All Lab Safety Tips

6 Safety Tips for Operating a Centrifuge (Posted: 2/24/2010)
In 1998, the rotor in an ultracentrifuge spun out control, completely destroying the centrifuge, a nearby freezer, the control system for an incubator, and all the windows in the room. Fortunately, there were no workers in the lab at the time of the accident. Even though the rotor had been used extensively without any problems, it was determined that the model was unapproved by the manufacturer. This article outlines 6 additional safety tips to keep in mind while operating a laboratory centrifuge.... READ MORE

Autoclaving Guidelines for Sterilization of Lab Equipment (Posted: 2/18/2010)
Operating an autoclave requires caution and adherence to strict regulatory requirements. Follow these autoclaving guidelines for sterilizing equipment and research materials.... READ MORE

How To Use A Fluorescence Microscope (Posted: 2/11/2010)
In fluorescence microscopy, fluorophores are used to reflect an image of a given sample or specimen. A fluorescence microscope is generally made up of a specialized light source, either Mercury or Xenon, excitation and emission filters, and a dichroic mirror. The following steps will instruct you how to use a fluorescence microscope properly and safely.... READ MORE

Separation Anxiety (Posted: 2/8/2010)
Here is a statistic that jumped out at me recently: improper storage of chemicals accounts for nearly 25 percent of all chemical accidents.1 Why is that? This is a sad statistic, given that all these accidents are entirely preventable, yet they continue to happen despite the availability of numerous and excellent resources just a few keystrokes away.... READ MORE

Tips for Ergonomic Pipette Use and Handling (Posted: 2/4/2010)
In golf, you wouldnt use clubs that require you to hunch over and hurt your back. When buying a car, you wouldnt buy one that doesnt give you appropriate headroom. On walks, you wouldnt wear shoes that give you blisters. So why, when youre working in the lab, would you use a pipette that doesnt fit comfortably in your hand? Learn why its important to treat yourself and your employees to optimally designed pipettes. ... READ MORE

Working With Compressed Gas Cylinders (Posted: 1/26/2010)
As you can imagine, working with gas cylinders presents plenty of hazards: flammability, reactivity, toxicity, and asphyxiation. Mishandling can lead to explosions or more innocuous dangers...... READ MORE

Ergonomic Setup and Work Practices (Posted: 1/20/2010)
To promote your health and ensure your laboratory productivity, simple postural and equipment adjustments can be made. The following tips can help decrease your exposure to ergonomic risk factors in the laboratory. ... READ MORE

Fume Hood Factsheet: General Work Practices for Laboratory Hoods (Posted: 1/14/2010)
Fume hoods are installed in laboratories to protect workers from hazardous vapors generated by laboratory experiments. However, simply conducting these experiments in the fume hood does not guarantee adequate protection. The fume hood must be used properly. These guidelines will help you optimize the effectiveness of your fume hood.... READ MORE

Burn Notice (Posted: 1/6/2010)
Some tips and rules of thumb for safe storage of flammables in the lab.... READ MORE

Cryogenic Safety Procedures (Posted: 1/6/2010)
Cryogenic materials are extremely cold and call for special handling, tools and personal protection. Liquified gases will freeze skin on contact, so you should wear nonporous gloves intended for cryogenic work.... READ MORE

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements for the Laboratory (Posted: 12/18/2009)
Its important that every lab be prepared with the correct fire extinguisher, inspection requirements and training.... READ MORE

7 Elements of an Off-the-Job Safety Management System (Posted: 12/10/2009)
... READ MORE

Knock! Knock! (Posted: 12/3/2009)
The how, when and what for a meaningful lab safety audit.... READ MORE

Emergency Evacuation Plans (Posted: 12/3/2009)
The safe, orderly and prompt evacuation of building occupants depends on having the physical safety features of a building in operating condition as well as having an emergency evacuation plan. ... READ MORE

Electrical Safety in the Lab (Posted: 11/19/2009)
While electricity is in constant use by the researcher, both within and outside the laboratory, significant physical harm or death may result from its misuse. ... READ MORE

Safety Responsibilities for Managers (Posted: 11/12/2009)
Listed are some useful tips for managers to ensure a safe work environment.... READ MORE

