What are the most important lab safety rules? Learn more about safety equipment, PPE, hygiene rules and safe practices.
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The laboratory environment can be a hazardous place to work. Laboratory workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards including chemical, biological, physical and radio-active hazards, as well as musculoskeletal stresses. Laboratory safety is governed by numerous local, state and federal regulations.
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Laboratory services are an essential component of quality health-care delivery. They can be utilized effectively at every level of the health-care system, including primary health care and point-of-care testing.
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Afghanistan Biosafety Association, African Society of Laboratory Medicine, American Biological Safety Association, American Society of Microbiology, Argentina Biosafety Committee, Association for Biosafety and Biosecurity International, Association for Biosecurity in Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh Biosafety & Biosecurity Association, Biorisk
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL . DECEMBER 2023 EDITION . Environmental Health and Safety University of Washington . Box 354400 Seattle, WA 98195-4400 . Phone: 206.543.7262 FAX: 206.543.3351
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- INTRODUCTION
- 1.0 SCOPE AND APPLICATION
- 1.1 Definition of Laboratory
- 1.2 General Laboratory Safety Manual Objective
- 1.3 Program Responsibilities
- Deans, Directors, and Heads of Academic and Administrative Units
- Principal Investigator and Designee in Charge of Supervising Laboratories
- Laboratory Personnel
- Environmental Health and Life Safety (EHLS)
- 2.1 General Laboratory Safety Training
- 2.2 Chemical Specific Training
- 2.3 Biological Safety Training
- 2.5 Record Keeping
- 3.0 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
- 3.1 Eating, Drinking, and Smoking
- 3.2 Hygiene Practices
- 3.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Attire
- Eye Protection
- Hand Protection
- Respirators
- 3.4 Laboratory Surveillance
- 3.5 Housekeeping and Maintenance
- 3.6 Hazardous Waste Storage and Disposal
- spills
- Spill Kits
- Important Procedures for Spills
- 3.9 Inspections
- 4.0 STANDARD LABORATORY CONTROL MEASURES
- 4.2 Safety Equipment
- Fume Hoods
- Hand Wash Stations
- Fire Extinguishers
- Safety Containers for Flammable Liquids
- Corrosive Storage Cabinets
- Compressed Gas Cylinder Cabinets
- Biological Safety Cabinets
- Refrigerators
- 4.3 Activities Subject to Approval
- Radiation Safety Committee
- Biosafety Committee
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
- Animal & Human Subjects
- Visitors/Minors Working on UH Campus
- Dangerous Drugs and Controlled Substances
- Hazardous Substances on Addendum B
- 5.0 SAFE HANDLING REQUIREMENTS IN THE LABORATORY
- 5.1 Hazard Identification
- 5.5 Radiation Hazards
- 5.6 Biological Harzards
- 6.3 Injury and Illness
- 6.4 Medical Consultation and Examinations
- INTRODUCTION
- Mercury Spill Kit Contents
- pair
- Common Types Spill Responses
- Flammable liquids/organic solvents
- Acid/Base Spills
- Disposal
- Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
- Compressed Gas Cylinders Identification
- Gas Cylinders Transportation
- Compressed Gas Cylinders Storage 47
- Proper Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders
- Proper Usage of Compressed Gas Cylinders Usage
- Compressed Gas Cylinder Policy
- Cryogenic Liquid Safety
- Handle Liquid Nitrogen Carefully
- Protective Clothing
- Approved Containers for Low-Temperature Liquids
- Proper Transfer Equipment
- Avoid Overfilling Containers
- Never use hollow rods or tubes as dipsticks
- Keep the unit clean and dry
- Appendix C – Glove Selection Guide
- How to select the Appropriate Glve Material
A variety of hazards exist in the laboratories at the University of Houston. The risks associated with these hazards are greatly reduced or eliminated if proper precautions and practices are observed in the laboratory. To manage these risks, and in response to a heightened concern for safety in the workplace, the University of Houston has develope...
This document serves as a guideline for the University of Houston compliance with the standard safety practices in laboratories and with the requirements contained therein. All Laboratory Personnel and departments at the University of Houston engaged in laboratory use, as defined by this document, must comply with the practices contained in this Ge...
At University of Houston, a laboratory is defined as, but is not limited to, any location where research or teaching is conducted using hazardous chemicals, biohazardous or biological materials, radioactive materials, and/or radiation producing devices. location used for teaching or research that contains physical hazards may also be considered a...
It is the intent of the University of Houston to provide a safe and healthy laboratory environment to all laboratory occupants through the establishment and maintenance of a General Laboratory Safety Program. The General Laboratory Safety Manual (GLSM) provides control measures essential for protecting all laboratory occupants from potential health...
Environmental Health and Life Safety’s main purpose is to support the University of Houston in its mission of higher education and research. The Department's efforts are directed at assisting the University in identifying safety hazards and controlling such hazards through protective equipment, hazard mitigation methods, development and presentatio...
Ensure compliance with all requirements for laboratory safety within their departments and colleges; Collaborate with faculty and staff to adapt this General Laboratory Safety Manual to include lab-specific guidelines and to develop strategies to implement the Manual; and, Make budget arrangements for health and safety improvements.
Perform hazard assessments, develop/approve lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all-high risk procedures; Inform and train Laboratory Personnel concerning laboratory safety as required by this Manual and retain training records and all documentation; Implement and enforce rules and standards concerning health and safety for labora...
