Talk series, host Liam Scott discusses the critical role of engineering controls in laboratories. Learn about the importance of systems like fume cupboards and local exhaust ventilation (LEV), which protect you by removing hazards from your environment. Discover why these controls are prioritized over personal protective equipment (PPE) under UK law, and understand the necessary maintenance and checks to ensure their effectiveness. The episode emphasizes compliance with safety protocols, proper usage, and the significant role that interlocking systems and respiratory protection equipment (RPE) play in maintaining a safe laboratory environment.

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast's Toolbox Talk series, host Liam Scott delves into the crucial aspects of emergency preparedness in UK laboratories. The discussion emphasizes the importance of immediate, effective, and controlled response when safety controls fail. Covered topics include necessary emergency equipment like safety showers and eyewash stations, their maintenance, the role of spill kits, the significance of emergency drills, and HSE guidelines under the COSHH regulations. Learn why emergency preparedness is a non-negotiable component of laboratory safety and how it can significantly mitigate the impact of hazardous incidents.

Join Liam Scott in this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast's toolbox Talk series as he delves into the critical role of housekeeping in laboratory safety. Learn about the essential controls like clean benches, clear labeling, proper storage, and waste management. Understand how effective housekeeping under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations helps prevent chemical incidents, contamination, and injuries. Get practical tips for maintaining a tidy workspace that supports both safety and scientific accuracy from start to finish. Discover how consistent housekeeping reflects a professional laboratory culture and ensures a safer working environment for everyone. Tune in to improve your lab's housekeeping practices and stay safe!

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast, host Liam Scott delves into the importance of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) in preventing accidents in UK laboratories. He emphasizes that GLP isn't merely about following rules; it's about adopting daily behaviors that act as the first line of defense against chemical exposure, contamination, and accidents. Key points include the proper use of lab coats, minimizing clothing layers, tying back long hair, and maintaining hand hygiene. Scott also underscores the importance of good housekeeping behaviors like keeping benches tidy and labeling containers, which collectively prevent small oversight from becoming major incidents. By embedding GLP into laboratory culture, you ensure safety, compliance, and the integrity of scientific work.

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast Toolbox Talk series, host Liam Scott delves into the critical role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in laboratory safety. He explains why PPE should be considered the final barrier against hazards and emphasizes the importance of proper usage and selection. From lab coats to gloves and goggles, Scott provides essential tips on how to avoid common pitfalls and mitigate risks associated with hazardous chemicals and biological materials. Join us to learn how consistent and intentional PPE practices can drastically reduce the chances of incidents and ensure a safer working environment in scientific settings.

Welcome to the Stay Safe Podcast, hosted by Liam Scott. In this toolbox talk series, we will explore the critical controls, behaviors, and systems that help maintain safety in scientific laboratories across the UK. This introductory episode outlines the topics we'll cover in upcoming episodes, including PPE, good laboratory practices, housekeeping, emergency preparedness, engineering controls, documentation and competence, chemical storage and segregation, waste management, biological safety, and equipment safety and maintenance. Our aim is to not only tell you what to do but to explain why it matters, ensuring that safety becomes an integral part of your daily routine. Join us to enhance your understanding of laboratory safety, whether you're an experienced researcher or just beginning your scientific career.

In the final episode of the Stay Safe Podcast Food Safety Series, host Liam Scott explores the critical concept of food safety culture. Highlighting that culture goes beyond policies and procedures, he discusses the importance of shared habits, attitudes, and everyday decisions that turn food safety from a rule book into a routine. The episode emphasizes the collective responsibility of everyone, from operators to managers, in maintaining safety standards. Key takeaways include speaking up about issues, learning from near misses, continuous training, positive reinforcement, and leading by example. The episode underscores that real food safety culture is built by people, through consistent actions and shared commitment.

In this episode of the Stay Safe podcast, host Liam Scott delves into the crucial topic of food defense and site security. Beyond hygiene and allergy management, food defense encompasses protecting products from deliberate tampering and unauthorized access. Liam discusses the importance of vigilance, proper security protocols, and routines such as signing in/out and checking seals on deliveries. Emphasizing the significance of drills and emergency procedures, he outlines how good security practices are intertwined with everyday health and safety measures. Join Liam as he highlights key actions to foster a culture of security and ensure the safety of food products, workplaces, and everyone involved.

In this episode of the Stay Safe podcast, host Liam Scott delves into the crucial aspects of site rules and zoning to ensure food safety in food factories. The discussion covers the importance of separating zones (low risk, high risk, high care), using barriers like boot wash stations and airlocks, adhering to color-coded PPE and tools, and following designated routes to prevent cross-contamination. The episode also highlights the significance of waste management, maintenance protocols, pest control, and site security in maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Tune in to learn how these practices not only protect food products but also enhance overall workplace safety.

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast, host Liam Scott delves into the essential practices for product and people safety focusing on temperature management. Discover the importance of maintaining the right temperatures to prevent bacterial growth, and learn about critical control points (CCPs) in HACCP plans. Liam provides practical guidelines for daily temperature checks and outlines corrective actions for deviations. The episode also stresses the significance of proper labeling and worker safety, ensuring a holistic approach to maintaining safe food processes. Stay tuned for our next episode on site rules and zoning. Stay safe!

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast, host Liam Scott dives into the importance of following procedures and keeping accurate documentation in food production. Learn why SOPs (safe operating procedures) are vital to preventing mistakes and ensuring safety on site. Discover how proper documentation supports traceability, compliance, and overall safety, and why it's essential to report issues immediately. Liam also highlights the significance of training and constant learning in maintaining high food safety standards. Join us to understand how these practices protect people, jobs, and products.

In this episode of the Stay Safe Podcast, Liam Scott discusses crucial steps to maintain food safety on the production line. Topics covered include keeping workstations clean, using approved cleaning products correctly, maintaining personal hygiene, managing allergens, preventing cross-contamination, and safe chemical handling. Learn how to protect food, prevent accidents, and ensure a safe working environment. Stay tuned for our next episode on the importance of following procedures and accurate documentation.

In this episode, Liam Scott from Scott Risk Management looks at why good personal hygiene is the first step to food safety. From proper handwashing and clean PPE to reporting illness, we’ll explore how small daily habits prevent contamination, protect your colleagues, and keep the food you help produce safe for everyone. Simple actions that make a real difference — shift after shift.

In the Stay Safe Podcast Toolbox Talk Edition Season 2, host Liam Scott introduces a series focused on food safety and its importance for both the product and the workers in food production. The podcast series by Scott Risk Management aims to simplify safety principles and connect them to everyday practices. Topics covered include personal hygiene, cleaning procedures, documentation, temperature control, site rules, food defense, and fostering a safety culture. The intent is to present real-world, actionable advice to enhance food safety and worker well-being, illustrating how every action contributes to safety and quality.

In Episode 9 of the SRM Stay Safe Podcast - TBT specials, I, Liam Scott, delve into the critical role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in safeguarding workers. We explore why PPE is more than just a compliance measure—it's a vital line of defense when other safety procedures fail. I discuss common mistakes in choosing and wearing PPE, emphasizing the importance of proper fit and maintenance. From head to toe, the right PPE can prevent thousands of injuries annually. I also highlight the personal responsibility each worker has in ensuring their gear is suitable and well-maintained. Tune in to learn how these real-world precautions can keep you and your colleagues safe on the job. Remember, safety starts with you.