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Health, Safety & Environment

Work in the laboratory requires ongoing attention and reinforcement of safety practices. Neglecting to take reasonable precautions may not only endanger your own life but the safety of those working with you.

University of Waterloo Policy 34 - Health, Safety and Environment outlines the responsibilities, duties, and requirements for Health and Safety precautions in the laboratory. This laboratory safety manual provides general health and safety guidelines to be followed by all laboratory users. In addition to this manual, individual departments may have manuals specific to their areas. Information on any concern not listed in this or the departmental manual can be obtained through your department or the Safety Office.

Emergency Planning

Planning for emergencies is important for laboratory safety. Some emergencies that should be prepared for are:

  1. fires and explosions

  2. chemical spills

  3. release of radioactive materials

  4. release of compressed toxic and corrosive gases

  5. release of pathogens and biological materials
  6. physical injuries to individuals

Everyone who works in the lab should know what to do in the event of each of these situations. Advance planning can make the difference between a minor incident and a situation that can be life-threatening or cause severe damage to facilities and material.

Emergency Contacts

Names of the laboratory supervisor and others to contact for a lab emergency should be posted in a location accessible to responding emergency services. (recommend location on back of lab entrance door).

The following telephone numbers should also be available in the Laboratory. Emergency telephone number stickers (available from the Safety Office) should be placed on all laboratory phones. University of Waterloo First Aid and Fire Alarm posters should be displayed in all laboratories (available from the Safety Office Ext. 33587).

  1. Ambulance 911
  2. Fire alarm pull station for fire department
  3. UW Health Services ext. 34096
  4. UW Police ext. 519-888-4911 or x22222
  5. Spill Control ext. 519-888-4911 or x22222
  6. Plant Operations ext. 33793
  7. Poison Control Centre 1-800-268-9017

Injury Reporting

Should an injury or incident occur:

  1. Obtain medical aid if necessary.
  2. Report any injury to your supervisor immediately.
  3. Complete injury/incident report with supervisor and forward to the Safety Office, Commissary Building within 1 day of the injury.
  4. Should you have any questions or concerns contact Kate Windsor at ext. 36359 or Sheila Hurley at ext. 33587.

Download Injury/Incident Report for printing

For more information on Laboratory Safety, contact the Safety Office: