VNR VIGNANA JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Bachupally,(S.O.) Nizampet, Hyderabad -500 090

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING LABORATORY SAFETY PRACTICES
BASIC SAFE WORK PRACTICES
The basic or routine work practices and attitudes in the laboratory can significantly
contribute to the level of safety, the prevention of accidents and incidents, and to limit risks to
health and the environment.
The correct attitude and practices in the laboratory incorporate the following:
a) Know your capabilities and limitations: Everybody has limitations to their skills, and
there are some tasks that each person should realise they cant do. Tasks should only be
attempted by persons who possess the appropriate knowledge and skills. If in doubt, ask
for help.
b) Follow regulations: Regulations, instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, red tape
etc. exist for everyones protection. Although it might be tempting to cut corners or use
shortcuts, these lead to accidents in many cases.
c) Pace yourself: Rushing around or over-tiring yourself (e.g. by working very long hours)
to complete tasks is risking an accident or injury. By working at a steady, comfortable
pace, more will be completed in the long run. For example, just consider the time involved
in cleaning up a chemical spill.
d) Respect safety guards: Equipment should only be used for its intended purpose - with any
safety guards in place. Safety guards and interlocks are there to prevent accidents.
e) Attitude: An attitude of familiarity, indifference or ignorance to chemical safety can result
in exposures and accidents.
Basic Practices and Prohibitions (DOs and DO NOTs) for Work Bitumens
Always follow the established DOs and DO NOTs of laboratory practice. The
development of these lists is based on a history of laboratory accidents, and therefore the items on
these lists are there to protect your health and safety by minimising the chances of previous
incidents from recurring.
DOs
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)

Understand the procedures that you intend to perform

Conduct risk assessments when using hazardous
Know the location of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers) how to use them and how
to summon assistance in the event of an emergency.
Highly toxic chemicals should only be used by people involved in the experiment.
Be considerate of neighbours when working with hazardous materials and using laboratory
equipment
Only use equipment for its intended purpose(s)
Appropriately label chemical containers
Clean glassware thoroughly and promptly
Dispose of chemicals and their wastes according to relevant guidelines

j)

Clean-up your own mess

APPAREL IN THE LABORATORY

a) Wear disposable gloves, as provided in the laboratory, when handling hazardous materials.
Remove the gloves before exiting the laboratory.
b) Wear a full-length, long-sleeved laboratory coat or chemical-resistant apron.
c) Wear shoes that adequately cover the whole foot; low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles are
preferable.
d) Do not wear sandals, open-toed shoes, open-backed shoes, or high-heeled shoes in the
laboratory.
DONTs
a) Dont wear apparel that may become contaminated or caught on equipment
b) Dont leave naked flames unattended in a laboratory
c) Dont leave equipment running or experiments overnight, unless they are labelled
d) Dont exceed the quantities of flammable solvents and corrosives allowed by the Budget
Unit
e) Dont store other chemical bottles on the floor for cleaning bitumen materials.
f) Dont run in laboratory areas
g) Dont distract or startle others who are using chemicals

Report All Injuries Requiring Medical Attention Immediately To The Laboratory In - Charge /
HOD- CE