Laboratory Safety Rules

Laboratory personnel must follow the standard University laboratory rules and practices listed below.  In addition to these standard rules, individual laboratories may have their own additional safety rules based on the chemicals and operations performed in their specific laboratories.

4.1. General Safety

  • Know and follow all University laboratory safety policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Only perform approved procedures.
  • Do not use hazardous chemicals or materials or operate equipment without proper training.
  • Complete required laboratory safety trainings. Complete EHSS’s Initial Laboratory Safety Training and other trainings applicable to the laboratory and the hazardous materials to be used.
  • Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.
  • Keep all work areas, and especially work benches, clear of clutter, and obstructions. Clean your work areas regularly and at the end of each day.
  • Keep floors clean and dry. Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals and obstructions. Stairways and hallways should not be used as storage areas.
  • Do not obstruct access to emergency equipment, utility controls, showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, or exits.
  • Avoid working alone in the laboratory. Individuals who must work alone in the laboratory must notify someone that they will be working alone in the laboratory and request periodic check-ins.
  • Notify others in the laboratory when working with highly hazardous chemicals and only conduct this type of work during normal working hours.
  • The use of headphones/earbuds and other distractions in the laboratories should be avoided.
  • Wash hands before leaving the laboratory.
  • Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage before use. Do not use damaged equipment.

 

4.2.   Hazardous Chemical Safety

  • Do not use hazardous chemicals without:
    • Review of Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
    • Proper ventilation
    • Proper protective clothing and equipment (PPE)
  • Use hazardous chemicals and all laboratory equipment only as directed or for their intended purpose.Know the proper methods for storage, transport, and disposal of chemicals within the facility.Store chemicals appropriately and segregated by hazard class.  Do not store chemicals directly on floors and minimize chemical storage outside of chemical cabinets.
  • Label all secondary chemical containers with appropriate chemical identification information.
  • Keep chemical containers closed when not in use.
  • Operations using volatile or toxic substances should only be performed in a chemical fume hood.
  • Ensure fume hood is operating and used properly.
  • Post a sign on the fume hood or at the door to the lab, indicating a contact name, contact information, and hazardous materials involved when experiments will operate continuously or overnight when no one is present in the laboratory.

 

4.3.   Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE)

  • Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and closed toed shoes in the laboratory.
  • Wear lab coat, gloves and eye protection when working with hazardous materials.
  • Use additional personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) appropriate for the hazard present.
  • Inspect PPE to ensure good integrity or proper function before use.
  • Tie loose hair, secure loose clothing and jewelry.
  • Remove PPE before leaving laboratory. Never touch door handles, elevator buttons, etc. with gloved hands.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing gloves.

 

4.4.   First Aid and Emergencies

  • Know the location of the fire extinguisher, eyewash, safety shower, and first aid station/kit.
  • Be familiar with emergency response procedures.
  • Report fires, accidents, spillage, burns, injuries, and other emergencies.
  • Report laboratory emergencies to the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.