Gestão de risco nos laboratórios universitários: estudo de caso no Instituto de Química da UERJ

Abstract

The present study analyzed the level of protection in the laboratories of the Institute of Chemistry of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), comparing it with the standards adopted by universities globally. The research also proposed measures to mitigate or eliminate the identified risks and assessed students' perceptions regarding the risks associated with academic and research activities in these environments. The methodology included detailed inspections of the laboratories, conducted based on national and international standards, with a focus on identifying risks related to fires and explosions. Additionally, a questionnaire was applied to measure users' perceptions of the existing risks in the laboratories. These actions allowed for a comparative analysis between the observations made during the audits and the responses obtained from the questionnaire. The results indicated a low level of protection in the laboratories, as well as an insufficient perception of risks among the students of the Institute of Chemistry. In this context, the prevention of severe accidents and the consolidation of a safety culture require that all laboratory users fully understand the potential risks and adopt a proactive approach to safety measures. Therefore, the importance of continuous training, familiarity with available safety and emergency equipment, and the proper use of these resources is emphasized. Given the frequent use of pressurized equipment and the handling of high-risk chemicals, such measures are essential for preventing accidents, especially those with potentially severe consequences. This study, thus, contributes to identifying deficiencies in laboratory safety and developing effective risk mitigation strategies.