Basic Laboratory Safety Tips

In any Lab there are golden rules we have to follow they may differ from each lab

but all of which are related to your own safety and your fellow.

Some lab has a lot of these rules that often are just merely written than actually done or sometimes we are just bored with the rules.

But if you like the way you are right now better take some of the important tips you should keep in mind when your in a lab.

These basic tips you could keep could not only save you in a lot of trouble but even save your life as well.

Here are some of the most important tips that you have to carry on while working or playing? in a lab...

On the top of the list?

You don't need special or expensive equipment but this you should really consider? I bet you don't want a drop of Acid in your lovely eyes like this guy right?

Oh don't worry if thats a strong acid you don't need that much...a drop will do!

Second on the list? "Read the Signs!"

When it says so NO don't try for your own good of course no one else....

Warning signs should be visible in any good lab and they are not for decorations but to tell you what you must and must not in a colorful and way, Just read carefully when its Red...

Wear "Proper ProtectiveClothing"

A lab Coat for a laboratory, but for some special laboratories proper protective clothing must be used. For Instance, a Radio active area need special protective clothing to minimize radiation exposures.

Especially for labs handling corrosive substance it is best to implement close toed shoes inside the lab. A safety shoes is best recommended which is close toed and oil proof. If passing a manufacturing plant or heavy objects are being moved around it is also best recommended to have a steel toe safety shoes anti slip and if working on flammable area better use shoe grounding to prevent static ignition.

Sometimes when we established laboratory policies its just not practical to list like 40 rules for your laboratory. For documentation purposes fine especially if your lab is aiming to be health and safety certified but for the implementation written policies ain't enough. The best way is to train and established visual signs which will remind not only the personnel of your lab as well as ocassional visitors as well.

Here's more visual signs that are actually basic lab safety tips themselves:

Warning signs specific to the area is also very effective visual reminder of policies like the signs below:

Labeling is important in any lab but safety labeling is the best. Laboratory personnel should be trained with HMIS or Hazardous Materials Identification System this is being implemented internationally thus you may see this in some of your chemical containers such as this one:

HMIS ratings are standard color coded ratings which gives information on the hazard classification of a substance. You can create your own label format and use the information supplied by your materials supplier which can be found in its Materials Safety data Sheets or MSDS. Requiring your suppliers to submit MSDS together with thei products is a standard safety practice.

In this label Format Letters H stands for Health Hazard, F for Flammability, R for Reactive, and PE for Protective equipment you should use. The numbers 1,2,3, and 4 designates the severity or rating of each category example 4F means a very volatile flammable liquids with flash points lower than 23°C which may ignite spontaneously with air and 3F are flammable liquids with flash point below 38°C and can be ignited under normal temperatures. for Protective equipment letters are used to designate a set of Protective equipment that should be used in handling this specific substance.

Every lab must have an emergency response plan if personnel are trained and equipment available in the lab should be easily recognized for rapid deployment when emergency situation arise. Although emergency management system would be best discussed separately it is well recommended that a even a simple emergency plan is a must have in every laboratory.