What Are Some Precautionary Measures Inside the Laboratory?

A laboratory is an environment that requires careful attention to safety and the use of preventative measures. These can include using personal safety clothing, being organized and having good knowledge of proper procedures for experiments. This can help to promote a safe work environment for all and keep injuries from occurring.

Protective Clothing

• Labatory coats can help protect your skin from spills.

  Personal safety is a primary concern in a laboratory, starting with the appropriate attire. Basic protective clothing for this environment include: laboratory apron, splash-resistant goggles and gloves. Shoes need to have a covered-toe design, and you should avoid wearing heels, sandals or clog-style shoes. The clothing that you wear in the laboratory needs to be washed in a separate load. Clothing should also cover the skin and fit snugly to your body.

Cleanliness

• Keeping the laboratory clean is a key preventative measure to avoid accidents. Equipment should be organized and properly stored to avoid clutter. Hallways and staircase landings should not be used for storage. Areas around fume hoods, table tops, passage ways and floors should be clear of clutter and cleaned with a disinfectant spray. The floor needs to be kept dry, and spills should be cleaned up quickly to avoid falls. When work in the laboratory is finished, the area should be cleaned up and you should wash your hands.

Laboratory Equipment

• Equipment in the laboratory should be carefully inspected before using it, and any damaged items should be replaced. The equipment should also have any necessary maintenance performed as recommended by the manufacturer. Fume hoods should be utilized whenever you are working with any type of chemical. You should ensure that guards and protective shields are on any mechanical equipment to prevent injury. Fume hoods should not be utilized as a storage area for various chemicals, unless it has a built-in storage space.

Dealing with Chemicals

• Chemical containers have to be carefully handled and stored.

  You need to have a thorough understanding of the various chemicals, their properties and how to properly store them. When storing chemicals, you need to keep ones that are not compatible in a separate space. This is especially true for those that are explosive, corrosive or can catch on fire. When carrying chemicals, use a carrier and make sure that the lids are securely fastened. All bottles need to be clearly labeled with the contents and should be dated.