Cold-Weather Solutions for Eye Wash, Shower Needs (Posted: 11/5/2009)
Providing emergency eye wash and shower facilities for employees who work outdoors and are exposed to chemical hazards can be challenging during the winter months. Standard equipment will freeze when the mercury dips below 32F, rendering the station useless and creating an unsafe work environment.... READ MORE

Laboratory Cleaning - Know Your Options for Cleaning Labware (Posted: 10/29/2009)
There are a variety of options for cleaning laboratory products. First, determine what level of cleanliness is needed. Sometimes just soil, grease, or proteins need to be removed. Laboratory cleaning products, ultrasonic cleaners and laboratory dishwashers can all be used for this level of cleaning. ... READ MORE

Drain Disposal of Chemicals (Posted: 10/22/2009)
Before considering drain disposal, be certain that the sewer flows to a wastewater treatment plant and not to a stream or other natural water course. Check with the local waste water treatment plant authority to determine what substances are acceptable for drain disposal.... READ MORE

Swine Flu Prevention in the Workplace (Posted: 10/15/2009)
Swine flu spreads from an infected person to others when they cough, sneeze or touch handles, doorknobs and other objects subsequently touched by others. Persons can contract the flu by touching these objects before touching their mouth, nose or eyes. The CDC recommends employees take the following steps to reduce the spread of swine flu. ... READ MORE

Working Alone Policy (Posted: 10/9/2009)
Working alone is an unsafe practice at any time. However, if the nature of your work makes it unavoidable, take measures to ensure that others are aware of your location and have someone check in with you from time to time, either in person or by telephone. ... READ MORE

Safety Incentives Pay Dividends (Posted: 10/1/2009)
Looking to reduce operating costs, reach company safety goals and retain hardworking talented employees? Of course, who isn't? Launching a safety incentive program is a great tool to help achieve these goals. Incentive programs strive to improve employee engagement, reduce accidents and injuries, reinforce safe work practices, promote safety at work and at home, retain good employees and generate a positive return on investment (ROI).... READ MORE

Medical Emergencies in the Laboratory (Posted: 9/23/2009)
It is important that you do not attempt any medical treatments with which you are unfamiliar. However, there are certain serious injuries in which time is so important that treatment must be started immediately. The proper aid is outlined below according to the type of injury. Report all injuries to your supervisor/advisor after professional help arrives.... READ MORE

Classes of Fires (Posted: 9/17/2009)
This article outlines the different classes of fires, the materials involved, and how to deal with them.... READ MORE

Everything Vibrates (Posted: 9/10/2009)
Because of traffic, machinery, HVAC systems, weather, and natural frequency, everything vibrates. In an average building, approximately 7075% of the vibrations are vertical. In laboratories, vibrations dont have to be obvious for performance to suffer. Most vibrations are not even noticeable to a buildings occupants, but many cannot be tolerated by equipment used in research, precision manufacturing, inspection, and quality control. ... READ MORE

Working with Ammonium Hydroxide (Posted: 9/2/2009)
Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) is a solution of ammonia in water. Commonly called ammonia or ammonia water, the chemical is used as a cleanser and in manufacturing plastics, rubber, fertilizer and textiles.... READ MORE

Pressure and Vacuum Systems (Posted: 8/27/2009)
Working with hazardous chemicals at high or low pressures requires planning and special precautions. Procedures should be implemented to protect against explosion or implosion through appropriate equipment selection and the use of safety shields. Care should be taken to select glass apparatus that can safely withstand designated pressure extremes. ... READ MORE

General Safety Practices (Posted: 8/20/2009)
Safety practices from The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ohio State University ... READ MORE

Safe Cryogenics Practices and Procedures (Posted: 8/13/2009)
Many of the safety precautions observed for compressed gases also apply to cryogenic liquids.... READ MORE

Laboratory Fire Safety (Posted: 8/5/2009)
Labs, especially those using solvents in any quantity, have a very high potential for flash fires, explosion, rapid spread of fire, and high toxicity of products of combustion.... READ MORE

Personal Protective Equipment in the Lab (Posted: 7/31/2009)
With the arrival of summer and warm or rather, hot weather, people have switched their wardrobes to warm weather wear. Often, summertime attire, such as shorts, short skirts, sandals and flip flops, is chosen strictly for comfort and to combat the heat. ... READ MORE

