Safe Handling Practices for Laboratory Chemicals

Introduction

Laboratories are places of discovery, precision, and innovation but they also house hazardous chemicals that demand serious respect. From corrosive acids and flammable solvents to reactive compounds and toxic gases, chemical mishandling can lead to severe injuries, fires, contamination, or even fatalities.

Whether you're working in a hospital diagnostic lab, a pharmaceutical plant, a research institute, or a quality control facility, safe chemical handling is non-negotiable. It protects not only you and your colleagues but also your equipment, environment, and regulatory standing.

At GZ Industrial supplies, we supply a wide range of lab-grade chemicals and emphasize the importance of proper training, storage, PPE, and emergency preparedness. This guide outlines the essential safety practices every laboratory professional should follow when working with chemicals.

Understand the Chemicals You’re Using

The foundation of chemical safety starts with knowing what you’re handling. Never use a chemical without first reviewing its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label.

Key Information You Should Know:

• Chemical name and formula
  
  
• Physical properties (boiling point, flash point, vapor pressure)
  
  
• Health hazards (toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic, irritant)
  
  
• Environmental hazards (aquatic toxicity, air emissions)
  
  
• Storage and incompatibilities
  
  
• First aid and spill response procedures
  
  

Tip: Keep printed or digital SDS documents easily accessible in the lab—preferably in a centralized safety binder or software system.

Understanding GHS Labels

Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), all lab chemicals should carry standardized labels with:

• Pictograms (e.g., flame, skull & crossbones, corrosive)
  
  
• Signal words: Danger or Warning
  
  
• Hazard statements (e.g., causes severe skin burns)
  
  
• Precautionary statements (e.g., wear gloves, avoid inhalation)
  
  

Reading and understanding these warnings is critical to prevent accidents before they happen.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

No matter how familiar you are with a chemical, never handle it without the proper gear. PPE is your first line of defense against spills, splashes, vapors, and residues.

Standard PPE Includes:

• Lab coat – flame-resistant if working with flammables
  
  
• Gloves – choose nitrile, latex, or neoprene depending on chemical compatibility
  
  
• Safety goggles or face shields – especially when working with corrosives
  
  
• Closed-toe shoes – no sandals or soft shoes
  
  
• Respiratory protection – only when approved and necessary under risk assessment
  
  

PPE Best Practices:

• Inspect PPE before use for tears or defects
  
  
• Remove gloves before touching doorknobs, phones, or shared surfaces
  
  
• Never reuse disposable gloves
  
  
• Store and clean reusable PPE properly after use
  
  

Wearing the wrong gloves or skipping eyewear can turn a routine procedure into a medical emergency.

Safe Chemical Storage Guidelines

Storing chemicals properly helps prevent dangerous reactions, spills, contamination, and even explosions. One of the most common causes of lab incidents is improper chemical storage—often due to mixing incompatible substances or placing flammables near heat sources.

General Storage Rules:

• Always label all containers clearly (including secondary containers)
  
  
• Keep original packaging and safety labels intact
  
  
• Store chemicals at eye level or below—never above your head
  
  
• Ensure tight closures to prevent evaporation or leaks
  
  
• Keep storage areas well-ventilated, cool, and dry
  
  

Segregation by Hazard Class

Different chemical types should be stored separately based on their compatibility:

Use flammable storage cabinets for solvents like acetone or xylene, and corrosive cabinets for acids and bases.

Handling Procedures and Best Practices

When it’s time to use chemicals, caution and consistency are key. Even routine transfers and measurements require deliberate attention.

Do’s:

• Work in a fume hood when dealing with volatile or hazardous vapors
  
  
• Use designated tools (like pipettes, dispensers, or tongs) for transferring chemicals
  
  
• Always add acid to water—never water to acid (to prevent splashes and heat)
  
  
• Open containers away from your face, especially volatile or noxious chemicals
  
  
• Wash hands immediately after handling chemicals—even if you wore gloves
  
  

Don’ts:

• Never return unused chemicals to their original container (risk of contamination)
  
  
• Don’t mix chemicals unless the reaction is understood and controlled
  
  
• Avoid eating, drinking, or using phones in the lab
  
  
• Never work with highly hazardous chemicals alone
  
  

Spills, skin exposure, and inhalation risks often occur during careless handling—not large experiments.

Spill and Emergency Response Protocols

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. The key is to respond quickly and safely.

Immediate Response Steps:

• Alert nearby personnel and evacuate if necessary
  
  
• Assess the size and hazard level of the spill
  
  
• Use spill kits to contain and absorb small to moderate spills
  
  
• Avoid touching spilled material directly—even with gloves
  
  
• For chemical burns or splashes, use emergency showers or eyewash stations for at least 15 minutes
  
  

In case of fire: Use the appropriate fire extinguisher (check SDS) and activate the lab alarm system

Emergency Equipment Checklist:

• Chemical spill kits (with neutralizers, absorbents, PPE)
  
  
• Fire extinguishers (CO₂, foam, dry powder types)
  
  
• Eye wash stations and emergency showers
  
  
• First aid kits
  
  
• SDS binder and emergency contact list

Chemical Waste Disposal

Improper disposal of chemicals can harm people, equipment, and the environment—and lead to serious legal penalties.

Safe Disposal Practices:

• Never pour chemicals down the drain unless specifically permitted
  
  
• Use clearly labeled waste containers for different types:
  
  
• Solvents
  
  
• Acids and bases
  
  
• Toxic or biohazardous materials
  
  
• Store chemical waste in compatible containers with tight lids
  
  
• Work with licensed disposal companies or follow internal HSE protocols
  
  

Pro tip: Keep a chemical waste logbook and schedule pickups regularly to avoid over-accumulation.

Documentation, Training & Compliance

Laboratories must maintain a high level of documentation and regulatory compliance to ensure ongoing safety.

Must-Have Documents:

• Chemical inventory with location and quantities
  
  
• Up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every substance
  
  
• Incident reports and spill logs
  
  
• Training records for all staff
  
  
• Annual or quarterly safety audits
  
  

Training is not a one-time event, it should be ongoing, with refresher sessions and drills held regularly.

Cultivating a Lab Safety Culture

Safety is more than PPE and protocols, it’s a mindset.

• Encourage open discussions about hazards
  
  
• Empower staff to report near-misses without fear
  
  
• Post safety signs and chemical handling reminders
  
  
• Assign a Lab Safety Officer or responsible person
  
  
• Recognize and reward good safety behavior
  
  

A lab where everyone looks out for each other is the safest lab of all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between an SDS and a label?

Labels offer a quick view; SDS provides full hazard, handling, and emergency info.

Can I store flammable and corrosive chemicals together?

No. Always separate by compatibility to avoid violent reactions.

How often should eyewash stations be inspected?

Weekly functional checks and full monthly tests are recommended.

Is it safe to eat or drink in the lab?

No. Even sealed containers can absorb airborne contaminants.

What should I do if my gloves tear during use?

Stop work, remove gloves carefully, wash hands immediately, and replace PPE.

Conclusion 

Handling chemicals in a laboratory is serious business. By understanding the materials, wearing the right protection, following proven procedures, and responding swiftly to hazards, you build a safe, productive, and compliant lab environment.

At GZ Industrial Supplies, we supply not just certified lab chemicals but the knowledge and tools to use them safely.