What are 5 things you should not do in the lab?

Things Not to Do –

Do not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or apply cosmetics in the lab. Just being in lab makes your hands dirtier than you can imagine and you don’t want to accidentally eat any reagent (see item 5 on ‘things to do’ list). Do not put pieces of lab equipment in your mouth. It sounds obvious but you’d be surprised! Do not work with chemicals until you are sure of their safe handling. This includes some awareness of their flammability, reactivity, toxicity, and disposal. Do not use the phone or computer with gloves on your hands.

: General Lab Policies, Do’s and Don’ts

What not to do in lab safety?

Practice Good Housekeeping and Personal Hygiene –

Avoid direct contact with any chemical. Never smell, inhale or taste laboratory chemicals. Always wash hands and arms with soap and water after removing gloves and before leaving the work area. Never eat, drink, chew gum or tobacco, smoke or apply cosmetics in the laboratory. Do not pick up broken glass with your hands. Use tongs or other mechanical means. Remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and lab coats before leaving the lab. Remove gloves before handling common items like phones, instruments, door knobs, etc. Keep all work areas clean and uncluttered. Wipe down benches with cleaners or disinfectants regularly. Do not block emergency showers, eye washes, exits or hallways.

What are the most laboratory safety problem?

Chemical – Labs are often home to a wide variety of harmful chemicals, from cleaning equipment to acids, corrosives, and compressed gases. Improper storage and handling of these gases is a huge risk, which can result in serious accidents.

Why do we need lab safety posters?

Why Are Chemistry Lab Safety Posters Important? – Chemistry lab safety posters play a vital role in promoting a safe and secure environment in educational institutions and laboratories. Here are some reasons why they are important:

Visual Reminders : Lab safety posters serve as visual reminders of important safety protocols and procedures. They help reinforce good safety habits and remind individuals of potential hazards. Education and Awareness : Lab safety posters provide educational information about potential hazards, safety equipment usage, emergency procedures, and more. They help raise awareness among students and staff about the importance of following safety guidelines. Compliance with Regulations : Many educational institutions and laboratories are required to comply with specific safety regulations. Lab safety posters help ensure compliance by clearly displaying the necessary safety information.

What are the golden rules of lab safety?

A few basics to get you started: Wear appropriate clothing, footwear and if necessary, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the lab. Clutter causes accidents. Neatness = safety. DO NOT wear your PPE, such as gloves and lab coats, OUT of the lab.

What is not allowed in the science lab?

10 Science Lab Safety Rules For Kids Science experiments are vital for kids. They are useful in understanding the theories and concepts of science that can not be comprehended alone by science text books. But science labs are risky by the very nature of chemicals and lab experiments that are being conducted out there.

Kids should not be allowed to touch any chemicals or lab equipment unless they are instructed to do so. Students should never ever work in science lab in the absence of their teachers. Students must follow all the written and verbal instructions when conducting the science experiment. In case they do not follow anything, they must clarify it first. It is very important to be alert and be cautious when in the, Eating, drinking, playing pranks, using mobile phones, or listening to music should be strictly prohibited. Before using any chemicals, read the label carefully. When mixing chemicals or conducting the experiment, keep the test tube containing the chemical away from your face, mouth, and body. Unused chemicals should never be put back in the original bottle. They must be disposed off as per the guidelines given by the lab assistant or science teacher. Students must be made to wear safety goggles, lab coat, and shoes in the science laboratory. Loose clothes, sandals, and open hairs should be a strict NO in school science labs. Examine glassware before using. Do not use chipped or cracked test tubes or beakers. Hot apparatus take time to cool down. Allow time to cool them down and use tongs or heat protective gloves to pick them up. If any accident takes place, do not panic. Inform your teacher immediately and lab assistants for help.

Let your students have a safe learning experience in your school science labs. © ScienceFirst : 10 Science Lab Safety Rules For Kids

What is the #1 lab safety rule?

This article is part of a Series This article is part of a Series The importance of lab safety cannot be emphasized enough. Scientific laboratories expose researchers to a potentially dangerous environment that contains numerous hazards: chemical, biological, physical, and even radioactive. A review article published in Nature in November 2019 by Dana Ménard and John Trant paints a scary picture of the overall attitude towards lab safety.

