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Animal Lab Safety Rules

Maintaining a safe research laboratory environment involves many components. All laboratories have safety manuals that are required reading for students and lab workers. Some schools require students to sign contracts to make sure they understand the hazards. Most labs have dress codes, such as no dangling hair, long earrings, or baggy clothing. Some labs require safety gear to be worn. Duke University requires lab workers to complete health forms to prevent undue risk. Having a suppressed immune system, for instance, might be dangerous for someone working with animals.

  1. Animal Safety

    • Animal safety is a serious concern at Flinn Scientific Middle School. In fact, students must first sign a contract agreeing to follow safety protocols before they are allowed to work in the lab. Rules like handling animals in a safe and gentle manner, not opening cages without authorization, wearing safety gloves, and what to do if bitten or scratched during lab time are important lab safety topics. All animals are treated with care and respect--there's no teasing or rough handling. Knowing where safety equipment is located and when and where to exit in an emergency are other safety rules that must be followed.

    Microscope Handling

    • Microscopes are essential equipment for laboratory work, and all labs have protocols in place for their safe handling. Microscopes must be carried using both hands. Microscopes are placed away from the edges of tables, and cords are positioned in ways that avoid accidental tripping. Plugs are grasped firmly when plugged in or out to avoid tugging on the cords. Lenses are only touched with lens paper and not bare fingers. Care must be taken when revolving the nose-piece to a higher power to prevent the contact lens from making contact with the specimen slide.

    Allergy Protocols

    • Princeton University reports that between 10 and 40 percent of animal workers develop allergic reactions, and 10 percent develop asthma. Reactions include nasal symptoms, itchy eyes, and rashes. The reactions worsen over time with prolonged exposure. Thus, it is important to have protective gear protocols to reduce allergen contact. At Princeton, protective safety gear includes such things as gloves, face masks, sleeve protectors, and lab coats. Some people develop reactions to using latex; therefore, hand-washing with water and a mild soap after latex use is encouraged.

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