As a lab scientist (and especially if you’re working in academia), you surely noticed that lab safety does not seem equally important to everyone.
From old postdocs declaring that lab coats are accessories to the lab tech that seems to think that flip flops are appropriate lab footwear (yes, I am unfortunately speaking from experience), we have seen it all.
Sometimes you’re also just terribly unlucky during your experiments, or the lab equipment decided that cooperation is not on today’s agenda.
And let’s be honest, sometimes you just do dumb stuff.
Here are some stories of lab safety gone wrong, shared by lab scientists on the subbredit r/labrats. Enjoy !
Safety tip n°1 : Never hold a container by the lid
One thing to know is that you can never trust lab equipment. Always consider that the equipment is actively trying to kill you and always grab things with both hands. Also, you will stab yourself with needles, just accept it (and hope it will be a clean one).
Safety tip n°2 : Beware of UV light
I know that being in a windowless lab makes it easy to forget that the little blue light can damage the DNA in your skin cells directly and cause sunburns and cancer. But do not make that mistake.
Safety tip n°3 : Be mindful of the weight
Never overestimate yourself, all this time lurking in a dark lab means you’re weaker than you think my little lab rat.
Safety tip n°4 : Chemicals can be volatile
This one is for our chemists friends !
Nothing more humbling than working and then going “Uh, I feel light-headed” before remembering what you’re working with. Even us nerds are not immune to brain farts.
Safety tip n°5 : Mind your ears
“Oh you have tinnitus ? Did you get it from going front stage in concerts ?”
“Uhh.. yeah exactly”
Safety tip n°6 : Yes, the cryostat is sharp
The cryostat is even more deceitful as it waits for you to trust it before CUTTING YOUR FINGER OPEN. The audacity, the betrayal.
Safety tip n°7 : Never underestimate the liquid nitrogen tank
It’s easy to forget that this clear, water-like liquid can literally burn you to the 3rd degree but believe me, once you made that mistake, you will not do it twice.
(Or maybe you will because we can all be very dumb after a long day in the lab)
Conclusion
Obvious conclusion : wear your PPE my little lab rats!
While my tone through this post is humorous, do not forget that lab safety is a serious matter, and the responsibility of everyone in the lab.
Stay safe out there, and do not hesitate to share your own little injuries in the comments below !
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