Basic Laboratory Safety Rules and Behaviors

1. No eating, drinking, gum chewing, putting on makeup, or adjusting contact lenses are permitted in labs with hazardous materials.
2. Wash hands before leaving the lab and after chemical contact.
3. Keep aisles and doorways clear. Do not block emergency equipment.
4. Clean bench tops and tidy up when work is finished.
5. Clean up spills promptly and wipe up spillage on containers.
6. Store heavier chemical containers and corrosives on lower shelves.
7. Store chemical containers on shelves or cabinets by hazard category.
8. All chemical containers must be labeled or have an identifying mark corresponding to a lab notebook entry, posting, or notice.
9. Warning signs, emergency contact information, and cabinet labels must be current.
10. Store respirators and other re-useable PPE in a bag or drawer to prevent contamination.

1. Do not force glass tubing into rubber stoppers.
   - Lubricate the glass and hold the tubing with a cloth towel as you insert the tubing into the stopper.
2. Use a bulb or other device for suction. Pipetting by mouth is unsafe and not allowed.
3. Never taste chemicals. Do not “waft” to test chemical odors unless specifically directed to do so in the experimental procedure – and only with extreme caution.
4. Avoid burns by checking if an object is hot before handling or touching.
5. Only perform authorized experiments. Do not deviate from the SOP without prior approval from the lab Responsible Person.
6. Check that the fume hood is working before using it to handle hazardous materials.
7. Ensure personnel who wear dust masks and other respirators are enrolled in the campus respirator program or have a signed volunteer use form on file with EH&S.

Dress appropriately for work in laboratory areas with hazardous materials. Minimum expectations are listed below:

1. Avoid loose or baggy clothing and dangling jewelry. Roll up long sleeves when working around open flames or moving equipment. Confine or tie back long hair.
2. Wear lab coat. It must fit and be buttoned up.
3. Wear enclosed shoes. No open toe shoes or sandals are permitted.
4. Wear long pants or skirt so that legs are covered.
5. Wear wrap-around safety glasses or splash goggles when in the lab.

1. Limit access to visitors, especially minors, to hazardous laboratory areas.
2. When work is being performed, everyone must be wearing appropriate PPE and be authorized to be there by the lab Responsible Person.
3. Register visiting scholars and volunteer students as official “Volunteer Employees”. Provide the same training and protective equipment as other lab employees.
4. Keep labs locked when unoccupied.
5. Do not work alone when performing hazardous tasks or procedures.
6. Do not leave reactions or experiments unattended. If it is necessary to run an experiment overnight or longer, post unattended experiments with information about what is going on, contact person(s), and dates. Link to a sample Unattended Experiment Form.

Because of the hazards inherent in laboratories, people are expected to behave in an adult professional manner with respect for the risks. Lab workers should expect fume hoods and emergency equipment to be properly maintained and functional.

1. Put an “out of order” sign on damaged equipment. Do not let it be used. Do not make electrical repairs. Do not “jury rig” equipment to get it to work.
2. Check eye wash stations to be sure there is water flow and fire extinguishers to be sure the pressure indicator is in the ‘green’ before starting hazardous lab work.
3. Report equipment problems and building issues, such as leaks and broken tiles to the Responsible Person (RP).

The RP must report building problems to stockroom or operations staff so they can submit a work order to Facilities for repairs.

Demonstrating prudent and professional behavior within the laboratory is a critical part of a culture of safety.  You can enjoy your work, but the laboratory environment is not conducive to physical play.

Prudent behavior includes following basic safety rules and policies, being cognizant of the hazards within the laboratory, exhibiting professionalism with co-workers, and maintaining an awareness of the work being performed in nearby hoods and on neighboring benches, and any risks posed to others by you.

If you are exhausted, sleepy, taking cold medicine, or other medications or substances that impair your ability to work safely– STOP. Don’t perform any hazardous tasks if you are sick or otherwise impaired. Ask for help if the work or task is critical.

Avoid working alone with hazardous chemicals or equipment. Someone must be within sight or earshot and be aware of the hazardous work being done. If an accident or other emergency occurs, having another person available to get help could be critical to preventing harm or minimizing serious injury. Using the “Buddy System” is strongly encouraged. Refer to the Campus Directive, if available, and discuss with Department Chair if there is a conflict. 

When it is absolutely necessary for someone to work by themselves, the Responsible Person (RP) is responsible for all documentation and communication of a policy for his/her lab.

After-Hours Work

All work in laboratories with hazardous materials or equipment must be authorized by the Principal Investigator (Responsible Person) or Department Chair. Documentation of this authorization is the responsibility of the RP.