Safety Rules in Laboratory
Science experiments are vital for students. They are useful in understanding the theories and concepts of science that cannot be comprehended alone by text books. But laboratories are risky by the very nature of chemicals and lab experiments that are being conducted out there.
Here are safety rules that should be followed in laboratory to avoid accidents and injuries in the there.
- Students should never ever work in science lab in the absence of their teachers.
- Students must follow all the written and verbal instructions when conducting the experiment. In case they do not follow anything, they must clarify it first.
- It is very important to be alert and be cautious when in the laboratory. Eating, drinking, playing pranks, using mobile phones, or listening to music should be strictly prohibited.
- Before using any chemicals, read the label carefully. When mixing chemicals or conducting the experiment, keep the glassware containing the chemical away from your face, mouth and body.
- Unused chemicals should never be put back in the original bottle. They must be disposed off as per the guidelines given by the laboratory supervisor.
- Students must be made to wear safety goggles, lab coat, and shoes in the science laboratory. Loose clothes, sandals, and open hairs should be a strict NO in laboratory.
- Examine glassware before using. Do not use chipped or cracked glassware.
- Hot apparatus take time to cool down. Allow time to cool them down and use heat protective gloves to pick them up.
- If any accident takes place, do not panic. Inform your supervisor immediate for help.
Our Duties in Safeguard of Laboratory
- Advise departments on laboratory design, delivers basic laboratory safety training to new users, and provides safety guidance on certain hazardous laboratory operations.
- Established and implemented a laboratory audit programme which allows the safety performance of laboratories to be monitored.
- At the departmental level, a self-inspection checklist has been made available to departments with laboratories for their regular use in identifying risks.
- Provide consultation on the planning of operations and facilities to address safety concerns, coordinates emergency response and organizes drills.
- Liaise with governmental authorities to facilitate regulatory compliance on safety issues, monitors personnel exposure to hazardous materials to ensure compliance with regulatory limits.
- Conduct risk assessment, accident and incident investigations to identify causes and to assist with preventing recurrence and review of research proposal.
Useful Links
Education Bureau
Hong Kong Red Cross
Labour Department
Occupational Safety & Health Council
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