Laboratory Equipment

The typical laboratory requires a large quantity of electrical power. This increases the likelihood of electrically-related problems and hazards. The following recommendations are basic to a sound electrical safety program in the laboratory.

​The use of an autoclave is the preferred way to decontaminate infectious waste. In order to safely operate the autoclave, the following procedures must be utilized:

All centrifuge operators shall be instructed on proper operating procedures, which would include balancing loads, selection of proper rotor, head, cups, and tubes, and use of accessory equipment. Consult the centrifuge operating manual. Additionally, the following guidelines should be followed when dealing with centrifuges.

There should not be any potential sources of electrical sparks on the inside of a laboratory refrigerator where chemicals are to be stored.

Drying ovens are commonly used to dry laboratory glassware. Since these ovens do not have a provision for preventing the discharge of volatized substances into the air, organic compounds should not be dried in these units. Conventional oven units should not be used to dry any chemical that is moderately volatile and might pose a health hazard of acute or chronic toxicity. Glassware rinsed in organic solvent should not be dried in an oven.

Ice Machines inside laboratories produce ice to be used as temperature control methods for experiments, reactions or chemicals. Ice never be used to store food and must have labels on the door indicating this. Ice from laboratory units should never be consumed.

All hazardous laboratory work should be carried out in an appropriate chemical fume hood. All chemical fume hoods should be regularly inspected and certified on an annual basis. Uncertified hoods should not be used.

Properly maintained Biosafety Cabinets (Class II or III) are used for some manipulation of biohazardous materials (e.g., pipetting, dilutions, transfer operations, plating, framing, grinding, blending, drying, sonicating, shaking, centrifuging) except where equipment design provides for containment of the potential aerosol.

Broken glass, intact glass (such as glass slides, coverslips, etc.), and empty glass chemical containers pose a laceration and/or contamination hazard to laboratory workers, custodial and other staff when placed in the regular trash can as it will break if not already broken, and can easily puncture through trash bags.

All glass being disposed of, whether intact or broken, must go in a glass disposal box, not in regular trash. Glass disposal boxes are sturdy containers labeled as “glass” (or equivalent wording) that are puncture proof and securely sealed to hold all glass pieces, whether intact or broken, prior to being handled and transported to a dumpster.

This applies to all research and teaching labs, shops, staff and students who handle glassware or come across broken glass. Broken glass and other sharp materials are physical hazards. Broken glass also has the potential to be a health hazard if it is contaminated with toxic chemicals, blood, or infectious substances which may enter the body through a cut or puncture.

Glass Disposal:

When assembling the boxes use packing tape to secure the bottom of the box, with the accompanying liner bag inside. Never use red biohazardous wastebags as a liner. Only clean glass may go in the glass box. No other trash or debris, no chemicals or chemical residue, and no liquids. 

• Do not put pipettes into glass boxes—pipettes have their own waste box or receptacle, which may be a smaller box for disposal, or autoclave bag for autoclave steam disinfection.
• Do not overfill or completely fill the glass boxes. Glass must fit inside the box, below the lid so that the bag inside can be tied and the box tape sealed shut as required before trash pickup. If completely full, the weight of the glass box may be too heavy to handle.
• Never reach hands into the box to retrieve items or push down on glass to consolidate.
• Wear appropriate hand and eye protection when handling broken glassware. Use a broom and dustpan to collect broken pieces. Large pieces that cannot be swept up may be picked up by unbroken areas and carefully placed in the glass box, without putting hands into the box.
• Collection boxes are one-time use only. Do not empty the contents of box into the dumpster or reuse the container. The whole container shall be placed directly into a dumpster.
• Should special purchased, labeled glass disposal boxes not be available, suitable containers may be used meeting the requirements of labeling, puncture-proof, and closure. This may include a sturdy cardboard box with an inner trash bag, tied and taped shut equivalently, or a sealable plastic container such as a bucket with a sealed lid, both labeled “Glass” (or equivalent wording).

Glass Handling:

• Injuries to the hands can occur when handling glassware in the lab, such as cuts, or puncture wounds, flying glass, chemical exposure, or fire. Exercise caution when handling and transporting glassware. Use a tray when carrying multiple glassware short distances, and a cart and/or tray with sides when transporting multiple glassware.
• Follow instructions and guidelines when assembling special glass apparatus (distillation columns, vacuum setups, etc.) and equipment that may contain glass (dishwashers, autoclaves, etc.).
• Inserting glass tubing into a rubber stopper is not recommended. When inserting plastic or rubber tubing onto glass tubing, use silicone grease, and a cork borer if necessary. Protect your hands with additional gloves, paper towels, or cotton gloves.
• Don’t handle broken glass with bare hands. Use forceps, tongs, scoops, and broom with dustpan to collect broken pieces. Wear cut-resistant gloves if available. Large pieces that cannot be swept up may be picked up by unbroken areas and carefully placed in the glass box, without putting hands into the box.
  Never hand broken or sharp items such as glassware (or needles) to another person. Place them down on a counter and allow the other person to pick up.
• Be familiar with the location of safety equipment and exits in the lab, including sinks, eyewashes, safety showers, first aid kits, and phone.
• The most likely person to be injured by glassware is the user. However, anyone near imploding glassware may be hurt, which is another reason everyone must wear their personal protective equipment (PPE). By implementing safety controls while handling glass, and wearing PPE, the potential risks can be reduced.
• Special glassware are prone to breakage from hairline cracks in addition to dropping the item. Wear slip-resistant or cut-resistant gloves when handling glass to prevent cuts, abrasions, and skin puncture.
• Do not remove any items from a sharps or glass container.

