Labs are an exciting place to work, but they can also be dangerous. Many labs have hazards such as flammable solvents, toxic chemicals and high-pressure gases, which can cause burns or other injuries. This makes it critical for lab staff to follow certain safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring.
1. Eye Protection Equipment
One of the most important types of laboratory safety equipment is eye protection. This is to protect against hazardous chemicals that may get into your eyes. In addition, it can reduce the chances of blindness and other long-term health effects.
2. Gloves
The hands are often the most vulnerable part of your body to exposure to harmful substances, so it’s essential to wear lab gloves when handling hazardous materials. There are several types of disposable gloves to choose from, including latex and nitrile. They are typically suited to specific types of materials, and should be changed after each use.
3. First Aid Kits
Even if you’re doing safe experiments, small injuries can happen from time to time. This is why it’s a good idea to have first aid kits available in the lab. These kits are often equipped with disinfecting wipes, gauze and bandages that can help to ease the pain and heal cuts or other minor injuries.
4. Chemical Fume Hoods
The fume hood is an important piece of lab safety equipment, as it helps to protect the air and the operator. The hood is designed to prevent hazardous fumes from escaping the lab area, and it also helps to filter out any particles that might be floating around the area.
5. Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations
The lab is a space that is often prone to spills of chemicals or broken glass, so it’s vital to have a way to quickly rinse off any contaminated clothing and your skin. This is where the safety shower comes in handy. After removing any contaminated clothing, the affected person can enter the safety shower and pull an overhead handle to drench themselves with water.
6. Fire Extinguishers
Fires are very common in the lab, so it’s important to have a fire extinguisher on hand to deal with the situation if needed. They should be placed in an easily accessible location and used by all laboratory staff members. They should be trained on how to use them properly, and they should always be stored in a fireproof area away from the floor.
7. Personal Protective Equipment
It’s important to make sure that every person working in the lab is wearing the proper PPE, which can include a laboratory coat with full sleeves and closed-toe shoes, as well as safety goggles. This PPE should be worn at all times while performing the experiment and is the most effective way to reduce your risk of injury from a lab accident.
8. Safety Aprons
Finally, students should be provided with laboratory aprons that allow them to safely conduct experiments. These aprons are made from material that is comfortable and durable, while also keeping them safe and clean.