Risk Management Analysis of Educational Laboratory at XYZ State University

Abstract

Educational laboratories play a strategic role as executors of practical and research activities by students, lecturers, technicians, and laboratory assistants. Chemical laboratories use chemicals intensively when conducting research and practical work. This study aimed to analyze the risk categories, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies of educational laboratories at XYZ State University. The data collection methods used in this study were questionnaires and direct interviews. The method for determining the respondent sample used purposive sampling, by determining the criteria for respondents who were directly involved in laboratory activities, consisting of laboratory officials and laboratory technicians. This study applied an in-depth study approach to 17 laboratories with characteristics of laboratory category, laboratory type, chemical use, and laboratory certification status. The data analysis method used in this study was qualitative descriptive analysis, risk assessment using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method, and risk mitigation using the Hierarchy of Controls approach based on ISO 45001:2018. The results showed that laboratory risk assessments were divided into four risk categories: nine potential risks that affect humans, the environment, and laboratory equipment; seven risks are related to the use of chemicals; four risks are related to the use of laboratory equipment; and nine risks are related to security and safety procedures. Risk mitigation was carried out for risks with the highest Risk Priority Number (RPN), namely the risk of being exposed to cracked or broken glassware, the risk of the laboratory not providing emergency eyewash facilities or safety showers, the risk of damaged equipment not being promptly replaced, and the risk of an unavailable evacuation route.