Lab Safety Rules | Game Quiz

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety begins with proper protective gear. Protective eyewear, like safety goggles or glasses, provides essential protection against chemical splashes and flying particles. These should be worn at all times in the laboratory, even when not directly handling materials.

Laboratory coats serve as the first line of defense against spills and contamination. These coats should be made of appropriate materials - cotton for general lab work, and specialized materials for specific hazards like acids or biological materials. They should be buttoned up and extend to the knees.

Gloves appropriate to the work being conducted must be worn. For chemical work, nitrile gloves often provide good protection, while latex might be suitable for biological materials. However, it's crucial to check chemical compatibility charts, as some substances can degrade certain glove materials.

Proper Attire and Personal Conduct

Closed-toe shoes protect feet from dropped items and chemical spills. Sandals, mesh shoes, or any footwear that leaves skin exposed are inappropriate for lab work. Long pants or skirts that cover the legs entirely should be worn.

Long hair must be tied back to prevent it from catching fire or dipping into materials. Loose clothing, dangling jewelry, and contact lenses can pose risks and should be avoided or properly secured.

Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, or handling contact lenses is strictly prohibited in laboratory spaces. These activities risk contamination and ingestion of harmful substances.

Chemical Safety

All chemicals require proper labeling with names, concentrations, hazard warnings, and dates. When transferring chemicals to secondary containers, these must be immediately labeled with the same information.

Chemical storage follows strict compatibility guidelines. Acids store separately from bases, oxidizers away from reducers, and flammables in appropriate safety cabinets. Storage areas require proper ventilation and temperature control.

Never pipette by mouth - always use mechanical pipetting devices. When diluting acids, remember to "add acid to water" to prevent dangerous splashing and excessive heat generation.

Emergency Equipment and Procedures

Emergency equipment locations must be known to all lab personnel. This includes:

• Eyewash stations and safety showers
• Fire extinguishers appropriate for different fire classes
• First aid kits
• Chemical spill kits
• Emergency exits and evacuation routes

Emergency contact numbers should be prominently displayed. These include poison control, emergency services, and relevant laboratory supervisors.

Workspace Management

Maintain clear, uncluttered workspaces. Clean all work surfaces before and after use with appropriate disinfectants or cleaning solutions. Properly dispose of broken glassware in designated containers.

Keep aisles and emergency exits clear of obstacles. Store bags, coats, and personal items in designated areas outside the main laboratory space.

Waste Disposal

Different types of waste require specific disposal methods:

• Chemical waste goes into appropriate containers based on compatibility
• Biological waste requires sterilization before disposal
• Sharps belong in puncture-resistant containers
• Regular trash should be free of hazardous materials

Each waste container needs proper labeling indicating contents and hazards.

Working Alone and After Hours

Working alone in laboratories, especially with hazardous materials or procedures, should be avoided whenever possible. If solitary work is necessary, implement a buddy system or regular check-ins with security personnel.

After-hours work may require special permission and additional safety protocols. Ensure proper documentation and communication with relevant supervisory staff.

Training and Documentation

All laboratory personnel must complete required safety training before beginning work. This includes:

• General laboratory safety
• Chemical hygiene
• Specific hazard training (biological, radioactive, etc.)
• Emergency response procedures
• Proper documentation methods

Keep training records updated and readily available for inspection.

Ventilation and Engineering Controls

Use fume hoods for all procedures involving volatile or hazardous materials. Regularly check air flow indicators and maintain proper sash height. Keep materials at least 6 inches back from the hood face to ensure proper air flow.

Local exhaust ventilation, like snorkel systems, requires proper positioning to effectively capture contaminants. Biological safety cabinets need certification and regular maintenance.

By following these comprehensive safety guidelines, laboratory workers create an environment that protects both personnel and research integrity. Regular review and updates of these procedures ensure continued safety as laboratory techniques and materials evolve.