General Laboratory Safety/Housekeeping and Environmental Practices

The following practices apply to all University instructional, research, and support laboratories:

  • Review applicable SOPs, SDSs, manufacturer instructions, and safety information before performing unfamiliar procedures or using equipment.
  • Know the location and operation of emergency equipment, including eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, spill kits, emergency exits, and utility shutoffs.
  • Wear PPE required by the laboratory hazard assessment, SOP, or posted requirements.
  • Inspect equipment, tools, and hazardous material containers before use. Do not use damaged or defective equipment.
  • Keep laboratory work areas clean, organized, and free of unnecessary materials and obstructions.
  • Immediately report or correct unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, spills, exposures, injuries, near misses, and other incidents.
  • Do not eat, drink, smoke, vape, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in laboratories where hazardous materials or biological agents are present.
  • Wash hands and exposed skin after handling hazardous materials and before leaving the laboratory.
  • Secure long hair, loose clothing, and jewelry when they may create a hazard. Closed-toe footwear is required.
  • Never taste or intentionally smell chemicals or biological materials. Never pipette by mouth.
  • Do not leave open flames, energized equipment, or active heating devices unattended unless specifically authorized.
  • Follow University requirements for hazardous, biological, sharps, universal, and other laboratory waste.
  • Perform only activities for which you are authorized, trained, and appropriately supervised.
  • Follow required review and approval processes before initiating new or high-risk laboratory activities.
  • Do not work alone during high-risk operations unless specifically authorized through an appropriate risk assessment and departmental procedure.
  • Dispose of broken glass only in designated broken-glass containers and never handle broken glass with bare hands.

Housekeeping and Environmental Practices

Good housekeeping is essential to prevent injuries, exposures, and unsafe laboratory conditions.

Laboratory Cleanliness

Laboratory personnel are responsible for cleaning and decontaminating laboratory benches, equipment, and areas affected by their work. Workspaces shall be maintained in a clean, orderly condition and free of unnecessary clutter.

Custodial personnel generally perform routine housekeeping functions such as floor cleaning and removal of designated non-hazardous waste. They shall not handle hazardous materials or enter restricted laboratory areas unless appropriately trained and authorized.

Emergency Equipment and Egress

Emergency equipment, utility controls, eyewash stations, safety showers, and exits shall remain accessible and unobstructed at all times.

Laboratory Waste

Laboratory waste shall be properly identified, segregated, contained, labeled, stored, and disposed of according to its characteristics and applicable University programs.

Waste streams may include:

  • General Laboratory Waste – Non-hazardous laboratory refuse.
  • Hazardous Waste – Regulated chemical waste managed under the Chemical Hygiene Plan and applicable requirements.
  • Regulated Medical Waste – Biological waste subject to applicable medical-waste requirements.
  • Universal Waste – Regulated materials such as certain lamps, batteries, and mercury-containing equipment.
  • Broken Glass – Uncontaminated glass placed in designated rigid containers; contaminated glass is managed according to the applicable waste requirements.

Hazardous or regulated waste shall never be placed in regular trash or disposed of through sinks unless specifically permitted by applicable requirements.

Laboratory Conditions

  • Keep floors clean, dry, and unobstructed.
  • Do not store chemicals in aisles, stairwells, or on floors, desks, or tables.
  • Keep chemical storage cabinets and drawers closed when not in use.
  • Turn off gas, electrical equipment, and other utilities when not required for approved operations.
  • Verify that emergency eyewash and shower inspections are current.
  • Maintain spill kits in accessible, ready-to-use condition.
  • Laboratory personnel should routinely check spill kits; LSCs shall conduct formal inspections at the beginning of each academic term.

Hazard Warning Signs and Emergency Information

Laboratory entrances and areas containing specific hazards shall display appropriate signage identifying:

  • Laboratory name or room number
  • Hazards present
  • Required PPE
  • Access restrictions
  • Emergency equipment and exits
  • Applicable emergency contact information
  • Access to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Signage shall be current, visible, accurate, and updated when hazards, procedures, or contact information change.

Broken Glass

  • Broken glass shall be placed in designated, rigid, puncture-resistant containers labeled “Broken Glass Only.” Do not overfill containers or allow glass to protrude.
  • Contaminated glass shall be managed according to the applicable hazardous or regulated waste requirements.

Emergency Systems

  • Exit signs and emergency lighting shall remain visible, unobstructed, illuminated, and properly maintained.
  • Fire extinguishers should be appropriate for the hazards present, accessible, clearly identified, and routinely inspected and maintained.

Fume Hoods and Ventilation

Fume hoods and other laboratory ventilation systems shall be used when required by the SDS, hazard assessment, SOP, or applicable safety program and maintained as effective engineering controls.