DEPARTMENT SAFETY STATEMENT

DOCUMENT: APPENDICES
APPENDIX XXIV - A Safe Working Guide for Laboratories Rev.1 Date: May 98

1.0 GENERAL
Because laboratories differ considerably in the nature and scope of work carried out, the safe working rules/codes required
must be pertinent to the work carried out and developed by the user/expert controlling the work. The main hazards
associated with laboratory work must be determined before establishing working codes.

These include hazards which relate to certain test methods, specific procedures, processes or operations. Other hazards
are general and universal in nature and do not relate to any specific process i.e. use of glassware, sharps, manual handling,
cuts, abrasions, machinery, electrical equipment etc. Office hazards should also be considered if appropriate.
Many substances used in laboratories may be harmful to health if inhaled, absorbed through the skin, injected or ingested.
Therefore, it is recommended that the 'Local Rules' established are based on the specific needs of the lab/workplace in
question. These must be (a) written down, (b) implemented and (c) enforced for all activities and procedures involved.

2.0 LABORATORY GOOD PRACTICE AND RULES

 All staff shall be trained in first aid and arrangements made for first aid cover during all hours of lab work/research.
 Appropriately equipped first aid boxes should be located in convenient locations throughout the laboratory.
 Smoking, eating and drinking, or the storing of food for consumption by the employees is prohibited in the laboratory.

 Fingers or any object or substance should not be put in ones mouth while working in the laboratory.
 Do not consume food or drink or smoke where chemicals are being used or stored.
 Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and be sure to wash hands, face and arms thoroughly before leaving
work. (To this end, dedicated sinks with handles/levers that may be operated by elbows and hand-dryers should be
located near the final exit from each laboratory).

 Protect skin from exposure to corrosives, toxic, harmful or irritant chemicals; hot and cold sources; by wearing
appropriate gloves. Replace gloves if old and damaged. Use heat resistant/chemical grade gloves to B 1651.
 Protective laboratory coats to BS 7184 shall be worn at all times.
 Eye protection to B 2092 Grade 2(C) shall be worn at all times where chemicals are handled.

 Persons who have contact lenses should be aware that they could trap volatile chemicals between the lens and the eye.
Safety glasses shall be worn at all times and prescription glasses shall be provided for staff who require them.
 Before commencing any experimental chemical or biological work, a Risk Assessment should be carried out first.
 If contamination is suspected with any protective garment, it should be discarded, laundered, autoclaved or disposed
of as appropriate. Laboratory coats must not be worn outside the laboratory and should be left in the laboratory or in
a locker.

 Know the safety rules and procedures that apply to the work being done. Determine the potential hazards (e.g.
physical, chemical, biological) and appropriate safety precautions before beginning any new operation.
 Know the location of and how to use the emergency equipment and how to obtain additional help. Be familiar with
emergency procedures
 Know the types of protective equipment available and use the proper type for each job

 Be alert to unsafe conditions and actions and call attention to them so that remedial action can be taken as soon as
possible
 Know how to collect safely dispose and store waste/used chemicals. Note: Toxic chemicals, flammable solvents,
corrosive chemicals (un-neutralised) or heavy metals must not be flushed to drain. All waste chemicals must be
correctly labelled and securely stored in compatible containers/receptacles (preferably in a secure well ventilated store
located externally).
 Avoid hazards to the environment by following accepted waste disposal procedures. Chemical reactions may require
traps or scrubbing devices to prevent the escape of toxic substances

 Be certain that all chemicals are correctly and clearly labelled, using Ec hazard label signs. Post warning signs when
unusual hazards or uncontrolled hazards exist, such as radiation, laser operation, flammable materials etc. or other
special problems exist. Remove the signs when the hazard is no longer present

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DOCUMENT: APPENDICES
APPENDIX XXIV - A Safe Working Guide for Laboratories (Cont.) Rev.1 Date: May 98

2.0 LABORATORY GOOD PRACTICE AND RULES (cont.)

 Do not distract or startle any other worker in the laboratory. Practical jokes or horseplay should not be tolerated by
laboratory management.

