📚 Why students need to know NEN standards to work safely

Whether you're studying chemistry, biomedical sciences, or another laboratory-focused program, safety in the lab isn't a side issue, but the foundation of good work. Yet, we often find that students only learn about NEN standards for the first time when they begin their internship or get a job after graduation. This is a shame, because it's precisely during your studies that you can already learn how these standards contribute to safe and professional work.

What are NEN standards actually?

NEN standards (Dutch Standards) are guidelines developed by experts from industry, government, and academia. They describe how to work safely and responsibly, for example, with chemicals, equipment, personal protective equipment, and emergency response measures.

By following these standards, you can ensure you are working in a way that is recognized and applied across the industry — whether you are working in a university lab or later at a pharmaceutical company.

Relevant standards for laboratories

There are many standards and guidelines related to safe working in laboratories. Some important examples are:

NEN-EN 14175 – European standard for fume hoods. This standard describes the safety and performance requirements and how testing should be conducted.

NPR 4500 – Dutch Practical Guideline that aligns with NEN-EN 14175. NPR 4500 is especially useful for students and staff because it contains practical recommendations on how to work safely with a fume hood, including use, installation, and periodic inspection.

NEN-EN 16589-1:2023 – Standard for point extraction systems with movable extraction arms. This is used for work where vapors or particles are extracted directly at the source.

NVN-CEN/TS 17441:2020 – Guideline for ventilation systems in laboratories. This is important for the design and maintenance of safe airflow throughout the laboratory.

By consulting these standards, you will not only understand what you need to do, but also why safety measures are designed in a certain way.

Why this is already important for you as a student

You might think, "I'll figure that out later when I start working." But by knowing now where to find these standards and how to apply them, you'll have a huge head start later:

✅ You work more safely in practicals and research projects.

🧠 You will learn to understand the background of safety procedures, rather than just following them.

💼 You show future employers that you can work professionally and independently in accordance with the applicable guidelines.

📝 You can switch more quickly if you are asked to test working methods against standards during internships or projects.

Did you know that you have free access through the university library?

Most universities in the Netherlands have a NEN Connect subscription through their library. This means you, as a student, have free access to all NEN standards—often simply through your university login.

👉 Visit your library's website and search for “NEN Connect” to see how to log in.

Building a safe future together

Working safely isn't a matter of luck, but of knowledge and care. By familiarizing yourself with NEN standards now, you contribute to a professional and safe work culture—not only for yourself, but also for your future colleagues.

📌 Tip: Schedule a time to review a standard relevant to your work with your project group. You'll find that many of what you currently consider "rules" are actually well-thought-out safety principles.