Laboratory Safety

Overview

Laboratories in refineries, gas plants, petrochemical complexes and research centres handle flammable solvents, corrosive acids and bases, toxic and reactive chemicals, compressed gases and samples that may contain hydrogen sulfide or other hazardous components. Laboratory staff also work with hot equipment, glassware, electrical instruments and sometimes radiation sources. Incidents such as fires, chemical splashes, toxic exposures and explosions can cause serious injuries, and poor practices may also compromise the quality of analytical results that plant operations depend on.

This course provides practical knowledge of laboratory safety for industrial and analytical laboratories. Participants learn how to identify laboratory hazards, use safety data sheets and labels, and carry out risk assessments for laboratory procedures. The course covers safe handling, storage and segregation of chemicals, fume cupboards and ventilation, personal protective equipment, compressed gas cylinders and the handling of hydrocarbon and sour samples. It also explains fire prevention and firefighting, electrical and equipment safety, waste disposal, spill response, emergency showers and eyewash stations, first aid, laboratory design and housekeeping, and the role of laboratory safety management and inspections.

Objectives

• Identify chemical, physical and biological hazards in laboratories
• Use safety data sheets, labels and risk assessments for lab procedures
• Handle, store and segregate laboratory chemicals safely
• Use fume cupboards, ventilation and personal protective equipment correctly
• Handle compressed gases and hydrocarbon and sour samples safely
• Prevent fires and respond to spills, exposures and emergencies
• Manage waste, inspections and laboratory safety programmes

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course combines explanation of laboratory hazards and controls with practical exercises using safety data sheets, labels, chemical inventories and laboratory layouts. Participants carry out risk assessments for common analytical procedures, check chemical storage against segregation rules, select gloves and protective equipment, and plan responses to spills and exposures. Fume cupboard performance and correct use are demonstrated. Videos and case studies of laboratory fires, explosions and chemical injuries are analysed to draw practical lessons. Each day ends with a short quiz and discussion of safety practices in participants' laboratories.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions