A laboratory, whether used for education or research, is a controlled environment designed for investigation and discovery. Specialized equipment, chemical reagents, and concentrated energy sources mean that deviations from established protocols can lead to unpredictable and harmful outcomes. Maintaining safety requires consistent, deliberate adherence to guidelines that govern every action taken within the space. This article details specific actions and behaviors that are strictly prohibited because they introduce unacceptable risks to individuals and those working nearby.
Personal Behaviors to Avoid
Never bring food, beverages, or gum into the laboratory workspace, nor should they be consumed or stored there. Lab surfaces and air can harbor trace amounts of chemicals or biological agents, leading to accidental ingestion. Applying cosmetics, lip balm, or handling contact lenses is also prohibited, as this increases the direct transfer risk of contaminants to sensitive mucous membranes.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory; working in attire like shorts or open-toed shoes is strictly forbidden. Exposed skin, especially on the feet, is vulnerable to chemical spills or falling objects. Loose clothing, dangling jewelry, or unrestrained long hair should not be worn, as these items present a snagging hazard near moving machinery or open flames.
Individuals must resist the impulse to touch their face, eyes, nose, or mouth while actively working in the lab. This action is a primary route for introducing contaminants into the body via absorption or ingestion. Engaging in roughhousing, running, or any form of distracted behavior (horseplay) is strictly prohibited due to the risk of causing spills or disrupting sensitive experiments.
Working alone or attempting experiments without the direct supervision or approval of an instructor or manager is forbidden. If an accident or sudden health issue occurs, having no one present to initiate an emergency response can drastically delay aid. No experimentation should be attempted outside of the prescribed, documented procedure.
Mistakes in Handling Materials and Apparatus
The direct smelling or tasting of any laboratory chemical is strictly forbidden. Chemical vapors can be acutely toxic or corrosive. The proper procedure for assessing odor involves cautiously wafting a small amount of vapor toward the nose, never inhaling directly from the container. Using cracked, chipped, or compromised glassware is also prohibited, as structural weakness can lead to sudden failure when subjected to heating or vacuum pressure.
Bypassing or intentionally misusing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses or lab coats, is a violation of safety protocol. Removing eye protection even momentarily exposes the eyes to splash hazards from nearby reactions or reagents. Using mouth suction to draw liquids into a pipette is prohibited, as this presents an immediate risk of chemical ingestion or inhalation.
Never return unused chemical reagent into its original stock container, even if the amount is small. This risks introducing contamination into the entire stock supply, which could compromise future experiments or cause unpredictable reactions. All containers, including temporary beakers or flasks, must be clearly and immediately labeled with the substance name and concentration.
Leaving any reaction that is actively being heated, stirred, or undergoing a chemical transformation unattended is strictly forbidden. Reactions can change state, boil over, or generate unexpected pressure rapidly, requiring immediate intervention. Using a heat source, such as a hot plate or Bunsen burner, near flammable materials or without proper ventilation creates a fire risk.
Unauthorized modifications to an established experimental procedure should never be attempted without explicit permission and risk assessment from a supervisor. Altering reagent ratios, changing temperatures, or substituting chemicals can lead to energetic or toxic byproduct formation. Always ensure that the equipment being used, such as electrical apparatus, is correctly grounded and that wires are not frayed or damaged prior to energizing the circuit.
Improper Disposal and Emergency Response
Pouring concentrated acids, bases, or solid chemical waste directly down the sink drain is strictly forbidden. These substances can corrode plumbing systems, interfere with water treatment processes, or react violently when mixed within the drainpipes. All chemical waste streams must be segregated into designated, clearly labeled collection containers based on their hazard class before disposal.
Discarding physical hazards, such as broken glassware, used razor blades, or syringe needles, into a regular waste bin or recycling container is a safety violation. These items, known as sharps, must be placed immediately into dedicated puncture-resistant containers to protect personnel from physical injury. Never attempt to clean up broken glass with bare hands.
Ignoring small chemical spills or attempting to clean up large spills without the appropriate training and protective gear is prohibited. Small spills should be contained and neutralized using designated spill kits. Major spills involving volatile or toxic substances require immediate evacuation and notification of emergency personnel. Attempting to manage a major incident without supervision puts the individual at risk.
Blocking or obstructing access to any emergency safety equipment, including the safety shower, eyewash station, or fire extinguisher, is strictly forbidden. These areas must be kept clear at all times so that personnel can reach them instantly in an emergency. Failing to immediately report all accidents, near misses, or minor injuries to a supervisor prevents necessary documentation and review of safety procedures.