Before working in the lab, you should prepare yourself mentally and physically. Any wrong steps or actions can be fatal. It is important to remember that you should not put yourself and your colleagues or classmates at risk in the lab and basic safety before doing research.
There is little preparation you can make before going to the lab:
Wear your proper attire:
In the lab, before starting the work, you have to make sure that you are wearing a lab coat, goggles, long pants, shoes, gloves and mask for your safety. Lab coats will help to protect both your clothes and skin from exposure to chemical agents and flames sometimes. Goggles will protect the eye from chemical agents.
Eyes are sensitive organs, so be careful of them. Long pants and shoes are for protecting the leg and feet. Gloves will help to protect your skin from harmful chemicals or biological agents. Try to use disposable gloves because they are beneficial for the environment. Wear a mask to prevent inhaling hazardous elements.
Maintain hygiene:
After finishing the work in the lab, sanitize your hands properly. Avoid applying cosmetics in the lab. There are significant risks in the lab if you put cosmetics on your face, especially around your mouth and eyes. Keep your skin healthy by using lotion to prevent any accidents. Try to separate your personal belongings from the lab to prevent the spread of hazardous agents.
Try to eliminate distractions:
If many researchers work on different projects in the same lab side by side, there will be various reactants agents from the projects. So, don’t be distracted from your work and surroundings because it may lead to accidents. Give all the focus on your project.
Keep your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin on your project work, and be aware of your surroundings. If you do not put all of your attention together, you may miss warnings from your fellow companions. It is necessary to eliminate distractions and stay focused in the lab.
Don’t consume food in the lab:
Drinking and eating food in the lab may cause serious accidents. It will distract you from the experiment. Also, it will attract the pest. Consuming food in the lab has the risk of contamination of your projects. Moreover, you will expose yourself to hazardous agents if you eat food or drink in the lab.
Keep a list of hazardous chemicals:
Safety is crucial while working in the lab. So, you must have the proper knowledge of your lab, the location of the lab, and the fire prevention equipment like fire extinguishers, fire blankets, showers, first aid kits, and everything. Know about every lab equipment and chemical in your hand or storage.
Also, you should know how to prevent an accident and what you should do after the accident. Lab workers must have access to MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). This list mentions the most common or hazardous chemicals routinely used in that workplace. The authority should organize the lab better equipped to deal with emergencies when necessary.
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Writer:
Hafsa Mahbuba
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE