Laboratory Safety

 Who is Responsible for Safety?

Review Lab Safety PowerPoint Presentation

You are responsible for a safe working environment for yourself and those around you.

The Institute is responsible for providing:

•     Safe working conditions
•     Safe equipment
•     Training

Safe Work Practices

•     Maintain a clean, uncluttered work area
•     Working alone after hours is bad practice
•     If you use chemicals or hazardous processes schedule this when others are around
•     Set up a buddy system with others nearby on the floor/building
•     Know the location of the nearest emergency exit and safety equipment (shower, eye wash)
•     Report all accidents or near misses to to the proper authorities

Good Lab Practices

•     No smoking, food or beverages in the labs
•     Required Personal Protection Equipment MUST be worn while in the lab
•     Aisles & exits are free from obstruction
•     Lab benches should be kept clean
•     Do not use hoods for storage
•     Work surface is protected from contamination
•     Heavy objects are confined to lower shelves
•     Glassware is free from crack, breaks or chips
•     Broken glass containers are available & in use

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) MUST be worn when in the laboratory

•     Eye protection
•     Protective Clothing: Labs coats - sleeve covers for strong reagents
•     Gloves when handling chemicals
•     No open-toed shoes allowed in laboratories

Hazard Communication

•     Primary & secondary containers are labeled with identity of material, expiration date & hazard warning
•     Signs on storage areas are consistent with hazards within (i.e. biohazard, flammable)
•     MSDS binders are available and all laboratory users know location of them

Chemical Storage

Only chemicals in use should be in the lab. All others should be in storage.

•     Incompatible materials must be segregated
•     Corrosives & flammables must be stored below eye level

Compressed Gas Cylinders

•     Gas cylinders must be properly secured
•     Cylinder caps must be in place when cylinders are not in use or transported
•     Gas cylinders are labeled with their contents
•     Empty gas cylinders are marked ?EMPTY?
•     Check hoses, tubing and regulators daily

Waste Disposal

•     Do not drain dispose of liquid waste
•     Separate waste streams by type (biological, chemical (organic/inorganic))
•     Use approved containers for each waste stream
•     Label all containers with approved labels
•     Do not allow waste to accumulate on floors, in corners or under shelves

Safety Equipment

•     Know the location of safety equipment
•     Safety showers, eye wash stations & fire extinguishers
•     Make sure safety equipment is not blocked

Emergency Evacuation

•     Know your exit route
•     Know the location of fire alarm pull-stations
•     Notify Shannon Bowers Davis of any unsafe conditions

Attachment	Date	Size
General_Lab_Safety_v3.pptx	10/18/11 2:30 pm	4.57 MB