Laboratory Safety Rules

General Safety Rules:

1) An individual is not permitted to work alone at a potentially hazardous task. For example,
students are not allowed to operate power tools or similarly dangerous equipment at night
unless someone else is in the area.

2) Wear safety glasses or face shields when operating power tools, around glass that might
shatter, when using compressed gases, working on pressure line connections, etc. Around
electrical equipment, avoid chances of grounding part of you body while using your
hands near hot lines. “One hand in the pocket” is a good rule. Don’t experiment with
circuits you don’t understand; call an expert.

3) Accumulation of fumes from volatiles such as gasoline is a great hazard-use property

ventilation.

4) Handling of compressed gas cylinders and other potentially explosive materials/gases

should be exercised with utmost care.

5) Storage of chemicals is not allowed in refrigerators unless the refrigerators is marked

suitable for chemicals.

6) Experimental set-ups of potentially dangerous in nature (explosion, high0voltage, etc.)

are not to be operated until inspected and approved by designated Safety Officer.
 Laboratory Safety Rules and Regulations
 Never eat, drink or smoke while working in the laboratory.

 Read labels carefully.

 Do not use any equipment unless you are trained and approved as a user by your
supervisor.

 Wear safety glasses or face shield working with hazardous materials and/or equipment.

 Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent.

 Clothing, when handling dangerous substances, wear gloves, laboratory coats, and safety
shield or glasses. Shorts and sandals should not be worn in the laboratory at any time.
Shoes are required when working in the machine shops.

 If you have long hair or loose clothes, make sure it is properly tied.

 Keep the working area clear from all materials except those needed for your work. Coats
should be hang on the wall or placed in a locker. Extra books, purses, etc. should be kept
away from equipment that required air flow or ventilation to prevent overheating.

 Disposal, students should be responsible for the proper disposal of used materials, if any,
in appropriate containers.

 Equipment Failure, if equipment fails while being used, report it immediately to the
laboratory assistant or tutor. Never try to fix the problem yourself because you could
harm yourself and others.

 When leaving the lab, turn off all ignition sources and lock all doors.

 Never pipette anything by mouth.

 Clean up your working area before leaving.

 Wash hands before leaving the lab and before eating.

 When using compressed air, use only approved nozzles and never direct the air towards
any person.

 Guard on machinery must be in post during operation.

 Be careful when working with or near hydraulically or pneumatically – driver equipment.

Sudden or unexpected motion can inflict serious injury.
Read all directions for each experiment before coming to class and starting to work. Note
all warnings about possible dangers that may be involved. Be prepared.

 Proceed with your work thoroughly and cautiously. Do not attempt experiments not
specifically authorized by tour instructor.

 Never do unauthorized laboratory.

 Never work alone in the laboratory.

 Know the function of all laboratory equipment and use the equipment properly.

 Keep your lab space clean and organized.

 Do not leave on – going experiment unattended.

 Always inform your instructor if you break a thermometer. Do not clean mercury
yourself.

 Never taste anything. Never pipette by mouth, use a bulb.

 Never use open flames in the laboratory unless instructed by the technical assistant.

 Check your glassware for cracks and chips each time you use it. Cracks could cause the
glassware to fail during usage and can cause serious injury to you or your lab mates.

 Maintain unobstructed access to all exits, fire extinguisher, electrical panel, emergency
showers, and eye washes.

 Do not use corridors for storage or as working areas.

 Do not store heavy items above table height. Any overheated storage of supplies on top
of cabinets should be limited to lightweight only. Also, remember that a 36” diameter
area around all fire sprinkler heads must be kept clear at all times.

 Areas containing laser, biohazards, radioisotopes, and carcinogens should be posted

accordingly. However, do not post on areas unnecessarily and be sure that the labels are
removed when hazards are no longer present.

 Be careful when lifting heavy objects. Only shop staff may operate forklifts or cranes.

 Clean your lab bench & equipment and lock the door before you leave the laboratory.
 WHAT SHOULD I DO IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?

 IN ALL CASES, have one person immediately notify the laboratory supervisor.

 For a minor cut, thoroughly rinse the cut. For serious injuries, get help.

 If someone is accidently exposed to electric shock. DO NOT TOUCH HIM/HER. Use an

insulating object, such as a wooden (not metal) chair, an article of clothing or cloth, to
pull person free, or turn the power off.

 If a spill occurs, restrict access to the spill area.

 If chemicals come on contact with skin, immediately wash the area with copious amounts
of water.

 If a fire occurs and is small enough, use the fire extinguisher in the lab.

o Pull the pin.

o Aim at the bottom of the flames. Remember to be level with the flames.

o Squeeze the handle.

o Sweep back and forth.

 Back away from an extinguished fire. Close the door when leaving.