LABORATORY

SAFETY MANUAL
UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS

Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

Laboratory
Safety Manual

Prepared by:

Shaila Darlene T. Bedrio, RMT

Kaye Marie D. Alejandrino, RChT
Gian Michael B. Boyero, RChT

July 2023
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Standard Operating Procedures 4

2.1 Personal Protective Equipment 4

2.2 Laboratory Guidelines 5

2.3 Housekeeping 6

2.4 Requesting and Issuing Apparatus 7

2.5 Equipment Handling 8

3.0 Hazard Classification 9

3.1 Labels 9

3.2 Safety Data Sheet 9

3.3 Health Hazard Symbols and Meanings 9

4.0 Safe Handling and Storage of Chemicals 13

5.0 Emergency and Medical Procedures 14

6.0 Fire Safety 15

6.1 Classes of Fire 15

6.2 How to Use a Fire Extinguisher 15

6.3 Types of Fire Extinguisher 16

7.0 Safety Equipment 17

7.1 Fume Hood 17

7.2 Safety Shower 17

7.3 Eye Wash Stations 17

8.0 Waste Management 18

8.1 Classification of Wastes 18

References 19
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Laboratory Safety Manual was developed to reduce or

eliminate potential risks associated with various hazards in the
laboratory. It is important for the people working in the
laboratory to be familiar with this manual and shall take
responsibility for following guidelines and standard operating
procedures to ensure their safety. By observing proper
precautions and practices, the students, faculty and laboratory
personnel will be able to create a safe and healthy work
environment.

Included in this manual are standard operating procedures,

methods of proper waste disposal, hazard classification,
emergency and medical procedures, equipment and chemical
handling and storage in the laboratory.

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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

2.0 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

2.1 Personal Protective Equipment

Attire
A proper dress code should be followed when working inside the laboratory:
▪ Long pants and closed- toe shoes must be worn. Sandals and shorts are strictly
prohibited.
▪ Laboratory gowns must be always worn with buttons closed.
▪ Tie back long hair.
▪ Use of cosmetics and jewelry are strictly prohibited.

Eye Protection
1. Safety goggles must be always worn, especially when handling liquid
chemicals or specimens where eye splash is possible.
2. Contact lenses are not allowed, as chemical vapors are present or chemical
splash is possible and may cause damage to lenses and lead to serious eye
injuries.

Hand Protection

1. To protect skin absorption, burns and infection, appropriate gloves

must be used.
2. When handling biological specimens, latex gloves are used.
3. Chemical-resistant gloves are recommended for hazardous
chemicals.
4. Doors should not be opened with gloves on to avoid contamination.
5. Proper disposal of gloves must be followed.

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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

2.2 Laboratory Guidelines

For Students

▪ Stay in assigned area during laboratory.

▪ Perform laboratory work ONLY after being briefed by instructor.
▪ All unauthorized experiments are strictly forbidden.
▪ All bags and other unnecessary objects should be placed on the bag shelves provided.
▪ Students are assigned to bring their own padlocks, matches, rags, garbage bags, soaps,
liquid detergents, syringes, gloves, masks and cotton.
▪ Wash hands before and after every experiment.
▪ Report any malfunctioning or damaged instruments to the laboratory technician.
▪ Eating inside the laboratory is strictly prohibited.
▪ Students are prohibited from staying in the lab during lunch time.
▪ Students are discouraged from dragging chairs.
▪ Minimize noise.
▪ Only authorized students can enter the stockroom.
▪ Playing the faucets and gas outlets are prohibited.

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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

For Faculty

▪ Should strictly impose proper grooming of students.

▪ Wearing laboratory gowns and other personal protective equipment must be
strictly implemented.
▪ Enforce cleanliness and sanitation before and after experiments.
▪ Precautionary measures and equipment operation must be taught to students
before the experiment.
▪ Supervise students in handling chemicals and reagents.
▪ Impose proper waste disposal.
▪ Laboratory instructor must inform the laboratory personnel or student assistants
of the next experiment one meeting prior to the laboratory schedule, especially
when the experiment needs set up or preparation.
▪ Use laboratory facilities within scheduled time; this is to prevent delayed set up
for the next class.

