The Lab Safety Gurus

Unlock the secrets of aligning human psychology with laboratory safety protocols as Sean Kaufman and Dan Scungio unravel the intriguing parallels between Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the hierarchy of controls. Discover how addressing fundamental needs for air and water can be mirrored in engineering controls to create safer laboratory environments. As we journey through this discussion, we highlight the often overlooked connection between comfort, security, and adherence to safety measures, emphasizing the crucial role psychological safety plays in fostering an open culture of dialogue and innovation.Prepare to have your perspective on safety culture transformed as we explore the symbolic power of two triangles—one upright, one inverted—and their combined potential to revolutionize organizational safety practices. This episode delves into how these geometric shapes can provide unexpected insights for strengthening safety measures. With gratitude to Dan Scungio for being a catalyst in this conversation, we reaffirm our dedication as lab safety gurus committed to empowering laboratories worldwide to cultivate robust and effective safety cultures. Join us in this compelling exploration and be part of the transformation in laboratory safety dynamics.

How prepared are you mentally to handle a lab emergency? Join us as we unpack this crucial—but often overlooked—aspect of laboratory safety. In this riveting episode of the Lab Safety Gurus Podcast, we dive into the heart of psychological preparedness for lab workers. Dan Scungio shares his firsthand encounters with unexpected lab incidents, such as unknown source exposures and accidental pathogen contact. We discuss the everyday stressors of the lab environment, from staffing shortages to tight deadlines, and how they can lead to burnout, anxiety, and reduced performance. These factors can severely impede effective emergency responses, making mental readiness a vital component of laboratory safety.Leadership and continuous improvement are pillars of a robust emergency response plan. We emphasize the importance of having a dedicated individual to document events during emergencies, facilitating thorough reviews or "hot wash" meetings to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Tabletop scenarios and drills are not just beneficial—they're essential for discovering weak points in your emergency management plans. Effective leadership during crises is also highlighted; a calm and composed leader can make all the difference, guiding their team with confidence and reassurance. Tune in as Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman stress the indispensable role of planning and leadership in safeguarding our labs.

How do laboratories act as frontline warriors during health crises like COVID-19? Join us, Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, as we explore the indispensable role these labs play in diagnosing diseases, guiding treatments, and ensuring public safety. Drawing from our own experiences and professional insights, we discuss the procedural challenges and emotional pressures faced by laboratory professionals, emphasizing the urgent need for specialized training in handling dangerous substances.We also spotlight the unsung heroes working in public health and academic labs. These professionals are not only researching new treatments and diagnostics but are also preparing for threats to our food and environment. From developing life-saving vaccines to conducting groundbreaking experiments, their contributions are vital. Tune in as we celebrate the dedication and hard work of these laboratory scientists, whose efforts are crucial in the fight against emerging infectious diseases.

What happens when unsafe practices become the norm in your lab? Join us as we reflect on the tragic Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and how it unveiled the concept of "normalized deviance" — where organizations become desensitized to risky behaviors. We share our own memories of that devastating day and draw parallels to everyday lab environments, stressing the grave dangers of neglecting personal protective equipment (PPE) and bypassing engineering controls. By highlighting shocking examples, such as lab workers suffering severe chemical burns from washing with microchem, we aim to raise awareness about this critical issue and advocate for proactive safety measures to prevent such catastrophic outcomes.Promoting a robust safety culture goes beyond just following protocols; it requires open communication and consistent vigilance. We discuss how external audits can unearth normalized unsafe practices and the importance of creating an environment where safety concerns can be voiced without fear of retribution. Through the touching story of a father's daily calls to his children, we underscore the power of consistent communication in personal and professional spheres. Tune in to hear how these lessons can fortify your lab's safety and foster stronger, enduring connections with your colleagues and community.

