2.7 - Laboratory Safety Guidance

• Students must not work unsupervised in any Laboratory;
• All staff and students must ensure that they understand Fire Instructions and are aware of the position and operation of Emergency Exit;
• The location of the nearest First Aid staff to the area in which you are working and how to contact them in an emergency must be ascertained before work is started;
• Risk Assessment Sheets must always be available and consulted before any practical procedure is carried out. These sheets must remain readily available for consultation throughout any procedure;
• All procedures, hazards and emergency action must be clearly understood, before the commencement of any practical work;
• Safety and Protective Equipment must always be used whenever appropriate and all necessary Protective clothing must be worn during practical work;
• Procedures must not be carried out unless all necessary protection is available;
• Procedures must not be started if Risk Assessment sheets are not available;
• Storage of all bags, cases and coats must be out of the way, so that they neither obstruct access or egress, nor present a trip hazard in the working area;
• Eating, drinking and smoking are strictly forbidden in all laboratories;
• All chemical and biological materials must be treated with due respect and all recommendations as set out on their COSHH Risk Assessment sheets followed;
• No apparatus, materials or specimens may be removed from the laboratory without the written permission of whoever is supervising the procedure;
• All Sharps must be disposed of in a separate and appropriately labelled bin;
• Always leave the area where you have been working in the clean and tidy condition in which you would hope to find it yourself.

Laboratory Safety Depends On Individual Vigilance And Good Housekeeping

• All users are reminded that they have a statutory duty to follow all safety procedures and have due regard for not only their own safety, but also that of all other persons who could be affected by their acts or omissions;
• Users are also expected to co-operate with the University in the implementation of all safety requirements and not to interfere with or misuse anything which has been provided in the interest of health and safety.

Revised May 2003