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INTRODUCTION TO

LABORATORY

SAFETY

PRACTICE

MODULE 1

INTRODUCTION (1 of 3)

In the oil and gas industry, a laboratory is a place where

scientific tests are carried out to determine:

The properties and qualities of the product and other

substances used in the processes of production;

The characteristics of different environmental components

for the purposes of either establishing the baseline status of

an environment prior to activities or monitoring of

interaction of environmental media with on-going activities

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Laboratories can range in size from the test cabinet

used by the Mud Engineer on a drilling facility

to

The large and complex facilities used for product

and environmental testing.

INTRODUCTION (2 of 3)

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A laboratory is a potentially dangerous place. It often contains a variety of substances which may be:

flammable, toxic or corrosive, or a combination of these.

It can also contain gases under pressure,

a lot of easily broken glassware, numerous sources of

ignition and, of course, people.

Bringing all of these together and the need for safety

control over the activities carried out in the laboratory,

becomes obvious.

INTRODUCTION (3 of 3)

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GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURE (1 OF 5)

Know the hazardous properties of the materials you are working with (e.g, chemical, biological, electrical, radioactive): Refer to the written laboratory protocols and review the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals.

Consider the toxicity of materials, the health and

safety hazards of each procedure, the knowledge and

experience of laboratory personnel and the safety

equipment that is available

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Know the location of safety equipment and emergency exit procedures

Always wear appropriate clothing (e.g., pants,

shirts, shoes) and personal protective equipment

(e.g., safety glasses, lab coats, gloves) in the laboratory.

Open sandals, clogs, crocs, and similar footwear

are prohibited; shorts and skirts are not

recommended.

Remove personal protective equipment (PPE)

before leaving the laboratory

GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURE (2 OF 5)

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Unauthorized individuals are prohibited from entering the laboratory.

Persons under 14 years of age are prohibited from

entering certain high-hazard/high-risk areas

(e.g., laboratories with hazardous chemicals, infectious

organisms, or rooms with hydraulic equipment,

lasers or radioactive material).

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GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURE (3OF 5)

There should always be two towels ready for use: one for the hands and another for glassware and apparatus.

Never use the same towel for drying hands and

apparatus, as this can lead to poisoning,

especially when working with harmful or toxic

substances

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GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURE (4OF 5)

Do not work alone or in isolation if possible – at the very

least ensure that someone is aware of your whereabouts

Long hair must be securely tied back.

Do not interfere with or change the operating conditions of

any piece of equipment without the appropriate approval

or training

Hands should be thoroughly washed before leaving the

laboratory at the completion of a task, or whenever there is

a risk of contamination.

Your working place should be left clean and tidy at the end

of work.9

GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURE (5 OF 5)

In order to reduce exposures and to ensure compliance with prudent laboratory operations, regulations, and other best management practices, Laboratories prohibits the storage and consumption of food and drink within all laboratories.

The only exception is for food and beverages required in any analysis. These materials must be labeled, “Not for Human Consumption.”

FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN THE LAB (1 OF 3)

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Important: Food and beverages must never be stored in any laboratory refrigerator in which chemicals, biological, and radioactive materials are kept unless they have been labeled, “Not for Human Consumption”.

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FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN THE LAB (2 OF 3)

DO NOT: Eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics, or take

medicine in laboratories where hazardous materials are handled or stored.

Store food, beverages, cups, or other drinking and eating utensils in areas where hazardous materials are

handled or stored. Use glassware for laboratory operations to prepare or

consume food or beverages. Use laboratory refrigerators, ice chests, cold rooms,

and ovens for food storage or preparation. Use laboratory water sources or deionized laboratory

water for drinking water.

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FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN THE LAB (3 OF 3)

LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (1 OF 13)

Drench ShowersDrench showers and other emergency wash systems are used in an emergency to flush chemicals that have accidentally come in contact with laboratory personnel.

Eye and Face Wash The best treatment for chemical splashes of the eye and

face is immediate flushing with copious amounts of water for 15mins.

In general, the emergency eyewash equipment is installed within 10 sec walking time from the location of a hazard.

In addition, the path of travel from the hazard to the equipment should be free of obstructions and as straight as possible.

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Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are placed in or just outside laboratories

depending on the hazards.

A dry chemical (e.g., BC, ABC) type extinguisher is located

in laboratory facilities where flammable liquids are used

carbon dioxide (CO2) type extinguisher is located in

laboratories with computer and electrical equipment (i.e.,

mass spectrometers, gas chromatographs

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (2 OF 13)

Door Postings and Other Signs

A hazard and emergency information sign posted on the

laboratory door exterior, facing the corridor.