Ever wondered how to handle that colleague who just doesn't seem to get it? On the latest episode of the Lab Safety Gurus Podcast, we promise to equip you with practical strategies and real-life anecdotes to tackle even the most challenging coworkers in your lab. From those who hog the spotlight to others who bend or break the rules, we break down various difficult personality types and explore the generational shifts impacting workplace dynamics. Learn how maintaining high standards and clear communication can significantly improve job commitment and performance quality.Join us as we highlight the power of professionalism, setting boundaries, and effective communication to foster a respectful and efficient workplace. Hear transformative stories about resolving conflicts with respect and love and discover why every action must have a corresponding reaction to create a structured work environment. We also stress the critical importance of safety compliance and proper use of PPE. Get actionable advice from hosts Dan and Sean on promoting a culture of safety and ensuring that everyone adheres to essential protocols. Tune in for an insightful discussion that promises to transform how you navigate your lab's social landscape.

When it comes to laboratory safety, the smallest steps can have the biggest impact—discover how with our special guests, Sean Kaufman and Dan Scungio, as we unveil the Beaking Method for doffing gloves. Developed in response to the harrowing realities of lab-acquired infections and the stark lessons from GloGerm experiments, this episode is a deep dive into a technique that's reshaping safety protocols. Hear about its critical role during the Ebola crisis and the roadblocks we faced in implementing it across healthcare settings, despite its undeniable effectiveness in reducing contamination risks.Our conversation takes an instructive turn, highlighting the paramount importance of precision in personal protective equipment removal. We'll guide you through the nuances of the "beaking method" and its varied reception in the field, dwelling on the challenges of altering ingrained behaviors for safer outcomes. Sean lends his expertise as we discuss the method's correct application in high-stakes environments and direct you to authentic demonstrations of the technique. Listen closely for an enlightening dialogue that not only educates but also empowers healthcare and laboratory professionals to safeguard themselves with confidence.You can view the Beaking Method at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfGivTv3wbc.

Are you equipped to face a 'man down' scenario in your lab? Ensuring your team's safety is paramount, and that's why we, Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, are here to share essential strategies and firsthand accounts for navigating these high-stress situations. Our latest episode of the Lab Safety Gurus Podcast is a deep dive into the critical response protocols needed when seconds count. With stories pulled from our own experiences, including a harrowing tale from a highly infectious disease unit in Atlanta, we provide a stark look at the dangers of unpreparedness and the life-saving power of immediate, informed action. We lay out the must-have tools for every lab's emergency kit, from mechanical creepers to AEDs and stop-the-bleed kits, while driving home the importance of comprehensive safety training for all personnel. You'll gain practical advice on how to maintain a state of readiness, and why something as simple as a zip-tied first aid kit can foster accountability and ensure prompt, proper care. This isn't just about ticking boxes for compliance; it's about instilling a culture of respect and preparedness that extends to every member of your lab—because when it comes to lab safety, every detail matters, and every second counts. Join us for a conversation that could very well change how you think about emergency response and lab safety.

When the ground shakes beneath a lab, every second counts. Join us, your Lab Safety Gurus, Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, as we dissect the thrilling, yet essential topic of laboratory evacuations, sparked by New Jersey's unexpected seismic stir. Through vivid recollections of the Virginia earthquake, we'll bring you eye-opening insights on the necessity of robust evacuation strategies, including horizontal and zonal methods, tailored for an array of exigencies. Encounter the gripping narrative of a BSL-4 lab where the blare of a fire alarm met with hesitation, a stark reminder of the pressing need for clear communication when every moment is critical.With infectious patients and biohazards thick in the lab air, the right preparation can mean the difference between chaos and control. In this session, we underscore the life-or-death importance of swift, guided escapes and the life-saving potential of self-decontamination backpacks. Dive into the mechanics of executing focused drills that confront the formidable task of evacuating highly infectious patients. Alongside Sean and me, saturate yourself in the strategies that fortify lab staff to tackle any emergency with decisive action, fortifying everyone's safety. It's a masterclass in laboratory emergency response, illuminating the path to safety for those on the frontlines of science.