2.3 Housekeeping

▪ Always keep laboratory rooms clean and in order.

▪ Throw garbage to its designated order: biodegradable, non-biodegradable,
recyclable, sharps and biohazards.
▪ Match sticks, garbage or biologic specimens should never be thrown in the sink.
▪ Pick up trash seen along the way.
▪ Trash should not be thrown in the sand buckets.
▪ Turn off gas, water and ceiling fans before leaving the rooms.
▪ Decontaminate any equipment or work areas that may have been in contact with
hazardous materials, such as blood and other biological specimens.
▪ Disinfect working area before and after the experiment.
▪ Chemical or hazardous waste should be disposed of properly in labeled containers
provided by the lab technicians.
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

▪

2.4 Requesting and Issuing Apparatus

▪ Laboratory requisition slips should be filled out completely and signed by

instructor before giving them to the laboratory assistant/technician.
▪ Only apparatus and glass wares should be borrowed and listed in the
requisition slips and not chemicals.
▪ Check every piece of apparatus issued for signs of cracks or damage.
These should be reported immediately and should be notified to the
laboratory assistant.
▪ The group is responsible for all the apparatuses issued by the stockroom.
Breakage, damage or loss of any piece of equipment be equally shared
among the group.
▪ Upon returning, the apparatus should be washed clean and wiped dry.
Apparatus found to be dirty and wet will not be accepted.
▪ Requisitioned apparatus not returned on the prescribed time will be
charged to the students.
▪ Retained apparatus should be kept inside the lockers and returned at the
end of every semester cleaned and complete.
▪ “ONE TIME BIG TIME.” This policy requires students to borrow the
apparatus only once. The laboratory personnel and student assistants are
directed not to release any additional apparatus requested by the
students.

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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

2.5 Equipment Handling

▪ Before using any instrument, make sure to know how it operates and its precautionary
measures.
▪ When a glass or any equipment is broken, notify the lab assistant/technician
immediately.
▪ Use of equipment without permission is prohibited.
▪ Ask the help of laboratory assistant/technician when having trouble with any
instrument.
▪ MICROSCOPE
- Return the microscope properly. The objective should be placed in the scanner
position. The oculars returned properly and screwed tightly. Plugs should be neatly
placed under the condenser.
- When carrying the microscope, make sure to use both hands- one placed on the arm
and the other on the base of the microscope.
- Use only lens paper when cleaning the objectives of the microscope.
▪ ANALYTICAL BALANCE/TOP-SCALE DIGITAL BALANCE/TRIPLE BEAM BALANCE
- Never allow chemicals to contact a balance pan.
- Wipe the weighing platform after use.
▪ CENTRIFUGE
- Always ensure that samples inside the centrifuge are balanced.
- If there is any spill, disinfect right away.
- Do not open the lid after the operation. Wait until the spinning rotor has stopped.
- Attempt to stop the spinning rotor with hand or any object is unsafe and might cause
spillage of samples, hazard and even damage to the equipment.
- Always check centrifuge tubes for cracks and chipped rims before using.
- Avoid filling tubes to the rim.
▪ HOT PLATES AND OVENS
- Use of ovens for preparation of food for human consumption is strictly prohibited.
- Discontinue use of ovens or hot plates whenever thermostat or temperature controller
has failed.
- Avoid heating toxic materials in an oven unless it is vented outdoors.
▪ WATER BATHS
- Place on a stable surface, protected from flammable and combustible materials.
- Ensure that thermostat is functional, do not use it if there is problem in controls.
- Do not transfer equipment if the water inside is still hot.
- Thermometer allows visual check of the temperature of.
- Use only distilled water.
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

 3.0 HAZARD CLASSIFICATION

3.1 Labels

Keeping the manufacturer’s label intact is essential in the storage of chemicals.

