Provisions and Precautions

Every working room or cabin should have adequately

spaced provision of water, electricity, gas, sinks lighting

and exhausts. All aspects, whether plumbing, electrical

systems or gas connection must pass through regular

inspections and a log book should be maintained of such

preventive exercises. Preventive maintenance should be

carried out by knowledgeable and qualified persons.

Fire Prevention

¾ Install appropriate fire extinguishing system and timely

testing of such a system be conducted at regular intervals

¾ Color code and place firefighting equipment at an easily

visible and reachable location. Check the working

capability of all such systems at regular intervals

¾ Provide adequate ventilation in zones where flammable

chemicals are used. Before these substances reach

combustible or explosive concentration, they should

be removed by mechanical exhausts FIG.1.3: A typical large/complete laboratory plan

FIG. 1.2: A typical small laboratory

Sero-immunology

ELISA’s, PCRs, drugs,

Cancer markers

Biochemistry Microbiology

Pathologist’s chamber Collection of

specimens and

report delivery

Hematology +

Clinical pathology

Histopathology

Cytopathology

Toilet

Laboratory 5

¾ Post “No-smoking” signs in zones where smoking can

be hazardous

¾ Lastly, mark clearly the emergency exit points. Keep the

emergency exit route free from obstructions.

Electrical Installations

¾ Hire a proper, qualified electrical engineer and explain

to him the purpose of the premises being taken. As far

as possible, all points where sparks can be generated

should be kept out of room/cabins where explosive

chemicals are likely to be used

¾ Use earthing everywhere and install fire-resistant

cables in the laboratory

¾ Employ only certified products

¾ Use one electrical socket for a single device or machine.

Overloading is usually the cause of accidents.

Liquefied and Compressed Gases

¾ Color code and identify each gas container. Check their

valves regularly

¾ Keep all such cylinders away from sources of heat and

electrical sparks

¾ When not in use, replace protection/safety caps back

on the cylinder mouths.

Chemicals and Radioactive Substances

¾ Label all bottles with proper names of contents and

affix warning signs and symbols as applicable to them

¾ Clearly display the warning charts (both chemical and

radioactive) next to such containers. All staff members

working in such areas should be well trained to handle

accidents of any kind that can happen

¾ A stringent record of stocks should be maintained of

all persons and radioactive substances being used in

the laboratory. A bottle lost or stolen is invitation to

problem.