30% of scientists surveyed report having witnessed a lab accident severe enough to warrant medical attention. 15-30% of researchers report having been involved in a lab accident or having suffered an injury in the lab. 25-38% of lab personnel have been involved in accidents and injuries that have never been reported to the PI or supervisor. Only 40% of survey participants reported wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in the lab. 25% of survey participants have not been trained in the specific hazard with which they work. 27% of researchers never performed any kind of risk assessment before conducting laboratory work.

According to Ménard and Trant, “risky practices and a cavalier attitude toward safety are so normalized within academia that the low standards in the field are not troubling or even apparent to those on the inside.” With an aim to effect a change in this attitude, we have listed a few basic rules and best practices that researchers should follow to ensure a safe working environment within the laboratory: 1.

1. Wear protective lab attire: Make sure you use PPE at all times inside the laboratory.
2. Put on a lab coat with full sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and safety goggles before entering the lab.
3. If you have long hair, it’s better to keep it tied and out of the way when working in the lab.
4. Find out if the work you are currently doing needs you to wear any other protective gear or remove accessories such as metal watches, rings, etc.

Protective attire not only reduces the risk of damage to the skin and eyes, but also minimizes possibilities of contamination.2. Do not bring food or drink into the lab: It may be tempting to sip on a cup of coffee or some water when working at your experiments, but steer clear of this.

Food and drink in the lab can not only get messy, but can also be a source of distraction. Moreover, there is a possibility of contamination as c hemical residues may be present on tables and on your hand when you are working in the lab. Also, m ake sure you wash your hands well before leaving the lab.

Traces of harmful chemicals, tissue, bacteria, etc. can lead to contamination of other spaces such as the lunch table or your work station, causing illness or other problems.3. Dispose of lab waste safely: This is one area of lab safety that researchers often tend to neglect.

1. When disposing chemicals, do not pour them down the sink; use designated disposal bins or containers instead.
2. Never pour back unused reagents into the bottle; dispose of them safely.
3. Do not pour plant waste down the sink as it may clog up the drains; make sure you use disposal bins to dispose plant waste.

When using biological cultures, find out if it’s safe to use soap and water to clean up or if a stronger agent is needed to destroy dangerous microorganisms present in the cultures. Also, find out the protocol in your lab for disposing sharp products such as razors, needles, glass containers, etc.

Read laboratory manuals and ask your colleagues or professors if you’re in doubt.4. Use caution when handling chemicals: Injuries from chemicals in laboratories are fairly common, but at times, they can be fatal. Karen Wetterhahn, a renowned American chemist, died as a result of mercury poisoning in 1997,

A few drops of a compound containing mercury fell on her hand, penetrated the gloves and entered her body. A few months later, she started exhibiting symptoms of mercury poisoning, such as loss of balance and impaired vision, speech, and hearing ability, and ultimately succumbed to the poison.

1. Do not sniff or taste any chemical.
2. Be extremely cautious when mixing chemicals.
3. Make sure to double-check the name of the reagent you are supposed to use and the one on the bottle before using it.
4. Hold the container away from your body and swirl gently.
5. Read precautions on lab manuals and bottle labels before using and follow those to a tee.

Do not leave reagent bottles unstoppered as this could cause accidents. To avoid accidents, label all test tubes and other containers and mark potentially dangerous chemicals.5. Handle lab equipment carefully: Apart from chemicals, laboratory equipment can also cause accidents if mishandled.

1. Use razor blades with caution, unplug hot plates, and switch off Bunsen burners.
2. If you see any electrical cords that are frayed or damaged, do not touch them and report it to the relevant authorities immediately.
3. Handle broken glassware carefully; do not use your hands to pick up the pieces – a broom and dustpan work best.

Remember to put back all equipment in its proper place after use.6. Know what to do in case of fire: Always store inflammable material in fireproof cabinets. Make sure you put them back in their designated cabinets after use; it’s extremely dangerous to leave them lying around.

1. Use Bunsen burners and hot surfaces with caution.
2. Always follow instructions when producing substances that have explosive properties.
3. Find out the location of the fire extinguisher as soon as you start working in a lab.
4. While you should definitely use the fire extinguisher as a first step, in case you see the fire spreading or the extinguisher not having the desired effect, call the fire department immediately.7.

Restrict your experiments to the lab: Do not carry lab equipment home or to any other place for preparation or any other purpose. This could lead to contamination of the experiment as well as the other environment. It’s best to wash the clothes you’ve used in the lab before reusing them.8.

