LAB SAFETY RULES AND GUIDELINES

Simona M. Sanzani
There is nothing inconsistent between a well done
experiment and a safe experiment, in fact they
have to go hand to hand!

If you don’t do a safe experiment, you are not

doing the experiment right!
 PREVENTING INJURIES = RESPONSABILITY

• Ourselves, not to get injuried

• Co-workers, our actions must not endanger our colleagues
• Families, injured we can’t provide them
• Employers, institutions, injuried person has a negative
impact on the productivity and health of the whole
company/institution
Provide safety against hazardous materials

HAZARD - anything that could cause harm

Specific actions
need to be
undertaken!
 There are Important policies and
procedures that you need to understand.
Fires and
Evacuation Chemical
Spills and
Exposures

Waste
Management
Important phone N°
& Documents
 LEGISLATION
• A wide variety of Community (EU) measures in the field of
safety and health at work have been adopted.
• European directives are legally binding and have to be
transposed into national laws by Member States.

ITALY
 D. Lgs. 19 September 1994 n. 626 – Workplace safety
 D. Lgs. 19 December 1994 n. 758 – Amendments to labor sanction
discipline
 D.M. 22 January 2008, n. 37 – Reorganize the arrangements for the
installation of plants within the buildings D. Lgs.
 30 April 2008, n.81 modified by D.Lgs. 3 August 2009 n.106 – Protection of
health and safety in the workplace
 D.Lgs. 27 January 2010, n.17 - Implementation of Directive 2006/42/EC on
machinery
 Before Lab Work, You Should Know…..

 Safety and reporting procedures

 Designated escape route
 Location of fire extinguisher, eyewash station, shower, first aid kit
 Emergency spill kits and procedures, use of adsorbents and
disinfectants
 Hazards of materials & agents and their prescribed safety
procedures
 SOME COMMON COMMENTS IN THE LAB !

Avoid incidents in the lab

Read the instructions prior to use it!
Don’t blow up the lab !
Watch out for oxidizers and flammables!
Tie back that hair!
Where are your gloves?
Don’t eat in the lab!
Clean the area after you completed your work!
Don’t smoke in the lab!
Lab is for experiments and not for studying!
 While Working in the Lab:

Consider the following questions

before beginning any experiment !

How often will the experiment be conducted?

Will it be performed on the open bench or in

a laboratory chemical hood?

Who will perform the experiment?

Are there medical conditions that need to be

considered, like pregnancy or chemical sensitivity
 While Working in the Lab:

Safety Behavior !
 Authorized persons only
 Identify every cause of danger!
 No food, beverages, tobacco products, or application of cosmetics
 Safety Behavior
While Working in the Lab:

 Shoes with full coverage

 Restrain long hair, loose clothing

Use appropriate eye, skin, hand protection

 Safety Equipment:
Personal Protective Equipment

Hand & Body Protection

Gloves – Not all materials

are appropriate for the task!

Autoclave

Protects against risk of

cuts, abrasions, burns, or
exposure to hazardous
materials.
Requires selection of the
appropriate chemical
resistant gloves
 Safety Behavior
While Working in the Lab:

•Proper clothing in the laboratory has nothing to do with

modesty or fashion.
•Lab coat is designed to reduce accidents and injury !

•Clothing
•minimize areas of exposed skin
 Safety Equipment:
Personal Protective Equipment

Eye protection
Protects against risk of dust particles, splashes of hazardous materials
or harmful rays

Safety Glasses
Face
• Unbreakable lenses of plastic or Shield

tempered glass
• For light-to-moderate work

Goggle A protector
intended to fit the face
surrounding the eyes in
order to help shield the
eyes from certain Face shield protects face adequately but not eyes
hazards (significant risk of splash on face or possible
 PROTECTIVE MASKS
Surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that, if worn properly,
it is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or
splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from
reaching your mouth and nose. Surgical masks may also help reduce
exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.

