LABORATORY SAFETY
At
Before This Lab Course
Your Instructor will:
 Inform
you of YOUR responsibilities
for working in the labs
 Show you where and how to dispose
of the chemicals and other materials
that you will be working with.
 Show you where the M.S.D.S. files are
located
 Be informed of any accident or
incident that occurs in the laboratory
Before This Lab Course
Your Instructor will:
 Show
you the location of and how to use
all safety equipment needed
 Including:
 Safety
Shower and Eyewash
 Spill Kit
 Emergency Gas Shutoff
 Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket
 Lab Phone with 911 Information
 Chemical Hygiene Plan w/ Emergency Phone
numbers
Also Get to Know:
Emergency spill
procedures, use of
absorbents and
disinfectants
 Designated escape route
and alternate routes
 Evacuation Procedures

While Working in the Lab:
The following rules can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan
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Glass / Glass Tubing/ Thermometers. Use
glassware for its designated purpose. When
inserting any glass into stoppers use a 'safety grip'
and lubricant to help prevent breaking. Wear
goggles and gloves and also use proper tools for
cutting glass tubing.
No Smoking. This policy exists throughout the
College and applies in all laboratories.
Housekeeping. Exits, aisles and safety
equipment must NOT be obstructed in any way
with equipment, furniture, etc. Items must not be
stored in the corridors
While Working in the Lab:
The following rules can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan
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Food, Drink, Cosmetics. Eating, drinking and
the application of cosmetics (including lip balm) is
forbidden in areas where hazardous chemicals
are used and must be done only in well-defined
designated non-chemical areas. Do not store food
in the same refrigerator with chemicals,
biohazards or radioactive materials.
Horseplay. Horseplay, practical jokes or other
inappropriate and unprofessional behavior in the
laboratory setting is forbidden. Avoid distracting
or startling any other students/ workers
While Working in the Lab:
The following rules can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan
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Equipment. Use proper equipment that is in
good condition, i.e. never use chipped or cracked
glassware inform your instructor of any equipment
that is broken or possibly dangerous. Shield
pressurized or vacuum apparatus and safeguard
boiling liquids against bumping or overheating.
Use safeguards whenever possible
Handling of Chemicals. Do not taste or smell
chemicals. Use chemicals for which the quality of
available ventilation and other protection is
appropriate. If unsure consult MSDS prior to
beginning work.
While Working in the Lab:
The following rules can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan
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Hazardous Materials. Hazardous materials
should not be used on open lab benches and
work should not be done alone. When working
with acutely hazardous materials over an
extended period or working with any material that
has a rating of 4 in any one of the NFPA
Diamonds you must refer to App. IV of the
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Mouth Pipetting. Mouth pipetting is forbidden.
While Working in the Lab:
The following rules can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan
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Proper Apparel: Wear splash-proof goggles;
face shield, etc. Wear a lab coat or apron if
possible; at a minimum attire should include
sleeves as well as cover the full length of your
legs; close-toed shoes must be worn in the lab.
Confine long hair and loose clothing or jewelry.
False fingernails are not recommended, as they
are flammable.
Personal Hygiene: Do not put your hands in your
eyes or mouth. Make sure your hands are
washed before leaving the laboratory area.
While Working in the Lab:
The following rules can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan

Disposal of Wastes. It is important to
segregate wastes. Disposal of all
laboratory waste must follow prudent
procedures for the class of waste being
disposed of or properly stored until
disposal can be arranged.
See the chart Posted in each Lab
 Know the Locations of the Biohazard
Waste containers and Sharps Containers
Eye protection
 Protects
against risk of
flying objects or dust
particles, splashes of
hazardous materials or
harmful rays
 UV Goggles are available
Safety Glasses
 Unbreakable
lenses of
plastic or tempered glass
 For light-to-moderate
work
 Can be prescription
lenses
 Do not interfere with
contact lenses
Goggles
 Work
with significant risk
of splash of chemicals or
projectiles
 Can be worn over
prescription glasses
Face Shield
 Work
with significant risk
of splash on face or
possible explosion
 Face shield protects face
adequately but not eyes
Hand Protection
Protects against risk of cuts,
abrasions, burns, or exposure
to hazardous materials.
Requires selection of the
appropriate chemical resistant
gloves
** see chart in Chemical Hygiene Plan
While Working in the Lab:

Follow universal precautions, for
any suspected biological hazard.

Handle unknowns as if they
were hazardous
While Working in the Lab:

Handle volatiles in a
chemical fume hood
Contain bioaerosols
in a biological safety
cabinet
While Working in the Lab:
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Authorized persons only
no students without an
Instructor present
Identify EVERYTHING!
ALL containers should be
clearly labeled with their
contents
While Working in the Lab:
Report all:
Accidents
Injuries
Fires
Spills
Close calls
Before Leaving the Lab:
Turn off:
 Gas
 Water
 Power supplies
 Vacuum lines
 Compression lines
 Heating apparatus
Before Leaving the Lab:
Identify and package
waste, dispose properly
 Identify and label
defective equipment
 Decontaminate work
surfaces and equipment

Before Leaving the Lab:
Return unused
equipment, apparatus,
etc.
 Leave lab coat in the lab
 Wash
 Close and lock door
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