The visiting intern had several years of experience in research projects and tasks that were similar to those in progress at this laboratory. This led to the incorrect assumption that formal introductory training for this laboratory was unnecessary. Steps should always be taken to ensure that anyone working in an unfamiliar laboratory setting is properly trained.

It is important to have written operating procedures for the use of laboratory-scale equipment involving hazards or risks of this nature. Operating procedures should also document any equipment parameter limits. Such procedures should be reviewed with all personnel as part of their laboratory training before they perform any experiments.

More information on management of change can be found in the Lessons Learned Corner and also in the Hydrogen Safety Best Practices Manual.