Chemistry: Essential Lab Safety Rules Checklist Cheat Sheet – The Fox Click : Free Tools and Resources

Introduction to Laboratory Safety

Laboratory safety is the cornerstone of successful scientific experimentation and research. Proper safety practices protect laboratory personnel from hazards including chemical exposure, fires, equipment injuries, and biological contaminants. This comprehensive checklist provides essential safety guidelines for chemistry laboratories in academic, research, and industrial settings. Following these protocols is not only critical for personal protection but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards and promotes a culture of safety awareness.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye Protection

[ ] Always wear approved safety goggles or glasses with side shields
[ ] Use face shields in addition to goggles when working with potentially explosive or highly corrosive materials
[ ] Ensure eyewear meets ANSI Z87.1 standards
[ ] Never wear contact lenses in laboratories with chemical vapors
[ ] Know the location of all eyewash stations and how to operate them

Hand Protection

[ ] Select appropriate gloves for specific chemicals (nitrile, latex, neoprene, butyl rubber, etc.)
[ ] Inspect gloves for holes, tears, or discoloration before use
[ ] Remove gloves before touching door handles, phones, or keyboards
[ ] Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves
[ ] Replace gloves immediately if contaminated or torn

Body Protection

[ ] Wear a properly fastened lab coat at all times (flame-resistant if working with flammables)
[ ] Ensure lab coats cover arms and extend to the knees
[ ] Remove lab coats before leaving the laboratory
[ ] Wear closed-toe shoes made of non-absorbent material
[ ] Secure long hair, loose clothing, and jewelry
[ ] Wear appropriate clothing (long pants, no shorts or skirts)

General Laboratory Conduct

Before Starting Work

[ ] Never work alone in the laboratory
[ ] Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and exit routes
[ ] Know the location of safety equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.)
[ ] Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals being used
[ ] Plan appropriate waste disposal methods before starting
[ ] Set up equipment properly with adequate space
[ ] Label all containers, solutions, and reactions

During Laboratory Work

[ ] No eating, drinking, chewing gum, or applying cosmetics
[ ] No horseplay, pranks, or distracting behavior
[ ] No unauthorized experiments or procedures
[ ] Keep workspaces clean and uncluttered
[ ] Keep aisles and exits clear of obstructions
[ ] Clean up spills immediately using appropriate procedures
[ ] Wash hands frequently, especially before leaving
[ ] Never taste or directly smell chemicals
[ ] Never pipette by mouth

After Completing Work

[ ] Return all chemicals to their proper storage locations
[ ] Dispose of waste in appropriate containers
[ ] Clean and decontaminate work surfaces and equipment
[ ] Turn off water, gas, electricity, and other utilities
[ ] Wash hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory
[ ] Remove all PPE before exiting the laboratory

Chemical Safety

Chemical Handling

[ ] Read labels and SDS before handling any chemical
[ ] Use the minimum quantities of chemicals necessary
[ ] Keep containers closed when not in use
[ ] Use appropriate transfer methods (funnels, pipettes, pumps)
[ ] Transport chemicals using secondary containment (carriers, carts)
[ ] Hold bottles by the bottom, not by the neck
[ ] Label all secondary containers with contents and hazards
[ ] Never return unused chemicals to original containers

Chemical Storage

[ ] Store chemicals by compatibility groups, not alphabetically
[ ] Keep flammables in approved flammable storage cabinets
[ ] Store acids separately from bases
[ ] Keep oxidizers away from flammables and reducers
[ ] Store peroxidizable compounds with inhibitors and check regularly
[ ] Date all containers upon receipt and opening
[ ] Store hazardous liquids below eye level
[ ] Inspect chemical containers regularly for damage or deterioration

Working with Specific Hazards

Flammable Chemicals

[ ] Eliminate ignition sources when working with flammables
[ ] Use explosion-proof refrigerators for cold storage
[ ] Avoid storing large quantities in the open laboratory
[ ] Ground containers when transferring flammable liquids
[ ] Use fume hoods rated for flammable work