Glassware Washing Tips:

• Protective eyewear such as a face shield, safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields should be worn to protect against splatter from cleaning agents or from flying glass shards.
• Carefully handle glassware, as the soap and water will make the glassware slippery. Gloves with textured/slip-resistant palms or cut-resistant inner gloves are recommended.
• Wear thick water-resistant rubber or neoprene gloves to protect hands against chemicals such as acids, alkalis, solvents, and detergents used during glassware cleaning operations.
• Using protective plastic/rubber mat in and around the sink can prevent glass breakage.
• Rest round bottom glassware in a cork or rubber ring in the sink. 
• Wear gloves, cut resistant if possible.
• Wash one piece at a time.
• Do not rush. Leave enough time to safely clean glassware.

Emergency showers generally serve as a form of first aid and are required at locations where the eyes or body may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. UHD laboratories and certain other facilities with hazardous chemicals are equipped with emergency showers within the work area for emergency use to promote personnel safety. All laboratory or shop personnel who could be exposed to chemical splash must receive training on the use of safety showers. Ensure that the shower area is readily accessible, clear of obstructions, and well lit. In the event of chemical splash to an individual’s body, immediately flush the body for 15 minutes under the shower, remove all clothing, and seek immediate medical attention. Post signs indicating the location of the nearest safety shower. Never use safety equipment for cleaning laboratory or shop equipment, personal objects, or for other non-emergency purposes. Safety showers are inspected annually by EHS to ensure they meet performance requirements.

An eye wash station is used to flush both the face and the eyes in the event of a hazardous chemical splash. Some laboratories and shop areas are equipped with drench hoses - a supplemental device with flexible hose connected to a flushing fluid used to irrigate and flush the eyes, face, and body areas. Emergency eyewash stations and drench hoses generally serve as a form of first aid and are required at locations where the eyes or body may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. University of Houston laboratories and shops with hazardous chemicals are equipped with emergency eye wash stations within the work area for emergency use to promote personnel safety. Eyewash stations can be found as standalone units, in combination with plumbed safety showers and sometimes faucet mounted. All laboratory and shop personnel who could be exposed to chemical splash must receive training on the use of eye wash stations. Ensure that the eyewash area, including path of travel is readily accessible, clear of obstructions, clearly labeled and well lit. In the event of chemical splash to an individual’s body, immediately flush the eyes for 15 minutes under the eye wash, remove all facial coverings, and seek immediate medical attention. Post signs indicating the location of the nearest eye wash station. Contact EHS for any questions. Eyewash stations with drains, including faucet mounted and drench hoses must be flushed weekly by laboratory or shop personnel and documented on the log. Never use safety equipment for cleaning lab or shop equipment, personal objects, or for other non-emergency purposes All eyewash stations are inspected annually by EHS to ensure they meet performance requirements.

Fire is a common hazard that is present in science and engineering laboratories, especially those working with hazardous chemicals. Hot work (i.e. work that involves burning, welding, etc.) poses the risk of fire and explosions, especially around hazardous materials. Flammable and combustible liquid use in laboratories and shops are sources of ignition which can lead to unplanned fires. Laboratories and shops are equipped with fire extinguishers to supplement fire protective systems and help protect laboratory and shop personnel by putting out small fires. The UHD recommends that employees and students become familiar with the buildings in which they work, including the location of exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers in case of emergencies.

Laboratories that utilize hazardous chemicals must have access to a spill control kit, strategically located, accessible and well stocked. In general, a spill kit should contain some absorbent material, appropriate personal protective equipment, a container for spill residue, and a plastic dustpan and scoop. Once a spill kit has been used, the contents should be restocked immediately to ensure availability when the next spill occurs. Before any hazardous chemical is used in the laboratory, the PI has the responsibility to perform a hazard assessment of the procedure to be undertaken. This would include determining what could go wrong and what to do in the event of a spill or other emergency. When performing this task, the PI should determine what PPE is needed, as well as any other safety equipment and containment/clean-up materials and to have these items on hand. Spill control kits should be available and their locations clearly marked. All staff and students should be aware of the kits, how to use them and their limitations.

University offices, laboratories and shops should provide first aid kits suitable for the occupational workplace and response time of emergency medical services. Laboratories with hazardous chemicals are required to have a first aid kit, with its location known to laboratory personnel. First aid kits must be easily accessible to everyone and not in locked cabinets and their location must be clearly marked. Post a sign indicating the location of First Aid Kit. Contents must be stored in containers that protect kit items from damage, deterioration, or contamination. First aid kits are to be easily moved to the location of an injured or acutely ill person. First aid kits must be restocked as necessary and regularly inspected. First aid kits can be purchased through any laboratory safety supply vendor or assembled to fit unique needs of the laboratory.