Addressing Safety and Risk Mitigation in Academic Laboratories: a Case Study

This study addresses the critical need for effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies in academic research environments. As research laboratories engage in increasingly complex projects, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and the surrounding environment becomes paramount. These settings are prone to various vulnerabilities, including manual operations, transient states, and diverse training backgrounds. This work presents a case study focusing on the potential hazards and risks associated with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The analysis examines critical factors such as catalyst use, high-temperature reactions, potential by-products, and the influence of human error during manual operations. Utilizing a systematic approach that incorporates interaction matrices and HAZOP analysis, the study identifies potential undesired scenarios, ranging from minor incidents to severe consequences, and evaluates their likelihood and impact. In response to the identified risks, the paper proposes targeted mitigation measures specifically designed for the Fischer-Tropsch experimental setting, structured as layers of protection. The findings of this research offer valuable insights into laboratory safety in academic settings, providing a risk assessment and mitigation model adaptable to various experimental setups. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications, this study aims to enhance safety standards in academic laboratories conducting Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and establish a foundation for continuous improvement in laboratory practices.