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Safe Use of Chemicals
Common laboratory decency, demand that all waste be disposed of safely and legally. If in doubt, ask your supervisor
- Clean up all chemical spills as soon as they happen.
- If you break a mercury thermometer, follow the necessary cleaning protocols. Mercury is toxic and must cleaned up promptly and in the correct way.
- Do not waste gas, water, chemicals, or other materials.
- Decontaminate any equipment or work areas that may have been in contact with hazardous materials.
- Leave behind protective clothing (lab coats, gloves, etc.) when leaving the laboratory
- Close and lock the door to the laboratory if you are the last one to leave
Routine Laboratory Safety Checks
Even after you have identified and controlled all current risks, it is critical that you remain open to the possibility that new unexpected dangers can arise. Carry out weekly inspections on the condition of:
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency wash devices such as eyewashes
- First aid kit contents
- Fume hood and other ventilation devices
- Tubing for circulating water, vacuum, gases
- Chemical storage compartments
Working alone in the laboratory is an unsafe practice at any time.
However, if the nature of your work makes it unavoidable, take measures to ensure that others are aware of your location and have someone check in with you from time to time, either in person or by telephone.
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