Laboratory Safety

Laboratory Safety, hazardous material handling, machine shop risks, and safety procedures

Last Updated: 03/09/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

Mission Statement

The ISE Department will provide the safest possible environment in which students, staff and faculty may pursue their teaching, research, and outreach activities in a manner that both protects and serves by following Laboratory Safety.

With the guidance of the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Center, ISE has established procedures for the reduction and prevention of on-the-job accidents and has made a commitment to a safety program that warrants the highest priority in our teaching and research mission. Consistent with the values and teachings of the discipline, efforts will be made to conserve resources, minimize waste, promote best practices and comply with all regulatory standards and guidelines. To this end, departmental safety efforts will serve as a model for all.

Hazardous Materials

If you work with hazardous materials, you must follow special rules.
This includes labeling (PDF 43KB), handling (PDF 43KB), storing (PDF 43KB) the right way. All areas in which hazardous materials

CFR1910.1200 Hazard communication
CFR1910.1450 Occupational exposure to
hazardous chemicals in laboratories
Labeling for secondary containers should be
the responsibility of the person who actually
fills the secondary container. In addition to
the name and hazards of the product, it is
important for that same individual to initial
and date the container.
All containers must be labeled with at least
the name and hazard class (e.g., acetone,
flammable.) Containers with unknown
contents are considered a serious safety
issue. The Principle Investigator is responsible
for all costs incurred for product analysis and
disposal of unlabeled containers. Original
manufacturer’s container labels must not be
obscured while the material is in storage or
use.

NC State generates a variety of hazardous
wastes in more than 1,500 laboratory and
shop locations
Responsible hazardous waste management
ensures the safety of facilities, the
environment and campus community
Waste containers and their closures must be
appropriate for their contents and in good
condition
All waste containers must be securely closed
when not in use

Wastes must be stored in compatible containers.

Waste containers must be:

free of damage and leak resistant
able to be closed securely (e.g., no beakers, flasks, corks, or rubber stoppers) for the product collected (e.g., no glass containers
constructed of an appropriate/compatible material for the product collected (e.g., no glass containers for hydrofluoric acid)
not overfilled (leave at least 10% free space for expansion of liquids)
kept free of exterior contamination, and
kept closed except when adding or removing material
Containers should be capped and sealed for storage or transport.

Before you begin, check if your lab needs a safety plan.
To help you get started, use the hazard assessment form (PDF 43KB) here.

General Machine Shop Hazards

Laboratory Clean Up