What should we do inside the laboratory?

Inside the laboratory, safety is the topmost priority. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

1. Protective Attire:

- Wear a lab coat or apron to protect your clothing from spills and splashes.

- Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet.

- If necessary, wear safety goggles, gloves, and/or respirators.

2. Personal Hygiene:

- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling chemicals or equipment.

- Keep your work area clean and free of clutter.

- Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics inside the laboratory.

3. Chemical Handling:

- Avoid direct contact with chemicals. Use appropriate tools and protective equipment while handling them.

- Keep chemical containers tightly closed and properly labeled.

- Only mix chemicals as directed by your supervisor or the instructions provided.

- If spills occur, clean them up immediately and safely. Follow any specific procedures set by your laboratory.

4. Glassware and Equipment:

- Handle glassware with care. Cracked or damaged glassware should be properly disposed of and replaced.

- Use safety shields when working with glassware or heating chemicals.

- Only use appropriate glassware for specific tasks. For example, never use regular glassware for mixing hazardous chemicals.

5. Waste Disposal:

- Place solid waste such as used gloves, tissues, and contaminated paper towels in appropriately marked waste containers.

- Follow proper procedures for waste disposal as specified by your institution's guidelines.

6. Electrical Safety:

- Ensure all electrical appliances and devices are in good condition and used as intended.

- Do not overload electrical outlets, and avoid improper usage like connecting multiple devices to a single outlet.

- Only plug and unplug electrical equipment with dry hands.

- Report any faulty electrical equipment immediately to your supervisor.

7. Emergency Preparedness:

- Learn the location and proper usage of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and safety showers.

- Always be aware of the emergency exit routes in case of evacuation.

- If an accident or incident occurs, notify your supervisor or responsible laboratory personnel immediately.

8. Safety First, Always:

- Pay attention to safety-related announcements, notifications, and warning signs inside the laboratory.

- Prioritize safety even if an experiment requires a slight deviation from the procedure.

- Keep safety awareness as a constant practice.