Corrosive Chemicals

[ ] Use protective equipment appropriate for corrosives (face shields, aprons)
[ ] Always add acids/bases to water, never the reverse
[ ] Work in a fume hood when handling concentrated acids/bases
[ ] Have neutralizing agents readily available for spills
[ ] Inspect containers regularly for corrosion or damage

Reactive Chemicals

[ ] Maintain inventory of all reactive chemicals with dates
[ ] Store according to specific temperature/humidity requirements
[ ] Isolate water-reactive chemicals from water sources
[ ] Follow specific protocols for peroxide-forming compounds
[ ] Use blast shields for highly reactive materials

Equipment Safety

General Equipment Guidelines

[ ] Inspect all equipment before use
[ ] Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)
[ ] Use equipment only for its intended purpose
[ ] Do not use damaged or modified equipment
[ ] Ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment
[ ] Keep hands and loose items away from moving parts
[ ] Turn off and unplug equipment when not in use
[ ] Label out-of-service equipment clearly

Specific Equipment Safety

Fume Hoods

[ ] Verify fume hood is functioning before use (check airflow indicator)
[ ] Work at least 6 inches inside the hood
[ ] Keep the sash at the proper operating height
[ ] Do not use hoods for storage
[ ] Keep heat sources toward the back of the hood
[ ] Do not block baffle vents
[ ] Minimize items in the hood that could disrupt airflow

Heating Equipment

[ ] Never leave heating equipment unattended
[ ] Use heating mantles or water baths instead of open flames when possible
[ ] Keep heating equipment away from flammable materials
[ ] Use boiling chips or stir bars to prevent bumping
[ ] Ensure proper setup of reflux equipment
[ ] Allow heated materials to cool before handling

Pressurized Systems

[ ] Use appropriate pressure relief devices
[ ] Shield pressurized apparatus with screens or shields
[ ] Inspect glassware for cracks before pressurizing
[ ] Never use standard glassware for vacuum or pressure
[ ] Secure gas cylinders to prevent tipping
[ ] Close main cylinder valves when not in use
[ ] Use appropriate regulators for specific gases

Centrifuges

[ ] Balance loads properly before operation
[ ] Secure lids before starting
[ ] Never open while rotating
[ ] Clean rotors and buckets after use
[ ] Inspect for damage or corrosion regularly

Emergency Preparedness

Fire Safety

[ ] Know locations of fire alarms, extinguishers, and fire blankets
[ ] Know appropriate extinguisher types for different fires
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood)
- Class B: Flammable liquids
- Class C: Electrical equipment
- Class D: Combustible metals
[ ] Keep fire extinguishers accessible and inspected
[ ] Know primary and secondary evacuation routes
[ ] Never block fire exits or equipment

Chemical Spills

[ ] Know location of spill kits and how to use them
[ ] Assess spill size: minor (handle yourself) vs. major (evacuate, call emergency services)
[ ] Contain small spills immediately with appropriate materials
[ ] Use PPE appropriate for the spilled material
[ ] Dispose of spill cleanup materials as hazardous waste
[ ] Report all spills to laboratory supervisor

Medical Emergencies

[ ] Know locations of first aid kits and AEDs
[ ] Be familiar with emergency shower and eyewash stations
- Eyewash: Use for 15-20 minutes for chemical splashes
- Emergency shower: Drench for 15-20 minutes for larger exposures
[ ] Report all injuries, no matter how minor
[ ] Call emergency services for serious injuries
[ ] Bring SDS for chemicals involved to medical personnel

Waste Management

Chemical Waste

[ ] Never pour chemicals down the drain without approval
[ ] Collect waste in compatible containers
[ ] Label all waste containers properly with contents
[ ] Keep waste containers closed except when adding waste
[ ] Segregate incompatible wastes
[ ] Store waste containers in secondary containment
[ ] Request waste pickup when containers reach 75% capacity
[ ] Document all waste disposal according to regulations

