Basic rules for lab work
2011
Basic rules for laboratory work
For more information see www.sahlgrenska.gu.se/internt/miljo/
For your own sake, for others sake and the environment!
Read the risk assessments carefully. If you need to do a risk assessment, use KLARA
or the templates on the work environmental web sites of GU. Don’t forget the
environmental issue when you make your risk assessment, i.e. What do you do with
residues and spills? How do you transport chemicals between institutions? Is it
possible to decrease the amount of chemicals used and/or use less dangerous
chemicals?

Localize regularly where emergency showers, eye showers, fire extinguishers are
located and how they work. Memorize the emergency route.

Wear protective clothing (lab coat/robe), proper shoes (avoid sandals when you
work with hot and corroding substances), safety goggles when there is a risk of
spatter and safety gloves. NB! Different types of gloves are intended for different
purposes. Make sure you don’t contaminate door handles, taps, banisters,
telephones etc. with contaminates gloves. No safety/protective lab equipment is
allowed in lunchrooms.

All containers MUST be labeled with name, date, chemical, concentration and when
needed danger symbol.

Store volatile chemicals in ventilated spaces. Storing of volatile chemicals in a fume
cupboard is normally not allowed. When you use dangerous chemicals in the fume
cupboard use a tray or something else to block that potential spillage reach the
drain.

Fume cupboard are always used when handling inflammable, poisonous or
corroding substances. Close the fume hood and other air suction devises completely
when not in use.

If you work in a fume cupboard, remember to not block the opening with
experiment line-up or other equipment. The air must be able to pass by without any
obstacles, otherwise you risk breathing toxic fumes. Also avoid sudden movements
creating turbulence near the fume cupboard.

The normal safety height when working at a fume bench is 15-20 cm. Never cover
up more than 1/3 of the perforated surface and leave a 10 cm wide empty zone in
the front edge of the fume bench to provide good protection through sufficient air
flow. For cold work only!
Basic rules for lab work
2011

Sanitation equipment must be available (vermiculite or corresponding) in each lab
group in order to handle chemical spills. What do you do with the contaminated
vermiculite?

Mouth pipetting is, as well as eating and drinking, forbidden in the laboratory. Food
must not be stored with chemicals.
Rules for chemicals, gases etc.
For more information see www.sahlgrenska.gu.se/internt/miljo/

Storing chemicals
Poisonous chemicals are stored in a locked compartment, but not together with
inflammable chemicals
Strongly oxidizing substances are not stored together with inflammable or organic
material.
Acids and bases are stored separately.
Cyanides and sulfides are not stored with acids.
Radioactive substances are not stored with inflammable substances.

Gas bottles (max 20 liters/tube) are stored chained to a cart to facilitate vacation in
case of fire.

Chemical waste/residues which are not beyond any doubt safe for the
environmental should be sent to destruction as dangerous waste (for more
information see website (www.sahlgrenska.gu.se/internt/miljo/)

All accidents and incidents shall be reported to the person responsible for the lab
(corresponding).