Laboratory: workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards including chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards, as well as musculoskeletal stresses. Laboratory safety is governed by numerous local, state and federal regulations. In addition to information standards and guidance that deal with laboratory hazards, other links are provided with information from other governmental and non-governmental agencies that deal with various aspects of laboratory safety. Each laboratory environment poses a unique set of hazards, including chemical, biological, physical, and radiological hazards. The following are general safe laboratory practices for personnel working in labs where hazardous chemicals are used and/or stored. See the Laboratory Chemical Safety Toolkit for more information on laboratory and chemical safety. 

Understanding hazards

• Know the hazards of the chemicals you are working with. Prior to using a chemical with which you are unfamiliar, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or other appropriate references.
• Assume that unknown materials are toxic, and that a mixture is more toxic than its most toxic compound.
• Minimize exposure to all chemicals, regardless of toxicity or their familiarity. Most laboratory chemicals have not been fully characterized with respect to their toxicity. It is prudent to implement procedures that will minimize the likelihood of exposure. Skin contact should always be avoided. Avoid inhalation of chemicals and never “sniff” to test chemicals.

Emergencies

Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment such as safety showers, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms.

Engineering controls 

Minimize chemical exposure through consistent and proper use of laboratory fume hoods, glove boxes, or other ventilated enclosures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

When working with hazardous materials or physical hazards, wear:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including a lab coat, safety glasses, and disposable nitrile gloves (at minimum). Some hazards require additional PPE. See Personal Protective Equipment for guidance.
• Appropriate street clothing, which includes long pants (or equivalent) that cover legs and ankles and non-perforated, closed-toe shoes that completely cover the feet.

Working alone and unattended operations

Consult with the PI if you are planning to work alone or are running an unattended operation.

Communicate with others in the building when working alone in the lab. Let them know when you arrive and leave. Avoid working alone in the lab when performing high-risk operations.

Use cautious judgment when leaving unattended operations:

• Post signs to communicate appropriate warnings and precautions.
• Anticipate potential equipment and facility failures.
• Provide containment for release of hazardous chemicals.

Avoid ingesting chemicals

Do:

• Wash your hands frequently to minimize chemical exposure through ingestion and direct contact with the skin.
• Always wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics.

Don't:

• Use mouth suction for pipetting or siphoning.
• Consume or store food or beverages or apply cosmetics in laboratories (including refrigerators and cold rooms) or in chemical storage areas.

Labeling

Label all chemical containers with the identity of the contents. Do not use abbreviations or acronyms. Include hazard warning and chemical concentration information.

Transporting

Use appropriate safety carriers (secondary containment) when transporting chemicals, either inside or outside of the building.

Lab cleanliness

Keep work areas clean and uncluttered. Clean up work areas on completion of an operation or at the end of the day.

Cold and warm rooms

As most controlled temperature rooms (i.e. cold or warm rooms) lack mechanical exhaust (100% recirculated air), storage and use of toxic substances, flammable solvents, corrosive acids, asphyxiants (such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide), and open flames (e.g. Bunsen burners) is strictly prohibited.