FoLSM: Laboratory Induction – Student Guide

Each laboratory session may involve different hazards. You must familiarise yourself with the specific risks associated with each practical by reading the relevant course materials and attending the safety briefing provided at the start of the session.

If you are unsure about any procedure or do not feel safe, stop and ask a member of staff for assistance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wear a lab coat, safety glasses and gloves as instructed.

  • Prescription glasses are not a replacement for safety glasses. Larger framed safety glasses should be placed over prescription glasses. 

  • Lab coats must be buttoned up.

• Gloves provide a first line of defence but are not chemically resistant to all substances. If contaminated, remove them immediately, wash your hands and replace with a clean pair.

• PPE must not be worn outside laboratory areas.

Clothing Requirements

• Wear clothing that fully covers your legs.

• Wear closed-toe, low-heeled shoes that provide full foot coverage.

• Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing and headwear.

• Shorts, short skirts, sandals, slippers and open-toed shoes are not permitted.

• Students who are not dressed appropriately will be refused entry to the laboratory.

Laboratory Conduct

• No eating, drinking or chewing gum.

  • If you require a drink, please remove your PPE, wash your hands and step outside the lab.

• Mobile phones, headphones and personal electronic devices must not be used during practical classes.

• Bags and coats must be stored in designated lockers or storage areas.

• Follow all instructions provided by teaching and technical staff.

• Handle equipment and reagents with care.

• All accidents, spills, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible.
   

To maintain a safe working environment:

• Keep your work area clean and organised.

• Clearly label all samples, reagents and waste containers.

• Place all your waste in the appropriate waste stream.

• Avoid touching your face, eyes or mouth while working in the laboratory.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.

• Leave your work area clean and tidy at the end of each session.

• Students who repeatedly behave in an unsafe manner will be excluded from laboratory activities.

Ensure you know the location of:

• fire exits and assembly points

• fire extinguishers

• emergency stop controls (where applicable)

• eyewash stations

• safety showers

• first aid equipment.

In an Emergency

• Fire: Remove gloves and evacuate immediately using the nearest safe exit and proceed to the assembly point.

• Spill: Inform a member of staff immediately and follow their instructions.

• Accident or Injury: Inform a member of staff immediately so appropriate first aid and incident reporting can be completed.
   

• Only use equipment for which you have received instruction or training.

• Follow operating instructions at all times.

• Report faulty or damaged equipment immediately.

• Clean equipment after use and return it to the correct storage location.
   

Only dispose of waste in designated containers as instructed by staff:

• Biological waste: Biohazard waste streams as instructed.

• Chemical waste: Designated chemical waste containers.

• Sharps: Approved sharps containers only.

Never dispose of laboratory waste in general waste bins.

• Be punctual and respectful to staff and fellow students.

• Follow instructions and work responsibly.

• Ask for help whenever you are unsure.
   

Some individuals may be at increased risk in a laboratory environment due to personal circumstances, medical conditions, or disabilities. To ensure that appropriate support and control measures can be put in place, students are encouraged to inform the module leader, supervisor, or relevant University support service of any circumstances that may affect their safety in the laboratory.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• pregnancy, breastfeeding, or those planning a pregnancy

• medical conditions such as asthma, severe allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, or compromised immune systems

• physical disabilities, mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments

• neurodiverse conditions where adjustments may assist safe participation in practical work

• any medication or treatment that may affect concentration, coordination, or response to emergencies.

Information will be treated sensitively and confidentially. Disclosure allows the University to assess any additional risks and, where necessary, implement reasonable adjustments, alternative working arrangements, or additional support measures.

If you are unsure whether a condition or circumstance may affect your ability to work safely in the laboratory, please speak to a member of staff before starting practical work.

Your safety is our priority. Informing us of any condition or circumstance that may affect your laboratory work helps ensure that appropriate support and adjustments can be provided.