Laboratory Safety Protocols

These include the safety guidelines for every staff in the laboratory. Awareness and compliance with safety standards help lower incident rates in the laboratory and health facilities.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gloves: Always wear gloves to protect the hands from chemicals and biohazards.
• Lab Coats: Wear lab coats to shield your body and clothing.
• Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields to protect eyes from splashes.
• Masks: Use masks to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances.

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2. Safe Sample Handling

• Proper Labeling: Clearly label all samples to avoid mix-ups.
• Transport Protocols: Use secure containers to transport samples and prevent leaks or spills.
• Avoid Contamination: Use sterile techniques to handle samples and avoid cross-contamination.
• Careful handling of sharps to avoid pricking.

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3. Chemical Safety

• MSDS Sheets: Always review Material Safety Data Sheets for information on handling chemicals.
• Proper Storage: Store chemicals according to their specific requirements (e.g., flammable materials in flammable storage cabinets).
• Spill Response: Follow spill response procedures and have spill kits readily available.

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4. Biological Safety

• Biosafety Cabinets: Biosafety cabinets are used for handling infectious materials.
• Decontamination: Regularly clean and decontaminate work surfaces and equipment.
• Proper Disposal: Dispose of biohazardous waste in designated containers.

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5. Electrical Safety

• Inspect Equipment: Regularly check equipment for frayed wires or other damage.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not overload electrical outlets or use damaged cords.
• Emergency Shut-Off: Know the location of emergency power shut-off switches.

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6. Fire Safety

• Fire Extinguishers: Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible and know how to use them.
• Emergency Exits: Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits and evacuation routes.
• No Open Flames: Avoid using open flames near flammable substances.

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7. Posture and Manual Handling

• Proper Lifting Techniques: Use correct lifting techniques to avoid injury.
• Workstation Setup: Adjust workstations to promote good posture and reduce strain.

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8. Emergency Procedures

First Aid Kits: A fully stocked First-Aid kit should always be available.

Report Incidents: Report any accidents or near-misses immediately.

Emergency Contacts: Display emergency contact numbers prominently.