For the correct use of a laboratory, there are rules of conduct and handling that must be followed. Although each type of laboratory requires specific measures, some of the most common standards to apply in these spaces are the following:
• - In the laboratory there is no eating or drinking.
• - Tie your hair up if you have long hair.
• - Use gloves, gown, safety glasses and other PPE.
• - Wear clothing that protects your skin, closed shoes and do not wear contact lenses if possible.
• - Keep in mind the pictograms and warnings that appear on the chemical reagent bottles.
• - Be careful with electrical devices. Do not handle electrical appliances with wet hands.
• - "Base (chemistry)") acids and bases should be handled with special caution.
• - When heating a test tube, do so from the top of the liquid, never from the bottom to avoid projections and do not point the mouth of the tube towards any person.
• - Avoid breathing unknown gases and do not try any substance.
• - Do not return unused reagents to the bottle, you would contaminate the entire contents.
• - Useless solid materials: matches, filter paper, broken glass, insoluble reagents... do not throw them into the pile, deposit them in the container that exists for this purpose in the laboratory. Take into account correct waste management.
• - Hot appliances should be handled with tongs. Be careful with flammable substances; Make sure there is no lit lighter nearby.
• - Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory and check that all the material has been left clean and in order, the devices disconnected.
In case of accidents, it is very important to follow the instructions of the person in charge of the laboratory and go to a doctor immediately. The basic guideline for action (“PAS”) requires protecting, warning and helping. Furthermore, any laboratory must have a first aid kit prepared for these cases. In any case, the following relief measures can be applied:
• - If cuts have occurred due to broken glass material, wash the wound well with plenty of running water for at least 10 minutes. Disinfect the wound with antiseptics from the first aid kit and let it air dry or cover it with a sterile bandage.
• - If there has been contact with the skin with chemicals, wash immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes.
• - If burns have occurred on the skin, first wash the affected area with cold water for 10 or 15 minutes. Then apply a suitable ointment. More serious burns require immediate medical attention.
• - If a chemical product has been inhaled, immediately take the affected person to a place with fresh air.
• - If you have ingested any toxic product, you will have to go to the hospital. It is important to take into account the telephone number of the Poison Information Service.
Dangers exist in many laboratories. Laboratory hazards may include poisons; infectious agents; flammable, explosive or radioactive materials; moving machinery; extreme temperatures; lasers, intense magnetic fields or high voltage. Therefore, safety precautions are of vital importance.[1][2] Standards exist to minimize individual risk, and safety equipment is used to protect laboratory users from injury or to assist in the response to an emergency.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), recognizing the unique characteristics of the laboratory workplace, has developed a standard for occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. This standard is often called the "laboratory standard." Under this standard, a laboratory must develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) that addresses the specific hazards found at its location, as well as how to address them.
To determine the appropriate Chemical Hygiene Plan for a particular company or laboratory, it is necessary to understand the requirements of the standard, the evaluation of current safety, health and environmental practices and the evaluation of hazards. The CHP should be reviewed annually. Many schools and businesses employ safety, health and environmental specialists, such as a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), to develop, manage and evaluate their CHP. In addition, third-party review is also used to obtain an objective "outside view" that provides new insight into areas and issues that may be taken for granted or overlooked due to habit.
Periodic inspections and audits may also be performed to assess risks from chemical handling and storage, electrical equipment, biological hazards, hazardous waste management, chemical waste, cleaning and emergency preparedness, radiation safety, ventilation, respiratory testing, and indoor air quality. An important element of these audits is the review of compliance with regulations and the training of people who have access to the laboratory or work in it. Training is essential for the safe and continued operation of laboratory facilities. Educators, staff, and management must commit to working to reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and potential litigation. Efforts are made to ensure that laboratory safety videos are relevant and engaging.[3].