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Chemical Laboratory Safety Best Practices

(August 2022)

Best practices to follow when working in a chemistry lab

  • Be familiar with the location and how to properly use all emergency equipment located inside of the laboratory space you are working in; including first aid kit, fire extinguisher, eye wash station, emergency safety shower, and spill kit. Immediately dial 508-999- 9191 or x9191 on any campus phone in case of an emergency.
  • No food or beverages may be brought or consumed inside of any laboratory. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum while wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Lab coats, safety glasses/goggles, gloves and any other required PPE should always be worn when working inside of the laboratories. All personnel working in the laboratories must always wear long pants and shoes that completely cover the top of their foot.
  • Remove gloves and properly discard of them once your work is complete. Do not reuse or touch any exposed skin with contaminated gloves.
  • Always remove gloves and wash hands before exiting a laboratory space. If transporting a hazardous material, you may wear one glove to hold the material and use the ungloved hand to use any door handle.
  • Do not wear PPE outside of the laboratories or in unauthorized areas; including hallways, break rooms, offices, bathrooms, etc.
  • Transporting of any hazardous material must be done using secondary containment.
  • Practice good personal hygiene frequently while working in the laboratory spaces. Wash hands after handling any hazardous materials, before and after eating, and before leaving he laboratory.
  • Do not apply cosmetics while in the laboratory.
  • Provide a proper storage area for every chemical based on its hazard class, and ensure they are returned to this area after each use. Including properly sealing containers to avoid escaping of vapors or leaks.
  • All laboratory spaces must be kept clean and organized. Only materials you require for your work should be kept in your work area and everything else should be stored safely. Keep personal belongings separate from workspaces.
  • All chemical containers must be labeled fully. If no manufacturers label is on the container, you must place a label that states the name of the chemical(s), potential hazards, date container is full and the responsible party of the chemical. (Please refer to the yellow “Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA)” sign for more information regarding labeling and disposal of chemicals).
  • For disposal of any lab waste, please refer to EHS “Lab Waste Guide.”

For more information regarding laboratory safety please contact the EH&S department at ehs.info@umassd.edu.