How to Ensure Document Security (Posted: 7/24/2009)
It is generally believed in the life science world that all regulatory and compliance issues go away when a document management system is implemented ... READ MORE

Laboratory Ergonomics (Posted: 7/16/2009)
Laboratory researchers are at risk for repetitive motion injuries during routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, working at microscopes, operating microtomes, using cell counters and video display terminals. ... READ MORE

How to Clean Laboratory Glassware (Posted: 7/8/2009)
Cleaning laboratory glassware isn't as simple as washing the dishes. Here's how to wash your glassware so that you won't ruin your chemical solution or laboratory experiment. ... READ MORE

Emergency Plans (Posted: 7/1/2009)
Laboratory emergency plans should be developed very early on even being implemented into the design plans themselves. Learn what should be incorporated into an effective emergency plan, what instructions to leave for authorities in the event of an emergency, and how to respond to an actual incident. Planning after all, might be the most important safety procedure of all ... READ MORE

What are the Worst Possible Things that Could go Wrong? (Posted: 6/25/2009)
What kinds of emergency situations can you anticipate? Answering these four questions can help you identify problems before beginning an experiment. ... READ MORE

Working with Laboratory Glassware (Posted: 6/19/2009)
A safe laboratory work environment can be achieved through an awareness of hazards involved with your equipment. This is no different when it comes to common glassware found in the lab. While most accidents involving glass typically result in minor cuts, more serious accidents are certainly possible. Here is a tip on how to appropriately, effectively, and safely work with laboratory glassware.... READ MORE

Job Hazard Analysis (Posted: 6/11/2009)
Job Hazard Analysis - One of the cornerstones of any successful safety and health program is job hazard analysis (JHA). ... READ MORE

Health & Safety Design Considerations for Laboratories (Posted: 6/11/2009)
For any new construction or renovation of laboratory areas, consider health, safety and regulatory compliance issues early in the design stage of the project. The following outlines some of these issues.... READ MORE

Working with Toluene (Posted: 6/4/2009)
Toluene (C7H8) is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Stable under normal pressure and temperatures, it is highly flammable and easily ignited by sparks, heat or flame. It floats on water, boils at 232F and freezes at 139F.... READ MORE

Guidelines for use of Chemically Resistant Gloves (Posted: 5/28/2009)
Chemical resistant gloves are an important aspect of protection against hazardous materials. It is critical that users select the correct glove material based on the chemicals used and the gloves permeation data. Inappropriate use of glove material may actually injure a worker as chemicals can quickly permeate the barrier. Please review the manufacturer, test data, and our glove usage recommendations. ... READ MORE

Safety Hazards (Posted: 5/20/2009)
Accidents in the laboratory are often the result of carelessness or ignorance either by you or by your neighbors. Stay alert and pay constant attention to your own and to your neighbors' actions. The safety precautions outlined below will be worthless unless you plan, understand, and think through the consequences of every operation before you perform it. ... READ MORE

Common Misuses and Limitations of Fume Hoods (Posted: 5/14/2009)
Used appropriately, a fume hood can be a very effective device for containment hazardous materials, as well as providing some protection from splashes and minor explosions. Even so, the average fume hood does have several limitations. ... READ MORE

The Dos and Donts of Chemical Labeling (Posted: 5/7/2009)
At a recent chemistry meeting, a question came up concerning the proper method of labeling a chemical container. Of the 24 chemistry teachers in attendance, not one of them was sure what kind of information was required on a chemical label. ... READ MORE

Controlling Chemical Exposures (Posted: 4/30/2009)
There are three general methods for controlling one's exposure to hazardous substances. In the laboratory, these methods or a combination of them can be used to keep exposure below permissible exposure limits.... READ MORE

Is Your Lab in Check? (Posted: 4/23/2009)
Employers are required to provide a chemical hygiene plan under 29 CFR 1910.1450 to ensure the protection of lab employees. ... READ MORE

