Safety is as simple as ABC Always Be Careful

Why be safe?

What are the most common

injuries in a lab?

Safety is something that happens

between your ears, not
something you hold in your hand

Keeping safe in the lab really only

requires one thing:
common sense.
But if you look at what people are
do in the lab, you might think that
that common sense isn't so
common after all

What happens when you mix

Hydrochloric Acid with Sodium
Hydroxide?

The why not use sodium

hydroxide if you spill hydrochloric
acid on your hands?

Why are we often not safe?

Complacency
Forgetfulness

Pop quiz who remembers safety

the best?
Answer: The person who has been involved in an
accident

5 worst mistakes

Not reading the MSDS

Lab coats anywhere other than

the lab (or not wearing a lab
coat)

Not wearing safety glasses or

goggles.

Eating at/near the bench

Or using the lab as a kitchen

Head in the fume hood (or in

laminar flow)

The cost of accidents

Hierarchy of Controls
Elimination/Substitution
Most
Effective

Requires a physical
change to the
workplace

Requires worker or
employer to do
something
Requires
worker to
wear
something
Least
Effective

General Rules
Never eat, drink or smoke in lab
Never store chemicals or other materials in
refrigerators used for food.
Never store materials in food containers.
Always use protective clothing/equipment
where specified.
Keep lab areas clean and organized.

General Rules (continued)

Chemical spills should be cleaned up
immediately by lab staff
Avoid accumulation of rubbish that provides a
ready source of fuel for fire.
Ensure chemicals are stored in the appropriate
place, in secure containers with correct labelling.

Housekeeping
Clean up spills and messes on the floor even if you did
not cause them
Address leaky pipes and excessive moisture
Do not store combustibles in electrical and Mechanical
rooms
Immediately dispose of boxes when they become
empty

Housekeeping (Continued)
Take time to ensure walkways and corridors are Clear
Remember to clean your work area when you are done
working
Avoid hoarding unnecessary materials
Dispose of chemicals that are not being used

Before you work you must know:

Properties of materials & agents and their
prescribed safety procedures
Be familiar with operating procedures for ALL
equipment used
Emergency spill procedures, use of adsorbents
and disinfectants
Designated escape routes (know alternate)
Location of fire ext., eye wash, shower, first aid,
and spill kits

Four questions

What are the hazards?

What are the worst things that could happen?
What do I need to do to be prepared?
What are the prudent practices, protective
facilities/equipment, and personal protective
equipment needed to minimize the risk?

SHEQ Toolbox
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