General Lab Safety

Main ideas / lessons (General Lab Safety)

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Wear closed-toed shoes to protect feet from spills/toxins and from broken glass.
• Pull back long hair if you have it.
• Wear eye protection (goggles)—not just goggles resting on your forehead.
• Wear gloves when working with specimens or chemicals; use latex-free gloves if you have a latex allergy.
• Consider wearing an apron (depending on the lab/course).

Maintain a safe lab environment and conduct

• Keep aisles clear—don’t leave bags and belongings where others could trip.
• No horseplay (avoid unsafe, playful behavior).

Respond correctly to exposure or emergencies

• If something gets in your eyes, use the eyewash station and hold eyes open under running water.
• In some labs, know the location/use of a safety shower for hazardous chemical exposure.

Handle materials carefully

• If you break glassware, do not pick it up by hand; use a broom and dustpan and dispose of it in a designated broken-glass container (not regular trash).
• If glassware is already chipped, do not use it—tell your instructor.
• Keep flammable materials away from open flames.

Avoid ingestion and improper chemical handling

• Never drink or eat in the lab (including not tasting chemicals).
• Do not taste or smell chemicals.
• Read labels before using substances.
• Never pour chemicals back into the original bottle they came from.
• After pouring from a container, immediately close the container.

Dispose of waste properly

• Use proper chemical disposal procedures—many chemicals can’t go down the drain.
• Some lab solids also require hazardous waste disposal rather than regular trash.
• Check with your instructor for specific disposal rules.

Use ventilation and correct heating practices

• Use a fume hood when working with volatile substances (substances that easily vaporize) to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
• When heating (e.g., in a hot water bath), don’t point the test tube toward yourself; use tongs or heat-protective gloves.

Prevent electrical/water hazards

• Keep water away from electrical cords, especially during microscope-related work.

Carry equipment correctly

• For microscopes, carry with two hands: one under the base and one holding the microscope arm.
• For any special equipment, learn the correct handling/carrying method.

Know how to operate safety and fire controls

• For open flames: review with your instructor how to operate the gas valve and how to properly heat glassware over the flame.
• Identify whether the room has a fire extinguisher and/or fire blanket.

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Methodology / instruction list (as stated or implied)

Before the lab

• Always read the safety guidelines specific to your lab.
• If relevant, identify safety items by pausing the video (e.g., eyewash, shower, fume hood, fire safety equipment).
• Inform your instructor about any allergies (especially latex).

During the lab

• Wear correct PPE:
  • closed-toed shoes
  • tied-back hair (if long)
  • goggles on your eyes
  • gloves for specimens/chemicals
  • apron if required
• Keep aisles clear and maintain professional behavior (no horseplay).
• Follow chemical rules:
  • read labels
  • never taste/smell chemicals
  • don’t pour chemicals back into original bottles
  • close containers immediately after use
• Use correct disposal:
  • dispose of chemicals and solids according to lab rules (often not down the drain/regular trash)
• Use safety controls properly:
  • use eyewash if eyes are exposed
  • use safety shower if hazardous chemicals contact skin (if available/required)
• Use ventilation/heating correctly:
  • use fume hood for volatile substances
  • avoid pointing heated test tubes at yourself; use tongs/heat gloves
• Keep water away from electrical cords.
• Carry equipment correctly (e.g., microscope with two hands).
• For open flames:
  • follow instructor guidance for the gas valve and heating technique
  • keep flammables away from flame.

After the lab

• Even if you wore gloves, wash hands thoroughly.
• Follow any required cleanup/disposal steps per your instructor and lab guidelines.

If something breaks or goes wrong

• Broken glassware
  • do not pick up by hand
  • use broom/dustpan
  • use designated broken-glass disposal
• Chipped glassware
  • stop using it and notify the instructor

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Sources / speakers featured

• Amoeba Sisters (the video host/organization speaking throughout)