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Biology Lab Safety Guidelines

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Valesska Sánchez
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12 views2 pages

Biology Lab Safety Guidelines

Uploaded by

Valesska Sánchez
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

BIOLOGY LAB RULES FOR STUDENTS

Working in a laboratory requires you as a user to adopt a watchful, responsible attitude.


As a laboratory user, you must be aware that potentially there are quite a lot of risks to health
and safety lying in wait. Not only for your own health and safety, but also for that of your fellow
students. Approximately 80% of accidents in a laboratory are caused by human error, usually
due to bad practices. In order to keep these risks to a minimum, all users must follow the basic
rules described here.
Students are required to practice disciplined and responsible conduct at all times when present
in the laboratory. (Playing around in the laboratory, sitting or leaning on the lab benches,
disorderly behaviors are not permitted at all times. Be alert and proceed with caution).

GENERAL RULES:

1. USE OF LAB COAT IS MANDATORY (unless you are having a theory class).
2. Dress properly for lab. Clothing must cover the body from the shoulders down to toes.
NO bare midriffs or ankles, NO tank tops or low-cut tops, NO shorts, skirts, or cropped
pants, SHOES must be closed-toed and completely cover the heel and top of the foot.
NO sandals, keep long hair up.
3. NO EATING, NO DRINKING in the laboratory. NO SMOKING, NO RUNNING around
the laboratory.
4. DO NOT USE cell phones, radios, MP3 players, nor headphones in the lab.
5. ANY ACTIVITY, EXPERIMENT OR MANIPULATION OF EQUIPMENT / REAGENTS
MUST ALWAYS BE SUPERVISED BY PROFESSOR / TUTOR.
6. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING WITHOUT ASKING
7. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at
all times. Each student is responsible for cleaning up all spilled chemicals at his/her
bench, on the reagent shelves, in the hoods, and in and around the balances. Consult
the instructor if uncertain about the method of cleanup.
8. Bring only your lab manual, lab book and other necessary materials to the work area.
All backpacks, coats, and other personal items must be stored away from benches,
fume hoods, all chemicals, and out of aisles. Keep aisles clear.
9. Gloves are available for use when needed and must be removed before leaving the
lab. Do not handle personal items such as pens with the gloves on.
10. Identify the location of safety features of the laboratory including the safety shower,
eye wash, fire extinguisher and chemical spill clean up kit/first aid kit.
11. All written and verbal instructions are to be followed carefully. If you do not understand
a direction or part of a procedure, ask the TA or the supervising person before
proceeding.
12. UNSUPERVISED PRESENCE OF STUDENTS IN THE LAB IS PROHIBITED.
Persons not participating in the course are not allowed in the lab without approval.
13. Each student must execute experiments only in the work space designated to them
and personally monitor their experiments in progress. Do not move the
equipment/glassware for personal preference unless approved.
14. Chemicals and equipment may NOT be removed from the laboratory under any
circumstance.
15. Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and cracks. Notify your lab
supervisor of any damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of.
16. Fume hood sashes must be closed when not in use. Fume hood sashes are not to be
opened beyond the 18’’ mark when in use. Never stick your head into the fume hood.
17. All work surfaces and materials are to be cleaned each day by the student at the end
of the experiment. Inventory and return of all equipment/glassware (clean and in
working order) to the trays on the tables. Broken or missing items MUST BE
REPLACED BY THE STUDENTS.
18. Respect the laboratory waste disposals:
 Red bins with red bag for  Micropipette tips boxes
infectious waste.  Broken glass box
 Blue bins with black bags for  Scalpel waste
common waste.  Autoclavable waste
19. Chemical waste may not be flushed away in the sink nor be deposited in the waste bin.
Every laboratory has a hood designated for the collection of chemicals, so chemical
waste must be placed in the bottles that are under the fume hood cabinets. If necessary
check with the tutor whether the solutions or substances used are to be regarded as
chemical waste. Make sure you dispose of each chemical in the proper bottle. Placing
a chemical in the wrong bottle may result in undesirable chemical reactions. If you are
not sure what goes where, ASK!
20. Before conducting an experiment, you must familiarize yourself with the properties of
the chemicals to be used.
21. Before using equipment students are required to familiarize themselves with how it
works and possible risks. The student must satisfy him/herself that the apparatus with
which he/she is working is safe and that there is no risk to the surrounding area. In
case of doubt the student is obliged to consult the tutor.
22. Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to
operate.
23. Report all injuries, accidents, and broken equipment or glass right away, even if the
incident seems small or unimportant.
24. If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or it is not operating properly,
report the issue to a technician right away. Never try to repair equipment on your own.
25. Please do not open the windows and keep the door closed during the class. There is
a lot of dust around the lab, therefore, the equipment could be damaged.
26. There is air conditioning in the labs, please regulate the temperature if needed. The
control panel is located in the wall next to the blackboards.
27. Do not move the tables and do not unplug the electric outlet. The tables are connected
to electricity in network. All the tables could work with 110V, if you need 220V let us
know.