Label or hazard warnings of the container must not be intentionally defaced or
obscured until it is empty. When storing chemicals and if it is necessary to
transfer to a secondary container, label with product’s name, date of expiry,
chemical constituents and hazard warnings.

3.2 Safety Data Sheets

SDS provided by the manufacturers or distributors of chemicals are stored and

maintained in an accessible location in the laboratory. Included in these SDS are
the chemical, physical and toxicological information about the products and
their precautionary and emergency procedures.

3.3 Health Hazard Symbols and Meanings

The skull-and-crossbones GHS pictogram, widely known as the

toxic symbol, represents chemicals with the highest levels of
acute toxicity. That means these chemicals have an immediate
and severe (even lethal) effect on human health.

Depending on the chemical, exposure may occur by inhaling,

ingesting, or making skin contact with the substance. You'll
find the particular exposure route(s) elsewhere on the label.

TOXIC
The GHS pictogram with an exclamation mark is used on
substances that are harmful or irritating. The health effects
are acute (set in quickly), but they're less severe than
something marked with the toxic symbol.
Chemical classes include:

• Skin, eye, or respiratory tract irritants

HARMFUL • Skin sensitizers, which cause an allergic response.
• The lowest level of acutely toxic chemicals
• Materials with narcotic effects (drowsiness, lack of
coordination, and dizziness)
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 The health hazard pictogram is used for substances that
present a health hazard over time.

Chemical classes include:

• Carcinogens, which cause cancer

• Respiratory sensitizers
HEALTH HAZARD • Agents with reproductive toxicity that affects fertility or in
utero development
• Chemicals with target organ toxicity
• Mutagenic chemicals that cause genetic defects
• Substances with aspiration toxicity

You can learn about the specific health risk(s) in the label's
text.

Physical Hazard Pictogram Meanings

There are five GHS symbols used to warn about physical

hazards, which are characteristics that can put both property
and human safety at risk.

The corrosive GHS pictogram represents substances that eat

away at a material when they make contact.

This symbol covers both physical and health hazard classes –

that's why it depicts both a hand and a surface.

Chemical classes include:

CORROSIVE
• Skin corrosion or burns
• Eye damage
• Corrosive to metals

The GHS label will specify which materials or exposure routes

can be corroded by a substance. Like all health hazard
symbols, you should leave the container tightly sealed until
you know more. Also, you'll need to consider the types of tools
or containers you can safely use.
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

 The explosive GHS pictogram marks a chemical as unstable and
capable of causing a fire or explosion.

Chemical classes include:

• Explosives
• Self-reactive chemicals
• Organic peroxides

The explosive pictogram means you need more information

before you come anywhere near that container. Different
chemicals can be set off under different conditions, including
friction or mechanical shock – even bumping these containers
with another object may be dangerous.

EXPLOSIVE
The flammable GHS pictogram is used on chemicals that emit
flammable gas or could self-ignite when exposed to water or
air.

Chemical classes include:

• Flammable gases, liquids, and solids

• Pyrophoric materials
• Self-reactive materials that aren't also explosive
FLAMMABLE • Organic peroxides that aren't also explosive
• Water-reactives

This pictogram means you should leave the container tightly

closed and away from any sources of heat until you know
more. You also need to be careful about changing any storage
conditions, including what other substances or materials get
placed near these containers.

The oxidizing GHS pictogram is used for oxidizing solids,

liquids, and gases. These chemical classes, when exposed to
oxygen, help ignite substances that wouldn't otherwise
combust and/or make fires burn hotter and longer.

Like the flammable symbol, this pictogram also means you

should leave the container tightly sealed until you know more.
Don't change storage conditions or put other materials near
these containers until you know what's safe.
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OXIDIZING
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

 The compressed gas GHS pictogram is used on gases that are
stored under pressure.

