Consider the following to ensure you and your coworkers are working in a safe environment.
Chemicals
Keep bulk chemicals stored in cabinets or designated storage rooms. Only obtain an amount to keep your test or research going. This will free up lab bench space and, if you do have a spill, will minimize the amount of chemical released.
Keep the lids on chemical containers. This sounds obvious but it will effectively reduce the possibility of a spill and reduce any fumes released into your lab.
Maintain a good chemical inventory. Mark your chemical bottles with easily identifiable labels. And be sure to keep your inventory up-to-date to help you keep track of your chemicals and for use by the fire department in the event of an emergency.
Cleaning Your Lab
As you tidy up your lab and get organized, don’t move your housekeeping problem into the hallway or some other undesirable location. Recycle paper and cardboard properly where it will be promptly removed. Unused or spare equipment should be stored in a designated storage room. Dispose of waste properly. Consider recycling chemicals you no longer use.
How cluttered are lab benches and hoods?
Keep lab benches and hoods as uncluttered as possible. This may seem impossible, but continually remind yourself to keep things organized.
Keep containers and equipment away from the edge of benches. Are you reaching over bottles and cultures to get to something? Chances are, you’re about to knock something on the floor. In 1998, this happened at a major university on the East Coast. The resulting fire, as small as it was, ended up evacuating a number of buildings surrounding the lab.
Keep shelving as orderly as possible with heavy items on the lower shelves and lighter items on the upper shelves. Be realistic about how much equipment and supplies you can store on shelving. Overloading shelves with infrequently used equipment and extra lab supplies will likely cause you problems with falling items when you least suspect it.
Are pathways unobstructed to the exit?
Keep at least a 3-feet wide access path out of your lab area at all times. It’s common for equipment and materials to be continually moved in, out, and around a laboratory. Have designated storage spaces for portable equipment and carts that you routinely use.
Can you see the following items?
- Telephone
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Fire alarm pull station
- Eye wash station/shower
You may not have all these pieces of equipment in your lab, but the point is: keep emergency equipment in view and accessible. If this equipment is not in your lab, know where it is.