Laboratory Safety

Laboratory Safety Guidelines
Laboratory Inspections
Laboratory Signage
BioSafety

Laboratory Safety Guidelines

Having in place specific procedures for laboratories is crucial in ensuring the safety of staff and students who work in these areas.

The University has described the basic requirements for ensuring laboratory safety in the Laboratory Safety Guidelines [PDF - 320 KB].

Topics covered include:

Responsibilities of supervisors, staff and students
Safe conduct
Housekeeping
Emergency procedures
Safety equipment
Chemical storage
Flammable liquids
Cryogenic liquids
Chemical spills
Fume cupboards
Gas cylinders
Glassware
Refrigeration
Needle stick injuries and other exposures
Working alone

It should be noted these Laboratory safety guidelines do not cover every operation which may occur in University laboratories. Thus departments should develop specific safe operating procedures for working in laboratories.

Laboratory Inspections

A systematic approach to ensuring hazards are identified in laboratories include scheduled inspections.

Laboratories should be inspected regularly by the appropriate supervisor and WAC members to proactively identify hazards.

The University has developed a generic Laboratory Inspection Checklist [PDF-216KB]. This checklist can and should be modified to suit the need of each department.

For more information on workplace inspections go to Workplace Inspections

Laboratory Signage

To alert the hazards and control measures required to maintain safety in a sciences or engineering laboratory, the following sign can be developed to alert entrants.

Download the Hazard Identification Sign Order Form [PDF-137Kb]

Need more information? Phone the OH&S Unit on 4221 3931 or email ohsadmin@uow.edu.au