Laboratory Safety

This Laboratory Safety Guide was developed to assist those working in Stony Brook University laboratories by providing information on maintaining a safe laboratory and complying with environmental and safety regulations. It should serve as a reminder for safety equipment, information, and procedures that must be available to all university employees and students.

Please use the following links to navigate through this guide:

• Plan Your Work
• Follow All Safety Procedures
• Know Emergency Procedures
• Practice Good Housekeeping and Personal Hygiene
• Transport Chemicals Safely
• Unattended Operations
• Report Dangerous Activities or Situations
• Laboratory Compliance Inspection
• View Entire Guide

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Practice Good Housekeeping and Personal Hygiene

• Avoid direct contact with any chemical.
• Never smell, inhale or taste laboratory chemicals.
• Always wash hands and arms with soap and water after removing gloves and before leaving the work area.
• Never eat, drink, chew gum or tobacco, smoke or apply cosmetics in the laboratory.
• Do not pick up broken glass with your hands. Use tongs or other mechanical means.
• Remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and lab coats before leaving the lab.
• Remove gloves before handling common items like phones, instruments, door knobs, etc.
• Keep all work areas clean and uncluttered. Wipe down benches with cleaners or disinfectants regularly.
• Do not block emergency showers, eye washes, exits or hallways.

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