Stay Safe When Working in a Lab

Working in a laboratory presents a unique set of risks depending on the type of work you do. You probably work with hazardous materials on a daily basis, and you likely have to utilize equipment which requires special safety considerations. Everyone working in the laboratory needs to be prepared to react to an accident, including everything from a chemical spill to a fire. Every second counts when a person has a hazardous chemical on them, or when a fire is spreading throughout the work space, knowing what to do ahead of time will help ensure better outcomes if accidents do occur. Additionally, by studying emergency plans and understanding the hazards of the lab, workers can help prevent accidents by recognizing dangerous situations and remedying them before a situation arises.
Learn about some of OSHA’s standards and recommendations unique to the laboratory setting.

“Orientation to Laboratory Safety” is a Video On Demand training course which demonstrates to lab workers the basic safety procedures they should be aware of before starting their work. The video models how to utilize the proper Personal Protective Equipment, while demonstrating to workers how to follow safety procedures, use lab hoods and store and label materials. Workers also learn about clean-up, disposal and emergencies.

“Planning for Laboratory Emergencies” takes a more detailed look at laboratory emergencies. Employees will learn how to understand an emergency plan, deal with fires, chemical spills, and how to use equipment such as safety showers or eye washes.

“Flammables and Explosives in the Laboratory” presents a close look at different flammable materials characteristically found in a laboratory, such as flammable materials, gas cylinders and explosives. Ventilation and storage of materials is discussed, as well as safe work practices for waste disposal and cleaning up spills. Response activities for the event of a fire are demonstrated. It is always the goal to prevent a fire from starting, but employees need to know how to react quickly and safely if one should occur.