Work in laboratories, workshops and clinics is considered high-risk work. Students are considered as employees when they carry out work as a part of their practical training in labs, workshops and clinics, where the work may entail a risk to life and health.

You are responsible for your own safety and for ensuring that your work does not expose others to danger. You should not work alone after hours or on weekends.

Before commencing the work, you must

• Familiarise yourself with potential risk factors
• Perform a risk assessment of new work operations (safe job analysis)
• Undergo necessary training
• Familiarise yourself with relevant job instructions
• Familiarise yourself with fire protection measures and first aid equipment etc.
• Consider the need for protective safety measures

Important protective safety measures:

• Special ventilation, for example a fume cabinet
• Respiratory protection
• Hearing protection
• Safety glasses / eyewash
• Gloves
• Clothing and footwear
• Avoid loose equipment. Tie back long hair, and avoid loose equipment that could get caught
• Proper treatment of hazardous waste
• Avoid wearing contact lenses when working with hazardous chemicals
• Label all chemicals, chemical solutions, and sample materials with their contents, the owner's name, and the date
• Clean up after finishing and immediately remove any spills
• No eating or drinking is allowed in the laboratory (this also includes gum, cough drops and snuff)

Remember to report any undesirable incidents