- Prepare for the laboratory task you are about to conduct before you arrive in the laboratory. This will include:
- That you read the precepts or instructions.
- That you have done a chemical risk assessment on the different chemicals (read more about chemical risk assessment here).
- Make sure to locate exits and emergency equipment, so that you can act quickly in case of an accident –read more about emergency response.
- It is mandatory for everyone to wear a lab coat and safety goggles in the laboratory, and these have to be kept away from common areas to avoid that others are subjected to the chemicals.
- All actions must documented (photos and/or written text).
- Chemical wastes must be handled according to the rules –read more about waste handling.
- When you leave your station/fume hood, it must either be made ready for the next user (clean without traces of chemicals), or a clear labelling and description of the ongoing reaction must be present.
General safety rules
- Smoking, drinking and eating is allowed only at the specifically noticed places.
- Safety goggles and lab coats must always be worn in all laboratories when working with chemicals.
- It is not allowed to pipette using your mouth.
- Spilled chemicals must be removed correctly. Chemical waste must be collected according to current regulations.
- Chemicals, glass or sharp utensils must not be disposed of in the ordinary waste bins.
- It is the responsibility of the supervisor to provide instructions and risk assessment before work commencement.
- The responsible teacher or supervisor is responsible for the presence of printed safety instructions in the lab). PhD students and researchers are responsible for getting the right instructions for their own laboratories.
- Substitution must always be considered and carried out whenever possible.
- Only a minimum quantity of chemicals and flammable solutions can be stored in the lab.
- To the extent possible, chemicals must be kept in the original packaging. At transfer the packaging must be tagged according to current regulations.
- In the practice laboratory all chemicals must be classified and tagged according to current regulations/declarations with risk(R) and safety (S) notifications.
- Pressure bottles, compressed gasses and volatile liquids over 2 ½ litres can not be transported in an elevator alongside persons.
- Pressure bottles must be made secure to prevent fall, roll or topple, and they must be fitted with a safety cap during transport. Pressure bottles (not Lecturebottles) that are used in a non-permanent setup must be kept in the designated space for pressure bottles.
- Moreover you are to refer to any local safety rules.