Guide to Laboratory Safety

Plan Your Work

Before conducting any experiment, you should assess the hazards associated with the work, such as what the worst-case scenarios are, how to deal with them, and what prudent practises, protective facilities, and equipment are required to reduce the risk of exposure to the hazards.

Always be aware of the dangers of the materials used (e.g., corrosivity, flammability, reactivity, and toxicity). To assist you with this assessment, use the Project Hazard Review Checklist (in Adobe PDF format).

For information on all chemicals you intend to use, read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Ensure that all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available. To select the necessary equipment, consult the MSDS or Personal Protective Equipment Selection Guide (in Adobe PDF format).

Post a sign on the door informing others of the lab's dangers and providing emergency contact information.

Before beginning work, inspect equipment and apparatus for flaws, cracks, or damage.

Before using electrical equipment or cords, check for frayed wiring or damage. Before using damaged equipment, discard it or repair it.


Maintain All Safety Procedures

When working with chemicals, always wear chemical splash goggles for eye protection.

When pouring large amounts of hazardous chemicals, wear a face shield large enough to protect your ears, neck, and face as well as goggles.

When working with chemicals, always wear gloves. Choose a glove material that is compatible with the chemicals you may come into contact with.

Always wear protective clothing, such as chemically resistant lab coats or aprons.

Wear no shorts or miniskirts (anything that would leave your legs bare and unprotected). Wear no high-heeled shoes, open-toed/heeled shoes, sandals, or woven materials. Keep long hair and loose clothing to a minimum.

When working alone in the laboratory, avoid using hazardous chemicals or processes. An instructor must always supervise undergraduate students.

Always use chemicals in a chemical fume hood or with adequate ventilation. Toxic substances should not be released in cold or warm rooms because these areas have contained, re-circulated air.

Chemicals should only be used as directed and for their intended purpose.

Never fill a pipette or syphon with mouth suction. Use a pipette bulb or another appropriate device.

Handle needles, syringes, and other sharps with caution. When possible, use self-sheathing needles or needless systems. All sharps should be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container.

Do not flush chemicals down the toilet. The vast majority of chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

To avoid being knocked over, compressed gas cylinders must be secured. When the regulator is removed or not in use, the cylinders must be capped.

Inspect the lab for hazardous conditions on a weekly basis.

Protect pressurised or evacuated equipment by shielding or wrapping it (dewars & vacuum flasks).

Understand Emergency Procedures

Know where to find and how to use the nearest emergency eyewash and showers.

In case of an emergency, know at least two exits from the laboratory area.

Pull the nearest "Pull BOX" in an emergency, evacuate the area, and close all doors.

Maintain Personal Hygiene and Good Housekeeping

Avoid coming into direct contact with any chemical.

Laboratory chemicals should never be smelled, inhaled, or tasted.

After removing gloves and leaving the work area, always wash your hands and arms with soap and water.

In the laboratory, never eat, drink, chew gum or tobacco, smoke, or apply cosmetics.

Hands should not be used to pick up broken glass. Tongs or other mechanical means should be used.

Before leaving the lab, remove any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and lab coats.

Remove your gloves before handling common items such as phones, instruments, door knobs, and so on.

Maintain a clean and uncluttered work environment. Cleaners or disinfectants should be used on benches on a regular basis.

Do not obstruct emergency showers, eyewash stations, exits, or hallways.

Safely transport chemicals

Secondary containers, such as acid buckets or plastic totes, should be used.

Carts should be secured.

Wear the proper PPE.

Use freight elevators instead, or restrict access in passenger elevators.

When moving compressed gas cylinders, use a hand truck with a safety chain.

Operations that are unattended

Provide for material containment in the event of spills or failures.

All containers and process equipment should be labelled.

Place emergency phone numbers on the lab door.

Keep the lab lights turned on.

Please report any dangerous activities or situations.

All accidents, no matter how minor, must be reported.

Never do any unapproved work, preparations, or experiments.

Never engage in horseplay, pranks, or other mischievous behaviour in laboratories.

Never remove chemicals from a facility without permission.