Laboratory Equipment Safety

To work safely, all the staff must know the functional aspect of their equipment's and be fully aware of the necessary precautions required for their safe operation.

Safety With Glassware

 i.Do not use damaged glassware.

ii.Always use borosilicate (pyrex) glass for test involving direct heat.

iii.Broken glass should never be left unattended, even if an actual spill did not occur. Broken glassware should be swept up immediately and disposed appropriately.

iv.Never pick up broken glass with bare hands. Use a brush and a pan.

v. Dispose all broken glass in a ‘sharps, waste container.

Electrical Safety

 i.Check the condition of power points and switches before starting work and ensure that faulty ones are labeled and fixed accordingly.

ii.The use of extension leads or the use of high voltage cables across a laboratory floor do not only pose a serious tripping hazard, but can also be a serious electrical hazard on wet floor or near sinks.

iii.All electric wiring and leads should be inspected regularly. Frayed or damaged cords should be reported and fixed immediately.

iv.Electrical outlets and electrical equipment should be kept away from sinks and water taps

v. Electrical outlets and electrical equipment should be kept away from hazardous areas where flammable environment may exist. Flameproof equipment must be used

vi.Faulty equipment or equipment under repairing should be clearly identified and properly tag.

Mechanical Safety

 i.Ensure that all the mechanical equipments are adequately guarded and that moving parts are not exposed.

ii.Ensure that all the mechanical equipments are fitted with anti-start or emergency stop as a safety feature

iii.Staff with long hair, loose clothing or ties should be particularly careful with moving components of laboratory machine.

iv.The centrifuge is a common mechanical laboratory equipment which requires special precautions such as:

a. Balancing of the load

b. Keeping the cover down during operation

c. Not stopping the rotor by hand

d. Not using excessive speeds