Laboratory Safety Overview
Safety in the laboratory protects everyone—students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Whether you are running an experiment, teaching a class, or passing through, understanding
and following safety guidelines reduces risk and ensures a safe environment for all.
General Laboratory Safety Guidelines.
Biosafety
Definition
Biosafety is the safe handling, containment, and disposal of hazardous biological
materials, such as:
- Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
- Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids
- Human, animal, or plant-derived materials (e.g., saliva, genetically engineered plants)
Core Practices
- Use proper containment and disposal methods.
- Be prepared for exposure emergencies.
- Follow all posted protocols and approved procedures.
Biosafety Contact
BioSafety@untdallas.edu
Chemical Safety
Definition
Chemical safety covers the recognition, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous
chemicals—both in laboratories and in general campus use (e.g., cleaning products).
Essential Guidelines
Electrical Safety
Definition
Electrical safety prevents injury from electrical hazards, especially in physics and
electronics-related work.
Hazard Signs to Watch For
- Frayed or exposed wires
- Water near electrical equipment
- Overloaded or improperly plugged cords
Best Practices
- Remove unsafe equipment from use immediately.
- Report hazards to lab management.
- Follow manufacturer and campus guidelines before operating devices.
Research Safety
Why It Matters
Research at UNT Dallas allows students to conduct original work with faculty mentorship.
Safety is integral to every step of the process.
Expectations for Researchers
- Follow general and discipline-specific safety rules.
- Communicate clearly when running experiments outside normal hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
- Overnight Experiment Notice Form: If conducting work overnight or beyond standard hours, complete and post this near
your setup.
- Only faculty members and graduate students are allowed to work outside of normal hours.
Training & Contact Information
Helpful External Safety Resources