Sharps and Broken Glass

[ ] Dispose of sharps in designated sharps containers
[ ] Do not overfill sharps containers
[ ] Use mechanical devices to pick up broken glass
[ ] Place broken glass in designated glass waste containers
[ ] Never dispose of sharps or glass in regular trash

Special Categories of Hazards

Cryogenic Materials

[ ] Use appropriate insulated gloves and face protection
[ ] Handle in well-ventilated areas to prevent oxygen displacement
[ ] Use containers designed for cryogenic temperatures
[ ] Secure dewars to prevent tipping
[ ] Allow for liquid expansion and gas venting
[ ] Never seal cryogenic containers completely

Compressed Gases

[ ] Secure all gas cylinders with straps or chains
[ ] Transport cylinders using appropriate carts
[ ] Keep valve protection caps in place when not in use
[ ] Use only compatible regulators and fittings
[ ] Open cylinder valves slowly
[ ] Close cylinder valves when not in use
[ ] Store flammable gases away from oxidizers
[ ] Check for leaks using approved methods

Biological Hazards

[ ] Follow appropriate biosafety level (BSL) protocols
[ ] Use biological safety cabinets for work with infectious agents
[ ] Properly disinfect work surfaces before and after use
[ ] Autoclave biohazardous waste before disposal
[ ] Use appropriate disinfectants for specific biohazards
[ ] Wash hands after handling any biological materials
[ ] Maintain separate PPE for biological and chemical work

Documentation and Training

Required Documentation

[ ] Maintain accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals
[ ] Keep chemical inventory updated
[ ] Document all safety inspections and equipment maintenance
[ ] Keep standard operating procedures (SOPs) current
[ ] Maintain training records for all laboratory personnel
[ ] Document all incidents, near-misses, and accidents
[ ] Keep emergency contact information updated

Training Requirements

[ ] Complete general laboratory safety training
[ ] Receive specific training for specialized equipment
[ ] Review hazardous waste management procedures
[ ] Complete annual refresher safety training
[ ] Train on emergency procedures and equipment
[ ] Document all safety training with dates and signatures
[ ] Ensure new personnel are fully trained before independent work

Common Lab Accidents and Prevention

Accident Type	Prevention Strategies
Chemical splashes	Wear proper PPE, use splash guards, work in fume hood
Cuts from broken glass	Use care when handling glassware, inspect for cracks, use brush and dustpan for cleanup
Burns	Use appropriate insulated handling equipment, allow hot materials to cool
Fires	Keep flammables away from ignition sources, know extinguisher locations
Toxic exposure	Work in fume hood, avoid creating dust, use appropriate PPE
Slips and falls	Clean spills immediately, keep floors clear, wear appropriate footwear
Eye injuries	Always wear eye protection, know eyewash station locations
Electric shock	Ensure proper grounding, inspect cords, keep electrical equipment away from water

Best Practices Summary

Critical Safety Rules to Remember

Always wear appropriate PPE for the hazards present
Never work alone in the laboratory
Know emergency procedures before beginning work
Label everything clearly and accurately
Clean up immediately after completing work
Report all accidents no matter how minor
Never eat or drink in the laboratory
Plan ahead for all procedures and potential hazards
Dispose of waste properly according to regulations
When in doubt, ask before proceeding

Laboratory Safety Resources

Organizations: American Chemical Society Safety Division, Laboratory Safety Institute
References: “Prudent Practices in the Laboratory” (National Research Council)
Regulations: OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), EPA waste regulations
Online Resources: ACS Safety Portal, NIOSH Chemical Safety Resources, Lab Safety Videos

Remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Always maintain a proactive approach to safety and encourage others to follow proper protocols. A safe laboratory is a productive laboratory.