1 Laboratory Safety

Biological laboratories can be places of great learning and discovery but only when safety precautions are taken. Laboratories have chemicals, organisms, biohazards, hot plates, and heavy equipment that can cause injury. It is important to always follow the instructions given by your instructor before and during class. Take note of and carefully follow the cleanup procedures.

Please read and follow the below guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

• Closed toe shoes must be worn. No sandals of any type.
• Long pants should be worn. Shorts must never be worn.
• Long hair should be pulled and tied back.
• Never eat, drink, or chew gum in a lab.
• Food and drink must be stored outside the lab.
• Lab benches must be washed before and after each class.
• Lab goggles should be worn when handling chemicals or biohazards.
• Gloves should be worn when handling chemicals or biohazards.
• Gloves should be removed before exiting the lab
• Lab coats or protective drapes should be worn when handling chemicals or biohazards.
• Lab coats should be removed before leaving the lab.
• Hands should be washed before exiting the lab.

In addition to the above lab rules, please take a moment at the beginning of the first lab to locate the following:

• Exits: there should be at least two
• Fire extinguisher
• Eye wash
• Chemical shower
• First aid kit (note: you will not see this; it is kept in the next room)
• Tornado safety area

In the case of an accident or emergency, immediately notify your instructor and follow whatever directions they provide. Always notify your instructor, even if the issue seems small.

Equipment safety: Take care to use equipment exactly as directed. Never touch equipment that it out for another class. Use safety goggles and gloves when using chemicals with equipment. Turn off and unplug all equipment once you have finished using it.

Chemical safety: Treat every chemical as though it were hazardous. Use gloves and safety goggles when handling equipment. Never smell or taste a chemical. Use chemicals only a directed. Do not mix chemicals. Dispose of chemicals as instructed by your instructor; it may not be safe to pour a chemical down the sink.

Biohazard safety: Gloves and safety goggles should be worn when working with biohazards. Biohazardous slides should be disposed of in 10% bleach (containers can be found by the sink), while other material should be disposed of in biohazardous waste bins.

Physical safety: Please be careful when walking around the lab. Backpacks should be kept in the cubbies near the door and not left on the floor where others can trip on them. Use caution when adjusting the chairs.

Models: Models may seem harmless but can cause injury when dropped. Please always use two hands and walk with care when moving a model.

Medical Concerns: If you are lactating or pregnant or have any other medical concern about working in a laboratory, please check with your physician. Your instructor can provide MSDS sheets, if needed, but only your physician can advise you on your medical condition.