A Look at Preventing Eye Injuries (Posted: 4/16/2009)
Eye injuries may be more common in the workplace than youd expect. Consider that an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur every day in American workplaces. Add up all the lost production time, medical expenses and worker compensation claims, and the estimated cost of these injuries is as high as $300 million per year. ... READ MORE

How to Neutralize Chemical Spills (Posted: 4/2/2009)
Neutralizing an acidic or caustic material during spill cleanup makes the material safer to handle and dramatically reduces disposal costs. ... READ MORE

Hazard Communication Standard (Right to Know Law) (Posted: 3/26/2009)
Chemicals present in the laboratory are considered hazardous if they are known to cause health problems, can instantaneously release pressure, if they can catch fire easily or are reactive. These chemicals have many needed uses, but must be handled properly in order to avoid harmful side effects. ... READ MORE

Working with Mercury (Posted: 3/17/2009)
In the environment, mercury is found in three forms: metallic mercury, inorganic mercury salts, and organic mercury compounds. Regardless of its form, mercury seems always to be in a state of constant conversionand its degree of toxicity varies accordingly. Because of this tendency, elemental mercury, when heated or spilled, creates a particularly hazardous situation. ... READ MORE

Using Material Safety DataSheets (Posted: 3/11/2009)
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a written document that provides product users and emergency personnel with information and procedures needed for handling and working with chemicals. ... READ MORE

Incompatible Chemical Mixtures (Posted: 3/3/2009)
Some chemicals shouldn't be mixed together. In fact, these chemicals shouldn't even be stored near each other on the chance that an accident could occur and the chemicals could react. ... READ MORE

A Guide to Safety Showers & Eye Washes (Posted: 2/26/2009)
Accidents happen. In the laboratory these accidents often involve chemicals as containers are dropped, bumped into, knocked over or otherwise mishandled. When these chemical accidents involve contact with clothes, skin or eyes it is essential that you have already properly located your safety showers and eye washes. When an accident happens it is too late.... READ MORE

Ventilation Strategies (Posted: 2/23/2009)
Constant flow, variable flow, and all the space between. By Jim Coogan, P.E.... READ MORE

Laboratory Ergonomics (Posted: 2/23/2009)
Things you should know...things you should do.... READ MORE

Should I Purchase This Chemical? (Posted: 2/19/2009)
Some questions any lab manager or professional at the collegiate, university, or high school levels might want to consider prior to purchasing chemicals.... READ MORE

Avoiding Repetitive-Strain Injuries (Posted: 2/10/2009)
Many of the tasks performed in research laboratories place workers at risk for the development of repetitive-strain injuries. Potentially hazardous activities include use of equipment such as pipetters, microscopes, microtomes, centrifuges, flow cytometers, cryostats, and computers. Use the following tips to lower your risk exposure: ... READ MORE

Environmental Management in Small Laboratories (Posted: 2/3/2009)
Like any other important business activity in a small lab, environmental issues must be carefully managed. For example, important business activities occurring in small labs address quality, finance, human resources, or safety and have appropriate management systems.... READ MORE

Keep Damage from Corrosive Liquids in Check! (Posted: 1/29/2009)
By definition, corrosive liquids are hazardous. Aqueous liquids with a <2 or >12.5 pH are capable of corroding steel at a rate of more than 6.35 mm (0.250")/yr at a test temperature of 55 C. The fumes of these corrosives in the presence of humidity will condense predominately on metal surfaces. ... READ MORE

Effective Use of Alcohol Hand Sanitizers (Posted: 1/20/2009)
Eliminating the risk of cross-contamination in pharmaceutical production areas, R&D labs, cleanrooms, and support areas includes effective methods for hand sanitization. ... READ MORE

Develop a System for the Legal, Safe, and Ecologically Acceptable Disposal of Chemical Wastes (Posted: 1/12/2009)
We recommend the establishment of a chemical management system. This system provides for the safe procurement, storage, use, and disposal of chemicals. The system begins with the assumption of responsibility. Management needs to have written policies for the safe use and disposal of chemical and biological materials.... READ MORE

Keeping a Clean Atmosphere (Posted: 1/6/2009)
This article attempts to provide a checklist against which the choice of chemical or biological containment cabinets may be measured. However, the benefit of an expert evaluation of the hazards and risks to be considered before any equipment is selected should not be underestimated. ... READ MORE

