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- 1). Provide employees and visitors a copy of the lab's safety procedures. This should be provided in written form and verbally as well. Each lab employee should know what to do in the event of an emergency, how to handle any dangerous outbreaks related to research or chemicals and the chain of command to follow in the event of a safety incident. Reinforce these procedures periodically to ensure the safety of all people working in the lab. Have copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on hand at all times.
- 2). Store chemicals and other lab materials properly in the right containers and at specific temperatures. Depending on the chemicals in question, some may need to be extra cool or warm and in certain containers so that they don't spontaneously activate. Read care and handling instructions for each chemical in the lab and follow storage protocol at all times.
- 3). Wear safety equipment at all times. This may include goggles, gloves and specialty clothing, depending on the nature of the laboratory work. No matter how long you've been working in the lab or how safe you think a procedure may be, it is prudent to practice good safety habits with proper equipment at all times. It only takes one time to handle a chemical without gloves to sustain an injury that can severely impair you.
- 4). Refrain from conducting procedures or experiments that you have not thoroughly researched ahead of time. The worst safety rule you can break in a lab is to mix a little of this and a little of that without knowing what you are doing. The result can be detrimental to you and those working around you. Conduct research on your procedure and make sure you are knowledgeable about the chemicals used in the experiment to guarantee your safety.
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