Steps You Can Take Right Now
It's easy to enhance safety in your laboratory by using tools readily available, education, and improving basic practices. Here are our top suggestions:
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Review your standard operating procedures to make sure they are current and address unique hazards in your area
Ensure all workers in your laboratory receive appropriate training
Always wear the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) in the laboratory
Ensure the appropriate chemical spill kits are available
Test emergency eyewash equipment every week
Ensure chemicals are stored in the appropriate areas and are arranged by compatibility group
Dispose of chemicals no longer used
Make sure there is clear access to eyewash stations and emergency showers
Keep aisles free of tripping hazards
Arrange timely pick-up of hazardous waste
Ensure proper air flow in fume hoods by removing clutter, keeping the sash as far down as possible
Ensure that a current chemical inventory can be accessed in case of an emergency event in the lab
Ensure that current contact information is available at all times for the laboratory
Ensure that all laboratory personnel know their responsibilities in the event of an emergency -- including contacting 911
Report all incidents and near misses to Environmental Health & Safety. Here for instructions.
Back to the page with the video "Experimenting with Danger"
Link to the full length video on Youtube