However, they do not provide

complete protection from germs
and other contaminants because of
the loose fit between the surface of
the mask and your face. Surgical
masks are not intended to be
used more than once. If your mask
is damaged or soiled, or if breathing
through the mask becomes difficult,
you should remove the face mask,
discard it safely, and replace it with a
new one. To safely discard your
mask, place it in a plastic bag and
put it in the trash. Wash your hands
after handling the used mask.
N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a
very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Note
that the edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the
nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are commonly used in
healthcare settings and are a subset of N95 Filtering Facepiece
Respirators (FFRs), often referred to as N95s.
The similarities among surgical masks and N95s are:
•They are tested for fluid resistance, filtration efficiency (particulate
filtration efficiency and bacterial filtration efficiency), flammability and
biocompatibility.
•They should not be shared or reused.
•People with chronic respiratory,
cardiac, or other medical
conditions that make breathing
difficult should check with their
health care provider before
using an N95 respirator.
•Some models have exhalation
valves that can make breathing
out easier and help reduce heat
build-up. Note that N95
respirators with exhalation
valves should not be used when
sterile conditions are needed.
 While Working in the Lab…

Report all……
Accidents
Injuries
Fires
Spills
 Weekly Lab Checks

• Eye wash (purge)

• Fire extinguisher
• First Aid Kit
• Tubing, pressurized connections
• Storage of chemicals
 Before Leaving the Lab…

 Pack and dispose properly wastes

 Turn off and unplug defective equipment
 Decontaminate work surfaces and equipment

Turn off:
 Gas
 Water
 Power supplies
 Vacuum lines
 Compression lines  Leave lab coat in the lab
 Heating apparatus  Wash it regularly
 Close and lock door
Evaluating Lab Hazards

Types of hazards:
• Chemical
• Physical
• Biological
• Ergonomic
• Mechanical
 HAZARD SYMBOLS

OXIDIZING. Substance that releases

CORROSIVE. Substance that may
destroy living tissue on contact. It
causes a burn
FLAMMABLE. Substance that
a large amount of heat when in
can catch fire easily
contact with other substances

EXPLOSIVE. Substance that may IRRITANT. Substance that may

HARMFUL. Substance that
explode if it comes into contact cause irritation to the skin, eyes or
may cause harm in some way
with a flame or heat inside your body

TOXIC. Substance that is BIOHAZARD. Living ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION.

poisonous if swallowed or
breathed in. It may even
go through your skin!
organisms that may HAZARD. Substances Radioactive substances.
cause infection. which damage or
Radiation can damage
pollute the
cells and cause cancer
environment.
 TOP 10 HARMFUL REAGENTS

• Acetonitrile: An flammable irritant that once is inhaled, ingested,

or absorbed through the skin, it converts to cyanide!
• Chloroform: This volatile solvent can irritate the skin, eyes, and
lungs. It also acts as an anesthetic that depresses the central
nervous system. Once inside the body, it converts to highly toxic
phosgene, a chemical weapon used during World War I.
• Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO): An excellent solvent, which,
however, crosses healthy, intact skin – and takes whatever is
dissolved along with it! Be sure to wear your butyl rubber gloves
if you are dissolving large amounts of something toxic in DMSO.
• Formaldehyde: This common fixative is a suspected human
carcinogen. It can cause dermatitis, sinusitis, and asthma! And
don’t buffer formaldehyde with hydrochloric acid, because
together they form a potent carcinogen, bis-chloromethyl ether.
• 2-Mercaptoethanol: As if the rotten-fish smell wasn’t bad enough,
it is a combustible corrosive. It can harm the skin and the
mucous membranes, and cause larynx spasms, pneumonitis, and
pulmonary edema when inhaled.
• Methanol: Like other volatiles, it can easily enter the body through
the lungs, gut, or skin. Once inside, it transforms to formic acid,
which causes metabolic acidosis and blinding retinal toxicity.
• Sodium Azide: This popular preservative is an extremely toxic skin
irritant that can cause headaches, low blood pressure, and heart
failure. Don’t pour it down the sink where it can react with copper
and lead pipes, forming highly explosive substances!
• Sodium Hydroxide: Disturbingly, it’s better to be splashed in the
eye with concentrated acid than sodium hydroxide. Acids
precipitate proteins, which form a protective “scab” over
unharmed tissue, but strong bases saponify fatty acids and
destroy cell membranes. Wear your goggles!
• Sodium Hypochlorite: In solution, it becomes bleach, an excellent
anti-microbial, being a strong and corrosive oxidant. Most
researchers have gotten a burning whiff (and maybe a splash),
but bleach can actually cause allergic contact dermatitis.
• Tetrahydrofuran (THF): It is a flammable solvent. Over time, THF
produces shock-sensitive, explosive peroxides. If the THF
evaporates off, the peroxides will concentrate in the remaining
solution. Even slight bumping of a container containing
concentrated peroxides can result in an explosion.
 While working in the lab:

 Handle volatiles and harmful reagents in a

chemical fume hood

 Use mechanical transfer devices

 Chemical Spills

Identify the chemical

Assess your ability to safely
contain and clean up the spill:
(spill size, chemical toxicity)
I CAN safely I CANNOT safely
clean it up clean it up

Notify co-workers
and secure the area Notify co-workers and
vacate/secure the area
 Biological/Chemical Exposures

Needle Sticks: Ocular Exposures: Dermal Exposures:

•Wash thoroughly •Rinse at eyewash •Rinse under drench

with soap and at least 15 minutes shower at least 15
water minutes
•Identify source •Hold eye open to •Remove all
ensure effective wash contaminated clothing

•Report to the Doctor

•The supervisor will fill out an accident/exposure form
 STORAGE ?????

Dry chemical storage

Dry chemicals can be stored
together only if not belonging to
incompatible classes.

Colour-coded labels used by

manufacturers are a handy
reminder of compatible groups.
STORAGE
 STORAGE

Liquid chemical storage

First step: determine the major
storage groups
Acids
Bases
Flammables
Oxidizers
Highly toxic chemicals
 Highly toxic chemicals

Toxic materials like carcinogens are stored in a separate

cabinet.
.

Volatile toxic materials are stored in an ventilated cabinet.

Presence of an inventory of all highly toxic and highly reactive

chemicals is required.

Shelves with raised edges

Chemicals are stored in designated areas on shelves with raised
edges to prevent containers from sliding off in case of an
earthquake, fire, or accident.
 Chemical Hazards: Physical Hazards

• Compressed Gas - cylinders of compressed

gas are under intense pressure.
• Corrosivity – strong acids and bases can cause
visible destruction of living tissue at the site of
contact.
• Flammability - both solid and liquid chemicals
can serve as fuel sources to support a fire.
• Reactivity - many substances will react
violently if allowed contact with air, water or
other chemicals. friction, shock, light or heat
can be enough to trigger some reactions.
 Chemical Hazards: Health Hazards

• Irritants - cause reversible inflammation of

skin, eyes or nasal passages.
• Sensitizers - cause allergic reaction after
repeated exposures. Individual
sensitivities vary.
• Carcinogens - alter DNA or cause cells
with altered DNA to multiply.
• Systemic Toxins - typically target a
specific organ or system (liver, kidney,
blood, nervous system, reproductive
system, etc.).
•Oxidizing acids:
Nitric acid, Perchloric acid, Hydrogen peroxide, Periodic acid, Chromic
acid

•Flammable liquids:
Methanol, Ethanol, Acetone, Xylene, Toluene, Ethyl acetate, Ethyl ether,
Benzene, Hexane, Pyridine, etc.

•Basic flammable liquids:

Flammable amines such as: Triethylamine, Diethylamine, TEMED,

•Inorganic bases:
Metal hydroxides as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Nickel hydroxide
Ammonium hydroxide

•Organic bases:
Amines such as Ethanolamine, Tributylamine, etc.

•Acidic Flammable Liquids:

Glacial acetic acid (100%), Acetic acid (>80%), Acetic anhydride, Formic
acid (>85%), Propanoic acid (100%)
•Organic Acids:
Butyric acid, Pentanoic acid, etc…..

•Inorganic acids:
Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric acid, Phosphoric acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, etc

•Toxic chemicals:
Many are in aqueous solution, but they are also available as mixtures or
pure compounds, as Acrylamide, Formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde,
Chloroform, Phenol, Methylene chloride
Toxic metal salts such as Silver chloride, Cadmium sulfate, Mercury
acetate, Barium carbonate, Lead acetate, etc.
Biological stains

•Water-reactives
Alkali metals as Sodium, Lithium, Potassium
Metal powders such as Alumium, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese,
Palladium, Platnium, Tin, Titanium, Zinc, Zirconium
Grignard reagents such as Phenylmagnesium bromide, Ethylmagnesium
chloride
Metal hydrides and Borohydrides such as Sodium hydride, Potassium
borohydride, Lithium aluminum hydride
Metal phosphides such as Aluminum phosphide, Calcium phosphide,
Sodium phosphide
No Exposure, No Problem !

Working with or around hazardous

chemicals does not necessarily mean that
a person’s health will be effected.

The link between hazardous chemicals and

adverse health effects lies in EXPOSURE !
 Routes of Exposure

Exposures occur via 4 routes:

• Inhalation
• dermal absorption
• Ingestion
• Injection
 Exposures can always be controlled or
eliminated by:

• understanding the properties of chemicals in use;

• utilizing protective equipment;
• substituting less-hazardous chemicals into processes.
 Eliminating Exposure

There is no way to protect yourself from

hazardous chemicals without knowledge
of the hazards that a specific chemical
poses and the routes through which you
might be exposed.

Knowledge is Power

Where can a person go to get such information?

You have a right to be informed about
every chemical in your workplace, this
information is included in every
shipment of hazardous chemicals !

- Identity of material (chemical name, synonyms)

- Physical and chemical properties
- Health hazards and “safe” exposure levels
- Symptoms of exposure
- Applicable routes of entry to the body
- Carcinogen listing
- Name, address, and emergency phone number of
manufacturer
- Precautions for safe handling
- Control measures
 ACRYLAMIDE
Substance
Acrylamide
(2-Propeneamide, vinyl amide)
CAS 79-06-1
Formula
H2C=CH-CONH2
Physical Properties
Colorless crystals
bp 125 °C (25 mmHg), mp 85 °C Acrylamide is listed in the Group
Soluble in water (216 g/100 mL) 2B of possible human carcinogen
Odor
Odorless solid
Toxicity Data
LD50 oral (rat)
124 mg/kg
LD50 skin (rat)
400 mg/kg
PEL 0.3 mg/m3--skin
TLV-TWA (ACGIH)
0.03 mg/m3--skin
Major Hazards
Suspected human carcinogen and
neurotoxin
Escape Route Plan
 Safety Equipment:
Safety Shower and Eyewash

Ask yourself:
•Do I know where they are located?
•Do I know how they work?
•Are they accessible?
Safety Equipment:
Chemical Fume Hood

Laboratory chemical hood

The laboratory chemical

hood is a ventilated
enclosure that protects you
from being exposed to
chemical fumes, gases, and
aerosols that are generated
within the enclosure.
The hood should always be
on. Notify the facility staff o
the safety office immediatel
if the hood is off or you
observe contaminants
escaping from it.
 Safety Equipment:
Chemical Fume Hood

Using laboratory chemical hoods

Plan your experiment. First, assess the risks

of your experiment. If a laboratory chemical
hood is required, place everything you need
in the hood before starting.

Lower the sash. Always make sure the sash

is pulled down to the marked level. The best
protection is provided when the sash is
brought to the lowest level for convenient
operation.

Watch your activity. Use slow and

deliberate motions. Place supplies so that
they do not obstruct the airflow at the airfoil
sill or the exhaust slots at the back of the
hood. Do not work within four inches of the
airfoil sill.
 How the hood
works

You can place dry ice

into a hood and see
how it actually works.
If the sash is all the
way up, the vapor
spills out of the hood
easily, compromising
protection.

When the sash is

pulled down to the
marked position,
there is better control.
The dry ice vapors
are captured readily,
increasing protection.

Safety Equipment:
Chemical Fume Hood
Limit the open sash area

The most important decision you will make in controlling

hood performance is the sash height. You have seen how
the hood's performance improves as the area of the sash
opening decreases. Keeping the sash at or below the safe
sash-opening marker is good practice. Placing the sash at
the lowest level for convenient operation will provide the
best protection.

Safety Equipment:
Chemical Fume Hood
Safety Equipment:
Chemical Fume Hood

Turbulence around the hood

turbulence. Room air drafts, rapid

hand movements into and out of
the hood, and obstructions at the
airfoil sill can affect performance.
Even a small disturbance near the
hood, like someone closing a door
or walking by, can create drafts
that cause vapor to escape from the
hood.
Biosafety Level 1-2

Example of
biosafety sign
posted outside lab
working with
infectious agents
Lab’s biosafety level

Infectious agents
under study

Contact information
for responsible
person and 2
emergency contacts
 Biological Safety Cabinet

The biological safety cabinet (BSC) is used as

a containment for infectious agents. The BSC
has a HEPA filter in the exhaust system to
protect the environment and yourself.

