Safety improvements for laboratory handling of energetic materials applying system-theoretic process analysis

Abstract

Over the past few years, numerous accidents have occurred during dangerous chemical experiments. Although there is a considerable amount of literature on laboratory safety, there is still a lack of systematic research that examines how the various laboratory systems interact and potentially contribute to accidents. The objective of this work is to lessen accidents and incidents related to Handling Energetic Materials in Research Laboratories by utilizing STPA (System-Theoretic Process Analysis). This involves examining unsafe interactions between system components, detecting potential undesired events, and implementing measures to prevent or reduce their impact. Recent literature on laboratory safety, quality standards, and interviews with lab workers were used as data sources for the STPA elaboration. As a result, it was possible to identify Unsafe Control Actions, Loss Scenarios, Causal Factors, and Safety Constraints to be considered to avoid undesired events or to mitigate their consequences during the Energetic Material Handling in research centers. It was also possible to point out key measures that can reduce waste, enhance productivity, allocate resources more effectively, decrease accidents, and, most importantly, mitigate potential hazards in laboratory work. The SPTA analysis presented a way to improve laboratory safety management and ensure a safer and more productive research environment.