Laboratory Safety & Risk Management

Scope of Laboratory Operations

TKOResearch laboratories support small-scale, controlled activities, including:

• Handling of laboratory reagents, solvents, dyes, and indicators
• Artifact and materials testing using commercially available test kits
• Cyber-physical research involving sensors, instrumentation, and environmental monitoring
• Demonstration, validation, and method development work supporting consulting and expert analysis

Explicit Exclusions

To reduce risk and ensure operational clarity, our labs do not perform:

• Bulk chemical synthesis or manufacturing
• High-pressure, high-temperature, or energetic reactions
• Large-volume storage or transfer of hazardous materials
• Clinical, biomedical, or diagnostic testing on human samples

This constrained scope allows us to maintain strong controls with low inherent risk.

Chemical Safety & Storage Controls

All chemicals and prepared solutions are managed under a formal Chemical Storage Plan, designed to prevent exposure, spills, and incompatible interactions.

Key Controls

• Hazard-class segregation (flammables, corrosives, oxidizers, toxics, dry solids)
• Dedicated cabinets for each chemical class
• Secondary containment for all liquid materials
• Overpack and adsorbent media used where appropriate
• Strict incompatibility rules enforced at both cabinet and tote levels
• No incompatible chemicals are co-stored—ever.

Traceability & Labeling

Every chemical container in the laboratory is traceable at the individual container level.

Labeling Standards

• Chemical identity and concentration (where applicable)
• Hazard classification and visual cues
• Unique container identifier (UUID)
• Date tracking (received, opened, expiration)
• Deterministic storage location

Digital Traceability

• QR and NFC identifiers link directly to the authoritative inventory record
• Movement, quarantine, and disposal events are documented
• Any discrepancy between physical state and records triggers quarantine

This ensures physical reality and documentation remain aligned.

Environmental Monitoring & Exposure Awareness

Laboratory environments are continuously monitored to detect unsafe conditions early.

Active Monitoring Includes:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10)
• Volatile compounds and formaldehyde (trend monitoring)

Sensor alerts are treated as investigation triggers, not ignored telemetry. Environmental data is retained to support review and root-cause analysis when needed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is selected based on material compatibility, not convenience.

• Chemical-appropriate gloves (nitrile, butyl, protective gauntlets)
• Eye and face protection
• Respiratory protection for escalation scenarios
• Lab coats and protective garments

PPE is considered a last line of defense, supplementing—never replacing—engineering and administrative controls.

Emergency Preparedness

TKOResearch laboratories maintain dedicated emergency equipment and response procedures.

• Spill kits differentiated by chemical class
• Neutralization materials staged for acids and bases
• Fire suppression equipment (ABC and Class D extinguishers)
• Fire blankets and inert suppression media
• First-aid and emergency supplies stored separately from chemicals

Clear “first-minute” response guidance exists for spills, exposure risks, and unexpected events.

Operational Discipline & Training

Laboratory operations follow documented procedures covering:

• Intake and verification of materials
• Movement and staging
• Use and partial consumption
• Quarantine and disposal
• Incident and near-miss reporting

All work is conducted under scan-first and document-first workflows, ensuring accountability and repeatability.

Governance & Accountability

• A single accountable Lab Director oversees safety and compliance
• Written procedures govern storage, handling, and emergency response
• Evidence and client materials are segregated from consumables
• Deviations or anomalies are documented and reviewed

Safety decisions are explicit, reviewable, and defensible.

Alignment With Professional Standards

While TKOResearch laboratories are not represented as certified testing facilities, our controls are intentionally aligned with the principles of:

• OSHA laboratory safety guidance
• NFPA chemical storage and fire safety concepts
• ISO-17025 intent for traceability, documentation, and method discipline

We are careful not to overstate certifications or regulatory status.