Lab Safety Rules

Science laboratory was something like a wonderland for me (when I was in touch with it in school). Then, I bid a goodbye to the ohms and voltmeters and the chemical reactions - sulfuric acid and Calcium carbonate and so on as I opted for Arts. But I still remember one thing. That was the emphasis our science teacher used to put on the safety measures to be followed while we were in laboratory. True enough, though this was at a very micro level, would not have caused a very serious problem. But those scientists who work at very high level and deal with chemicals which if not handled properly can result into any serious situation. Here is where lab safety guidelines and rules come in the picture.

Lab Safety Rules and Procedures

Wear Safe Be Safe
Before entering the lab or immediately after entering the lab, wearing the safety gear is absolutely essential. That includes wearing the lab coat, gloves, safety glasses or goggles. It is recommended that a person avoids being a fashionista in a lab! So, no short skirts, shorts and contact lenses, because your life is more precious than any other thing in the world. You might not be clumsy and careless, but someone next to you might be.

Handling the Equipment
This relates mostly to chemistry laboratory safety rules, as there is a lot of handling of chemicals and potentially harmful stuff and other laboratory equipment in a chemical lab. It is better to avoid sniffing the chemicals or inhale them directly. Further, curb the instinct of mixing different chemicals together. You never know, it might turn into a disaster! In case you are doubtful, ask the lab assistant or check out the lab safety rules and symbols. With regards to chemicals, another important thing is to avoid just disposing off the chemicals down the drain. You can take that liberty with some of them, but not with all. In case a chemical has to go in a sink, ensure that you wash it away properly. That will avoid the risk of an unwarranted or unexpected chemical reaction with the chemical left overs. Do not use any lab equipment which you think can be faulty. Alerting others if you think they might use it, is the right thing to do. Once an experiment is done, it is the responsibility of those who have conducted the experiment to dispose the material used properly or put the things back in their place. This is one of the basic safety rules.

No Foodstuffs and Beverages Allowed
It is advisable not to eat or drink anything in the laboratory. Science laboratory safety signs include no eating and drinking. Although, it might not be displayed in all the labs, it is a common knowledge and an unwritten rule. That also comprises smoking and consumption of alcohol. It could be tempting, but please do not do that! There is a danger of food getting contaminated with the chemicals.

Data Date
Rather than copying it in a place from where it would be difficult to decipher it, an unwritten rule and a common practice is to jot down the inferences and findings in the science journal or the lab book.

Finally, one more safety rule is that until and unless the space where you have to do the experiment is clear, it is better not to do the experiment. Of course don't clear the things you require for the experiment!

That was all! Remember these rules and take care!