Laboratory Safety
As the Flagship institution of the state, the vision of Louisiana State University is to be a leading research-extensive university, challenging undergraduate and graduate students to achieve the highest levels of intellectual and personal development. The goal of Laboratory Safety is to support the achievement of this vision in a safe manner. In the following sections, we outline basic research laboratory safety principles: Law and Regulations, Standard Operating Procedures, Material Safety Data Sheets, Laboratory Assessment, Audits and Accreditation, Training, Fume Hoods, and Close-Out Procedures.
Basic Lab Safety Rules
All employees are required to adhere to the following basic laboratory rules:
· 1. Wear safety glasses or goggles at all times when in the lab
· 2. Wear proper clothing (solid toed-shoes, long pants, etc.)
· 3. Wear a lab coat as required
· 4. Use a glove-compatibility chart to determine the proper gloves to protect yourself
· 5. Wash your hands regularly, especially when taking gloves off
· 6. Do not wear gloves outside the lab
· 7. Do not eat in the working area of the lab or store food where chemicals are kept
· 8. Dispose of outdated and unused chemicals through EHS in a timely manner
· 9. Know the location of the emergency equipment in the lab (emergency eyewash/shower, fire extinguisher, spill kit, first aid kit)
· 10. Know and follow emergency procedures for lab and building
· 11. Store flammables in a rated flammable storage refrigerator or freezer only
· 12. Use toxic chemicals in the fume hood not on an open bench top
· 13. Do not modify equipment
· 14. Do not use extension cords