Tips for Creating a Safe Laboratory Environment

Medical and other laboratories are spaces that must be kept under strict conditions. One of the reasons for this is to maintain safety for all occupants. Laboratories house some tools and materials that could become dangerous if they are not stored properly. To learn more about the best ways to maintain a controlled lab space, review these tips for creating a safe laboratory environment.
 
Never Allow Food or Drinks
 
There are several reasons why you should never eat or drink in a laboratory environment. Opening food or beverages in the lab can result in contamination of your experiments, your lab space, and the food itself. The food or drink could be contaminated by coming into contact with tools and surfaces in the lab, leading to potential injury or illness if ingested. You also risk contaminating your controlled experiments and lab environment if something spills.
 
Proper Protective Equipment
 
One of the most important tips for creating a safe laboratory environment is to wear the proper equipment. When handling chemicals and other hazardous materials, lab technicians should always wear protective goggles, gloves, and appropriate clothing or lab coats. Wearing the proper attire is part of lab training and protocol, which employees should be thoroughly trained in before starting lab work. Lab technicians should also be trained on safety procedures, such as what to do in the event of a fire, chemical leak, or spill.
 
Correct Storage and Labelling
 
Maintaining an organized laboratory space is also important for keeping employees safe. Laboratories store some potentially dangerous chemicals and materials. These materials could be harmful if exposed to the wrong conditions or misused in any way. This is why proper storage and labeling are important in a lab. Thoroughly training staff on the proper uses of these materials is another way to minimize accidents.
 
Follow these guidelines in your own laboratory, and you will be able to operate a safe and effective lab space. The most important thing is keeping your employees and yourself safe, especially around potentially dangerous equipment and materials. With the right guidelines and protocol, all lab spaces can run safely and still be as productive as ever.