10 benefits of keeping a clean and tidy lab

Nowhere is the old adage ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’ more true than in a science and research-based laboratory.

As critical as the laboratory and its resources are, the ability to operate and undertake important research-based work in a sterile environment is even more important.

A science lab must be sterile, in order to be an efficient, effective, safe and reliable environment in which to work. In an unclean environment, at the very least the data can be wrong, at the very worst, it can be dangerous to the health and safety of its users.

If you are still wondering why keeping a clean laboratory is so critical, here are 10 reasons it’s a necessity.

10 ways to keep your lab tidy

1. Store all your lab chemicals in designated cabinets rather than just dumping them all on the floor.
2. Make sure the glassware you use is always dry and clean. This should be the responsibility of the person who used them last, but never just assume that glassware left in a sink is fine to use. If it happens to be contaminated with chemicals, it could ruin the results of your next experiment.
3. Keep your lab bench spotless and make sure that there are no hazardous chemicals in the way when you start a new experiment.
4. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the lab, and with good reason – imagine if someone accidentally grabbed a bottle of chemicals instead of their soda and took a sip!
5. Clean up broken glass. Did you know that broken glass is the most common cause of injury in labs? Unfortunately, it happens far too often that glass isn’t cleaned up properly after breaking. There are designated containers in the lab where you can throw it away safely, so be sure to use them.
6. Remember to put labels on your work. On samples, make sure to write what it contains as well as your initials so everyone sharing the lab knows they belong to you.
7. By keeping your workplace clean, you are taking active steps for contamination prevention. You reduce your odds of introducing substances into your work, ensuring your results are accurate while increasing safety.
8. If you really do need to keep small bits of paper, use a noticeboard on the lab wall. Check it every day and throw old notes in the bin.
9. Clean your lab at the end of every day. If you do it every day, it will only take five minutes and you can start each new day with a clean and tidy space.
10. The lab is a reflection of the organisation you work for. An untidy lab sends out the wrong signals. A neat one leads to a cleaner, safer, healthier, happier work environment.

How Evolve can help

If you’d like to learn more about the importance of lab cleanliness,  the team of experts at Evolve can help. For more information call us on: +356 2248 9900 or email info@evolveltd.eu.

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