General Safe Handling for chemicals practices have been laid out by HSE. Follow the link to review and implement them into your own research labs.
General rules everyone should follow:
ALWAYS receive in person training from the lab PI or designated employee before you use hazardous materials or laboratory equipment. Never be afraid to ask questions or raise safety concerns
READ the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) BEFORE working with the controlled product. SDS and SOPs are never a substitute for training! Review and update SOPs regularly
Note the chemicals main hazard and items that the chemical is not compatible with
Note the protective equipment you should be using to keep yourself safe while handling this dangerous good
Any administrative controls or a less dangerous product which can be substituted instead
Know your emergency procedures and the locations of the lab’s spill kit, showers, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the laboratory
Wear the appropriate clothing and foot wear in the lab
No shorts. Dresses can be worn only if wearing leggings underneath
Closed-toed shoes only
Lab coat and safety glasses whenever work is occurring
The spill kits are to be used for emergency use only. NEVER use anything from the spills kit unless you have a spill
Frequently wash your hands
Decreases the transmission of COVID-19
Hand soap has a pH greater than 10; will help neutralize any acids that you may have come in contact with
Removes other chemicals
Do not work alone. If you must, adhere to your lab’s Working Alone regulations
Be mindful of your surroundings. If you notice a safety issue/hazard immediately notify the lab PI
