While labs provide practical spaces for various experiments, these environments are highly susceptible to hazards. Mistakes in the lab can lead to injuries and property damage, which can be costly and even life-threatening. Lab members must know what to encourage and avoid to create a safe, productive setting that promotes learning, including maintaining an organized lab bench. Here is more information about seven basic lab safety procedures:
1. Clean and Organize Your Lab Bench
A cluttered lab bench can impede workflows and create safety risks. You may knock over chemical containers if you can’t see them, which could cause hazardous materials to leak. Keep your bench workspace clean and organized so you know where everything is located. This can help prevent accidental spills and reduce the risk of toxic chemicals coming in contact with each other or people. Invest in a lab bench with ample storage solutions to help with organization.
2. Use Personal Protective Equipment
Sometimes accidents happen in the lab, but you can minimize the risk if you’re dressed appropriately. Safety goggles protect your eyes from chemical splashes, and a lab coat guards your skin against spills. Gloves protect your hands and arms from hazardous chemicals, especially if the experiment is hands-on. You should also wear long pants and closed-toed shoes to prevent your skin from coming into contact with chemicals that may spill on the floor. Depending on the experiment, you may also need hearing protection and gas masks to guard your ears and lungs from harm.
3. Label Everything
You may confuse one chemical for another without proper labels, especially if they look alike. Using the wrong reagent can lead to explosions and fires, which can put everyone in the lab at risk. Label everything clearly with their chemical names and concentration levels to avoid such accidents. Do this before you start the experiment to prevent misidentifying containers and chemicals. Proper labeling can also boost productivity in the lab, as you can work collaboratively and efficiently without confusion about experiment materials.
4. Leave Foods and Drinks Outside the Lab
It may be tempting to eat as you work, but this may put you at risk of cross-contamination or poisoning. You may touch your food with contaminated hands or place food on a lab bench with residue from your experiment, resulting in severe side effects. Bringing food and drinks into the lab can contaminate your projects and chemicals with food particles. Eating and drinking can also be distracting in the lab, which may lead to accidents like chemical spills and glass breakage. Keep your food and drinks outside the lab so that you can focus on the experiment with fewer distractions.
5. Perform Your Experiments Responsibly
Don’t take unnecessary risks while working in the lab. A significant mistake some people make is smelling or tasting chemicals. Tasting or smelling something hazardous may cause health problems or even life loss. Some substances can cause severe burns in your mouth and throat. Avoid mixing unknown chemicals and materials if you’re unsure what the reaction will be. Follow all experiment instructions, and adhere to all safety protocols.
6. Stay Alert At All Times
Stay alert to any strange smells or sounds that may indicate an accident is about to happen. Verify all the lab equipment is functioning correctly before you start working with it, and observe your chemicals for signs of reactivity. Look for any spills or fires, and take the appropriate steps to protect yourself. Remember to read the instructions before using new chemicals, equipment, and tools. Consider working with a lab partner who can alert you in case of danger.
7. Dispose of Waste Properly
Don’t throw away waste from your experiments without taking the proper safety precautions. Some chemicals and needles and syringes may be hazardous, so don’t dispose of them in a regular trash can. Instead, they should be disposed of in a sharps bin collection that is specifically designed for this purpose. According to state and local regulations, each lab should have designated containers for chemical and biological waste. Consult with your lab supervisor or a professional if you’re unsure what to do with certain substances. Proper waste disposal helps avoid environmental contamination and protects everyone in the lab.
Prioritize Safety While Working in the Lab
Safety should always come first when working in the lab. Follow standard safety guidelines and take extra precautions when conducting experiments to prevent accidents. Have a plan of action for hazards that may emerge to minimize the risks of injuries. Discuss safety procedures with all lab members before beginning a new project to create a safe working environment for you and your colleagues.
