Lab sanitation and hygiene guidelines are crucial to follow, no matter what type of lab you work in. Not only do these rules keep you and your fellow workers safe, but they also prevent contamination. Lab experiments and subjects can be extremely sensitive to the slightest contamination, which can cause failed experiments and wasted resources. Keep reading for a few main guidelines for how to maintain a sanitary laboratory space.
Clean & Maintain Equipment
All lab personnel should be trained to know how to properly clean lab equipment. Keeping lab equipment clean is crucial to the overall health of the lab. If a lab technician fails to clean their equipment properly, that piece of equipment will go to another employee and risk contaminating their experiment. Additionally, some lab chemicals can be dangerous to work with. If a lab technician failed to thoroughly clean an instrument that held hazardous materials, the equipment could be hazardous, too.
Disinfect Surfaces
Just like how important it is to wash lab equipment thoroughly, lab surfaces should get the same treatment. Laboratories aren’t always the cleanest of settings—materials may occasionally spill or leak onto work surfaces. It is important to clean these messes up immediately when they occur. On top of this, remember to wipe down and disinfect lab surfaces such as sinks, counters, and desks at least once a day.
Wash Hands & Wear Gloves
Also remember to always practice laboratory hygiene when in the lab. Wear gloves to protect yourself and others from spreading germs, especially in tightly controlled lab environments. When you leave for the day or go to lunch, wash your hands when you leave and when you return. Following these hygiene guidelines is important in any lab setting to keep you and those around you healthy.
These are just a few methods for how to maintain a sanitary lab space. Always follow your laboratory’s sanitation and hygiene guidelines to create a safe and successful environment for all.