Safety In The Lab
Working in a lab can be a very rewarding job it can also be a very dangerous job if safety in the lab is not your top priority. There are many jobs that require people to handle hazardous and possible harmful materials everyday. If you are unaware of the correct handling procedures it could result in severe injury of even death.Safety in the lab is extremely important to everyone in the building any accident could start a fire or release toxins into the air.Here are a few tips on how to work safely in any lab.
Tips for Safety In The Lab
- Keep all work areas clean and free of clutter. You are less likely to spill something on an area that is free of clutter. that helps to keep common germs for entering your system and a respirator mask which keeps out most toxic fumes. You could also wear a full body suit if the job requires as well as gloves and safety goggles.
- Never take any food or drinks into a laboratory they could become contaminated. Always eat in designated break areas.
- If any chemicals should get into your eyes find the nearest eye wash station and rinse your eyes while having someone else call 911 for you.
- Chemical burns are a serious matter they can scar you for the rest of your life or leave irreversible damage to body parts. If you accidentally spill chemicals on yourself find the closet shower station. While you are washing have somebody call 911. After you get out put on the sanitized paper clothes that are near the wash station.
- If you breath in to many toxic fumes and are beginning to feel ill. Leave the room, go outside and get some fresh air. If you have to sit down do not allow your head to fall below your knees this makes it difficult to breath and may cause choking if you vomit.
- Make sure every person in the lab knows where the first aid kit and fire extinguishers are located and that they are trained in the proper use of the equipment.
- If toxic chemicals spill be sure to contact the correct companies to come clean it up. Also if it is a extremely toxic chemical it is probably best to evacuate the building until it is taken care of.
- Be sure that all chemicals are stored properly. This means in the correct containers and they are kept at the correct temperatures.
- Never mixes chemicals together if you are unsure what the final result will be you may accidentally make an extremely dangerous toxin.
- Make sure to turn off all burners before leaving the lab. Also be sure to turn off any equipment you may have used that day.
- If a large chemical spill occurs you must call the EPA and inform them of the situation. They will tell you the next step to take which could be evacuating the area or how to dispose if that chemical properly.
- Always dispose of used lab chemicals properly. Do not just throw them in a trash bin. Use the correct chemical disposal bins that the EPA provides to all companies that use chemicals.
These are just a few ways to stay safe in the lab. Use your common sense if something feels wrong it probably is. Safety in the lab is the only way to go. Think,look and listen at all times when you are using dangerous or toxic chemicals. There are no second chances if you spill something and injury a person.