Important Laboratory Safety Guidelines

General Laboratory Safety – Geotechnical Soils Lab
Important Laboratory Safety Guidelines
General Safety Rules
All lab users must understand and follow the below procedures in addition to the general safety
and conduct rules described in Sections 2 through 4 of this safety manual.
There are potential hazards from glassware, corrosives, poisons, fumes and sources of heat inherent in
every laboratory. At all times be knowledgeable about the chemicals and equipment you are handling
and organize both your thoughts and the laboratory space you are using.
• IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND - ASK!
• Determine potential hazards, safety precautions, remedial actions and waste disposal techniques
before starting any laboratory procedure.
• Obtain the proper training and read the associated documents/SOPs/manuals before you use any
new equipment, chemicals, biological material or techniques.
• Do NOT eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics in any laboratory.
-• Never eat or drink in the laboratory or chemical storage area.
-• Never use laboratory glassware for eating or drinking purposes.
-• Do not eat or drink in the laboratory
• Do NOT wear contact lenses when performing laboratory work.
-• Do not wear contact lenses.

-• Always use eye protection (safety glasses with side shields) in the laboratory.
- The test procedures cause specimens to rupture and may release and accelerate pieces of
matter. Therefore, all personnel that are present in the laboratory must wear safety glasses
at all times when operating the mechanical stress testing equipment.
- The rupture of specimens can create a loud cracking noise. It is advised to wear earplugs
as hearing protection.
• Footwear must have enclosed toes and heals (no sandals).
-• Wear shoes that cover the whole foot.
- It is advised to use gloves and wear steel toed shoes with when placing or removing test
specimens.
• Wash hands with soap and water before leaving the work area – even if you wore gloves.
-• Wash hands after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratory.
-• Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals. Never touch
chemicals with your hands.
-• Use disposable gloves when handling hazardous materials. Remove the gloves before exiting
the laboratory or going to an office area.
-• Exercise care when handling hot glassware. Use appropriate heat-resistant gloves if necessary.
• Wear a long-sleeved laboratory coat or chemical-resistant apron.
-• Wear shirts that completely cover chest and pants that completely cover legs.
-• Use rubber bands or string to tie back long hair or loose clothing.
- Keep hands or loose clothing away from machines at all times during operation.
• Report any and all accidents immediately to your supervisor.
-• Document any spills, accidents, or injuries. For chemical spills, refer to the section General
Guidelines to Follow in the Event of a Chemical Accident or Spill.
- Inform the lab supervisor or the CE department office if there are any problems, or in
case you are not sure if the equipment is operating properly and safely.
• Use laboratory equipment only for its intended purpose.
• Do not perform unauthorized experiments.
-• Do not deviate from written protocols or perform untested procedures.
- Do not operate any of the equipment unless you have been trained and authorized to do
so.
• Use the correct personal protective equipment for your work (eg. safety goggles, gloves, fume
hood).
-• Remove protective equipment (gloves, lab apron, etc.) before leaving the laboratory.
• Confine long hair, loose clothing or jewellery when in laboratory.
• Practise good housekeeping. Clean up spills immediately. Keep the workbench clear of all but the
required materials. Keep aisles free of obstruction.
- Keep the machine surface clear of material and tools.
- Make sure to close all hydraulic valves and turn off power once testing is complete.
- Keep fingers, hands and arms out of “pinch points” in load assembly, i.e. points where
movement of the heads on the test machine could trap or crush these appendages.
- During operation of tensile or compression test machines, provide a safe radius of at
least 6 feet to protect spectators from any possible unexpected movement or release of
testing material.
-• Document any spills, accidents, or injuries. For chemical spills, refer to the section General
Guidelines to Follow in the Event of a Chemical Accident or Spill.
• Exercise care when handling hot glassware. Use appropriate heat-resistant gloves if necessary.
• Never point the open end of a vessel at anyone.
• Never pipette by mouth. Always use a pipetting device.
• Make sure no flammable solvents are in the surrounding area when lighting a flame.
• Turn off heating apparatus and water faucets when not in use.
• Do not remove any equipment or chemicals from the laboratory to an office area.
• Keep laboratory floor dry and clear of all objects.
-• Train all new personnel.
• Telephones are located in several labs for emergency and local calling. UW Police can be reached at
ext. 22222 for assistance or to report major spills.

• Know the location of fire exits, pull-stations, and extinguishers
-• Know emergency procedures and evacuation plans. Placard plans in visible locations.
• Avoid working alone at night or on weekends (use a buddy system with a friend, partner, etc).
-• Never work alone in the laboratory; use the buddy system.
• Keep labs locked when unoccupied.

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General Laboratory Safety – Geotechnical Soils Lab

Important Laboratory Safety Guidelines

General Safety Rules

and conduct rules described in Sections 2 through 4 of this safety manual.

• IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND - ASK!

before starting any laboratory procedure.

new equipment, chemicals, biological material or techniques.

• Do NOT eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics in any laboratory.

-• Never eat or drink in the laboratory or chemical storage area.

-• Never use laboratory glassware for eating or drinking purposes.

-• Do not eat or drink in the laboratory

• Do NOT wear contact lenses when performing laboratory work.

-• Do not wear contact lenses.

at all times when operating the mechanical stress testing equipment.

• Footwear must have enclosed toes and heals (no sandals).

-• Wear shoes that cover the whole foot.

chemicals with your hands.

the laboratory or going to an office area.

• Wear a long-sleeved laboratory coat or chemical-resistant apron.

• Report any and all accidents immediately to your supervisor.

Guidelines to Follow in the Event of a Chemical Accident or Spill.

• Use laboratory equipment only for its intended purpose.

• Do not perform unauthorized experiments.

-• Do not deviate from written protocols or perform untested procedures.

• Confine long hair, loose clothing or jewellery when in laboratory.

required materials. Keep aisles free of obstruction.

- Keep the machine surface clear of material and tools.

- During operation of tensile or compression test machines, provide a safe radius of at

Guidelines to Follow in the Event of a Chemical Accident or Spill.

• Never point the open end of a vessel at anyone.

• Never pipette by mouth. Always use a pipetting device.

• Keep laboratory floor dry and clear of all objects.

-• Train all new personnel.

ext. 22222 for assistance or to report major spills.

-• Never work alone in the laboratory; use the buddy system.

• Keep labs locked when unoccupied.

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