1 Normal Laboratory Safety Guidelines
Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear lab coats, safety goggles, gloves, and other necessary protective equipment
to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. Depending on the experiment, you may also
need face shields, earplugs, or other specific PPE.
Follow Proper Experimental Procedures
Be familiar with the experimental steps and procedures before starting. Ensure you
understand the instructions and safety considerations for any equipment you plan to use.
Chemical Management
Always consult the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals, knowing the hazards and handling instructions.
Clearly label all chemicals to avoid misuse or cross-contamination.
After use, return chemicals to their designated storage areas.
Fire Safety
Open flames are prohibited, especially near flammable chemicals. Know the location of fire extinguishers
and emergency exits, and learn how to operate the extinguishers if needed.
No Food or Drink in the Laboratory
Eating or drinking is strictly prohibited in the lab. Do not bring food or beverages into the
experimental area to prevent contamination and accidental ingestion of harmful substances.
Maintain a Clean Work Environment
After completing your experiments, clean your workspace and equipment. Properly dispose of or store
experimental materials and waste to reduce safety risks.
Disposal of Laboratory Waste
Dispose of chemical waste, sharps (like needles or broken glass), and biological waste according to lab guidelines.
Never pour chemicals down the drain or throw them in regular trash bins to prevent environmental and safety hazards.
Emergency Procedures
Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency equipment such as eyewash stations and first aid
kits. Know the appropriate responses for different types of emergencies.
Avoid Working Alone
Do not perform dangerous experiments when you are alone. Ensure there are others in the lab who can assist
in case of an accident or emergency.
Adhere to Laboratory Policies
Each lab has its own management policies and operational procedures. Always familiarize yourself with and follow
these policies before entering the lab. Do not use equipment or conduct experiments without proper authorization.
2 Cell Culture Experiment Safety Guidelines
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear a lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles when handling cell cultures, especially when working with
human or animal cells, as they may carry potential biohazards. If working with infectious materials, additional
protection such as face masks or biosafety cabinet use may be required.
Work in a Sterile Environment
Perform all cell culture work in a certified laminar flow hood or biosafety cabinet to maintain
sterility and prevent contamination.
Sterilize all tools, pipettes, and surfaces before and after use with 70% ethanol or other
approved disinfectants.
Minimize air movement and talking while working to reduce the risk of contamination.
Handle Biohazardous Materials Properly
Human and animal cells should be treated as potential biohazards. Handle them in compliance with
your institution's biosafety level (BSL) protocols.
All waste, including gloves, pipettes, and cell culture waste, should be disposed of in biohazard containers.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Use sterile, single-use items where possible, such as pipette tips and centrifuge tubes.
Handle only one cell line at a time to avoid cross-contamination between different cultures.
Label all cultures clearly, including cell type, date, and any modifications.
Safe Handling of Chemicals and Reagents
Many reagents, such as trypsin, DMSO, and certain media, can be harmful if not handled properly.
Wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid skin or eye contact.
Consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals and reagents used, and follow proper storage and disposal procedures.
Prevent Aerosol Generation
When pipetting, avoid vigorous shaking or blowing out the pipette to prevent aerosol generation.
Centrifuge samples in closed containers and use sealed rotors to reduce aerosol exposure.
Disinfect Workspaces and Equipment
Regularly disinfect all workspaces, including incubators, hoods, and microscopes, with appropriate
disinfectants to prevent microbial contamination.
Clean spills immediately and follow established decontamination procedures, especially if the spill
involves potentially infectious material.
Proper Disposal of Biological Waste
Liquid waste, such as media and cell suspensions, should be decontaminated using bleach or other
disinfectants before disposal.
Solid waste, including contaminated gloves, culture dishes, and pipettes, should be disposed of
in biohazard waste bins.
Autoclave or properly disinfect biological waste as per institutional guidelines before discarding.
Health Monitoring
Report any accidents, such as cuts, spills, or exposure to potentially
harmful materials, immediately to your supervisor.
If you are working with human cells or other potentially hazardous biological materials,
regular health monitoring may be required.
Emergency Procedures
Know the location of the nearest eye wash station, shower, and first aid kit.
Familiarize yourself with emergency protocols, such as spill containment procedures and reporting of
exposure to infectious agents or hazardous materials.