Guidelines for Working Alone in a Laboratory

On page 86, Prudent Practices in the Laboratories by the National Research Council points out that:

“Generally it is prudent to avoid working alone at the bench in a laboratory building. Individuals working in separate laboratories outside of working hours should make arrangement to check on each other periodically… Experiments known to be hazardous should not be undertaken by a worker who is alone in a laboratory. Under unusually hazardous conditions, special rules may be necessary.”

While there are occasions in academic laboratories that require people to work alone in laboratories, it is important to consider whether there are certain materials that should not be used or specific procedures that should not be done while working alone. This restriction may be due to unusual hazards involved, the inability of a single person to respond effectively to an accident involving that material or procedure, or the increased risk of an accident occurring with that material or procedure.

It is the laboratory supervisor's responsibility to assure that all laboratory workers are trained in the specific guidelines to minimize the chance of injury, loss of research materials or property damage fromthis circumstance. Document any restrictions by completing this Microsoft Word form and place it in your laboratory safety notebook for reference by laboratory workers as they plan their work schedules.

Last Updated: December 17, 2006