Riscos ocupacionais de laboratório de pesquisa

Abstract

The research laboratory is a common space in universities and research centers with the use of relevant number of researchers, teachers, students, employees and trainees. However, in general, it is a place where security practices are relegated to background due to the lack of knowledge of risks and users information. The execution of the laboratorial activities exposes the worker to several risks that must be identified in order to minimize them and preserve the health and safety of the individual. Thus, the present work aims to carry out a survey of the risks inherent to the activities carried out in a research laboratory located in the state of Paraná.For this, standards were used for noise calculations to which workers are exposed and for illuminance in the laboratory. The noise was calculated from a formula present in the NHO 01 of Fundacentro. There was a cycle of noise exposure of about 1 hour. Since the sound pressure meter used was a instantaneous reading, measurements were planned to cover 4 complete cycles on two different days, with 2 cycles being totaled in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Measurements were programmed for every 15 seconds (totaling 14,400 seconds) to ensure good representativeness. The calculation of illuminance was based on ABNT NBR 5382 of 1985, which deals with the verification of interior illuminance. Due to the fact that the laboratory has two different types of lighting, the site was divided into two sectors. The first was defined as a regular work field, illuminated with regular standard light sources, symmetrically spaced in three rows. And the second was defined as a regular work camp with bright ceiling. At the end of the risk assessment, and a preliminary risk analysis - APR, it was possible to prepare the laboratory’s risk map. Among the results, the main risks posed were chemical (incorrect storage, absence of protocols for use and chemical information), ergonomic (inadequate furnishings causing discomfort in sitting position, delayed lighting), and accident (inadequate physical arrangement ). Other risks, such as biological (possible biological contamination at the sampling and maintenance stages of cyanobacteria strains) and physical (noise of 76 dB (A), above that recommended for acoustic comfort in laboratories) were also verified, however, with low level of representativeness.