previous page | next page

Appendix B: 

General Lab Safety Rules 
for Reducing Chemical Exposure in Laboratories                         

1. Know all emergency procedures and how to use emergency equipment.

2. Use personal protective equipment as required.

3. Eating, drinking, and smoking in labs are strictly forbidden.

4. Label all containers you fill, and replace missing and/or illegible labels.

5. Horseplay is strictly forbidden.

6. Safety glasses are mandatory in all lab areas.

7. Do not use mouth suction to pipette chemicals or to start a siphon; a pipette bulb or aspirator should be used to provide vacuum.

8. Use good personal hygiene and wash hands before leaving the lab.

9. If skin contact with any chemical occurs, wash the area immediately.

10. Chemicals are forbidden in areas designated as eating areas.

11. Never use lab glassware to prepare food.

12. It is forbidden to store and/or prepare food in the same equipment used for laboratory operations such as refrigerators or microwaves.

13. Spills must be cleaned up immediately and disposed of properly.

14. Contact lenses are to be discouraged for use in laboratories. If used, they must be reported to the person supervising the laboratory.

15. Never smell or taste a chemical in an attempt to identify it.

16. Appropriate housekeeping must be maintained at all times.

17. Chemicals shall not be permitted to be used or stored outside of labs or approved storage areas. Chemicals shall not be taken into individual office areas.

18. The use of pressurized air is not permitted for cleaning clothes.

19. Broken glassware must be properly and promptly discarded.

20. The use of solvents for washing the skin is forbidden.

previous page | next page