Lab safety rules: 5 things you need to remember when working in a lab
- 1. Dress appropriately Before entering the lab, make sure to put on a lab coat. The coat should always be worn with the sleeves rolled down. Wear closed shoes. ...
- 2. Keep a tidy lab The fume hood is a ventilated workbench that protects you from hazardous fumes. ...
- 3. Know your lab safety symbols ...
- 4. Handle chemical spills properly ...
- 5. Know your safety equipment ...
- Know locations of laboratory safety showers, eyewashstations, and fire extinguishers. ...
- 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.
What are some examples of lab rules?
- Keep your lab bench tidy and make sure that there are no hazardous chemicals in the way when you start a new experiment.
- Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the lab, and with good reason – imagine if someone accidentally grabbed a bottle of chemicals instead of their soda and took a ...
- Clean up broken glass. ...
What are the 10 lab safety rules?
Top 10 Science Safety Rules
- Wear the proper lab attire when doing a experiment. This includes safety goggles, lad coats, closed toe shoes, and hair must be tied back.
- When handling chemicals during the lab it is important to proceed with caution.
- Treat all lab equipment with respect throughout the experiment.
- With broken glass DO NOT TOUCH IT. ...
- No eating/drinking inside the lab. ...
What are the most important lab safety rules?
What are the 3 most important lab safety rules?
- Know locations of laboratory safety showers, eyewashstations, and fire extinguishers.
- 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.
What are the basic rules of laboratory?
Laboratory housekeeping rules also apply to most facilities and deal with the basic upkeep, tidiness, and maintenance of a safe laboratory. Always keep your work area(s) tidy and clean. Make sure that all eye wash stations, emergency showers, fire extinguishers, and exits are always unobstructed and accessible.
What are the 10 lab safety rules?
The 10 Most Important Lab Safety Rulesof 10. The Most Important Lab Safety Rule. ... of 10. Know the Location of Safety Equipment. ... of 10. Dress for the Lab. ... of 10. Don't Eat or Drink in the Laboratory. ... of 10. Don't Taste or Sniff Chemicals. ... of 10. Don't Play Mad Scientist in the Laboratory. ... of 10. Dispose of Lab Waste Properly. ... of 10.More items...•
What is the most important lab rule?
The most important lab safety rule is to know the location of and how to use safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher. In laboratories, chances of accidents always exist despite any precautions that are taken.
Do and don'ts of laboratory?
Do's and don'ts to follow at the Science LabDon't eat or drink in a science lab. ... Don't try to be a mad scientist. ... Don't enter the lab without any adult supervision. ... Do dress appropriately. ... Do dispose of the waste and clean up the workstation. ... Do remember where emergency equipment is located.
What are the 5 most important lab safety rules?
Lab safety rules: 5 things you need to remember when working in a labDress appropriately.Keep a tidy lab.Know your lab safety symbols.Handle chemical spills properly.Know your safety equipment.Test your skills in our Lab Safety simulation.
Why is lab rules important?
Since almost every lab uses chemicals of some sort, chemical safety rules are a must. Following these policies helps employees avoid spills and other accidents, as well as damage to the environment outside of the lab.
What are the 3 most important safety rules to follow while completing labs?
Top 1) Respect all chemicals and be cautious when handling them, especially those you know very little about. 2) Corrosive and toxic chemicals must be handled in the fame hood. 3) Laboratory coats and safety glasses must be worn.
What is the most important safety rule in cycling?
To maximize your safety, always wear a helmet AND follow the rules of the road. Bicycles in many States are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always: Go With the Traffic Flow.
What is the importance of lab safety?
A laboratory poses potential risks due to exposure to corrosive and toxic materials, flammable solvents, high pressure gases, explosive chemicals and dangerous microbes. A little care and adherence to prescribed safety guidelines will help avoid laboratory mishaps.
How many languages are there in the Laboratory Safety Institute?
While there is no one-size-fits-all standard set of rules that will apply perfectly to every case, the Laboratory Safety Institute’s 40 Lab Safety Guidelines has been translated into 21 languages and over six million copies have been distributed throughout the world. Based on more decades of practical experience, these lab safety rules provide a tested baseline for safely working with chemicals.
When to remove chemical labels from empty containers?
Remove chemical labels from empty containers before relabeling or discarding to avoid confusion about the contents. When a new chemical is received, mark the date received, the fill level, the initials of the individual who will be the “steward” for that container, and the date opened. The steward needs to be the one who wanted to order the chemical and is now most knowledgeable about the safe use, storage and disposal of the chemical.
What are the lab safety rules?
General lab safety rules. The following are rules that relate to almost every laboratory and should be included in most safety policies. They cover what you should know in the event of an emergency, proper signage, safety equipment, safely using laboratory equipment, and basic common-sense rules. Be sure to read all fire alarm and safety signs ...
When handling any toxic or hazardous agent, always wear the appropriate gloves. When performing laboratory experiments, should always wear a?
When handling any toxic or hazardous agent, always wear the appropriate gloves. When performing laboratory experiments, you should always wear a smock or lab coat. Before leaving the lab or eating, always wash your hands. After performing an experiment, you should always wash your hands with soap and water.
What to do if you leave the lab?
If you are the last person to leave the lab, make sure to lock all the doors and turn off all ignition sources. Do not work alone in the lab. Never leave an ongoing experiment unattended. Never lift any glassware, solutions, or other types of apparatus above eye level. Never smell or taste chemicals.
What to do if glassware is damaged in lab?
Notify your lab supervisor of any damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of. Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to operate. If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or isn't operating properly, report the issue to a technician right away.
Why is it important to have clear rules for lasers?
