Safety and order in the laboratory

Food, prepared solutions without labels, open laboratory bottles with undefined substances and small pieces scattered everywhere. Sounds familiar?

Then you are probably working in a disorganised laboratory environment. Chaos and lack of hygiene in laboratories in all industries is common. However, there are many problems associated with it. Below are some of the most common faux pas.

1. Apple juice or sulphuric acid?
   
   This happens quite often in research laboratories at universities or schools. All possible solutions are used for a particular experiment but are not labelled after the project has ended. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of more and more undefined and unclassified substances. In order to prevent this (sometimes dangerous) way of working, every laboratory should be equipped with blank labels for clear labeling and easy sticking on. In addition, it is a good idea to have a laboratory cabinet to properly store these solutions.
   
   
2. Lunch breaks
   
   Working long, tedious hours in the laboratory naturally causes hunger. However, researchers are often so focused on their work that they are reluctant to leave the workplace or leave an experiment that has started unattended. In some establishments, researchers have their lunch breaks or afternoon snack in the laboratory which is an absolute taboo. Absolute cleanliness and order must always be ensured in the laboratory to guarantee a regulated work environment and accurate test results. Therefore, no food or drink may be consumed in the laboratory.
   
   
3. Lost and found
   
   Are you missing a glove? Are there more small parts lying around in your laboratory than in a spare parts warehouse? This could be due to the lack of storage solutions for laboratory items. In order to free up work spaces and be organised, it is essential to have sufficient storage solutions for all the different products.

   Single pipette tips, closures or filter units are found in the most unusual places in the laboratory? A storage system that can safely and correctly store even the smallest crimp caps and other small parts is recommended. If there is insufficient space on laboratory tables, a good organisation system can be set up to store laboratory parts according to individual needs. This can either be on the laboratory table or mounted on a wall.