Improving the safety in academic research laboratories: the case of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Injuries, accidents, and facility-related incidents are commonly reported in pilot plants and academic laboratories worldwide. These contexts are characterized by variable operating conditions, equipment setups, high potential for human error, and lack of training, resulting in high-risk scenarios. Despite the availability of dedicated risk assessment techniques, hazards and risks associated with research activities are often underestimated. This work proposes a structured implementation of a risk assessment framework to identify, manage, and reduce risks associated with an experimental setup for conducting Fischer-Tropsch syntheses. The study analyzes high-risk scenarios associated with deviations from the experimental test intent and implements proper risk reduction strategies. Additionally, the effects of manual procedures during experiments and laboratory infrastructure on risk levels are quantitatively assessed.