Chemical classes include:

• Compressed gases
• Liquefied gases
COMPRESSED GAS • Refrigerated liquefied gases
• Dissolved gases

Containers with this hazard symbol may explode if heated. It's

best not to even touch these containers until you know more
because some require special handling precautions.

The environmental hazard GHS pictogram indicates that a

chemical is toxic to aquatic wildlife. This is the only GHS
symbol that's not mandatory.

When you see this symbol, disposal of the substance may

require a specific method. You also need to take precautions
against release into the environment during use or
ENVIRONMENTAL transportation.
HAZARD

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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

4.0 SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE OF CHEMICALS

- Use PPE and fume hood when preparing/handling chemicals.

- Ensure that you have proper knowledge of the chemicals you are handling. Read SDS
prior to usage.
- “ALWAYS KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN.” Keeping work surfaces clean and dry
helps minimize contamination and prevents exposure risk. Floors should also be kept
dry and free from mess or objects to avoid accidents.
- The chemical storage area must be well ventilated.
- Proper storage of chemicals must be followed: check SDS for storage conditions.
- Ensure chemical containers are properly sealed. When not in use, secure that lids or
valves are tightly closed.
- Hazardous chemicals should be stored in spill-proof or vapor-tight containers.
- Chemical shelves are securely fastened to the walls.

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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

5.0 EMERGENCY and MEDICAL PROCEDURES
The most important thing to REMEMBER in an emergency situation is to “REMAIN CALM”
▪ First aid kits are available in each laboratory room.
▪ To seek immediate medical attention for any types of cuts, burns, chemical splattering or
injury notify your instructor or laboratory staff as soon as possible.
▪ CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
- In case of chemical splatter on the skin, wash the affected area with running water
for 15 minutes. For larger spills, the safety shower should be used.
- If any chemical splashes into your eyes, (REMOVE CONTACT LENSES) flush your
eyes for 15 minutes with eye wash or running water.
- Never neutralize the chemical.
- CHECK SDS for emergency measure of the specific chemical.
▪ CHEMICAL INHALATION
- Close the container of the chemical, open windows or increase ventilation.
- Move to fresh air.
- Review, SDS to determine the health hazards of the chemical.
- SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION if symptoms persist such as nose and throat irritation,
headache, dizziness or nausea.
▪ FIRE
- If your clothing catches fire, drop to the floor and roll to suppress the fire. Use a
safety shower immediately thereafter.
- If the fire is large or spreading, activate the fire alarm to alert building occupants.
Evacuate the building.
- If possible, shut down any equipment which may add fuel to the fire.

In case of emergency/incident/accident:
INFORM INSTRUCTOR AND LABORATORY STAFF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

The instructor or laboratory staff should:

1. Document work-related injury or illness.
2. Report the illness or injury to the University Clinic.
3. Ensure that the injured person receives prompt medical treatment.
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

 6.0 FIRE SAFETY

6.1 Classes of Fire

Class of Fire Description

Fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood,
Class A
cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
Fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum
Class B greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers,
alcohols, and flammable gases.

Class C Fires that involve energized electrical equipment.

Fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium,

Class D
zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.

Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible

Class K
cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).

6.2 How to use a FIRE EXTINGUISHER

The acronym PASS, helps you use a fire extinguisher:

PULL Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.

Aim low, pointing the nozzle or hose at the base of the

AIM
fire.