Tired of snoozing through the same old lab safety spiel? Buckle up, because lab safety gurus Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman are here to shake up the status quo of blood-borne pathogen instruction. Get ready to transform your approach to lab safety as they lay out the raw truth behind the cookie-cutter compliance culture that's numbing the minds of lab professionals everywhere. By bringing our personal frustrations to the table, we illuminate the stark difference between rote policy reading and the dynamic impact of hands-on mentorship. This episode promises to engage, enlighten, and challenge the way you think about lab training, emphasizing the need for behavior modeling over documentation.Lab safety isn't just about ticking boxes—it's about embodying the very practices that keep us safe. Venture with us into the heart of what it means to standardize laboratory procedures, especially when infectious diseases are in play. Dan and Sean tackle the delicate balance between individual liberty and the absolute must of following safety protocols. We dissect the unique challenges diverse research labs face, the pivotal role of steadfast mentorship, and the uncompromising enforcement of standard operating procedures. Remember, it's not just about the written SOPs; it's the direct mentorship that embodies and upholds these life-saving practices that ultimately creates a culture of safety. Join us for a fresh take on fostering consistent, safe behavior in the laboratory.

Uncover the hidden complexities of lab safety as we team up with Sean Kaufman and Dan Scungio to dissect the intersections of biosafety, psychological preparedness, and communication within the lab. When a laboratory's casual approach to separation leads to a heated encounter with OSHA, we're forced to question the balance between stringent regulations and practical risk management. Tune in to hear us tackle the debate on absolute physical barriers and the scientific grounds for such measures, especially when lower-risk pathogens enter the equation. It's a conversation that doesn't just skim the surface but probes the depths of what it truly means to maintain a safe laboratory environment.As we reconstruct the transformation of a standard hospital room into a bulwark of biocontainment during disease outbreaks, the narrative shifts to the human element behind the safety cabinets and floor tape. Dan Scungio illuminates the necessity of clear communication and decontamination processes, aiming to eradicate common misconceptions among lab personnel. Whether it's facing Ebola head-on or establishing steadfast containment strategies, our episode provides essential insights into fostering a culture where safety is second nature. Don't miss these vital discussions that could be the crucial difference in a world where laboratory mishaps are not an option.

Discover the keys to fostering a positive safety culture in the laboratory with the guidance of Sean Kaufman and myself, Dan Scungio. Together, we navigate the often-misunderstood realm of safety stand downs, dissecting the delicate balance between halting work for safety education and the unintended consequence of discouraging incident reporting. Our conversation promises to equip you with a nuanced understanding of how to initiate a stand down that unifies and educates your team, rather than fostering an atmosphere of punishment. We go beyond the surface, scrutinizing the decision-making process and exploring proactive measures to embed a safety-first mentality within your organization.Sean and I also pull back the curtain on the practical application of safety stand downs, sharing tangible examples like the steps taken to prevent blade cuts among laboratory professionals. We critique the introduction of new equipment and procedures, addressing the challenges of implementing change while maintaining a vigilant, learning-centric environment. This episode is an invitation to join us at the forefront of lab safety innovation, where we introduce our STAND approach — a blueprint for proactive safety pauses that can transform your lab's safety culture. As we peel back the layers of this critical issue, we encourage you to engage with us and become an advocate for a safer, more informed laboratory workplace.

What defines a true leader in the high-stakes world of lab safety? Join us as we unravel this question with insights from my guest, the founder of the Leadership Institute for Biosafety Professionals. We tackle the nuanced roles of leadership in creating and maintaining a robust safety culture, and share personal experiences that highlight the intricate dance of juggling safety with other managerial responsibilities. Discover whether a leader is shaped by their title or their actions, and how even the most well-intentioned leaders can inadvertently impact the safety protocols within their labs.In a thought-provoking exchange, we delve into the crafting of personal leadership statements based on the powerful LEADS framework—Listen, Empathize, Adapt, Demonstrate, and Serve. This episode isn't just about theoretical concepts; it's an actionable call to step up and embody the qualities of servant leadership in the lab, regardless of your position. We invite you to reflect on your role in upholding safety standards and consider the profound impact of a well-articulated leadership mantra. It's an episode for those ready to take ownership and inspire a culture of safety and responsibility.