Lab Committee

Fernando Gonzales (fgonzales@[Link])


Francisco Alvarez (falvarez@[Link])
Mariel Perez (maperez@[Link])
Veronica Sandoya (vsandoya@[Link])

Common questions

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Immediate reporting is vital to address the cause of incidents promptly, preventing further damage or injuries. Early reporting allows for corrective measures, proper documentation, and safety improvements. Ignoring small incidents could lead to larger, more hazardous situations, potentially affecting more equipment or personnel .

Ensuring glassware is free from chips and cracks prevents leaks and potential chemical exposure, avoiding contamination and accidents during experiments. Damaged glassware can result in serious injuries, hazardous spills, or compromised experimental results, highlighting the need for careful inspection and prompt reporting of any damages .

Good housekeeping is essential for preventing accidents, such as slips or contact with hazardous materials. It promotes a safe, organized environment where spills are promptly cleaned, and equipment is orderly and functional. Effective housekeeping also facilitates efficient work processes and minimizes clutter that could lead to accidents .

Laboratory rules stipulate that students may only use equipment if they are trained and approved by their supervisor. This measure reduces the risk of equipment damage and accidents resulting from improper use. Additionally, if equipment fails or operates improperly, students are instructed to report the issue rather than attempt repairs themselves .

Students encountering malfunctioning equipment must report the issue to a technician immediately and refrain from attempting repairs. This protocol ensures equipment is handled by professionals, reducing the risk of further damage or safety hazards. It also maintains accountability for the proper functioning of lab instruments .

Laboratory rules mitigate human error by enforcing disciplined conduct, proper attire, and awareness of safety protocols. By mandating supervision for experiments and prohibiting unsupervised lab access, these rules ensure that errors due to inexperience or negligence are minimized. Such structures instill vigilance and proper preparation, key to reducing the 80% of lab accidents caused by human error .

Improper waste disposal can lead to hazardous chemical reactions, environmental contamination, and health risks to laboratory personnel. Each waste type, such as infectious or chemical waste, has designated disposal methods to prevent such risks. For instance, placing a chemical in the wrong waste bottle can cause dangerous reactions or improper treatment during disposal, emphasizing the importance of following protocols strictly .

Understanding chemical properties and equipment usage is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring safe laboratory practices. Familiarity with chemicals allows students to handle potentially hazardous substances appropriately, recognizing potential reactions or dangers. Knowledge of equipment ensures that students can operate tools safely and effectively, reducing the risk of malfunction or misuse .

Students are required to wear clothing that covers the body from shoulders to toes, including the use of a lab coat. Specific prohibitions include bare midriffs, tank tops, low-cut tops, shorts, skirts, cropped pants, sandals, and any open-toed shoes. This dress code is important to minimize exposure to hazardous substances and prevent injuries from spills or broken glassware .

Proper management of fume hoods is critical for maintaining air quality by venting hazardous fumes. Guidelines specify that fume hood sashes must be closed when not in use and remain below an 18’’ mark when used. Sticking one’s head inside is prohibited, ensuring exposure to harmful substances is minimized .

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