A systematic tool for Assessment and Classification of Hazards in Laboratories (ACHiL)

Large organizations as technological universities comprise numerous laboratories which are very rarely audited by health and safety professionals due to limited manpower. Moreover, research activities are permanently progressing with a rapid hazard evolution hardly affordable for safety manager. The present paper proposes a methodology based on Assessment and Classification of Hazards in Laboratories (ACHiL). It allows professionals evaluating their laboratories' hazard level using an innovative platform. This tool includes a series of 28 specific hazards classified in a four level scale (from 0 to 3) allowing to identify laboratories with high level of danger or cumulative hazards. In fine, ACHiL, a hazard mapping platform, can be used as a safety management decision-making support tool for Safety Officers and Dean of School. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.