Chapter No.

03

Laboratory Safety and Guidelines

Presented By:
Muhammad Farhan Hanif
Pharm.D, M.Phil. (Pharmaceutics)

Department of Medical Laboratory Technology

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,
Pakistan
Chapter No: 03

1. Laboratory
Laboratory is a place that is equipped with different instruments, equipment’s and
chemicals (reagents) etc., for performing experimental works, research activities and
investigative procedures. Medical laboratory is one part of the laboratory that is equipped with
various biomedical instruments, equipment’s, materials and reagents (chemicals) for
performing different laboratory investigative activities by using biological specimens (whole
blood, serum, plasma, urine, stool, etc).

2. Laboratory Safety Rules

A laboratory should be planned not only for efficient work but also designed with a view
to eliminate accidents. Procedures and Rules are formulated for three reasons:
▪ To avoid health risks and accidents for our personnel.
▪ To be in a position to act appropriately in case of emergencies.
▪ To minimize the environmental burden and risks caused by our work.
The following are rules that relate to almost every laboratory and should be included in
most safety policies that are:
➢ Be sure to read all fire alarm and safety signs and follow the instructions in the event
of an accident or emergency.
➢ Ensure you are fully aware of your facility's/building's evacuation procedures.
➢ Make sure you know where your lab's safety equipment including first aid kit, fire
extinguishers, eye wash stations, and safety showers is located and how to properly use
it.
➢ Know emergency phone numbers to use to call for help in case of an emergency.
➢ Lab areas containing carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and lasers should be
properly marked with the appropriate warning signs.
➢ Open flames should never be used in the laboratory unless you have permission from a
qualified supervisor.
➢ Always work in properly-ventilated areas.
➢ Do not chew gum, drink, or eat while working in the lab.
➢ Laboratory glassware should never be utilized as food or beverage containers.
➢ Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and cracks.
➢ Notify your lab supervisor of any damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of.
➢ Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to
operate.

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Chapter No: 03

➢ Do not work alone in the lab.

➢ If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or isn't operating properly,
report the issue to a technician right away. Never try to repair an equipment problem
on your own.
➢ Never lift any glassware, solutions, or other types of apparatus above eye level.
➢ If you are the last person to leave the lab, make sure to lock all the doors and turn off
all ignition sources.
➢ Never smell or taste chemicals.
➢ Make sure you always follow the proper procedures for disposing lab waste.
➢ Do not pipette by mouth.
➢ Report all injuries, accidents, and broken equipment or glass right away, even if the
incident seems small or unimportant.
➢ Adequate floor, bench and storage space for staff to work safely.
➢ In the event of a chemical splashing into your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush
the affected area(s) with running water for at least 20 minutes.
➢ Discard containers that contain infectious microorganisms after each use.
➢ Bench surfaces should be without cracks, washable and resistant to the disinfectants
and chemicals used in the laboratory.
➢ All staff must ensure that the conditions of their work do not create any hazard for those
working nearby.

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Chapter No: 03

3. Types of Laboratory Safety Guidelines

In laboratories different types of guidelines are used at different steps or different
procedures. Some most commonly types are:
❖ House Keeping Safety Guidelines.
❖ Dress Code Safety Guidelines.
❖ Personal Safety Guidelines.
❖ Chemical Safety Guidelines.
❖ Electrical Safety Guidelines.
❖ Laser Safety Guidelines.

House Keeping Dress Code Personal Safety

Chemical Safety Electrical Safety Laser Safety

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Chapter No: 03

3.1 House Keeping Safety Guidelines

Laboratory housekeeping rules also apply to most facilities and deal with the basic upkeep,
and maintenance of a safe laboratory.
• Always keep your work area(s) tidy and clean.
• Only materials you require for your work should be kept in your work area.
• Make sure that all eye wash stations, emergency showers, fire extinguishers, and exits
are always unobstructed and accessible.
• Only lightweight items should be stored on top of cabinets; heavier items should always
be kept at the bottom.
• Any equipment that requires air flow or ventilation to prevent overheating should
always be kept clear.
3.2 Dress Code Safety Guidelines
Following are the safety guidelines associated with dress code that are:
• Always tie back hair that is chin-length or longer.
• Make sure that loose clothing or dangling jewelry is secured, or avoid wearing it in the
place of work.
• Never wear sandals or other open-toed shoes in the lab. Footwear should always cover
the foot completely.
• Never wear shorts or skirts in the lab.
• When working with Bunsen burners, matches, etc., acrylic nails are not allowed.
3.3 Personal Safety Guidelines
The basic hygiene rules to avoid any sort of contamination includes:
• When working with equipment, hazardous materials, glassware, heat, and/or chemicals,
always wear face shields or safety glasses.
• When handling any toxic or hazardous agent, always wear the appropriate gloves.
• When performing laboratory experiments, you should always wear a lab coat.
• Before leaving the lab or eating, always wash your hands with water or soap.
• When using lab equipment and chemicals, be sure to keep your hands away from your
body, mouth, eyes, and face.
3.4 Chemical Safety Guidelines
These rules also set a clear procedure for employees to follow in the event that a spill does
occur, in order to ensure it is cleaned up properly and injuries are avoided.

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Chapter No: 03

• Every chemical should be treated as though it were dangerous.

• Do not allow any solvent to come into contact with your skin.
• All chemicals should always be clearly labeled with the name of the substance, its
concentration, the date it was received, and the name of the person responsible for it.
• Never take more chemicals from a bottle than you need for your work.
• Do not put unused chemicals back into their original container.
• Flammable and volatile chemicals should only be used in a fume hood.
• If a chemical spill occurs, clean it up right away.
• Ensure that all chemical waste is disposed of properly.
3.5 Electrical Safety Guidelines
Electrical safety rules help prevent the misuse of electronic instruments, electric shocks
and other injuries, and ensure that any damaged equipment or plugs are reported. The
Following guidelines related to electrical safety are:
• Before using any high voltage equipment (voltages above 50V ac and 50V dc), make
sure you get permission from your lab supervisor.
• High voltage equipment should never be changed or modified in any way.
• Always turn off a high voltage power supply when you are attaching it.
• Use only one hand if you need to adjust any high voltage equipment. It’s safest to place
your other hand either behind your back or in a pocket.
• Make sure all electrical panels are unobstructed and easily accessible.
• Whenever you can, avoid using extension cords.
3.6 Laser Safety Guidelines
A clear set of rules for the use of lasers is essential to ensure that everyone is aware of all
hazards and that the appropriate personal protective equipment is worn at all times.
• Even if you are certain that a laser beam is "eye" safe or low power, you should never
look into it.
• Always wear the appropriate goggles in areas of the lab where lasers are present.
• The most common laser injuries are those caused by scattered laser light reflecting
either off the shiny surface of optical tables, the sides of mirrors, or off of mountings.
• You should never keep your head at the same level as the laser beam.
• Always keep the laser beam at or below chest level.
• Do not walk-through laser beams.

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