Reporters: Asst.Prof.Dr. Prapot Maliwan
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pornsil Seephueak
Asst.Prof.Dr. Nion Chirapongsathonkul
Asst.Prof.Dr. Worawitoo Meesook
Evidence Date: during 2024 Jan-Dec
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 15.4.3
Details:
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has implemented a proactive policy on hazardous waste management in compliance with the national standards for chemical laboratory safety and biosafety laboratory management as regulated by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). This policy aims to ensure a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible laboratory environment. The Faculty of Agriculture, under this initiative, has taken concrete steps to upgrade its laboratory facilities to meet national safety standards. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornsil Seephueak, Head of the Plant Pathology Laboratory, and Ms. Vilawan Suwanmanee, Laboratory Officer, have played key roles in implementing these standards. Their work reflects the university’s strong commitment to SDG 15.4.3, which focuses on maintaining sustainable ecosystems through safe and responsible institutional practices.
To align with this policy, faculty members participated in specialized training on chemical waste management and laboratory safety, hosted by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. The training included both theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations based on model laboratories from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science. Participants learned proper techniques for hazardous waste handling, segregation, storage, and disposal to minimize environmental risks. The training emphasized environmentally sound management of chemical residues and compliance with biosafety protocols. This initiative supports RUTS’s mission to build an academic culture that integrates sustainability with safety and accountability.
Knowledge and techniques gained from the training were applied directly to improve the safety management system in the Plant Pathology Laboratory. The laboratory adopted systematic waste segregation procedures, implemented proper chemical labeling, and established safe waste collection zones. These measures reduced potential exposure to hazardous substances and ensured compliance with national safety regulations. The improvements also enhanced the overall laboratory workflow and reduced chemical waste generation. As a result, the laboratory achieved recognition for its compliance and was selected for peer evaluation under the NRCT laboratory safety standards.
The broader laboratory safety training, held at Songkhla Rajabhat University on June 29, 2023, further strengthened this initiative. With more than 200 participants from various institutions, the training promoted a shared commitment to laboratory safety culture. Attendees gained practical knowledge about waste classification, emergency response, and the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE). The Faculty of Agriculture greatly benefited from this program, as laboratory practices are central to both teaching and research. Through active participation, RUTS faculty developed the capacity to manage chemical and biological waste responsibly, protecting both human health and the environment.
In conclusion, RUTS’s policy on hazardous waste management embodies its dedication to sustainable development and biosafety excellence. By integrating safety standards into academic and research operations, the university minimizes ecological risks and fosters a responsible approach to scientific work. This initiative not only supports compliance with NRCT standards but also contributes directly to SDG 15.4.3, promoting sustainable institutional practices that protect terrestrial ecosystems. Through continuous training and policy implementation, RUTS ensures that all laboratories operate under the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
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