Ever wondered what happens when you hire a cow to climb a tree? Join Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman as we share our tales from the trenches of laboratory safety, revealing how mismatched hiring can throw a wrench in the gears of your lab's success. We're peeling back the layers on the onboarding process, offering you our top strategies to foster a safety culture that thrives. This isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about hands-on experience, team chemistry, and making sure the gears of your lab keep turning smoothly with every new addition.Then we shift gears to tackle the lifecycle of laboratory staffing, dissecting the importance of clearing out hazards and the intricate dance of onboarding and offboarding. Listen as we illustrate the creation of bulletproof SOPs, hazard analyses, and the crucial steps to take when team members depart. It's a journey through the harrowing and rewarding challenge of building a lab team that not just survives but excels, with each hiring choice potentially steering the ship toward success or disaster. Buckle up for a candid conversation that goes beyond the beakers and safety goggles, into the heart of what makes a lab team truly outstanding.

Have you ever wondered how a sprinkle of positive reinforcement can ignite a rigorous safety culture in a laboratory? Prepare to be enlightened as your Lab Safety Gurus, Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, unveil the pivotal role of accountability and compliance in fostering a dynamic lab environment. In our latest episode, we dissect the art of encouraging positive safety behaviors, where observation meets opportunity for immediate course correction. With an intriguing look at how a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative feedback can revolutionize staff performance, we promise you'll walk away with actionable strategies to uplift and inspire your team to maintain the highest safety standards.Step into the world of compliance as an attitude, not just a checklist, and grasp the profound power of trust in shaping a lab's ethos. We, along with our guests, delve into how a simple phrase, "we don't do that here," can cement a shared dedication to safety protocols. As we explore the nuanced dance between mentoring and disciplinary action, gain insights on how to deftly handle non-compliance. By emphasizing mentorship and positive reinforcement, we show you how to nurture a culture of safety that upholds integrity and excellence. Join us on this journey, and together let's pledge to a future where every lab is a bastion of safety and responsibility.

Why do some scientists skirt the edge of safety in the pursuit of discovery? Join us, lab safety experts Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, as we unravel the complex psychology of risk-taking in the laboratory, examining how personal thresholds for danger can lead to a dicey dance with the potentially hazardous. Our discussion illuminates the mysterious force that pushes individuals to breach protocol, even when the risks are glaringly apparent. We probe into the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that has starkly redefined our collective understanding of risk, and how this has shifted behaviors and protocols within the scientific community.Venturing further into the realm of controversy, we passionately deliberate the ethics of virus research, particularly the genetic alteration of viruses to simulate pandemics. We shed light on the global repercussions of such scientific gambles, advocating for innovative alternatives like artificial intelligence which promise to lower these existential stakes. As we close the conversation, we encourage our peers in the field of laboratory safety to engage in a profound self-inquiry about their own risk thresholds, underscoring the imperative to harmonize personal and organizational safety values to champion the most rigorous safety standards in our laboratories.

Discover how to spot dangers in the lab before they escalate and master the art of keeping both eyes and mind wide open to safety. Your Lab Safety Gurus, Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, guide you through the maze of situational awareness, equipping you with the 'safety eyes' you need to prevent accidents and protect your team. As we navigate the laboratory landscape, we'll teach you to listen to the hums and haws that typically go unnoticed but could signal potential hazards. Learn to trust your gut when something doesn't add up and understand the subtle cues that could save lives.This episode isn't just about watching your Bunsen burner; it's a call to action to look out for yourself and your colleagues in an environment where risks can lurk around every corner. We dissect the human factors that can compromise lab safety, from complacency to distraction, and provide strategies for intervening effectively when a colleague may be in harm's way. Take a journey with us into the heart of laboratory mindfulness and come away with the tools to ensure that when it comes to safety, you're not just following protocols—you're setting the standard. Join us, Dan and Sean, and upgrade your lab safety savvy to expert level.

Ever wondered why some lab teams seem to operate seamlessly, addressing risks and safety concerns with ease? That's the power of psychological safety, a concept that takes center stage as we, Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, guide you through the unspoken yet pivotal aspect of lab culture. On our latest episode, Amy Edmondson's groundbreaking idea is dissected to reveal how it can transform your workplace, encouraging open communication and creating an environment where team members dare to share without the dread of negative consequences.As we navigate through the complexities of lab safety, this discussion isn't just theoretical—it's packed with actionable advice. From the intricacies of handling tough conversations to the delicate balance of accountability and empathy, we expose the underbelly of lab dynamics that can make or break the integrity of your safety practices. Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the strategies that ensure your lab isn't just a hub of scientific exploration but also a bastion of trust, transparency, and psychological security.

Could our smartphones be jeopardizing the sanctity of lab safety? This episode tackles the hidden infection control risks lurking within our personal electronic devices – think cell phones, earbuds, and smart watches – and the impact they have in laboratory settings. With expert insights from Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, we uncover the challenges of devising a 'no cell phones' policy and the anxiety akin to nicotine withdrawal it might trigger. Stepping into the future without compromising on safety, we discuss alternatives like scheduled digital breaks and the provision of lab-dedicated tablets, setting the stage for a harmonious blend of safety protocols and our digital dependencies.Navigating the murky waters of mobile device usage guidelines in labs, we're struck by the absence of explicit directives in key safety manuals. Yet, we're not left entirely in the dark, as the World Health Organization's Laboratory Biosafety Manual sheds some light on the matter. We dissect the risks associated with device-induced distractions and the paramount importance of maintaining a vigilant commitment to containment and safety. By fostering an ongoing conversation among laboratory professionals, we underscore the urgency of developing and upholding best practices to ensure a secure and efficient work environment, all while embracing the tools of our tech-centric world.

Embark on an intimate expedition with us, as we sit down with the remarkable Sean Kaufman, whose career trajectory in lab safety is as unconventional as it is inspirational. From the front lines of HIV psychosocial work to the high-stakes anthrax responses post-9/11, Sean's narrative captures a rare blend of psychology and infectious disease expertise. His transition to pivotal roles at the CDC, and the mentorship that propelled him to lead a mock BSL3/BSL4 laboratory program at Emory University, underscores a career punctuated by unexpected pathways and a focus on the human elements of lab safety. Join your Lab Safety Gurus, Dan Scungio and Sean Kaufman, as we not only traverse Sean's professional milestones but also touch upon the deeply personal side of our lives—the fleeting moments with our children and the indelible impact of family. As we share our own experiences, we invite you to reflect on the importance of a nurturing lab safety culture and join us in our ongoing commitment to creating safer laboratory environments. This dialogue is a testament to how personal journeys and professional passions can intertwine, leaving a lasting legacy both within the lab and beyond its walls.

When one man's passion for lab safety ignites, the flame can be seen and felt far beyond the confines of the lab walls. Dan Scungio is a testament to this truth. From a lab manager who once played it fast and loose with safety protocols to a leading voice in the world of lab safety, Dan's transformation journey is as compelling as it is instructive. Join us as we walk through his pivotal moments that charted a new course for his career. Together, we lay bare our personal motivations and the shared experiences that have cemented our friendship and partnership in this ongoing quest to champion a safer scientific community.The Lab Safety Gurus, Dan and I—Sean Kaufman—wear our hearts on our sleeves as we open up about the forces driving our commitment to lab safety. We weave in anecdotes of superheroes, revealing how our personal lives and faith intertwine with our professional endeavors. Our conversation traverses the peaks and valleys of promoting lab safety, highlighting the profound impact of preventing accidents and fostering a culture of vigilance. As we extend our gratitude to our listeners, we offer a blessing for safety to all and invite you to become part of the narrative that is transforming lab environments around the globe.