Laboratory Safety

• 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 Hazard Identification Sign can be developed to alert entrants to the specific hazards present and the precautions required for entry into your laboratory.

Download the Hazard Identification Sign Order Form [doc-138kb] [PDF-117Kb]

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