In Your Face: Consideration of higher risks for chemical exposure to persons with disabilities in laboratories

Abstract

Workforce diversity is seen to have a competitive advantage over organizations that are not diverse. It is observed that these organizations have advantages in creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, and overall quality of results, among other observed outcomes. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, passed nearly 30 years ago, opens doors for people with disabilities to enter the workforce. While many under-represented groups are increasing participation, such as women, participation of people with disabilities remains static. This article focuses only on mobility and motor impairments or physical difficulties that could put individuals with disabilities at greater risk of exposures from hazardous chemicals while working in laboratories. Dosage experienced is potentially greater in people who are below the historical standard chemical fume hood testing height of 178 cm (70 inches). Ergonomic concepts and anthropometric adult-measurement data can help OH&S, IH, EH&S professionals to investigate and mitigate physical conditions in laboratories that could increase exposure risks of hazardous fumes, vapors, and airborne particulate to persons who use wheelchairs or who must be seated while operating chemical fume hoods and working at open benches. More exposure tests need to be conducted to assess risks for able and disabled laboratory science workers and students in STEM disciplines. Chemical fume hood testing protocols and certification may need further amendments to acknowledge the data generated and validated in exposure research that includes critical ergonomic factors.