Laboratory Safety

This page is intended to assist those who work in Western’s research and teaching laboratories, by offering information and links to resources.

You may also find additional helpful specific information by accessing our Safety Topics page.

Occupational Health and Safety offers a variety of services to assist in providing a healthy and safe laboratory environment.  Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance.

Western’s Laboratory Health and Safety Manual for General Laboratory Practices 

The Laboratory Health and Safety Manual provides a minimum set of health and safety standards for the operation of campus laboratories. (Revised April, 2020)

Please keep in mind the manual is not all encompassing. There are many special procedures conducted within our laboratories which require unique health and safety precautions.

In all cases the laboratory supervisor is ultimately responsible for teaching safe work practices and must insist upon the use of proper procedures to eliminate unnecessary hazards. To assist in managing a healthy and safe laboratory here is an JOHSC Workplace Inspection Checklist to be used for conducting your own laboratory inspections.

The Warning Sign Booklet PDF document (3.5mb)

All laboratories must have all hazards identified by signage found in The Warning Sign Booklet.

Western Workplace Labels

All materials must be identified. A brief explanation of the Western Workplace Labelling System is found here.

Hazard Alerts

Laboratory Transfer Guidelines

The Laboratory Transfer Guidelines outline the procedures that are to be followed at Western to ensure that laboratory space is reassigned, transferred or handed over to another researcher in a safe manner.

Other Resources for Lab Safety

If you have any further questions or need assistance with lab safety please contact Anne Marie McCusker.

Published on  and maintained in Cascade CMS.