ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF LABORATORY PERSONNEL TOWARDS CHEMICAL SAFETY IN UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA CAMPUSES, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and unsafe practices while handling chemicals can contribute to incidents such as fires, accidents, injuries and fatalities at academic institutions and laboratories. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of lab personnel towards chemical safety at an academic institution. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 laboratory personnel at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Malaysia using purposive sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed by email to collect data which was analysed using descriptive statistics, a Spearman Correlation Coefficient measures and a Chi-Squared test. In general, the respondents’ knowledge and attitudes towards chemical safety were high with median scores ranging between 79.2% and 88.9%, respectively. However, their practices were moderate, with a mean score of 74. 1%. There was a weak correlations between attitudes and the level of knowledge (rs = 0.38, p < 0.05) and practices (rs = 0.19, p < 0.05). There were significant associations between department, campus and training status (χ2 value, p < 0.05) with knowledge and practice levels. Although the overall scores were satisfactory, some aspects still need improvement, especially with regard to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals symbols, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance and emergency response procedures. The practice of eating and drinking in laboratories by lab personnel is an issue that also requires attention.