{"id":59,"date":"2026-07-16T12:55:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T16:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/?page_id=59"},"modified":"2026-07-16T13:08:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T17:08:09","slug":"science-laboratory-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/science-laboratory-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Science laboratory safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns sidebar-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.6667%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-88c98fc8 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>General lab safety training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cems.unh.edu\/clarku\/CEMS\/Dashboard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit CEMS for training courses<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Radiation safety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/RadSafetyTraining2010.pptx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Radiation safety training Powerpoint presentation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Biosafety and bloodborne pathogens safety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/Biosafety-and-BBP-Training-CLark-University.pptx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Biosafety and bloodborne pathogens presentation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Standard operating procedure (extremely hazardous materials)<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>and chemical hygiene plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/ChemicalHygienePlan_FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chemical hygiene plan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/Standard-Operating-Procedure.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Example SOP<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Chemical inventory for the physical sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and physics)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cems.unh.edu\/clarku\/CEMS\/Dashboard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit CEMS for chemical inventory<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-personal-protective-equipment\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Personal protective equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to reduce injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are four ways by which hazardous materials can invade one\u2019s body:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>inhalation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>skin absorption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ingestion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>injection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These four ways of invasion are known as routes of entry. OSHA requires employers to assess the potential hazards associated with all substances in the work areas and provide engineering and administrative controls to reduce exposures to acceptable levels. It is the responsibility of the area supervisor to ensure that his\/her employees be provided the equipment necessary to safely carry out procedures. The safety office will assist on the selection, purchase, maintenance and training of employees for the use of PPE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-personal-protective-equipment-commonly-available-in-the-stockroom\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Personal protective equipment commonly available in the stockroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>disposable gloves (large, medium, small, and x-large)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disposable barrier gowns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>full face respirators (both small and medium-large).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>multi-purpose\/P100 filter cartridges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>safety goggles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shoe covers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dust masks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other protective equipment will be made available upon request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-biosafety-cabinets\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Biosafety cabinets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Biological safety cabinets are divided into three classes based on the amount of protection they provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><strong>Class I:&nbsp;<\/strong>The investigator is partially protected, no protection for the sample.<br><strong>Class II:&nbsp;<\/strong>The investigator is partially protected and the sample is protected.<br><strong>Class III:&nbsp;<\/strong>Both the sample and the investigator are protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"169\" height=\"239\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/biosafetycabinet.avif\" alt=\"a student works with a biosafety cabinet\" class=\"wp-image-68\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-use-biosafety-cabinets-safely\" style=\"padding-top:0\">How to use biosafety cabinets safely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these rules:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn it on 5 minutes before use to allow the airflow to establish itself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower sash as far as you can.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not block airflow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secure papers to prevent entrapment in the exhaust line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wipe down the surface with disinfectant before each use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimize hand movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not use a flame inside the cabinet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fume-hoods\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Fume hoods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A chemical fume hood is a partially enclosed workspace that is exhausted to the outside. When used properly, hazardous gases and vapors generated inside the hood are captured before they enter the breathing zone. Fume hoods are tested by the safety office. If you suspect that the hood in your lab is not working, place a \u201cbroken hood\u201d sign on the hood sash and contact <a href=\"mailto:ehs@clarku.edu\">ehs@clarku.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file arrow-link\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-6c75fdbd-7331-428e-a5fe-acfb12ce1d9d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/fumehoodsign.pdf\">Download \u201cout of order\u201d sign<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-standard-operating-procedures\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Standard operating procedures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm that the hood is operational.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain operations at least 6&#8243; inside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower sash to optimum height.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep head out of the hood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep hood storage to a minimum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimize foot traffic around the fume hood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use extreme caution with ignition sources inside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace hood components prior to use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"259\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/fumehood2.avif\" alt=\"fume hood\" class=\"wp-image-67\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/fumehood1.avif\" alt=\"fume hood\" class=\"wp-image-66\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/fumehood1.avif 400w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/fumehood1-300x225.avif 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column sidebar-right is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;flex-basis:302px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>General lab safety training Radiation safety Biosafety and bloodborne pathogens safety Standard operating procedure (extremely hazardous materials)\u00a0and chemical hygiene plan Chemical inventory for the physical sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and physics) Personal protective equipment Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to reduce injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions. There are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-59","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Science laboratory safety | Environmental Health and Safety | Clark University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/environmental-health-and-safety\/science-laboratory-safety\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Science laboratory safety\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"General lab safety training Radiation safety Biosafety and bloodborne pathogens safety Standard operating procedure (extremely hazardous materials)\u00a0and chemical hygiene plan Chemical inventory for the physical sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and physics) Personal protective equipment Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to reduce injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions. 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