Laboratory Safety

1. Why Lab Safety?

2. Because
a. Protects yourself from laboratory hazards
b. Protects others from laboratory hazards

3. House Keeping
a. Good housekeeping practices are required in all work areas.
b. All work areas and laboratory benches must be kept clean and clear
of clutters.
c. No obstructions / bags in laboratory.
d. No running
e. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the laboratory.
f. Wet floor can cause accident.
g. Clean up all broken glassware immediately and dispose of the
broken glassware properly.

4. MSDS
Provides detailed information on chemical properties, hazards and
protective measures
a. Product identity
b. Physical and chemical characteristics
c. Physical hazards of the chemical
d. Health hazard of the chemical
e. Primary routes of entry
f. Exposures limits
g. Precautions for safe handling and use
h. Emergency and first aid procedures

5. Chemicals
a. Maintain a chemical inventory to avoid purchasing unnecessary
quantities of chemicals.
b. Label all chemicals containers indicating the chemical name and
date of preparation.
 c. Check the labels on chemical containers before using to ensure that
proper chemicals are selected for use.
d. Handle chemicals carefully when pouring or measuring to prevent
spillage.
e. The use of funnels helps to greatly reduce spillage.
f. Do not place fingers into mouth, nose, ears or eyes while handling
chemicals.
g. All solvent cabinets are provided with sufficient exhaust ventilation.
h. Labels any glass or flask as you fill because some chemicals
resemble as water.
i. Fill the burette at below eye level instead on working table.
j. Always pour acids into water.
k. Heavy bottles have to be stored at down shelf.

6. Glassware
a. Never point a test tube or any vessel that you are heating at yourself
or your neighbor.
b. Never look directly down into a test tube.
c. Always remember, HOT glassware looks exactly the same as COLD
glassware be careful what you touch.
d. Glassware is free of cracks, sharp edges and other edges.
e. No crack glassware to be used at any cost.
f. Avoid mouth suction to pipette chemicals.
g. Use pipette bulb.
h. Never leave burner unattended.
i. If gases have to be smelled, fan them not directly smell from your
nose.
j. All electrical circuitry is in good material condition.
k. Check fume hood perform properly.

7. PPE’s
a. Personal Protective equipment available, in use and properly
maintained.
b. Wear the correct glove for the chemical being handled. Never touch
chemicals with bare hands.
c. Use tongs or thermal gloves when handling hot equipment.
d. Hands must be properly protected when picking up any broken glass.
 e. If the eyes are affected water washing must begin immediately.
f. Use safety goggles / face shield when transferring, measuring or
whenever there is a potential for chemicals to be splashed in the
eyes.

8. First Aid
a. In case of a chemical spill on your skin or clothing rinse the affected
area with plenty of water.
b. Immediately remove any clothing that has become contaminated
with a corrosive substance.
c. In case of a serious cut, stop blood flow using direct pressure.
d. First Aid kits available, fully stocked.
e. Be sure to seek medical advice in the events of accidents or if you
feel unwell.
f. Evacuation routes clearly marked and unobstructed.
g. Safety showers are clearly labeled and free from obstruction.
h. Use carbon dioxide or dry chemical type fire extinguishers to control
laboratory fires.
i. Encourage employees to care about their Health and Safety and of
others.

“The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows.”

Aristotle

Hope you have enjoyed this read up