Safety Tips When Using Laboratory Instruments

Laboratories at pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as academic institutions utilize various types of equipment daily to do experiments, grow cells or bacteria, etc., Many of this equipment are used for specific processes such as heating, mixing, and measuring.

If such processes are not handled and completed with care, it can lead to dangerous situations. The wrong combination of chemicals can lead to small explosions. The improper handling of a burner can result in a fire. Glass products can crack and break, causing physical harm to the scientist.

Tips for laboratory instruments

However, all these problems can be easily prevented when one follows certain rules and regulations. Read on to know more.

Safety Regulations for Laboratories and Instrument Handling

Laboratory safety is not just a minor goal for scientists; it is an integral part of their work. For this reason, labs and clinics follow certain rules and regulations to the letter.

Wash Your Hands: While this may seem like a small and obvious suggestion, it is nonetheless extremely important. We come in contact with various types of contaminants during the course of our daily work and home routines. Even small particles of dirt or any other contaminant can disturb a lab experiment. Hence, always make sure to wash and keep your hands sanitized at all times.

Always Use Protective Gear: In the medical and research industry, protective gear refers to any kind of protective clothing. This includes lab coats, protective gloves and caps, scrubs, face masks, and disposable medical shoe covers. The most basic gear used is the lab coats and gloves. This will protect your clothing and your hands from contamination. It will also prevent bringing the contamination home.

Follow Equipment Handling Instructions: When using burners or heating sample tubes, or storing vials with dangerous chemicals, it is extremely important to follow the equipment handling instructions. Burners should be kept at a distance from the rest of the equipment. Some tubes or vials can slip and fall when using rubber gloves. Hence, one should use clamps and stands to reduce such accidents.

Dispose of Broken Equipment Immediately: This rule particularly applies to lab ware like tubes, vials, and syringes. Hazardous substances stored in these types of equipment can cause physical harm if the equipment cracks or breaks. Broken glassware can also lead to bleeding cuts, which can contaminate and even terminate an experiment. That is why it is important that all broken lab ware is disposed of quickly and safely.

Attend Safety Seminars: Many of companies and labs offer safety training usually offered by safety officer. These safety seminars are very educational and involves practical tips how to observe safety rules for better handling of laboratory instruments. This is especially important if you are working with radioactive material.

Following such rules can help you complete your work effectively while maintain your personal safety as well as that of your equipment.

About James Maliakal

I am James Maliakal, writer of this blog and is with Pioneer Scientific. I have 12 plus years of experience working in the research lab in academic and leading life science companies. From my years of experience, I have designed and developed unique products which made my work a little easier and efficient in the lab. I have authored and published in peer reviewed journals. Pioneer Scientific is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative products, high quality laboratory instruments, and research tools. Contact me to know more.