The (HEPA) filter is a high efficiency

particulate air filter. It is able to remove
particles at a size of 0.3 m with an
efficiency of 99.97%. It is also able to
remove both smaller and larger particles.
 BSC: Class II
Operator Protection
Environmental Protection
Product Protection
BSC: Class II
Type A:
70% of the recirculated air
30% of the air eliminated

Type B:
B1 30% of recirculated air
70% of the air eliminated
B2 100% expulsion
 Chemical and Biological
Wastes

Intuitively we should all

understand that potentially
harmful chemicals cannot
be disposed off with the
regular trash…

Violation is punished

Thousands of euros every year on fees, fines,

and management costs.
 Chemical Waste Disposal

Determine what your wastes are

Any chemical you want to throw away

•Any reagents that are:

- old
- out-dated
- left-over
- otherwise useless
 Chemical Waste Disposal

Make a Hazardous Waste Determination

A chemical waste is technically a
“hazardous waste” if it exhibits any of the
following characteristics:

• Ignitability (Flammable)
• Corrosivity
• Reactivity – reacts with water, can form
potentially toxic gases, is unstable or
explosive.
• Toxicity
 Chemical Waste Disposal
Satellite Accumulation
Sign
Container
Hazardous Waste •Compatible and in good condition
Satellite Accumulation •Has “tight-fitting” closure
Area Label (4 things):
Weekly Inspection
•Words “hazardous
waste”
•Name of chemical(s)
•Toxic, Reactive,
Ignitable, Corrosive
•Date FULL
Secondary Containment
•Must segregate incompatibles
•One container per waste stream
 Chemical Waste Disposal
Satellite Accumulation Area

“Hazardous
Waste”
Contents
Label Bottle Hazard
Date Full
Segregation of Incompatibles
 Chemical Waste Disposal
Satellite Accumulation – What’s Wrong
with this Picture?

Date Full
 AUTOCLAVE

An autoclave is used to treat infectious

material and rDNA. As a standard, all
material of this nature must be autoclaved
as a safety precaution. The autoclave is able
to render the material as non-infectious.
 Autoclave
The autoclave is able to reach a
high temperature to sterilize
the agent. It is important to
know the standard operating
procedures (SOP) for the
autoclave. The SOP is located
next to each autoclave. If the
temperature or pressure is
inadequate, the bag is
overfilled, or the peak time is
not long enough the material
will not be properly
decontaminated.
 Procedures
The material being autoclaved must be placed
inside an autoclave bag (Do not overfill the bag).
Add enough water for steam to generate and
properly circulate
 Procedures

A spore strip or other approved tape must be

placed on the outside of the bag or pan to
verify that the heat treatment was successful.
You will have to verify that a color change took
place.
The autoclave must reach a temperature of
121°C for at least 20 min at a pressure of 15psi

After successfully being autoclaved, the

material can be placed in regular trash. Sharps
must be incinerated.
 All other waste…
Gloves, paper, etc:
disposed of in regular trash bags

Broken Glass: if clean, should be disposed of in a

“Broken Glass” box, sharps in their specific
container, etc.
Fires Happen Here
“RACE” Fire Plan

rescue/ remove – persons from

the immediate area of fire/smoke
alert/alarm –Activate nearest fire
alarm system,
confine/close – confine fire/smoke
by closing all doors
extinguish/evacuate –
extinguish fire if safe to do so by using
the appropriate extinguisher
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

pull pin

aim at the base of the fire

squeeze handle

sweep from side to side

 Physicals hazards

• Physicals hazards Respect the dangers of ultraviolet light,

heat sources, and cryogenic materials. When transporting
hazardous substances, make certain that the containers are
sealed and use secondary containers. Try not to take
routine manipulations for granted, especially those
involving glass, needles, or sharps.
• High voltage equipment. When using high voltage
equipment like in electrophoresis, be sure that the power is
off before you start making connections. Handle power
leads one at a time, with one hand only, and never if your
hands are wet or sweaty. Beware of loose connections that
could allow sparks or an electrical arc. Keep the equipment
away from a sink or wet area. And, if you feel a tingle when
you touch the unit, stop using it immediately until it is
repaired.
• Microwave ovens. Microwave ovens can be dangerous
pieces of equipment when not used properly. Capped
containers can explode. Superheating of liquids can occur.
Inappropriately selected plastic containers can melt.
 Physicals hazards
Autoclave hazards
Steam, heat, and pressure are the
principal physical hazards associated
with using autoclaves. Improper use of
autoclaves can result in significant
personal injury from exposure to steam,
scalding liquids, and shattering
glassware.
Have an experienced colleague instruct
you in how to use an autoclave properly.

