HazardPyMatch: A Tool for identifying reproductive and other hazards in scientific laboratories

Abstract

Understanding and mitigating laboratory hazards is essential for fostering safe and inclusive research environments. However, conducting risk assessments can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for scientists who have new or specific concerns about hazard susceptibility, such as pregnant women. In response, using reproductive hazards as our primary example, we developed HazardPyMatch, a laboratory hazard screening tool designed to be implemented in laboratories across scientific disciplines to support efficient hazard management. HazardPyMatch is an accessible and user-friendly tool that enables scientists to quickly and easily systematically identify chemical hazards in laboratory chemical inventories and categorize these hazards in laboratory protocols. MotivationA publicly accessible and easy-to-use resource did not exist to identify reproductive hazards in neuroscience laboratories. In response we developed the python workflow HazardPyMatch to address the need for a data-driven tool to catalog hazardous materials in laboratory settings.