2: Lab Safety

Learning Objectives

Goals:

• Familiarize students with basic safety rules.
• Allow students to become familiar with the safety equipment in the laboratory.

Student Learning Outcomes::

Upon completion of this lab, students will be able to:

• Identify the location and proper use of emergency equipment.

Lab Safety

Introduction

Laboratory safety involves all the measures taken by the laboratory worker, laboratory owner, institution and regulatory agencies to eliminate potential harm to human health and well-being. Although steps are taken to reduce risks in the workplace, safety is a matter of personal responsibility. A biotechnology lab may have several safety hazards that must be known and understood by all students or employees working in the lab. It is the responsibility of each person in the lab to know and follow basic laboratory safety rules, to understand how to safely operate equipment, understand the hazards of materials they are working with and to work to reduce potential risks. In the event of an accident, it is critical to know the location and use of emergency equipment. Having this knowledge should help to prevent accidents and minimize damage that might occur in the event of an accident.

A. Laboratory Safety Equipment

Draw the Table in your lab notebook. Fill in the location of the following lab safety items:

 

Table: Laboratory Safety Equipment and Location

Safety Equipment	Location
Telephone and Campus Emergency Number
Fire Alarm
Fire Extinguisher
Eye Wash
Glass Waste Container
Disinfectant
Goggles
Gloves
First Aid Kit
Broom and Dust Pan
Emergency Class Evacuation site

 

Laboratory Safety Guidelines 

General Rules

• No guests are allowed in the lab, including children or minors.
• Know emergency procedures, use and location of emergency equipment (emergency exits, fire extinguishers, fire blanket, eye wash station, first aid kit, and broken glass container).
• In case of fire, evacuate the room and assemble outside the building.
• Report all accidents, no matter how insignificant they appear, to a laboratory supervisor
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential dangers created by others.

Personal Protection

• Do not smoke, eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in a laboratory.
• Wear protective clothing such as long pants, closed-toe shoes, a lab coat, and goggles.

• Tie long hair up or behind the shoulders. Do not wear long, dangling jewelry or scarfs.
• Dispose of gloves in the laboratory trash. Do not wear lab coats and gloves into public areas. You will need to dispose of gloves and take off your lab coat before leaving the lab.
• Cover cuts or scrapes with a sterile, waterproof bandage before entering a lab.
• Wash skin immediately and thoroughly if contaminated by chemicals or microorganisms.
• Wash your hands regularly, with soap and water, especially after working with bacteria.
• If you are pregnant or ill, please let your lab instructor know immediately.
• Let your lab instructor know before leaving the classroom.

Handling Chemicals

• Keep all containers capped with the appropriate lid. Clearly label items produced in the lab.
• If a chemical is splashed into the eyes or skin, flush for 15 minutes.
• Clean up spills and broken glass immediately. Use broom and dustpan to pick up broken glass.
• Keep chemicals away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep containers of alcohol, acetone, and other flammable liquids away from flames.
• Read labels carefully. Be aware of hazardous chemicals and precautions for safe use.
• Follow instructions about proper disposal of lab reagents.

Handling Equipment

• Keep your work area clean and clutter-free.
• Be aware of your potential impact on others.
• Notify lab supervisor of malfunctioning equipment.
• If you do not know how to use an instrument or equipment, then do not touch it.
• Do not use laboratory equipment without first receiving instruction in its use.
• Keep balances clean and dry, always use weigh paper/boats.
• Never leave heat sources unattended. Be careful when using hot plates or burners. Note that there is often no visible flame, glow or sign that objects are hot.

 

Lab Safety Contract

Copy this statement into your lab notebook and all group members should sign the page. 

I have read the lab safety guidelines, found all lab safety equipment, and understand the procedure about emergency class evacuation. I will conduct myself in a safe and conscientious manner and take proper care in the use of all lab equipment.

Signature _______________________________________________ Date ______________________

 

B. Lab Safety Video (optional)

1. While watching the lab safety video, take notes on as many safety hazards as you notice.
2. When the video is over, discuss the hazards you observed with your group and what can be done to work safely using good laboratory practices.
3. Make a table in your notebook and organize your observations.

