Laboratory Safety

Universities conduct research that requires the use of laboratories. These laboratories have many unique materials and concerns that require safe handling procedures, equipment, training, and other control measures.Special research safety equipment, including fumehoods, safety showers, eyewashes, and other controls must be maintained, and tested. Laboratory personnel and departments must maintain their OSHA Chemical Hygiene Plans. Ohio University Safety Department audits laboratories, assists with waste disposal and other issues, and offers technical assistance as needed.

Chemical Waste

Basic Laboratory Rules

  • Your personal safety is as important as the research results. Think safety – Work safely.
  • No horseplay; act in a professional manner.
  • Always wear approved safety glasses, in compliance with Ohio state law.
  • No sandals or open-toed shoes in the laboratory.
  • Long hair and loose clothing must be restrained.
  • No eating, drinking, chewing gum and smoking the laboratory.
  • Never pipette by mouth. Never taste any chemicals.
  • Do not store food, drinks or any personal items in a lab chemical refrigerator.
  • Visitors must follow safety regulations; if necessary visitors must be escorted.
  • Do not perform any unauthorized experiments.
  • Clean up after yourself. When you are finished for the day, return the area to a clean condition.
  • Do not wear personal protective equipment (gloves, etc.) outside of the lab.

Top 10 Reasons to Wear a Lab Coat

  1. If something splashes onto your lab coat or your coat catches on fire – you can easily take the coat off. It is more difficult to remove contaminated clothing.
  2. Many clothing items made with synthetic fabrics will melt in heat or fire causing severe burns. Lab coats are generally made of cotton or specialized fabrics that will not melt. 
  3. Many lab coats are fire resistant. 
  4. Lab coats protect your regular clothing from dirt and nonobvious contamination in the lab. 
  5. Keeping your lab coat in the lab prevents spreading contamination from the laboratory to your home. 
  1. Lab coats protect your skin from spills and splashes that occur in the laboratory. 
  2. You can get lab coats with special features, like static-control, wrist cuff and back ties, to fit your specific application.
  3. Tie-dyed shirts go in and out of style, but a tie-dyed lab coat is always fashionable. 
  4. If you are wearing your lab coat, the safety staff won’t stop you and ask “Where’s your lab coat?”
  5. Lab coats with sleeves rolled down and all buttons buttoned make you look like a serious scientist (if you’re also wearing safety goggles you look like a smart scientist). 

Printable Signage Templates

Recommended Laboratory Practices

Chemical Hazard Information

Glove and Chemical Protective Clothing Selection

Chemical Compatibility