A clear set of rules for the use of lasers is essential to ensure that everyone is aware of all hazards and that the appropriate personal protective equipment is worn at all times. Even if you are certain that a laser beam is "eye" safe or low power, you should never look into it.
How to keep your work area clean?
Always keep your work area (s) tidy and clean. Make sure that all eye wash stations, emergency showers, fire extinguishers, and exits are always unobstructed and accessible. Only materials you require for your work should be kept in your work area. Everything else should be stored safely out of the way.
What should be marked with the appropriate warning signs in a lab?
Know emergency phone numbers to use to call for help in case of an emergency. Lab areas containing carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and lasers should be properly marked with the appropriate warning signs. Open flames should never be used in the laboratory unless you have permission from a qualified supervisor.
Lab Rules
The UNLV computer labs are provided to support the academic computer needs of all currently enrolled UNLV students. Use of the labs for other purposes, commercial or otherwise, is prohibited. The rules below are intended to maintain an environment in the labs where all students can work effectively.
Procedures Regarding Offensive Behavior in Computer Facilities
The computer facilities at UNLV are solely intended to support the academic computer needs of all students. Offensive behavior by some can create an environment that detracts from the ability of others to fully utilize the facilities. Loudness or otherwise creating a disturbance is behavior incompatible with the proper function of the facilities.
How to stay safe in a lab?
To stay safe in a lab, you have to remember a number of important lab safety rules to ensure that you come out in one, healthy piece. Review the 5 points below in order to get a handle on the basics, and then try out our free Lab Safety simulation to test your knowledge in a virtual lab! 1. Dress appropriately.
What to wear to lab before going to the lab?
Before entering the lab, make sure to put on a lab coat. The coat should always be worn with the sleeves rolled down. Wear closed shoes. Open shoes, such as sandals, are a no-go as a falling item could injure your feet and a potential acid spill could damage your skin.
What to do when you start a new experiment?
Keep your lab bench tidy and make sure that there are no hazardous chemicals in the way when you start a new experiment. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the lab, and with good reason – imagine if someone accidentally grabbed a bottle of chemicals instead of their soda and took a sip! Clean up broken glass.
What are the two types of lab safety symbols?
Know your lab safety symbols. In the lab, there are two commonly used types of hazard symbols: The GHS hazard symbols and the Fire Diamond. The GHS hazard symbols and their meanings are listed in the figure on the labpad below.
Why can't you wear contact lenses in labs?
In some labs it’s forbidden to wear contact lenses all together because if you get chemicals in your eyes, the liquids can get trapped under the lenses. Wear gloves when handling corrosive chemicals. There are different types of gloves for different types of chemicals, so make sure to use the correct ones.
How to handle a chemical spill?
Handle chemical spills properly. If you accidentally spill a chemical, try to remain calm and figure out what it is. You should immediately warn everyone that something has been spilled. Never touch, smell or in any other way interact with the chemical before you know what you are dealing with.
Where should chemicals be stored?
Chemicals need to be stored in designated cabinets and never just left on the floor. Make sure the glassware you use is always clean and dry. This should be the responsibility of the person who used them last, but never just assume that glassware left in a sink is clean enough to use.
What are the safety rules for labs?
Electrical safety rules. Electronic equipment can be found in almost every laboratory. Ensure you comply with electrical safety rules whenever you are in the lab to avoid accidents. Report any faulty or damaged equipment to your supervisor so it can be replaced.
Why is it important to keep all the lab equipment in the right place?
This step is crucial because if you do not follow instructions you may endanger yourself or others present in the laboratory. 2. Properly handle all equipment. It’s very important to keep all the laboratory equipment in the right place and understand how to use them correctly.
How to prevent lab accidents?
Of course, you should always try to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, but you also need to be prepared in case one does happen. If an accident does happen: 1 Immediately report the situation to your supervisor immediately. 2 If anyone is injured, burned or exposure to chemicals while working in the lab, get medical help right away. 3 Always make sure there are working fire extinguishers, safety showers, and eyewash stations.
Why is it important to use lasers in labs?
There are some labs that use lasers. If you are in one, it is very important to conform to laser safety rules so keep yourself safe from any damage or injury . It is important to set proper rules for the use of lasers to help everyone know about the hazards.
Why is it important to ask questions before a lab test?
Make sure you ask all relevant questions before starting the test so that you can handle the procedure with peace of mind. This step is crucial because if you do not follow instructions you may endanger yourself or others present in the laboratory.
What to do if an accident happens in a lab?
If an accident does happen: Immediately report the situation to your supervisor immediately. If anyone is injured, burned or exposure to chemicals while working in the lab, get medical help right away. Always make sure there are working fire extinguishers, safety showers, and eyewash stations. 9.
What to wear in a lab?
You should also wear covered shoes, loose clothing, long pants, and, if you have long hair, make sure it’s tied back. You need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as well if required.
What are the basic safety rules for a laboratory?
A standard list of basic laboratory safety rules are given below, and must be followed in every laboratory that uses hazardous materials or processes. These basic rules provide behavior, hygiene , and safety information to avoid accidents in the laboratory. Laboratory specific safety rules may be required ...
When should laboratory conduct be observed?
Basic safety rules for laboratory conduct should be observed whenever working in a laboratory. Many of the most common safety rules are listed below.
What should be worn in a laboratory?
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.
What should a laboratory employee have access to?
Laboratory employees should have access to a chemical inventory list, applicable SDSs, Department Laboratory Safety Manual, and relevant SOPs.
What should laboratory personnel place emphasis on?
All laboratory personnel should place emphasis on safety and chemical hygiene at all times.
What should be done before beginning any work?
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.
How to avoid distracting people working in the laboratory?
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.
