Lab Safety Practices

General Safety Rules

i.Only authorized persons are allowed into the laboratory premises.

ii.Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.  

iii.Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. 

iv.Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.

v. Dress properly during a laboratory activity.  Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory.  Long hair must be tied back, and dangling jeweleries and baggy clothing must be secured.  Shoes must completely cover the foot.  No sandals allowed in the laboratory.

vi.A lab coat should be worn in the laboratory.

vii.Use the proper protective equipment deemed necessary for the type of work. Wear safety glasses or face shields when working with hazardous materials and/or equipment. Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent.

viii.Hands must be washed and laboratory coats should be removed before leaving the laboratory or entering the tea room.

ix.Maintain minimum amount of chemicals in the laboratory.

x. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes. 

xi.Dispose of all chemical waste properly.  Never mix chemicals in sink drains.  Sinks are to be used only for water.

xii.Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the supervisor immediately.

xiii.Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water.  The glassware may shatter. 

xiv.Never taste anything. Never pipette by mouth; use a plunger.

xv. Smoking is prohibited in the laboratory and hospital compound

xvi.Licking gummed envelopes or labels are prohibited

xvii.Horse-play is not allowed in the laboratory or along the corridors.

xviii.Control emotions and concentrate on task while at work

xix.If leaving a lab unattended, turn off all ignition sources and lock the doors. Specimen testing shall not be left unattended

xx. Practice good housekeeping and good personnel hygiene at all times.

Practice Good Laboratory Housekeeping

i.Keep your lab space clean and organized.

ii.Observe and ensure good housekeeping practices to prevent accident.  Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. 

iii.Never store chemicals on the floor

iv.Ensure waste is removed and disposed daily.

v. No food or personal item should be kept in the laboratory refrigerator or testing area.

vi.Keep work benches clear of unused glassware, chemicals, books and scraps of paper.

vii.All biological specimens and control materials on work bench should be treated as potentially infectious.

viii.All work benches should be disinfected in the morning and after work had completed.

ix.Clean up spills immediately

x. Blood stained request forms should be discarded appropriately and replaced with fresh forms

xi.Clean area should be set aside for recording and reporting of results

xii.Keeping walkways, doors and exits clear and unobstructed.

xiii.Do not use corridors for storage or work areas.

xiv.Ensuring adequate lighting in the laboratory.

xv. All specimen containers which are contaminated should be swabbed with disinfectant.