Do not panic in case of accidents: Even after taking precautions, accidents do happen. In case of an accident, don’t panic. Panic can worsen the situation. Stay calm; don’t run as you might trip over wires or knock down chemical bottles. It’s important to know the location of safety equipment, such as the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency phone, eyewash stations, etc.

If chemicals or particles get into your eyes or skin, wash them off immediately. Take lab safety drills seriously; attending these regularly will prepare you for actual emergencies. Finally, always keep your supervisor informed about your experiment and follow their instructions carefully.9.

Work with a lab partner as far as possible : Try to work with someone else in the lab. While this may not always be possible, having a second pair of eyes increases chances of mistakes and slip-ups getting detected on time, preventing major damage. Additionally, with two people, response is always quicker in case of accidents.

Even for a minor injury, like a cut from broken glass, it helps to have someone around to get the first aid kit or help with cleaning the glass.10. Act responsibly in the lab: While the lab is meant for experiments, they should be planned and researched well in advance.

Don’t conduct random experiments just for fun, like this group of students (in the anecdote “Fire oops”) who drew on the lab table using alcohol and setting it on fire to see the pretty blue flame trace out the doodle. You should have the right attitude when you come to the lab and make sure you’re fully focused.

A little distraction can often cause irreversible damage, and in extreme situations, even loss of lives. Alert others in the lab to maintain a safe distance when mixing chemicals or dealing with potentially hazardous substances. Make sure you double-check everything before use and clean up after.

While laboratories and institutions are accountable for lab safety and there are regulations at local, state, and federal levels, individual researchers also carry the responsibility of going beyond simple compliance and fostering a culture of safety and caution at the laboratory. This requires a strong commitment to keeping yourself and others around you safe from injury – by working attentively, carefully, and safely in the laboratory.

Do you often feel stressed? Wouldn’t it be nice to share your highs and lows with a group of researchers who understand you? Join Researcher Voice, a support group for researchers on Facebook that focuses on their physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

Lab truths: Everything I knew about laboratories was wrong Dismantling the stereotype of the “Crazy Scientist” Lab history: The things you see when you stick around forever ( Part 1 ) and ( Part 2 )

References:

Lab Safety: Terrifying Statistics Top 10 lab safety rules Top 10 Laboratory Safety Tips every research Scientist Must follow The 10 Most Important Lab Safety Rules Lab Safety Rules and Guidelines 8 Stories of Lab Safety Gone Wrong

Be the first to clap for this article Published on: Feb 27, 2020

What is the most common laboratory error?

Introduction – Laboratory diagnostics is a rapidly expanding field that contributes significantly to clinical decision making by assisting in disease prevention, diagnosis, and therapy monitoring. Quality and safety in diagnostic testing, on the other hand, are critical to achieving the objective of high quality and safe healthcare, with no other disciplines playing such an important role in the patient safety solution as laboratory medicine.1 In clinical laboratories, there are three testing processes: pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases, which are referred to collectively as the total testing process (TTP).

According to definition by ISO 15189:2007, Pre-analytical components are defined as steps beginning with the clinician’s request and including the examination requisition, patient preparation, collection of the primary sample, transportation to and inside the laboratory, and ending when the analytical examination procedure begins.

Post-analytical components are defined as processes that occur after the examination, including systematic review, formatting and interpretation,authorization for release, reporting and transmission of results, and storage of examination samples.2 Laboratory error is defined as “any defect from ordering tests through reporting results, as well as appropriately interpreting and reacting to them”.3 An error in the clinical laboratory may occur during the pre-analytical, analytical, or post-analytical phases; this entire process is impossible to perform error-free.4 Any laboratory analysis strives to reduce uncertainty and estimate their magnitude to an acceptable degree.5 Errors can occur at any stage and result in an inaccurate report production, which can have an impact on patient care such as misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment.1 The most common errors impacting laboratory test findings occur in the pre-analytical phase (46–68.2% of total errors) and post-analytical phase (18.5–47% of total errors), with less (7–13% of total errors) occurring in the analytical phase.1, 3, 6 Modern technologies have turned laboratory diagnoses from a labor-intensive service to nearly fully automated operations, facilitating a corresponding reduction in workforce.

1. Despite all of the automation, findings from many research clearly demonstrated that the laboratory remains a source of errors, which can lead to improper patient care decisions.
2. Despite numerous studies aimed at improving analytical quality, faults in the laboratory testing process persist.7 Efforts to improve laboratory capacity and quality systems in resource-poor nations are meager, and access to reliable lab testing in many countries, including Ethiopia, remains limited.