Response personnel will use the hazard and emergency

information sign during an emergency.

The sign identifies hazards within the facility

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (3 OF 13)

Laboratory Safety Information

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), emergency

procedures, safety manuals, and other references must

be readily available for all laboratory personnel.

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (4 OF 13)

First Aid Kits

First aid kits should be available in each laboratory.

According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),

the kit should contain the following:

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (5 OF 13)

Glass Only Boxes

“Glass Only” boxes are used for the disposal of “clean”

broken glass only.

When three-quarters full, the boxes are properly sealed,

labeled and disposed appropriately.

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (6 OF 13)

Mechanical Pipetting Aids

Mechanical pipetting aids is used.

Mouth pipetting is prohibited.

Placement of Safety Equipments

Laboratory construction/renovation considers location of

drench showers, eyewashes, and fire extinguishers next to

the main door of the facility for occupant safety.

A hazard (i.e., chemical, fire or personal injury) should not

come between you and your safe egress from the room.

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (7 OF 13)

Laboratory Vision Panel

The Laboratory Vision Panel is the window space in the main

door of the laboratory, used by emergency response

personnel to identify internal problems (e.g., an injured

person, a small fire, a chemical spill).

The Laboratory Vision Panel should be a 100 square-inch

wire glass window panel in the door to the laboratory.

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (8 OF 13)

Centrifuge Safety

Proper operation of a centrifuge is essential in the laboratory.

Accidents involving centrifugation can cause serious

personal injury and damage to laboratory equipment.

Centrifuge problems may arise from improper mechanical

conditions, hazardous materials, and operator error.

The operator of a centrifuge must have knowledge of the

manufacturer’s recommended instructions and the hazards

associated with centrifuge use 21

LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (9 OF 13)

Guidelines for Enhancing Centrifuge Safety

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be

developed for each centrifuge and all experiments

involving the centrifuge.

Centrifuge operator training

The centrifuge lid should be locked whenever the rotor is

in motion.

The centrifuge lid must never be opened when in

operation; opening the lid while the unit is in operation

may result in severe injury.

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (10 OF 13)

Guidelines for Enhancing Centrifuge Safety

Use the centrifuge in a properly ventilated area, Do not overfill centrifuge tubes; overfilling centrifuge tubes

may cause unwanted leaks and spills. Periodically clean and inspect the centrifuge and turn the

spindle by hand. By doing this, there is a likelihood of

catching a problem before it becomes dangerous. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check the

expiration date of both the rotor and centrifuge. Always follow

the manufacturer’s retirement date for rotors and other

centrifuge parts. 23

LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (11 OF 13)

Guidelines for Enhancing Centrifuge Safety

Preventing corrosion is one factor in maintaining a

centrifuge.

Rotors and parts of centrifuges may be made of aluminum

or other metals that may corrode.

Visually inspect rotors and other centrifuge parts for

corrosion.

Rotors or parts exhibiting corrosion should be removed

from use and should be evaluated by a service

technician.24

LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (12 OF 13)

Guidelines for Enhancing Centrifuge Safety

Do not use a wire brush to clean any part of the centrifuge

as it may accelerate corrosion.

Alkaline detergents should not be used to clean the

centrifuge.

If corrosive materials are spilled in a centrifuge, be sure to

clean it immediately and let dry.

Routine washing of rotors with mild dish soap should

prolong rotor life. Wash, rinse, and let dry.

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LABORATORY DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTS (13 OF 13)

WORKING ALONE IN THE LAB (1 OF 3)

The term “alone” means that a person is beyond the

visual or auditory range of any other individual for

more than a few minutes at a time. (US National

Safety Council).

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All personnel working in the lab where hazardous condition exist must have knowledge of the following:

Emergency Contacts; Emergency Response Procedures; Evacuation Routes; First Aid Procedures; Health and Safety Training Requirements; Personal Protective Equipment Requirements; Procedures to Report Unhealthy and Unsafe Conditions; Safety Policies and Procedures; and Spill Response Equipment and Procedures

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WORKING ALONE IN THE LAB (2 OF 3)

Obtain written permission Laboratory Supervisor to

work alone in the laboratory; and

Ensure that a means to contact emergency

response personnel is available when working

alone in the laboratory.

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WORKING ALONE IN THE LAB (3 OF 3)