Safe Work Practices

Working in a laboratory environment requires a strong commitment to safety, as handling chemicals, equipment, and experiments presents unique risks. This section will outline essential safety protocols and best practices to help you work confidently and securely.   By following these guidelines, you can minimize hazards, protect yourself and others, and maintain a safe and productive lab environment.  If you have any questions regarding any of the items presented below please reach out to your EHS DSA.

  • Read and become familiar with the Chemical Hygiene Plan and any Standard Operating Procedures developed specifically for the laboratory prior to working in the laboratory.
  • Become familiar with the location and use of emergency equipment and facilities, such as:
  1. eyewash and safety showers,
  2. fire extinguishers,
  3. fire blankets, if applicable;
  4. fire alarm pull stations,
  5. emergency exits, and
  6. chemical spill equipment
  • Never eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics or manipulate contact lenses in the laboratory.
  • Never leave exposed sharps, micropipettes, or broken glass on the bench or in washing facilities.
  • Keep chemical containers closed unless actively in use.
  • Clearly label all containers of any substance. The label must include, at a minimum, the complete chemical name of the substance. If possible, it should also include the concentration and any hazards of the substance.
  • Remove Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, lab coats, aprons, protective foot and headgear) before leaving the laboratory.
  • Discard, decontaminate, clean or sanitize personal protective equipment on a regular basis.
  • Always wash hands after removing gloves before leaving the laboratory.
  • Store flammables properly when not in use, e.g., Do not store solvent bottles on bench tops, flammables in corrosive cabinet, corrosives in flammables cabinet
  • Chemical containers must be properly labeled and meet globally harmonized system (GHS) requirements
  • Chemical spill kit should be placed in a conspicuous place and labeled
  • Store combustibles appropriately, e.g., do not accumulate combustible materials such as empty boxes in lab area
  • Store and segregate Chemicals properly, e.g., seal containers tightly, do not stack containers, store heavy items on lower shelves, segregate non-compatible chemicals stored together
  • Setup Satellite accumulation area properly and in proper location, e.g., do not set up in fume hood
  • Do not store chemicals in fume hoods overnight. For specific circumstances, e.g., connections to instrumentation, reach out to your DSA.
  • Perform and log Eyewash weekly test
  • Store and label Gas cylinders properly, e.g., secure cylinders, position straps/chains properly, do not store more than one spare cylinder stored for each connected cylinder, spare cylinders should be stored with protective cap.
  • Make sure your fire extinguisher monthly inspection is up to date.  If not please contact your area manager.
  • Storage must be kept at least 18 inches below the ceiling or the spray pattern issued from the sprinklers will be blocked by the storage, thus keeping water from reaching the fire.

    Additional information can be found on the pages below: