Lab safety

Q1: What should you do if you spill a chemical in the lab?
A1: Report it immediately to your lab instructor or UGTA for proper cleanup instructions.

Q2: Are food and drinks allowed in the laboratory?
A2: No, food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the lab.

Q3: When should you wash your hands in the lab?
A3: Wash your hands with soap and water before AND after laboratory work.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Q4: What is the default PPE you should wear in the lab?
A4: Lab coat, gloves, eye protection, and masks (unless instructed otherwise).

Q5: Should you touch specimens or solutions with your fingers, even if gloved?
A5: No, never touch specimens, pipette tips, or solutions with your fingers unless specifically directed.

Handling Chemicals

Q6: How should you mix chemicals in a test tube?
A6: Cover the mouth of the tube with parafilm, then gently invert while holding your gloved finger against the parafilm.

Q7: What is the correct way to dilute acids?
A7: Always drip acids slowly into water or an aqueous solution—never pour water into concentrated acids.

Q8: Can you return unused chemicals to stock bottles?
A8: No, discard unused chemicals into the appropriate chemical waste container.

Q9: What should you do to avoid cross-contamination of solutions?
A9: Use a fresh pipette, cylinder, weigh boat, etc., for each reagent when in doubt.

Glassware and Sharp Objects

Q10: How should you dispose of broken glass?
A10: Place it only in the designated “broken glass” container.

Q11: Where should sharp objects like razors or syringes be disposed of?
A11: In the red “sharps” container—not in regular garbage or biohazard bins.

Q12: How should you clean glassware after use?
A12: Wash with soapy water (Alconox detergent), rinse thoroughly with clean water, and air dry or hand dry.

Fire and Heat Safety

Q13: What should you do with open flames when not in use?
A13: Turn off burners or other flame/heat sources when not in use.

Q14: How should you handle hot water baths?
A14: Use tongs or provided materials to avoid direct contact with hot metals or glass.

Q15: What should you do with long hair in the lab?
A15: Always tie it back to prevent it from falling into flames, chemicals, or specimens.

Stock Solutions and Reagents

Q16: Can you take stock solutions to your lab bench?
A16: No, measure the quantity at the stock station and bring only what you need to your bench.

Q17: What type of water should you use if the procedure specifies deionized or distilled water?
A17: Use only deionized or distilled water—never assume tap water is acceptable.

Miscellaneous Safety Tips

Q18: What should you do if you’re unsure how to use equipment or reagents?
A18: Ask your lab instructor or UGTA for guidance.

Q19: What should you do if you need to leave the lab during a protocol?
A19: Inform your instructor or UGTA, remove PPE, dispose of gloves properly, and put PPE back on when you return.

Q20: Is this list exhaustive for lab safety precautions?
A20: No, always check the lab manual and bench for additional precautions or procedures.