This leads to delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and ineffective treatment, which increases morbidity and mortality.8 According to official data, laboratory results influence 60–70% of clinical decisions about hospitalization, discharge, and medications.4, 7 Evidence showed that, the risk of improper care owing to laboratory errors ranges from 6.4% to 12%, with the likelihood of additional inappropriate investigations being substantially higher (19%).9, 10 Despite the fact that automation, standardization, and technical advancements have considerably increased the analytical reliability of laboratory tests, laboratory errors occur in every procedure.

In Wollega, Ethiopia, there is a paucity of data on laboratory errors. As a result, the current study intends to fill this gap by generating data on the types and frequency of pre-, analytical-, and post-analytical errors, as well as analyzing their distribution among study settings. This study provides data on errors in the overall testing process in clinical laboratories and identifies errors that have an impact on the quality of the laboratory service.

As a result, errors found can be prevented from repeating, resulting in improved laboratory quality.

Are safety posters effective?

1. Reinforce Your Safety Messages with Safety Posters – To effectively communicate your safety program, you need to do more than hold regular meetings and post mandatory safety signs. You need to educate and engage employees to keep safety top-of-mind.

1. Safety posters can help by removing barriers to learning and leveling the playing field for diverse learners.
2. Engage Employees,
3. People are naturally drawn to images.
4. They attract and hold attention, stimulate curiosity and illustrate messages.
5. Safety posters with interesting images are especially effective at grabbing employee attention.

When was the last time an OSHA safety sign did all that? Educate, Now that your safety posters have employees’ attention, you have a good opportunity to reinforce training messages and bring attention to new ones: – Address issues specific to specific types of work – Promote special topics, such as falls or eye injuries – Advertise targeted safety themes for weeks or months – Complement your safety culture Increase Consistency,

Do safety posters work?

Increase and Encourage Safe Behaviours Among Employees –

Humans are subject to human error, can be forgetful and are also known to ‘wing things’, even if we know they are risky. By having safety posters carefully placed around the workplace you can help remind your team of their safety commitments and assist them from making mistakes. Not only can this motivate your employees to behave in safer ways, but it can also improve a sense of employee unity.

What makes a good safety poster?

‍ Safety posters can improve team members’ attitudes toward safety, but are your safety posters making the biggest impact they could be? Keep these tips in mind to ensure your safety posters are making the most impact. LOCATION Relevant posters should be displayed in a well-trafficked area, For example, safety posters about PPE, machine guard safety and lockout/tagout should be located in a machine shop area. SIMPLICITY The best safety posters can be understood in a few seconds or less. Keep the message simple with large print and few images. Less is more when it comes to communicating your safety message on a poster. Don’t try to cram too much information onto a single safety poster but instead aim to convey one message that reinforces a single safety lesson, idea or practice. READABILITY The message of any safety poster or artwork should be clear and concise, Bright images or photographs capture and engage employees’ attention and large, legible print with a simple message that can be read quickly while passing will ensure your safety message gets noticed. ROTATION Keep the safety messages fresh by rotating your safety poster selection, Employees stop noticing safety posters that hang in the same place for a long time so switch things up every few weeks or at least quarterly. When a new safety poster is put up in the workplace, employees with take an extra second when passing to read the message, which is what you are trying to achieve by posting safety posters. REINFORCEMENT Annual safety training, weekly toolbox talks, refresher courses and on-the-job training are all crucial elements of your workplace safety and health program, but reinforcement is critical to maintaining a safe work environment throughout the year.

• Informational safety posters should repeat ideas that employees have already been exposed to during safety training or a weekly safety meeting.
• Sharing safety concepts and best practices that workers have already heard, or been exposed to, is the best way to strengthen great safety habits on the job.

Don’t try to teach something new with a safety poster. Every organization should have a written safety policy that is communicated to all employees and reinforced during onboarding and annual safety training, but finding innovative ways for management to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to safety is also necessary to cultivate a safety-minded workforce,

1. Investing in high-quality artwork like safety posters, motivational safety prints or elegant canvas art with a workplace safety message reinforces safety as a company value throughout the year.
2. Safety posters, canvas prints and wall art can be a great way to share your commitment to workplace safety with your employees.

Keep these 5 recommendations in mind as you are evaluating the best way your organization can take advantage of the positive benefits safety posters have when it comes to safety communication, motivation and engagement. Visit the Inspire Safety online gallery today to find the perfect safety poster or canvas print for your company. Inspire Safety creates inspirational workplace safety posters, artwork, and merchandise for companies to display in their offices, shops and job sites.

We help companies and organizations improve their workplace safety culture by inspiring work teams through meaningful images, quotes, artwork, and slogans. Weeklysafety.com is giving away 10 free safety topics, no credit card required! Take advantage and grab your free set of safety meeting topics today by clicking the button below.

A membership to Weeklysafety.com comes at a very low price that never goes up no matter how many employees you have and no matter how many awesome safety topics you use. Included in your membership are hundreds of safety topics that you can use for your safety meetings, toolbox talks and safety moments.

What are 3 safe lab procedures?

Tip #3: Prevent potential exposure. –

Conduct yourself in a responsible and professional manner at all times. No pranks. No practical jokes. Dress for work in the laboratory. Wear clothing and shoes that cover exposed skin and protect you from potential splashes. Tie back long hair, jewelry, or anything that may catch in equipment. Never eat food, drink beverages, chew gum, apply cosmetics (including lip balm), or handle contact lenses in the laboratory. Use a chemical fume hood or biosafety cabinet, as directed by your supervisor. Observe good housekeeping – keep aisles clear. Report damaged electrical equipment to the supervisor. Do not use damaged electrical equipment. Do not leave active experiments unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting unattended.

Why is lab safety so important?

Skip to content Laboratory safety is an essential part of ensuring the health and safety of workers and researchers in laboratory settings. Laboratories can be hazardous environments with various potential risks, including chemical spills, fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous substances.

The importance of laboratory safety cannot be overstated. In addition to the risk of accidents and injuries, laboratories also pose a risk to the wider community, as hazardous substances and waste products can be released into the environment if proper safety measures are not in place. To help ensure the safety of workers and researchers in laboratory settings, employers need to implement a comprehensive laboratory safety program.

This should include training workers on how to properly handle and use hazardous substances, as well as procedures for emergency response, waste disposal, and spill containment. In addition to training and procedures, employers should also ensure that laboratory workers have access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the tasks they are performing.

This can include gloves, safety glasses, lab coats, and respirators, depending on the hazards present in the laboratory. In addition to the importance of laboratory safety in protecting workers and researchers, there are several key strategies that employers can use to help ensure the safe operation of their laboratory.

Lab Safety

These include:

Developing a comprehensive laboratory safety program that includes training, procedures, and policies for the safe handling and use of hazardous substances. This program should be tailored to the specific hazards present in the laboratory and should be reviewed and updated regularly. Providing access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers who use hazardous substances in the laboratory. This can include gloves, safety glasses, lab coats, and respirators, depending on the hazards present in the laboratory. Conducting regular safety inspections of the laboratory. These inspections should be conducted by trained personnel familiar with the hazards present in the laboratory. They should include checking for proper storage and labeling of hazardous substances, as well as the condition and maintenance of PPE and other safety equipment. Implementing procedures for emergency response, spill containment, and waste disposal. These procedures should be clearly communicated to all workers and reviewed and practiced regularly to ensure that workers are prepared to respond to emergencies in the laboratory.

For more information on laboratory safety, employers can refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Laboratory Safety Guidance. This guidance provides detailed recommendations for the safe operation of laboratories, including training, PPE, inspections, and emergency response procedures.

Overall, laboratory safety is an essential part of ensuring the health and safety of workers and researchers in laboratory settings. By implementing a comprehensive safety program and providing access to appropriate PPE, employers can help prevent accidents and injuries and protect the broader community from potential hazards.

Do you need Online Training for Laboratory Safety? Try a free demonstration of our Laboratory Safety Training programs, where you can see the full content of the training program and how the system works from the perspective of the trainee: Course Titles in our Laboratory Program Listing include: Compressed Gas Cylinders in the Laboratory Electrical Safety in the Laboratory Flammables and Explosives in the Laboratory GHS Safety Data Sheets in the Laboratory Laboratory Ergonomics Laboratory Hoods Orientation to Laboratory Safety OSHA Formaldehyde Standard Planning for Laboratory Emergencies Preventing Contamination in the Laboratory Safe Handling of Laboratory Glassware Safety Showers and Eye Washes in the Laboratory

What is laboratory do’s and don’ts?

✓ Do keep your lab and office space clean and free of. clutter. ✓ Don’t Clutter working place. ✓ Keep items in proper place & Organized. ✓ Do not eat or drink in the lab.


Jack Gloop