If an autoclave is not working properly,

discontinued use immediately. Post a
sign alerting others not to use the
autoclave and notify the Lab Manager to
arrange for repair.
 Physicals hazards

Using autoclaves
Loading the autoclave. Sterilization can only be achieved if
you load the autoclave properly. Follow the loading
instructions carefully - it does make a difference. and, be sure
to clean the drain strainer before loading the autoclave.
Use loading racks. Trays of glassware and individual items
need to be placed on a shelf or rack. Never place any item
directly on the bottom or floor of the autoclave.
Starting the sterilization cycle. Make sure the door of the
autoclave is fully closed and the correct cycle has been
selected before starting the sterilization cycle.
Unloading the autoclave. Protect yourself from steam and
heat by wearing heat-resistant gloves. First, slightly crack
open the door. Wait a full five minutes if the autoclave load
contains just glassware, and no less than ten minutes when
you are autoclaving liquids. Then remove the load and let the
glassware stay on the racks 15 minutes before handling the
individual pieces.
 Physicals hazards

Autoclaving liquids
Autoclaving liquids requires careful attention.
Scalding liquids can cause serious harm. Never
forget any of the following procedures:
Loosen caps. Before loading containers of
liquids into the autoclave, the caps must be
loosened to avoid having the bottles shatter.
Unload with extreme caution. Be alert for a
bottle still bubbling - it could explode easily if
touched. Let the load stand in an out-of-the-
way place for a full hour before handling.
Centrifugation hazards

Ninety percent of centrifuge-related failures are user errors.

Careless centrifugation can mean lost samples or damaged
equipment. It can also present a risk to the user and the lab.

Preventing Centrifuge Accidents

Improper loading and balancing of rotors
can cause the rotors to break loose while
spinning.
Everyone using this type of equipment
needs to know the proper operating
procedures for the specific unit being
operated, including how to select, load,
balance and clean the rotor.
Molecular biology hazards
SUMMARY
TAKE HOME MESSAGES
1. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew
gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory
glassware as containers for food or beverages
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions
carefully. If you do not understand a part of a
procedure, ask before proceeding with the
activity.
3. Never work alone in the laboratory.
4. Perform only those experiments
authorized. Carefully follow all instructions,
both written and oral.
5. Be prepared for your work in the
laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly
before entering the laboratory.
6. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at
all times.
7. Be alert and proceed with caution at all
times in the laboratory. Notify immediately of
any unsafe conditions you observe.
8. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals
in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water. Check for
disposal of chemicals and solutions.
9. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully
before use.
10. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while
using chemicals or lab equipment. Wash your hands with soap
and water after performing all experiments.
11. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Do
not wander around the room, distract other students, or
interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
12. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety
equipment including: first aid kit(s), and fire extinguisher. Know
where the fire alarm and the exits are located.
13. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory
period; containers must be closed, and any electrical equipment
turned off.
14. Long hair have to be restrained, shoes must completely
cover the foot. No sandals allowed on lab days. A lab coat
should be worn during laboratory experiments.
15. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut,
burn, etc.) to the lab referent immediately. Do not panic!
16. If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately yell out
(loudly) the lab referent name to get the attention. Do not
panic.
17. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin,
immediately go to eye wash station, flush it at least 15
minutes. Immediately (and loudly) yell out the lab referent
name to get the attention.
18. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered
dangerous. Avoid handling chemicals with fingers. Do not
taste, or smell any chemicals.
19. Check the label on all chemical bottles twice before
removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as
you need.
20. Never return unused chemicals to their original container.
21. Never handle broken glass with your bare
hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken
glass. Place broken glass in the designated glass
disposal container.
22. Examine glassware before each use. Never use
cracked, or dirty glassware.
23. If you do not understand how to use a piece of
equipment, ASK THE EXPERIENCED RESEARCHERS FOR
HELP!
24. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water. The
glassware may shatter.
25. Heated glassware remain very hot for a long
time. They should be set aside in a designated place to
cool, and picked up with caution. Use heat protective
gloves if necessary.
26. Never look into a container that is being heated.
Thanks for your
attention!