Working with Isopropyl Alcohol (Posted: 12/17/2008)
Isopropyl alcohol (C 3H 8O) is a flammable, colorless liquid with a slightly pleasant odor. It is used in manufacturing acetone, glycerol and isopropyl acetate. A solvent for many oils, alkaloids, gums and resins, it also serves as a deicing agent for liquid fuels.... READ MORE

Chemistry Laboratory Safety Rules (Posted: 12/2/2008)
Some rules are NOT made to be broken. That is true of the rules used in a chemistry lab. They are really, truly for your safety and not your humiliation.... READ MORE

Require Grounded Plugs on All Electrical Equipment and Install Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI'S) Where Appropriate (Posted: 11/21/2008)
OSHA specifies that all equipment in the workplace be grounded to avoid shock and possible electrocution. ... READ MORE

GAO says tighter security needed at two BSL-4 labs (Posted: 11/19/2008)
Two of the nation's five biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) labs lack outer-ring security controls to protect against a terrorist attack or theft of some of the world's most dangerous pathogens, such as the Ebola and smallpox viruses, according to a new report from the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO).... READ MORE

Provide an Appropriate Supply of First Aid Equipment and Instruction on its Proper Use (Posted: 11/9/2008)
There are some emergencies which can't wait five minutes for EMT's to arrive. ... READ MORE

Label All Chemicals (Posted: 10/28/2008)
Chemicals should be labeled to show the name of the material, the nature and degree of hazard, the appropriate precautions, and the name of the person responsible for the container. ... READ MORE

Remove All Electrical Connections from Inside Chemical Refrigerators and Require Magnetic Closures (Posted: 10/13/2008)
Standard refrigerators should not be used for storage of flammable or reactive chemicals. ... READ MORE

Provide Guards on All Vacuum Pumps and Secure All Compressed Gas Cylinders (Posted: 9/29/2008)
Compressed gas cylinders need to be chained in place during storage, transportation, and use. ... READ MORE

Maintain a Centrally Located Departmental Safety Library (Posted: 9/10/2008)
One of the characteristics of an effective safety program is the availability of reference and resource materials. ... READ MORE

Provide Fire Extinguishers, Safety Showers, Eye Wash Fountains, First Aid Kits, Fire Blankets, and Fume Hoods in each Lab (Posted: 8/29/2008)
Not only should these items be provided but they should be test or checked monthly. ... READ MORE

Provide Adequate Supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (Posted: 8/18/2008)
Employers are responsible for providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, goggles, face shields, gloves, lab coats, and bench top shields. Employees are responsible for using these devices. ... READ MORE

Communicate Hazards (Posted: 8/6/2008)
In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information must be available about the identities and hazards of the chemicals. ... READ MORE

Require the Use of Appropriate Eye Protection at All Times in Labs and Areas where Chemicals are Transported (Posted: 7/21/2008)
Appropriate eye protection is defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z-87.1 standard. The most current edition is 1989. ... READ MORE

Allocate a Portion of the Departmental Budget to Safety (Posted: 7/9/2008)
The establishment of a separate accounting line for safety and health related purchases is essential. This allows you to clearly track monies expended for this purpose.... READ MORE

Develop Specific Work Practices for Individual Experiments (Posted: 6/25/2008)
While the Lab Standard does not require specific work practices for individual experiments, it does stipulate that employers generate a list of recognized good practices which lab workers are expected to follow, ... READ MORE

Require Good Housekeeping Practices in all Areas (Posted: 6/11/2008)
Good housekeeping is one of the foundations of good safety practice.... READ MORE

Use Warning Signs to Designate Particular Hazards (Posted: 5/28/2008)
The use of warning signs to designate particular hazards is not just a good idea it's the law.... READ MORE

Avoid Purchasing Unnecessary Quantities of Chemicals (Posted: 5/14/2008)
One school accumulated 20 five-pound bottles of mercury. Each year they ordered from the same list used the year before! Not a good idea.... READ MORE

Store Incompatible Chemicals Separately (Posted: 4/30/2008)
The proper storage of chemicals has become a focal point of laboratory safety. We need to keep chemicals which are incompatible separated some reasonable distance from each other.... READ MORE

Keep Emergency Phone Numbers Next to Every Phone (Posted: 4/16/2008)
In an emergency, you tend to forget even the most common things. Having emergency phone numbers for the fire, police, and local ambulance by every phone is a very important reminder.... READ MORE

Planning for Emergencies (Posted: 4/2/2008)
It's important to develop plans and conduct drills for dealing with emergencies such as fire, explosion, poisoning, chemical spill, vapor release, and personal contamination.... READ MORE

Do Not Store Food in Chemical Refrigerators (Posted: 3/19/2008)
Prohibiting the storage of food in chemical refrigerators is one of the basic rules of good practice.... READ MORE

Forbid Smoking, Eating, and Drinking in the Laboratory (Posted: 3/5/2008)
The practice of forbidding smoking, eating, and drinking in laboratories is one of the basic good hygiene practices.... READ MORE

Limit Amounts of Flammable Liquids (Posted: 2/20/2008)
There seems to be a special law of nature that leads to the accumulation of chemicals in laboratories.... READ MORE

Extend the Safety Program Beyond the Lab (Posted: 2/6/2008)
The effectiveness of safety programs depends on their ability to motivate people to care about their health and safety.... READ MORE

Require that all Accidents be Reported (Posted: 1/23/2008)
Not only should it be required that all accidents or incidents be reported, they should also be evaluated by the departmental safety committee and discussed at departmental safety meetings.... READ MORE

What are the worst possible things that could go wrong? (Posted: 1/16/2008)
When conducting experiments with hazards or potential hazards, ask yourself these four questions...... READ MORE

Precautions for Unattended Experiments (Posted: 1/9/2008)
There are surely going to be times when experiments must continue running on their own while you do other things (go to lunch, or go home to sleep).... READ MORE

Forbid Working Alone in the Lab (Posted: 12/19/2007)
Working alone is a bad idea. It's an open invitation to tragedy. The legal consequences can be equally serious.... READ MORE

Discuss Health and Safety When Teaching (Posted: 12/5/2007)
Providing instruction in the safety hazards, appropriate precautions, and potential emergency procedures is a faculty duty under the law. ... READ MORE

Schedule Regular Departmental Safety Meetings to Discuss the Results of Inspections and other Aspects of Laboratory Safety (Posted: 11/7/2007)
Safety meetings are an integral part of a good safety program. You need to have a time when you and your colleagues can get together and focus on safety issues.... READ MORE

Make Learning how to be Safe an Integral and Important Part of the Science Education Process (Posted: 10/24/2007)
For too many years at academic institutions and some companies, safety has been something extra. ... READ MORE

Conduct Periodic, Unannounced Laboratory Inspections (Posted: 10/10/2007)
Quarterly inspections are an integral part of a good safety program. ... READ MORE

Require all staff members to read and sign a statement of safety procedures (Posted: 9/26/2007)
All staff members, as well as students, should be required to read the institution's lab safety rules.... READ MORE

Provide Incentives for Safety Performance (Posted: 9/12/2007)
Everyone likes to receive a reward for good performance. It can be a merit raise, a promotion, or praise.... READ MORE

Safety is not a Spectator Sport (Posted: 8/29/2007)
Involve every staff member in some aspect of the safety program and give each a specific responsibility.... READ MORE

Encourage caring about one's health and safety (Posted: 8/15/2007)
Employees, faculty, staff, and students need to be encouraged to develop a genuine concern about their own health and safety.... READ MORE

Develop a Safety Orientation Program (Posted: 8/1/2007)
All new employees, students, faculty, and staff should receive a specially designed indoctrination to your safety program.... READ MORE

Organize a Safety Committee (Posted: 7/18/2007)
All new employees, students, faculty, and staff should receive a specially designed indoctrination to your safety program.... READ MORE

Have a Written Safety Policy (Posted: 7/6/2007)
A written safety policy is the cornerstone of a good safety program. It's a statement endorsed and supported by the administration that speaks to the fundamental responsibilities for health and safety in the academic institution or company.... READ MORE

Laboratory Housekeeping (Posted: 1/1/1900)
As you walk through a well-kept laboratory, you should note a clean and orderly workplace.... READ MORE