Laboratory Safety and Design Quiz

Laboratory Design

• Doors should be present for both entry and exit
• Lab benches must have a sink with a water supply, and should be U-shaped
• Ventilation system should have windows, fans, fume hoods, and biological safety cabinets
• Lighting levels should be adequate on lab bench and floor level
• Floor drains should be near lab units, floors slopes to the drain minimizes slip hazards
• Labs should have spill control materials, safety equipment like eyewash units, fire blankets and fire extinguishers

Personal Protective Equipment

• Shoes should be nonporous, closed-toe and have a heel
• Contact lenses are discouraged, but goggles or face shields are recommended if contact lenses are worn
• Long hair must be tied back when working with open flames

Behavior in the Lab

• Follow lab procedures exactly and never conduct unauthorized experiments
• Keep working area clean
• Food and drinks are not permitted in the lab
• Smoking is prohibited in the laboratory
• No practical jokes allowed
• All contaminated PPE must be removed and properly disposed of before exiting the laboratory
• Gloves should be removed using the beaking method to avoid contamination
• Do not enter the lab without knowing how to safely use chemicals and identifying them correctly

Laboratory Hazards

• Chemical Hazards:
  • All chemical containers should be labeled
  • Hazard warning signs should clearly mark areas where flammables, hazardous or toxic chemicals, and carcinogens are stored or used
  • Biohazard signs should mark blood and body fluids storage and analysis areas
  • The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hazard identification system should be clearly understood and followed
• Fire Hazards:
  • Know how to use a fire extinguisher
• Sharp Objects Hazard:
  • Never catch broken instruments
  • Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles or tongs
  • Dispose broken glass appropriately
• Electrical Hazards:
  • Keep all electrical cords, wires, and appliances away from water
• Physical Hazards:
  • Handle equipment carefully
  • Do not place personal bags on lab desk or objects on floor
• Biological Hazards:
  • Sterilize using an autoclave before getting rid of
  • Place in specific biohazard containers
• Heating Hazards:
  • Do not point the end of a heated test tube towards self or others
  • Do not heat in a closed container
  • Heated glassware should be handled with tongs or gloves
  • Do not place hot glassware directly in cold water
  • Never look into a container when it is heated

Chemical Safety Rules

• Read all labels twice before handling any chemical
• Use only the chemical type and amount specified
• Never touch, taste, or smell a chemical unless instructed
• Never mix chemicals unless instructed
• Transfer chemicals carefully
• When diluting an acid, pour the acid into water, never the other way around
• Consider all chemicals dangerous

Chemical Waste Disposal

• Treat chemicals before disposal in the sewer system
• Acids and bases should be neutralized
• Metal precipitations and safe reduction of strong oxidizers should be carried out when possible
• Pour chemicals in sand pocket or allow water from tap before pouring them into the sink

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

• It is a major source of safety information for students
• Can be obtained from chemical manufacturer or by developing one for each hazardous agent

Emergency Procedures

• Acid and Base Spills:
  • Know how to deal with concentrated acid and base spills
  • First aid for skin: rinse with water for 15 minutes, apply local anti-inflammatory drug
  • First aid for eyes: use eye wash station
• Spills on Floor:
  • Use laboratory spills kit to clean floor
  • Dilute the spill with water
  • Neutralize with appropriate materials
• Spills on Benches:
  • Clean using a similar method as spills on the floor

Important Notes

• Ensure a written hazard communication program is in place
• Educate lab workers on a yearly basis on the interpretation of chemical labels, MSDS, and health hazards
• Maintain hazard warning labels on all containers received or filled on site