Safety of Laboratory Workers with Disabilities

Enquiries received by the Royal Society of Chemistry indicate that there is a need for some basic guidance on how people with disabilities can pursue careers in chemistry, particularly in laboratories. The Society believes that disabilities should not prevent people from either studying chemistry or pursuing a successful career in chemistry.

This Note is designed to help anyone who manages or is employed in a laboratory. The intention is to provide information and guidance for both those with disabilities and for those without disabilities so that the latter can be better placed to assist their fellow workers who have disabilities. The Note does not pretend to be a full or definitive guide and readers are urged to obtain more detailed information if this is required.

There is a common misconception that the chemical laboratory is not a suitable place for people with disabilities. However this is not necessarily the case. Workers with disabilities may be safer than fellow workers without disabilities as they are more aware of their limitations.