SQUEEZE Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

15

Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire – the

SWEEP
fuel source – until the fire is extinguished.
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

 6.3 Types of Fire Extinguisher
Five main types of fire extinguishers:
▪ Water, water mist or water spray fire extinguishers
▪ Foam fire extinguishers
▪ Dry Powder – standard or specialist fire extinguishers
▪ Carbon Dioxide (‘CO2’) fire extinguishers
▪ Wet Chemical fire extinguishers

https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s85bfe7566b368099/image/i61d790dc8396e7ec/v
ersion/1492256932/image.jpg
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LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL | Biology – Chemistry Laboratory

7.0 SAFETY EQUIPMENT

7.1 Fume Hood

▪ To assure the safety of the fume hood user, the following guidelines for fume hood use should
be observed:

- Ensure the working condition of exhaust fan prior to fume hood use.
- Always wear proper personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses and a lab
coat) when working at or near the fume hood.
- Remove all items from the fume hood which are not necessary for the immediate
operation or experiment.
- Perform all work that will release noxious vapors, fumes or aerosols at least six
inches inside the front face of the fume hood.
- Limit the quantity of chemicals and/or number of activities conducted within the
fume hood that has potential for creating an explosion or fire situation.

7.2 Safety Showers

Laboratory rooms must have safety showers. The shower must be readily accessible, be kept
clear of obstructions, and clearly labeled. The valve must open readily and remain open until
intentionally closed.

7.2 Eye Wash Stations

Eyewash stations must be easily accessible from any location in the laboratory.

To use emergency eye wash:

- Immediately flush eyes for at least 15 minutes.

- Keep the eyes open and rotate the eyeballs in all directions to remove contamination from
around the eyes. An injured person may need help holding their eyelids open.
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8.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT

8.1 Classification of Waste

NONHAZARDOUS WASTES

▪ GENERAL WASTE
- Waste that is not contaminated with infectious and toxic substances. This waste does
not pose a health risk and is considered safe for the environment when managed
properly. Consists of plastics, papers, food, and other wastes in the laboratory that
are free from contamination of blood and other biological specimens and chemicals.
- General Waste Receptacles are available in each laboratory rooms and are collected
every day.

HAZARDOUS WASTES

▪ CHEMICAL WASTE
- any kind of material that can cause severe hazards to humans and the environment
if disposed of improperly; classified as solid, liquid or gas.
- To be considered hazardous, chemicals must have characteristics which include the
following: IGNITABILITY (ability to catch fire), CORROSIVITY (ability to degrade
substances), REACTIVITY (ability to interact with other chemicals) and TOXICITY (how
harmful the chemical is to humans).
- Chemical wastes are segregated in different appropriate receptacles and arranged to
prevent incompatible substances from mixing. These containers must be labeled and
securely capped during storage.
- Refer to Safety Data Sheet for the disposal of waste.

▪ INFECTIOUS WASTE
- defined as waste capable of producing infectious disease in humans including those
contaminated with blood, body fluids, biological specimens, discarded sharps, and
other laboratory wastes such as used gloves and face masks, applicator sticks and
cottons.
Waste is directly discarded in TRASH CANS PROVIDED WITH YELLOW BAGS.
Examples of sharps are lancets, scalpels, needles and broken glass wares. These are
collected in labeled puncture-proof containers and must be endorsed to the
laboratory for proper disposal.
- Infectious waste should be labeled “HAZARDOUS” before disposal.
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References

Admin. (2022). Biodegradable And Non-Biodegradable - Definition & Examples of Biodegradable And Non-
Biodegradable. BYJUS. https://byjus.com/chemistry/biodegradable-and-non-biodegradable/

Eye wash and emergency shower guidelines. (n.d.-b). https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/research-

lab/laboratory/eye-wash.html#Eye-wash-operation

Laboratory Safety Manual. (n.d.). Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

https://ehs.princeton.edu/laboratory-research/laboratory-safety/laboratory-safety-manual

McGill University Laboratory Safety Manual. (2021).

OSHA.com. (n.d.). GHS Hazard Sign, Symbol & Pictogram Meanings - OSHA.com.
https://www.osha.com/blog/ghs-hazard-signs

Park, C. (2023b). 5 types of fire extinguishers: A guide to using the right class. IFSEC Insider | Security and Fire
News and Resources. https://www.ifsecglobal.com/global/choose-right-type-fire-extinguisher/

University of Houston General Laboratory Safety Manual: Guidelines for the Common Laboratory Hazards.
(2019).

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