 Never stand on a laboratory stool or chair. A laboratory bench or working table should not be used as a seat.
 Use carrier baskets when moving Winchesters.
 Think, act and encourage safety until it becomes a habit. Do not take chances follow instructions. Ask if you don’t
know.

 Obtain SDS sheets from suppliers for all chemicals purchased.

 Read the label before using any chemical. Note the risk and safety phrases - Observe all health and safety handling
precautions contained in the SDS leaflets and implement into strict and safe working practices.
 Work only with materials when you are familiar with their flammability, reactivity, corrosiveness and toxicity.

 Before using highly flammable substances, check the area for sources of ignition such as flames, hot plates, heating
mantles etc.
 Unauthorised experiments shall be prohibited.
 No person shall work alone in the laboratory without the knowledge and permission of the supervisor and thereafter
only whilst engaged in low risk activities e.g. write up of work, stocktaking etc.

 Ensure all rubber tubing is in good condition and properly connected.

 Confine long hair and loose clothing. Do not run along corridors
 Mouth suction shall not be used to fill pipettes, start siphons or other similar purpose.

 Do not operate or use equipment with which you are not familiar. Ask for advice and follow instructions
 Never perform experimental work in the laboratory alone or at least without another person within easy call. Always
inform someone that you are in the laboratory if you are likely to be there alone. (It is recommended that new
laboratory staff should not be allowed to work without immediate supervision)
 Personal effects are prohibited in the laboratory. Jewellery should be restricted to a watch and plain wedding band.

 Application of cosmetics is prohibited in all laboratories.

 Chemical grade, slip resistant safety footwear in accordance with BS 1870 should be worn by staff at all times.
 All cuts, abrasions or any other injury and all accidents or dangerous occurrences in the laboratory must he reported to
the Department Safety Officer. Any suspected infection should be stated.

 Any object or substance, which may be contaminated, should not be picked up by hand.
 Pick up broken glass using a dustpan and brush or forceps, never use your fingers.
 Dispose of broken glass in dedicated robust waste containers and label same as ‘broken glass’.

 Ensure any mercury spillage e.g. from broken thermometers etc., immediately collected in a safe manner and stored in
a sealed container.
 Avoid inhalation of all vapours, fumes, dusts, or aerosols by reducing generation of same or by using fume cupboards,
local extraction or respiratory protective equipment in accordance with BS 2091.
 Turn off and unplug electrical equipment when not in use and at night

 An area with biohazard or radiation warning sign should not be entered unless a person is authorised to do so.
 Laboratory write up areas should be physically segregated from lab areas to avoid unnecessary exposures.
 Gas detection shall be provided where natural gas, flammable gases or toxic gases are used.

3.0 HOUSEKEEPING
 Keep laboratory environment, gangways , equipment, working surfaces and areas clean and tidy .Apparatus not in use
should be cleaned and tidied away
 Keep reagent bottles clean and clearly labelled. Return chemicals and apparatus to their proper places after use.
 Inspect all glassware for faults before use. Take broken or chipped glassware apparatus out of use immediately and
discard or send for repair.

3.0 HOUSEKEEPING (contd.)

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DOCUMENT: APPENDICES
APPENDIX XXIV - A Safe Working Guide for Laboratories (Cont.) Rev.1 Date: May 98
 Reaction products shall be properly labelled and stored safely. The label should include name of experimenter and use
the appropriate hazard signs. Never amend an old label - affix a new one.

 Bottles and containers shall be fitted with stoppers or lids and these should never be left off.
 Compressed gas cylinders in use shall always be fitted with a key and secured in position. The cylinder valve must be
closed when the cylinder is not in use. Compressed gases should be stored externally in a secure compound
(segregated as appropriate to risk) and the gas piped in to the point of use via colour coded pipe lines fitted with
emergency shut-off valves and linked to gas detection as necessary.

 Cables and tubing between benches shall be routed through an overhead frame or in a duct or ramp at floor level.
 Bright distinguishing markings shall be used on a wash bottle that contains something other than distilled water.
(Keeping a wash bottle of a highly flammable liquid such as acetone is not recommended).
 Store chemicals and heavy objects below shoulder height.

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