The Top 5 Lab Safety Hazards and How to Avoid Them

As a lab manager, there is one thing you cannot compromise on, that is lab safety hazards. Whether you’re working in a bustling research lab or managing day-to-day operations in an educational facility, one truth remains: lab safety is non-negotiable. As someone who’s spent enough time around lab benches, beakers, and Bunsen burners, you know just how quickly things can go from calm to chaotic. A small spill, a forgotten glove, or a mislabelled bottle can cause serious problems, not just for the individual involved, but for the entire team.

At B&M Scientific, we’ve worked with labs across the UK and beyond, and we’ve seen how the best-performing teams always prioritise safety. This article isn’t here to lecture you. It’s a practical guide for people like you, technicians, assistants, researchers—who want to create a safer lab environment without slowing things down. Let’s walk through five of the most common lab hazards and, more importantly, how you can avoid them.

1. Chemical Spills and Exposure

The first lab safety hazards we start with are chemical spills. It’s no surprise that chemicals top this list. From corrosive acids to flammable solvents and toxic fumes, labs are full of substances that require careful handling.

Why It Happens: Accidents often stem from rushed procedures, poor labelling, or storing incompatible chemicals together. In some cases, it’s simply a lack of awareness, especially with new team members or students.

How to Avoid It:

• Wear Proper PPE: Gloves, goggles, lab coats—it might seem routine, but skipping even one of these can lead to serious harm.

• Label Everything Clearly: Ensure that every bottle and container is labelled according to regulations.

• Read Safety Data Sheets (SDS): They’re not just paperwork—they’re there to help you handle each chemical correctly. You can find guidance from the Health and Safety Executive.

• Training and Refreshers: Make safety part of onboarding and continue with annual refreshers for everyone.

Even the most experienced lab professionals can benefit from a quick safety recap.

2. Fire and Explosion Risks

You don’t need to work with explosives to face fire hazards. The combination of flammable chemicals, open flames, and faulty equipment can turn routine experiments into dangerous situations.

What Causes It:

• Using Bunsen burners or hot plates near flammable liquids

• Overloaded sockets or faulty electrical setups

• Incompatible substances being mixed without proper precautions

How to Avoid It:

• Use Fire-Resistant Cabinets: Store flammable chemicals in cabinets that are designed to contain a fire.

• Install and Check Fire Extinguishers: Make sure they are accessible and up to date.

• Work in Fume Hoods: This reduces the risk of vapours building up and catching fire.

• Know Your COSHH: Understanding the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is essential for fire prevention. COSHH regulations aren’t just red tape, they are lifesaving measures.

Fire safety drills might seem like a hassle, but they make a big difference when things go wrong.

3. Biological Hazards

Biological materials are used in everything from blood analysis to microbiology research. And while they often don’t look dangerous, they can carry significant risks.

What You Might Encounter:

• Pathogenic bacteria and viruses

• Human blood or other bodily fluids

• Fungal spores and microbial cultures

Where It Goes Wrong:
Cross-contamination, improper disposal, or inadequate PPE can result in infection or environmental exposure.

How to Avoid It:

• Use Biosafety Cabinets: When working with biohazards, biosafety cabinets are a must.

• Autoclave Contaminated Waste: This is the gold standard for sterilisation.

• Dispose Responsibly: Follow proper biohazard disposal protocols.

• Stay Updated: The UK Government’s biosafety guidelines provide essential advice for lab workers.

A healthy lab is a productive lab. Protect yourself and your team by making biosafety part of your daily routine.

4. Equipment-Related Injuries

Then you get another layer of lab safety hazards.

Let’s be honest, how many times have you seen someone rush to finish a task and skip safety checks? It happens more often than we’d like to admit. Unfortunately, this is when equipment-related injuries strike.

Common Incidents:

• Centrifuge lids flying off mid-spin

• Glassware shattering due to thermal shock

• UV exposure during gel imaging without eye protection

What Causes It:

• Lack of training

• Worn or outdated equipment

• Poor maintenance routines

How to Avoid It:

• Routine Maintenance: Keep a logbook for all lab equipment and stick to scheduled inspections.

• Hands-On Training: Reading manuals isn’t enough. Make sure every staff member has been shown how to use equipment correctly.

• Clear Signage: Post warnings near high-risk areas.

• Use Barriers or Guards: Especially when working with high-speed or high-voltage devices.

Injuries from equipment aren’t just painful, they can sideline your project or lead to expensive downtime. Prevention is far more affordable than repairs.

5. Ergonomic and Repetitive Strain Injuries

Not all hazards are loud or obvious. In fact, some of the most common lab injuries happen slowly, over time. We’re talking about ergonomic issues and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).

What They Look Like:

• Sore wrists from endless pipetting

• Back pain from standing or sitting in one position for too long

• Eye strain from prolonged microscope use

How to Avoid It:

• Adjustable Workstations: Chairs, benches, and even pipettes should support neutral posture.

• Encourage Breaks: Short pauses every hour can reduce fatigue and prevent injuries.

• Use Ergonomic Tools: Invest in pipettes and lab gear designed with comfort in mind.

• Posture Awareness: Training sessions or signage to reinforce healthy posture habits go a long way.

Remember, looking after your body is just as important as protecting it from chemicals or flames. A comfortable lab is a productive one.

Final Thoughts

Laboratories are full of incredible tools and opportunities—but they’re also filled with risks if you’re not careful. Whether you’re handling reactive chemicals, operating equipment, or simply pipetting samples, it’s important to stay alert and well-informed.

At B&M Scientific, we’re not just here to supply top-tier lab equipment. We’re also committed to helping labs stay safe, smart, and efficient. Whether you’re looking for safety cabinets, ergonomic pipettes, or advice on lab protocols, we’re here to support your work.

If this guide was useful, share it with your colleagues. A safer lab starts with a well-informed team. Explore our full range of safety equipment and supplies at B&M Scientific.