Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Lab Safety

Laboratory Safety Overview

Safety in the laboratory protects everyone—students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Whether you are running an experiment, teaching a class, or passing through, understanding and following safety guidelines reduces risk and ensures a safe environment for all.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

Biosafety

Definition

Biosafety is the safe handling, containment, and disposal of hazardous biological materials, such as:

• Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
• Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids
• Human, animal, or plant-derived materials (e.g., saliva, genetically engineered plants)

Core Practices

• Use proper containment and disposal methods.
• Be prepared for exposure emergencies.
• Follow all posted protocols and approved procedures.

Essential Guidelines

• Biosafety Manual
• Review the before conducting research and experiments
• Use the Biohazardous Waste Disposal Request Form to request pickup of unwanted materials

Biosafety Contact

BioSafety@untdallas.edu 

Chemical Safety

Definition

Chemical safety covers the recognition, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals—both in laboratories and in general campus use (e.g., cleaning products).

Essential Guidelines

• Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical.
• Follow the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) for safe lab practices.
• Use the Chemical Disposal Guidelines to determine proper chemical disposal.
• Fill out the Chemical Waste Disposal Request Form and submit it to lab management to dipose of unwanted chemicals.

Electrical Safety

Definition

Electrical safety prevents injury from electrical hazards, especially in physics and electronics-related work.

Hazard Signs to Watch For

• Frayed or exposed wires
• Water near electrical equipment
• Overloaded or improperly plugged cords

Best Practices

• Remove unsafe equipment from use immediately.
• Report hazards to lab management.
• Follow manufacturer and campus guidelines before operating devices.

Research Safety

Why It Matters

Research at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ allows students to conduct original work with faculty mentorship. Safety is integral to every step of the process.

Expectations for Researchers

• Follow general and discipline-specific safety rules.
• Communicate clearly when running experiments outside normal hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
• Overnight Experiment Notice Form: If conducting work overnight or beyond standard hours, complete and post this near your setup.
• Only faculty members and graduate students are allowed to work outside of normal hours.

Training & Contact Information

• Faculty, staff, and student workers:
• Students in courses: Contact your instructor or email LabManagement@untdallas.edu

Helpful External Safety Resources