LABORATORY SAFETY

RULES AND
GUIDELINES
SUBTOPICS
 General laboratory safety rules

 Housekeeping safety rules

 Dress code safety

 Personal protection safety rules

 Chemical safety rules

 Chemistry lab safety rules

 Electrical 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 and follow the
instructions in the event of an accident or emergency.
 Ensure you are fully aware of your facility's/building's
evacuation procedures.
 Make sure you know where your lab's safety equipment—
including first aid kit(s), fire extinguishers, eye wash stations,
and safety showers—is located and how to properly use it.
 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.
 Make sure you are aware of where your lab's exits and fire alarms are located.

 An area of 36" diameter must be kept clear at all times around all fire sprinkler heads.

 If there is a fire drill, be sure to turn off all electrical equipment and close all
containers.

 Always work in properly-ventilated areas.

 Do not chew gum, drink, or eat while working in the lab.

 Laboratory glassware should never be utilized as food or beverage containers.

 Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and
cracks. 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.
Never try to repair an equipment problem on your own.
 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.
 Do not pipette by mouth.
 Make sure you always follow the proper procedures for disposing
lab waste.
 Report all injuries, accidents, and broken equipment or glass
right away, even if the incident seems small or unimportant.
 If you have been injured, yell out immediately and as loud as you
can to ensure you get help.
 In the event of a chemical splashing into your eye(s) or on your
skin, immediately flush the affected area(s) with running water for
at least 20 minutes.
 If you notice any unsafe conditions in the lab, let your supervisor
know as soon as possible.
HOUSEKEEPING SAFETY RULES

 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.
 Only lightweight items should be stored on top of cabinets; heavier
items should always be kept at the bottom.
 Solids should always be kept out of the laboratory sink.
 Any equipment that requires air flow or ventilation to prevent
overheating should always be kept clear.
 DRESS CODE SAFETY RULES

 Always tie back hair that is chin-length or longer.

 Makesure that loose clothing or dangling jewelry is
secured, or avoid wearing it in the first place.
 Never wear sandals or other open-toed shoes in the
lab. Footwear should always cover the foot
completely.
 Never wear shorts or skirts in the lab.
 Whenworking with Bunsen burners, lighted splints,
matches, etc., acrylic nails are not allowed.
PERSONAL PROTECTION SAFETY RULES
 When working with equipment, hazardous materials,
glassware, heat, and/or chemicals, always wear face
shields or safety glasses.
 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.
 When using lab equipment and chemicals, be sure to keep
your hands away from your body, mouth, eyes, and face.
CHEMICAL SAFETY RULES
 Every chemical should be treated as though it were
dangerous.
 Do not allow any solvent to come into contact with your
skin.
 All chemicals should always be clearly labeled with the
name of the substance, its concentration, the date it was
received, and the name of the person responsible for it.
 Before removing any of the contents from a chemical
bottle, read the label twice.
 Never take more chemicals from a bottle than you need for
your work.
 Do not put unused chemicals back into their original
container.
 Chemicals or other materials should never be taken
out of the laboratory.
 Chemicals should never be mixed in sink drains.
 Flammable and volatile chemicals should only be used
in a fume hood.
 If a chemical spill occurs, clean it up right away.
 Ensure that all chemical waste is disposed of properly.
CHEMISTRY LAB SAFETY RULES
 Before you start an experiment, make sure you are fully aware of
the hazards of the materials you'll be using.
 When refluxing, distilling, or transferring volatile liquids, always
exercise extreme caution.
 Always pour chemicals from large containers to smaller ones.
 Never pour chemicals that have been used back into the stock
container.
 Never tap flasks that are under vacuum.
 Chemicals should never be mixed, measured, or heated in front
of your face.
 Water should not be poured into concentrated acid. Instead, pour
acid slowly into water while stirring constantly. In many cases,
mixing acid with water is exothermic.
 ELECTRICAL SAFETY RULES
 Before using any high voltage equipment (voltages above
50Vrms ac and 50V dc), make sure you get permission from
your lab supervisor.
 High voltage equipment should never be changed or modified
in any way.
 Always turn off a high voltage power supply when you are
attaching it.
 Use only one hand if you need to adjust any high voltage
equipment. It's safest to place your other hand either behind
your back or in a pocket.
 Make sure all electrical panels are unobstructed and easily
accessible.
 Whenever you can, avoid using extension cords.