Development of Laboratory in Nakhon Phamon University to follow Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratory in Thailand (ESPReL)

Abstract

      This study aimed to develop and elevate the chemical laboratories at Nakhon Phanom University to meet the safety standards in compliance with the Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratory in Thailand (ESPReL). A survey of the baseline data for chemical laboratories at Nakhon Phanom University identified 23 laboratories. Recommendations for elevating the laboratories were provided based on the ESPReL Checklist, which consisted of seven components as follows: 1) institutions should conduct regular inspections of building structures and laboratory systems by experts at least once a year; 2) administrators responsible for overseeing safety operations should attend trainings on safety management systems and relevant laws and regulations; and 3) laboratories should evaluate risks associated with chemical usage, storage, disposal, and exposure pathways of chemicals to establish control measures and minimize risks to acceptable levels. Two laboratories participated in the elevation and safety evaluation process in compliance with the ESPReL Checklist: Advanced Chemistry Laboratory 1 and Advanced Laboratory 2. The overall scores across all seven components before improvement were 71.2% and 63%, respectively, and the overall scores after improvement increased to 95.4% and 93.6%, respectively. Based on these self-assessment scores, both laboratories are eligible for evaluation and certification under the peer evaluation process.