Complete General Laboratory Safety Orientation and other Lab-specific Trainings provided by EHLS or Principal Investigator before undertaking any activity in the laboratory. Plan and conduct laboratory operations in accordance with this Manual and lab-specific documents; Report all hazardous conditions to his/her Principal Investigator or Designee;...
Provide technical assistance to Laboratory Personnel concerning appropriate storage, handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals; Provide general and specialized laboratory safety training; Conduct exposure assessments and laboratory surveillance as needed or upon request; Make routine, as well as special, health and safety audits; Provide technic...
All new Laboratory Personnel who will work in a laboratory must be familiar with notifications used for hazard communication via signs and labels. This information is provided in EHLS General Laboratory Safety Training. This training is mandatory to all Laboratory Personnel and should be completed before conducting laboratory acitivities at UH. ...
It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator or the designee to ensure that Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHSs) and other reactive chemicals determination is conducted on all existing chemical inventories and on all future chemical purchases. Prior to beginning work with a PHS or a reactive chemical, or once the PHS determination i...
Biological Safety with Bloodborne Pathogens Training: This course is mandatory for all personnel and students working in Biosafety laboratories. The content of the course provides an understanding of the principles of biological safety up to BSL-2 and the training required for working with Bloodborne Pathogens. This course is recommended for all P...
General Laboratory Safety training and other trainings provided by EHLS will be documented by Environmental Health and Life Safety. EHLS will maintain these training records through EHS Assistant Software. Attendees will receive a certificate upon completion of any EHLS training. Chemical-specific, lab-specific and/or hazard-specific training must ...
The General Laboratory Safety Manual offers generic safety guidelines and standard operating procedures for the safe handling of hazardous chemicals on campus. Be aware that this document contains a minimum set of guidelines, regulations, and recommendations required to maintain a safe working environment, and does not provide laboratory workers,...
Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, and taking medicine in laboratories is strictly prohibited. Food, beverages, cups, and other drinking and eating utensils shall not be stored in areas where hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials or biohazardous materials are handled or stored. Glassware used for laboratory operations shall never be use...
There are generalized precautions and personal hygiene practices that have been established to protect laboratory employees from chemical, radiological or biological hazards. The following basic safety precautions will minimize the possibility of hazard exposure: Do not apply cosmetics in a laboratory environment. (This includes lip balm or chapst...
Personnel in every laboratory must have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the hazards present. Appropriate PPE should be determined by the Principal Investigators or designee in consultation with EHLS. The Principal Investigators or designee must ensure that all Laboratory Personnel, including visitors, wear appropriate ...
Legs and feet must be covered by closed-toe shoes, long pants or skirts which fully cover the legs (no sandals, open-toed shoes, or shorts), long hair must be confined and loose clothing and jewelry must be secured before beginning work. Wear a properly fastened lab coat or apron specific for the hazards of the procedures performed in the laborator...
Safety glasses or chemical goggles must be donned before entering any wet bench laboratory including cell culture labs and any laboratory where soldering or machining/grinding occur. This applies to all Laboratory Personnel, visitors, and facility maintenance staff and contractors. Goggles are recommended when liquid chemical, biological or radioac...
Gloves are essential when working with any type of hazardous substance. Never take used gloves out of laboratory. Always dispose of gloves properly. Never open doors with gloves. Gloves are worn when handling infectious materials (two pairs may be appropriate at BSL2). The proper gloves will prevent skin absorption, infection or burns. All glove ma...
In a laboratory environment, respirators may sometimes be relied on if the engineering controls and laboratory design do not adequately limit the potential exposure to hazardous air contaminants. Individuals planning to use respiratory protection should contact EHLS for consultation. The proper type of respirator used should be based on a thorough...
Laboratory Personnel shall never perform any hazardous work when alone in the laboratory. At least two people should be present. Undergraduate students, first-year graduate students, minors, volunteers must be supervised (watched) by an instructor (PI or the designee) at all times. Never perform unauthorized work, preparations or experiments. Use e...
In the laboratory, keeping things clean and organized can help provide a safer environment. Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed and electrical cords off the floor to avoid tripping hazards. Keep aisles clear of obstacles such as boxes, chemical containers, and other storage items that might be put there. Avoid slipping hazards by cleaning up spil...
Individual users of hazardous materials have specific duties and responsibilities under state and federal law, state law, and university policy regarding hazardous waste handling and disposal. These responsibilities include hazardous waste identification and waste minimization as well as proper waste storage and disposal. EHLS is charged with the ...
or releases and treated accordingly if discovered, including reporting to the appropriate Dean or Department Chair. Containers should not be consolidated into boxes or other packaging.
Each laboratory is required to purchase and maintain the required spill kit(s), as needed. Principal Investigator is responsible for the purchase, proper stocking, and maintenance of spill kit supplies specific to the hazardous substances used or stored in the laboratory. Laboratory Personnel is responsible for maintaining knowledge and understandi...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
Glove Selection Chart Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages. Please note, this information is provided as a guide to proper glove material selection. Glove performance varies between manufactures, so always consult the manufacturer to make sure you will have...
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Laboratory safety begins with a safe attitude. This guideline provides a starting point for planning and maintaining safety in the laboratory. If you supervise others who use chemicals, you are responsible for their training and safety. Check to see if appropriate safety equipment and supplies are present and in good working order, review
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The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any materials you are required to handle. Pay particular attention to the sections on handling and storage; exposure controls and accidental release (spillage). There is Guidance on how to interpret Safety Data Sheets on the H&S website.
