Good Lab Practice and Why It’s So Important

Good laboratory practice is paramount for UK labs – as stringent adherence to regulation ensures licence renewal, optimum results and staff satisfaction. Here we explore the relevance and importance of good lab practice and explain how Johnsons lab services can help.

What does good lab practice involve?

The term ‘good lab practice’ serves as an umbrella for an extensive range of disciplines and requirements that ensure the safe and smooth running of a laboratory environment. Indeed without a good lab practice policy laboratories simply can’t function, as licencing and permissions greatly depend on it. Government guidelines state that any facility conducting safety tests on medicines, chemicals, cosmetics, foodstuffs or biocides must be a member of the UK GLP, its laboratory compliance monitoring programme. Therefore when inspections are carried out on an annual basis labs are expected to meet a stringent set of requirements and regulations.

Why is good lab practice important?

The importance of good laboratory practice can be defined by the consideration of three principle elements – safety, ethics and management. For a successful lab operation staff and visitors must be safe. Practices must be ethical. Management must be well organised and comprehensive. When panning out a little to take in the wider picture it’s clear to see why compliance is key. Good lab practice prevents isolated internal incidents that could have catastrophic implications outside the four walls of the facility, such as cross-contamination, chemical leaks and infection.

A simpler, safer way to ensure good lab practice at all times

At Johnsons we take good lab practice, safety and compliance incredibly seriously. We understand that when labs work with us, we are by default an extension of their operations, therefore our knowledge and the quality of our services is a reflection of their wider function. For this reason we go the extra mile for our clients, providing a dangerous goods safety advisor as standard who will advise on advise on the classification, packing, handling, labelling, and transportation of hazardous materials.

Planning an upcoming laboratory move? Need to ensure full compliance and good lab practice throughout? Get in touch today to learn more about our specialist lab services.

The Importance of a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor

A laboratory relocation is often a complex and sensitive operation – requiring a cohesive effort involving multiple agencies and specialists. Relocation can be further complicated by the presence of dangerous goods – often found in a range of laboratories. Despite this some providers don’t include a dangerous goods safety advisor as standard – potentially leaving laboratories open to catastrophic consequences, compromised operations or even legal action. So why is reliable dangerous goods management so important, and how can you choose a reputable DGSA to support your relocation?

Dangerous goods require specialist assistance

From cleaning products and pesticides to solvents and biological samples – even seemingly inoffensive or unassuming items can be classed as dangerous goods. Their classification is complex and nuanced – involving nine different tiers each with varying regulations and recommendations. Dangerous goods naturally require careful handling and management by fully trained professionals. Good lab practice considers the safety of employees and operations as a whole in conjunction with one another, so when a lab move is on the horizon dangerous goods management is naturally front of mind.

What does the role of a dangerous goods safety advisor involve?

A dangerous goods safety advisor or DGSA has extensive and specific knowledge relating to the handling, management and transportation of dangerous goods. They understand that careful planning and preparation is paramount and will consult and advise on the dangerous goods aspect of the relocation.

Choose wisely for complete peace of mind

We take the movement of dangerous goods incredibly seriously – so we have in-house dangerous goods safety advisors who are on-hand to assist during laboratory relocation. Naturally this greatly minimises risk and ensures compliance and appropriate handing and management at all times. Having in-house knowledge of dangerous substances helps lab managers to retain complete peace of mind – but there are additional benefits associated with having expert assistance on side. A specialist advisor can oversee this aspect of the move, helping to significantly streamline the process and lowering costs thanks to the elimination of wasted time and resources.

Planning for an upcoming laboratory move? Get in touch with Johnsons today to discuss your requirements.