UMPSA Chemical and Waste Safety Management Seminar attracts over 70 Laboratory Assistants and Teachers in Pahang

KUANTAN, 9 November 2024 – The Chemical and Waste Safety Management Seminar, organised by the Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology (FSTI) at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), recently attracted over 70 participants, including laboratory assistants and teachers from various schools across Pahang, such as Kuantan, Temerloh, Kuala Lipis, Rompin, and other districts.

The programme, organised by the OSERa research group under the Occupational Safety and Health Programme (KKP) at FSTI, was held in collaboration with Cenviro Services Sdn. Bhd. at the Makmur Trading Complex, Kuantan.

This one-day programme aimed to transfer knowledge and raise awareness about the safe management of chemicals and chemical waste in school laboratories. 

It also sought to promote the success of knowledge transfer initiatives between universities, industries, and the community, supported by the Social Innovation Grant and the Community Knowledge Transfer Project.

In addition to sharing best practices for managing chemical materials and waste, the seminar provided an excellent platform to enhance participants' understanding of risk control measures in workplaces involving hazardous chemicals. 

The programme also focused on raising awareness about safer chemical and waste management practices to minimise safety and health risks for workers exposed to these hazards.

Two main briefing sessions were delivered by UMPSA’s representative, Ts. Dr. Hanida Abdul Aziz, and Cenviro Services’ representative, Muhammad Lutfi Mohd Ramli.

The seminar also featured interactive activities facilitated by lecturers, science officers, and undergraduate students from the FSTI KKP programme, as well as representatives from Cenviro Services.

One of the key topics covered was the separation of chemicals, particularly during the storage process. 

Many school laboratories lack practical and safe storage systems for chemicals and waste, which poses significant safety risks.

Participants were also educated on compliance with regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to mitigate risks associated with hazardous chemicals and waste. 

These regulations aim to reduce harm to workers while addressing potential impacts on the local community and environment.

The programme received positive feedback from the Laboratory Assistants Association in Pahang, which acknowledged that opportunities for training on safe laboratory management are very limited.

The association expressed hope that similar programmes could be expanded to all schools, creating safer and healthier workplaces, particularly for laboratory assistants.

This issue requires urgent attention, as chemicals and waste in long-operating schools without systematic maintenance can pose significant risks. 

Potential hazards include gas poisoning or fires caused by the volatilisation or reaction of dangerous chemicals, which could endanger students using school laboratories.

The overwhelmingly positive response from participants highlights the importance of seminars like this in improving safety management practices in school laboratories.

It is also hoped that this initiative will reduce the risk of accidents while increasing awareness about the importance of safe chemical and waste management, particularly among schoolchildren.

By: Dr. Wan Norlinda Roshana Mohd Nawi, Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology (FSTI)

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)