Laboratory Hazards and Corrections

Laboratory Hazard Observed	Correction/Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)

 

 

C. Chemical Hazards Labeling Activity

Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)

A quick assessment of a chemical’s hazards is visible on its container on a Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) label. HCS labeling does not replace the more detailed Safety Data Sheet (SDS) but rather gives the following information in brief:

• Name, Address, and Phone Number of Responsible Party (i.e., the manufacturer or distributor)
• Chemical Identification - chemical name and code or batch number that matches the information found in Section 1 of the chemical's SDS
• Signal Word - "DANGER" for more severe hazards or "WARNING" for less severe hazards
• Hazard Statements - a brief description of the hazard(s)
• Precautionary Statements (optional) - prevention, response, storage, and disposal
• Hazard Category Numbers 1-4 (optional) - "1" for the most severe hazard to "4" for the least severe
• Pictograms

Pictograms are red-bordered, diamond shapes that frame a black graphic on a white background, and these symbols depict the type of hazard(s). HCS labels are required by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and are standardized, having been adopted from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) set by the United Nations.

HCS Pictogram Guide

Pictogram	Hazard Class	Hazard Type	Example Signal Word & Hazard Statement
	Flammables Self-Reactives Self-Heating Pyrophorics Emits Flammable Gas Organic Peroxides	Physical	DANGER Heating may cause a fire
	Explosives Self-Reactives Organic Peroxides	Physical	WARNING Fire or projection hazard
	Gases Under Pressure	Physical	WARNING Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
	Corrosive to Metals Corrosive Skin Corrosion/Burns Eye Damage	Physical Health	DANGER Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
	Oxidizer (gases) Oxidizers (solid or liquid)	Physical Health	WARNING May intensify fire; oxidizer
	Acute Toxicity (fatal or toxic)	Health	DANGER Fatal if swallowed
	Carcinogen Mutagenicity Respiratory Sensitizer Reproductive Toxicity Target Organ Toxicity Aspiration Toxicity	Health	DANGER May cause cancer
	Irritant (skin and eyes) Dermal Sensitizer Acute Toxicity (harmful) Narcotic Effects Respiratory Tract Irritation Hazardous to Ozone Layer (optional)	Health Other	WARNING Causes skin irritation
	(optional label) Environmental Toxicity Aquatic Toxicity	Environment.	WARNING Toxic to aquatic life

Procedure

1. Walk around the room and locate two items that display the Hazard Communication Standard label.
2. Draw a sketch of the pictogram in your lab notebook and carefully copy the chemical identification information of the reagent that it is describing.
3. Write down the label's signal word and any hazard statements, and comment on the characteristics and hazards of the two items.

Chemical Hazards and Waste Disposal

Laboratory waste must be disposed of safely and appropriately. Labs must be aware of the school, state and federal guidelines for waste disposal. Many chemicals can NOT be poured down the sink. Be sure you know which chemicals are hazardous, require special storage and must be placed into properly labeled waste containers kept in fume hoods until sent to the proper hazardous waste disposal. Know which materials are considered biohazards and the proper area or container to place them so they can be autoclaved.

Table 4. Medical and Biohazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal Chart, U. California

Type of Waste	Definition	Required Treatment
Chemical Waste	Any solid, liquid, or gaseous material generated in the laboratory that poses a danger to human health or the environment.	This will vary depending on the chemical. The institution you are in will have specific requirements to meet regulatory code. The aim is to reduce hazards and minimize environmental impact. Follow your instructor’s directions.
Solid Biohazardous Waste	Materials such as pipettes, petri dishes, or other culture flasks disposable or glass that do not contain liquid but were in contact with cultures of cells or human or animal-derived materials.	Disposable waste is placed in red biohazard bags. Treat and replace bags when they are halfway full. Reusable glass materials must be placed in autoclavable trays. To treat waste, the autoclave must be properly loaded and set for a minimum temperature of 121°C (250°F) for 60 minutes at 15 psi. Autoclave tape must be placed on the bag or tray to indicate it has passed through the cycle. Material should be autoclaved as soon as possible, but at a maximum of 7 days after it is generated
Liquid Biohazardous Waste	Broth cultures or cell culture media or contaminated liquid media.	Decontaminate using 10% bleach solution for a minimum 2 hours contact time. Dispose down the drain with water. Alternatively, racks of used culture tubes can be autoclaved using the same temperature and time indicated above but set for a slow exhaust liquid setting. Use autoclave tape as above. Treat waste as soon as possible but not longer than 7 days post generation.
Sharps Waste	Any object that is capable of piercing or damaging human skin that is contaminated with chemical, or biohazardous waste e.g., scalpels, blades, needles, broken glass, etc.	Place in the marked sharps container. Remember that broken glass that is not contaminated will have a separate disposal container within the laboratory.

D. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Hazard Rating System

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Hazard Rating System was designed for emergency workers such as fire responders to be able to swiftly get basic information about the hazards of a chemical from a simple label. The diamond-shaped label is divided into four color-coded squares, and inside each square is printed a ratings code or number from 0-4, with "0" as the least severe hazard to "4" as the most severe.

Inside the red square, the number indicates the flammability rating; blue indicates the health hazard rating; yellow indicates the chemical's instability; and the white square indicates any special hazards.

PROCEDURE

1. Walk around the room and find a label with the NFPA safety diamond. Read the explanations in the table above. Write down the chemical name and draw its NFPA diamond.
2. Think of a chemical used in a lab or find a second container without an NFPA label already affixed and then write down its name. Use an internet or in-class resource to draw that chemical's NFPA ratings.
3. Compare the NFPA 704 label with OSHA's Hazard Communication label from the previous activity. How are they the same? How do they differ? What are the pros and cons of each type of label?

E. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

A Safety Data Sheet (previously called Material Safety Data Sheet) for each chemical is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Sections 1-8 contain information about the identification, hazards, composition, safe handling practices, and emergency control measures. Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain technical and scientific information, such as physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicology, and exposure control.

Draw table 1.3 in your lab notebook and answer the following.

Using the SDS for sodium hydroxide provided to your group, determine what should be done in the event that the reagent: a) got on your skin b) splashed into your eyes c) was inhaled

Table 5. Safety Procedures for Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Adverse Event	Response
a) NaOH in eyes
b) NaOH on skin
c) NaOH inhaled

F. Science Laboratory Safety Signs

Table 6 Write the meaning of each symbol.

Study Questions

1. Review lab safety signs and know their meanings.
2. What are the types of PPE required in a laboratory?
3. How should you dispose of glass waste?
4. How should you dispose of biohazard waste?
5. What should you do if a chemical gets in eyes?
6. Given a laboratory hazard, be able to describe the correction of GLP needed in the lab.
7. What do the 4 diamonds in the NFPA represent?
8. Why must a scientist keep a lab notebook?
9. In industry, a lab notebook is a legal document. What can it be used to determine?
10. What is GMP?
11. What are the Do’s and Don’ts of keeping a legal notebook?

Puzzle: Lab Safety and Lab Notebooks

Terms Alkaline, Biohazardous, Broom, Contents, Corrosive, Diamond, Flammability, Four, Glass, Health, Instability, Laboratory, Legal, Manufacturing, OSHA, Oxidizing, PPE, Sharps, Special

ACROSS

DOWN

1. broken test tubes and beakers should be placed in the ___ waste container 7. hazard that the yellow color on the NFPA sign indicates 8. governmental agency that regulates chemical safety data sheets 9. broken test tubes/beakers should be swept with a ___ and dust pan 10. COR on the NFPA sign 12. instrument used to write in a scientific lab notebook 13. used razors, scalpels and needles should be placed in the ___ waste container 14. SOP stands for Standard _____ Procedures 15. rating number for the most dangerous hazards in the NFPA sign 16. ALK on the NFPA sign 17. GLP stands for Good ____ Practices 18. GMP stands for Good ____ Practices 19. hazard that the blue color on the NFPA sign indicates

2. the lab notebook is considered a ___ document and can be used in court 3. abbreviation for Personal Protective Equipment 4. shape of sign that lists the chemical ratings from the National Fire Protection Association 5. hazard that the white color on the NFPA sign indicates 6. table found at the front of a scientific lab notebook 9. type of waste containing recombinant DNA and tissue culture dishes 11. OX on the NFPA sign 15. hazard that the red color on the NFPA sign indicates

Image Attributions:

• Flammable substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Explosive substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Gas pressure hazards sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Corrosive substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Oxidizing substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Toxic substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Health hazard sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Hazardous substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Environmental hazard sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Eyewash sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Emergency shower sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Fire blanket sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Fire extinguisher sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Ionizing Radiation sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Laser Radiation sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Explosive substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• High Voltage sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• No eating or drinking sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Nonpotable water sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Do not enter sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• No smoking sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Corrosive Substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Poisonous substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Oxidizing material sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Highly flammable substances sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Emergency call button sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• First Aid sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Automated heart defibrillator sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Ionizing radiation sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Use protective eyewear sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Use protective handwear sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• NFPA 704 warning sign sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain
• Health Hazard sign via Wikimedia Commons; public domain