Laboratory Safety

Laboratory safety is essential to protect individuals in laboratories, prevent accidents, and maintain a controlled working environment. Strict adherence to safety protocols minimizes risks associated with hazardous chemicals, equipment malfunctions, and human error. We participated in safety training sessions provided by Nanjing Tech University and adhered to the university's Laboratory Safety Management Measures and Laboratory Safety Manual. Only those who have successfully passed the laboratory safety test are allowed access to the lab. All activities and materials within the laboratory are strictly connected to the experiments in progress.By following these guidelines, we ensure both personal safety and the integrity of our experiments.

Personal Protective Equipment & Attire

Lab coats must be worn at all times when inside the laboratory.

Gloves must be worn when handling chemicals; do not dispose of them in regular trash bins—use designated disposable bins .

Proper footwear is required:

No sandals or slippers allowed.

Shoes must fully cover feet and toes.

Avoid using phones while wearing gloves or during experiments to prevent contamination.

Handling Equipment & Chemicals

I. Pipettes

Use a new tip each time dipping into different chemicals.

Replace tips vertically (not horizontally) on the counter.

Rotate slowly to the desired volume.

Always reset to the largest volume after use.

Dispose of used tips in special disposable bins.

II. Electrical Appliances

Never leave unattended—if necessary, assign someone to monitor.

In case of serious sparks/fire/smoke/detection of abnormal chemical smells:

Wet a cloth to cover nose and mouth.

Pull down the main electrical control (shut off electricity)

Evacuate immediately.

III. Centrifuge Use

Speed and time settings must match instructions exactly.

Do not overfill tubes—if the top loosens, liquid will spill.

Make sure the weight of the tubes is equally distributed in the dish.

IV. Chemical Handling

Before opening odorous chemicals:

Go near the ventilation chimney.

Open airflow vent first, then open the chemical container.

Inflammable/explosive chemicals should NEVER be handled near open flames or in ventilation chimneys. Ventilation chimneys are NOT designed to handle explosive reactions.

Never sniff chemicals—especially toxic ones (CO, HCN, Cl, NH, SO, SO).

Do not dump used liquids directly into the sink—deactivate them first before disposal.

E. coli 

Laboratory Waste Disposal Rules

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Fire & Emergency Procedures

I. EXAMPLE - Alcohol Lamps

When adding alcohol: Do not exceed the maximum volume line.

When not in use: Extinguish and cover the lamp.

If spilled:

Do not paniccover with a wet cloth.

Only escalate if the situation worsens.

II. General Emergency Response

Gas leaks (especially toxic ones): Evacuate and report immediately.

Unattended experiments: If you must leave, pause the experiment.

If it must continue, assign a supervisor.

Common Sources of Danger

I. Chemical Hazards

Poisonous gases (CO, HCN, Cl, NH, SO, SO) -> Do not inhale!

Flammable & evaporative chemicals -> Keep away from open flames.

II. Equipment Hazards

Electrical devices -> Risk of fire/electrical shock.

High-pressure containers (e.g., autoclaves) -> Observe seniors/teachers first.

Old or faulty equipment -> Report malfunctions immediately.

III. Unsafe Practices (Regulatory Violations)

Using unlabeled reagents or failing to label them.

Using improper objects as stirring sticks.

Not wearing masks when handling acidic reagents.

Sniffing chemicals or ignoring safety protocols.

Best Practices for Lab Safety

Always follow senior student/teacher instructions.

Do not perform unauthorized experiments.

Maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Report unsafe conditions immediately.