A. General Laboratory Safety Rules

• Always read chemical labels and equipment instructions carefully before use.
• Never work alone in the laboratory under any circumstances.
• Unauthorized experiments are strictly prohibited.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and clutter-free workspace at all times.
• Do not take shortcuts; strictly follow laboratory rules and SOPs.
• Use only approved tools and equipment and operate them correctly.
• Eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum is strictly prohibited in the laboratory.
• Horseplay, running, or distracting behavior is not allowed.
• Report equipment malfunction or failure immediately to the lab assistant or supervisor.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, such as damaged electrical cables or water leakage.
• Keep books, bags, and personal belongings away from instruments to prevent hazards.
• Do not operate any equipment unless trained and authorized by the lab supervisor.
• Never leave ongoing experiments unattended; if unavoidable, switch off ignition sources and secure the laboratory.
• Clean the work area thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.

B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

All personnel must wear appropriate PPE before starting any laboratory activity:

• Safety goggles for eye protection
• Laboratory coat (must remain properly fastened)
• Chemical- and heat-resistant gloves
• Face shield (when required)
• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or open footwear)
• Hair must be tied back
• Long sleeves rolled up
• Remove dangling jewelry
• Never touch or taste any chemical
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals or samples

C. Laboratory Access, Authorization, and Documentation

• Students working after 5:00 PM or on holidays must submit a request form and obtain approval from the Lab In-Charge.
• All users must record instrument usage (In/Out) in the logbook.
• Field equipment rental (internal or external projects) requires prior approval at least one week in advance.
• Project students must pay equipment rental and analytical charges as per the approved rate list available on the website.
• Before storing samples in refrigerators, students must label samples clearly and log them properly.

D. Chemical Handling and Experimental Safety

• Use a fume hood while working with volatile, flammable, or toxic chemicals.
• Never pour water into acid; always add acid slowly to water.
• Never smell chemicals directly or pipette by mouth.
• Never return unused chemicals to reagent bottles.
• Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before using or storing any chemical.
• Chemicals must be stored according to compatibility and hazard classification.

E. Waste Management and Disposal

• Clean all spills immediately and inform your advisor.
• Dispose of broken or damaged glassware in designated glass bins only.
• Do not use domestic glassware (e.g., drink bottles or jars) in the laboratory.
• Segregate waste properly:
  1. Broken glass bin (non-hazardous only)
  2. Contaminated waste bin (hazardous solids: glass, plastic, paper)
  3. Electronic waste (items with circuitry or batteries)
• Label all waste containers clearly with appropriate waste labels.
• Store waste in designated ventilated areas until collection.
• Handle waste only if trained and aware of associated hazards and PPE requirements.
• Acid-contaminated glassware must be rinsed in a fume hood before disposal.

F. Emergency and Security Measures

• Only RFID-authorized students are permitted access to laboratories.
• In case of emergency, use the internal emergency exit door located near the MS and PhD student sitting area (research fellow room).
• First Aid Box is available in each general laboratory.
• Fire extinguishers are installed in all laboratories.
• Emergency Fire Contact Number: 16
• Do not use mobile phones or attend calls while working in the laboratory.
• Never open doors while wearing gloves to avoid contamination.
• Safety shower include eye wash station are available in labs.