Basic Safety Rules in Laboratory

  • Know locations of laboratory safety showers, eyewashstations, and fire extinguishers. The safety equipment may be located in the hallway near the laboratory entrance.
  • Know emergency exit routes.
  • Avoid skin and eye contact with all chemicals.
  • Minimize all chemical exposures.
  • No horseplay will be tolerated.
  • Assume that all chemicals of unknown toxicity are highly toxic.
  • Post warning signs when unusual hazards, hazardous materials, hazardous equipment, or other special conditions are present.
  • Avoid distracting or startling persons working in the laboratory.
  • Use equipment only for its designated purpose.
  • Combine reagents in their appropriate order, such as adding acid to water.
  • Avoid adding solids to hot liquids.
  • All laboratory personnel should place emphasis on safety and chemical hygiene at all times.
  • Never leave containers of chemicals open.
  • All containers must have appropriate labels. Unlabeled chemicals should never be used.
  • Do not taste or intentionally sniff chemicals.
  • Never consume and/or store food or beverages or apply cosmetics in areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored.
  • Do not use mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon.
  • Wash exposed areas of the skin prior to leaving the laboratory.
  • Long hair and loose clothing must be pulled back and secured from entanglement or potential capture.
  • No contact lenses should be worn around hazardous chemicals – even when wearing safety glasses.
  • Laboratory safety glasses or goggles should be worn in any area where chemicals are used or stored. They should also be worn any time there is a chance of splashes or particulates to enter the eye. Closed toe shoes will be worn at all times in the laboratory. Perforated shoes or sandals are not appropriate.
  • Determine the potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions before beginning any work.
  • Procedures should be developed that minimize the formation and dispersion of aerosols.
  • If an unknown chemical is produced in the laboratory, the material should be considered hazardous.
  • Do not pour chemicals down drains. Do NOT utilize the sewer for chemical waste disposal.
  • Keep all sink traps (including cup sink traps and floor drains) filled with water by running water down the drain at least monthly.
  • Do not utilize fume hoods for evaporations and disposal of volatile solvents.
  • Perform work with hazardous chemicalsin a properly working fume hoodto reduce potential exposures.
  • Avoid working alone in a building. Do not work alone in a laboratory if the procedures being conducted are hazardous.
  • The PEL and the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) will be observed in all areas. If exposure above a PEL/TLV is suspected for an ongoing process, please contact EHS immediately.
  • Laboratory employees should have access to a chemical inventory list, applicable SDSs, Department Laboratory Safety Manual, and relevant SOPs.
  • Access to laboratories and support areas such as stockrooms, specialized laboratories, etc. should be limited to approved personnel only.
  • All equipment should be regularly inspected for wear or deterioration.
  • Equipment should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s requirements and records of certification, maintenance, or repairs should be maintained for the life of the equipment.
  • Designated and well-marked waste storage locations are necessary.
  • No cell phone or ear phone usage in the active portion of the laboratories, or during experimental operations.
  • Clothing made of synthetic fibers should not be worn while working with flammable liquids or when a fire hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
  • Laboratory coats should not be stored in offices or break rooms as this spreads contaminates to other areas.
  • Computers and instrumentation should be labeled to indicate whether gloves should be worn or not. Inconsistent glove use around keyboards/keypads is a source of potential contamination.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry in the lab as this can pose multiple safety hazards.