No.

SOP/OPN/02
Department National Environmental Laboratory
Revision No. 00
Operation Standard Operating Procedure Date 01–05–2018

Laboratory Safety
1.0 Purpose
The purpose of this SOP to describe step by step method for ensuring the safety of the
employees as well as infrastructure in day to day laboratory operations.
2.0 Scope
2.1 The procedure covers routine safety policies and its follow–up.
2.2 Emergency preparedness and its response.
3.0 Responsibility
3.1 Technical Manager is responsible to ensure follow–up of this SOP to maintain high
standards of the safety within the laboratory.
3.2 All employees are responsible to follow all the guidelines given in this SOP and to maintain
safety in day to day work.
4.0 Procedure
4.1 General
4.1.1 Emergency equipments
4.1.1.1 Fire extinguishers are provided at identified locations within the laboratory to cease the fire.
Laboratory employees are trained for the use of fire extinguishers.
4.1.1.2 Eye wash and safety shower is provided at the entrance of the laboratory to wash the body
parts considering the types of emergency. All employees are made aware of the use of the
same and periodically checked to ensure proper functioning of eye wash and safety
shower.
4.1.1.3 First aid box is provided at the identified location and all concerned are trained for the first
aid treatment.
4.1.2 Working surfaces / platforms
4.1.2.1 Work platforms are kept neat and clean all the times, without any spillages, if any. If spill
occurs the same is cleared immediately to prevent further hazards.
4.1.2.2 Safe distance is maintained on the work platform and equipments are arranged properly on
the work platform, so that there should not be any problem during working on the platform.
4.1.2.3 All drawers, shelf etc. are kept clean, neat and tidy.
4.1.2.4 Floors of the laboratory is kept clean all the times and is ensured that there should not be
any spill on the floor, which can lead to the slips and falls during working in the laboratory.
4.1.3 Sink / Basin
4.1.3.1 All the sinks / basins are kept clean and in good order.
4.1.3.2 Leak taps are replaced immediately to prevent continuous flow of the water from the sinks /
basins.
4.1.3.3 Sinks / basins are kept always free from the clutters as a Good laboratory Practices.

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Technical Manager Quality Manager 1 of 3
 No. SOP/OPN/02
Department National Environmental Laboratory
Revision No. 00
Operation Standard Operating Procedure Date 01–05–2018
4.1.4 Fume Hoods
4.1.4.1 Use of fume hood is an essential requirement to prevent entry of the smokes / gases in the
working area, which can cause the danger to the employees working in the laboratory.
4.1.4.2 Fume hood is kept closed all the times, when it is in the operation as well as not in use.
4.1.4.3 Check periodically proper functioning of the fume hood and its exhaust fan.
4.1.4.4 Ensure that there should not be any un–necessary chemicals / reagents etc. are lying in the
fume hood.
4.1.4.5 Ensure that the extractor of the fume is working properly and all the gases generated during
the operation are sent out from the laboratory.
4.1.5 Storage of chemicals / reagents etc.
4.1.5.1 Store all compatible chemicals together, know the chemicals and don’t store the
incompatible chemicals together.
4.1.5.2 Ensure proper and effective storage of Corrosives, Oxidizers, Base, Acids, Flammable
Liquids, Poisons or Toxic Chemicals, Reactive (water or time sensitive), organic chemical
and combustible materials properly with its identification.
4.1.5.3 Ensure that the personnel working in the laboratory are familiar with the nature of the
chemicals and knowing the use of adequate PPEs, while handling such chemicals.
4.1.5.4 Keep highly poisons chemicals in the lock and key and restrict the access of such
chemicals.
4.1.5.5 Ensure that the chemicals / reagents stored inside the laboratory are as per the
requirements only. Avoid excess storage.
4.1.5.6 Ensure that all chemical containers are clearly labeled for its name, hazard warnings, dated
received and date opened. Also to identify as “To be used before”, in case of chemicals /
reagent having shelf life.
4.1.5.7 Use ventilated cabinets for storage of toxics and odoriferous chemicals / reagents to
prevent excess generation of the gases.
4.1.5.8 Ensure that the heavy bottles etc. are stored at the shoulder height for its easy handling.
4.1.5.9 Ensure that peroxidizable materials are stored away from heat and light.
4.1.5.10 Ensure proper and adequate use of the containers for storage of the chemicals / reagents
etc.
4.1.5.11 Ensure disposal of the empty container only after proper cleaning etc. to prevent its further
hazards.
4.1.5.12 Ensure proper and effective storage of the liquids in proper containers.
4.1.6 Refrigerators
4.1.6.1 Use separate refrigerators for the storage of the samples as well as chemicals / reagents /
CRMs etc.
4.1.6.2 Clean refrigerator periodically and ensure that the same is free from the unwanted odor etc.
4.1.6.3 Identify the refrigerator for the types of materials stored in it. Ensure that refrigerators used
for such storage does not have any food stuffs, drinking water etc.

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Technical Manager Quality Manager 2 of 3
 No. SOP/OPN/02
Department National Environmental Laboratory
Revision No. 00
Operation Standard Operating Procedure Date 01–05–2018
4.1.7 Equipments / Apparatus
4.1.7.1 Ensure that the required guards and protective shields are fitted on the equipments, where
necessary.
4.1.7.2 Ensure that all the electrical connections are proper and all cables / wires are shielded
properly. There should not be any fraying of insulation on electrical leads.
4.1.7.3 Ensure proper and effective arrangement of the equipments for easy operation during the
testing.
4.1.8 Environment
4.1.8.1 Ensure that adequate lighting is provided within the laboratory section as well as access to
the laboratory for proper functioning.
4.1.8.2 Ensure that temperature is maintained within the laboratory considering the test
requirements and is maintained all the times.
4.1.9 Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs)
4.1.9.1 Use PPEs, such as Hand gloves, masks, eye glass (safety goggles) while working in the
laboratory considering the types of chemicals handled as well as activities done.
4.1.9.2 Ensure that all employees working in the laboratory are wearing apron. Without apron no
person is allowed in the laboratory.
4.1.10 General safety principles
4.1.10.1 Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics etc. in side laboratory is strictly prohibited.
4.1.10.2 All employees are advised for the above safety rules and policies and are bound to follow
the same on day to day work.
4.1.10.3 Material safety data sheets are made available and all employees are trained for proper
and effective handling, transfer, and use of the chemicals and reagents etc.
4.1.10.4 Routine cleaning is the responsibilities of every one and all are bound to follow the same.
4.1.10.5 To store the chemicals / reagents / samples / CRMs at the designated places only upon
completion of the test.
4.1.10.6 Naked fire is not allowed in the laboratory area.
4.1.10.7 Waste generated out of testing must be dumped / disposed in the designated bins /
container only to prevent its hazards.
4.2 Emergency preparedness
4.2.1 Emergency Exit is clearly marked within the laboratory.
4.2.2 Evacuation route is always kept clear and free from any obstacles / obstruction etc.
4.2.3 In case of emergency, Technical Manager informs to all employees, immediately all
employees are requested to leave the laboratory premises and needs to be assembled at
the dedicated “Assembly Area.”
5.0 References Nil
6.0 Enclosures Nil
7.0 Formats / Exhibits
7.1 F/QCD/09 Facility supervision checklist

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