The beginning of the academic year is a good time to reread your laboratory's Safety Desk Book and Safety Plan, train new employees, and retrain old employees in the basic laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
General observations indicate that training and retraining are of prime importance.
Federal regulations require that new employees be trained, that existing employees be retrained whenever there is a change in hazardous materials or procedures, and that all employees be retrained annually. Principal investigators and supervisors are responsible to see that their employees are adequately trained. Personal protective equipment requirements must be considered, including clothing worn in the laboratory. Workers are required to wear clothing of substantial fabrics that cover arms and legs- not shorts or tee shirts. Other basic equipment selected on the basis of specific hazard, include eye protection, appropriate gloves, lab coat or apron.