What Is a Laboratory Attendant?

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A laboratory attendant has one of the most difficult and hectic jobs in a lab. She's responsible for
the safety and security of all people and equipment, must be aware of what's going on at all times
and must be prepared to help superiors in any way they ask. Most responsibilities of an attendant
can be chalked up to common sense. However, this position in a laboratory is a steppingstone
that all students must take if they want to achieve a career in science.

Keeps Inventory

A lab attendant keeps Inventories of chemicals, biochemicals and all organisms. The
laboratory must be kept organized, and it's the job of an attendant to ensure it remains
that way.

Provides Assistance

A laboratory assistant assists technical, academic and regular staff when necessary. This
can include a variety of tasks, from carrying materials to assisting with an experiment.

Ensures Cleanliness

The assistant ensures that laboratories and equipment are kept clean. Duties can include
mopping, sweeping and wiping down equipment.

Disposal

Disposing of chemical and biological waste is a major concern in a modern laboratory. As

an attendant, it's your job to properly label and execute the disposal of waste.

Laboratory Assistant and Laboratory Attendants have separates duties and responsibilities in any
scientific laboratories which are explained as below:
Duties and responsibility of Laboratory Assistant:

 Analysis of various samples assigned to him by his senior.

Maintenance of laboratory equipments and various chemicals in the laboratory.
Preparing and maintaining of records of analysis report.
Any other related works in the laboratory assigned to him.
Duties and responsibilities of Laboratory Attendants:
To assist Laboratory Assistant in day to day work in laboratory.
Up keeping of laboratory equipments through regular cleaning and maintenance.
Any other work assigned to him by his superiors.

1. Working alone in the laboratory is strictly forbidden. Students may work in instructional
laboratories only during regularly scheduled times and then only when supervised by an
authorized Teaching Assistant or a member of the faculty.
2. Approved safety goggles must be worn at all times when in a laboratory. You are
responsible for bringing your own pair of approved goggles to lab each week.
3. Students may only perform authorized experiments and then only at the assigned time.
4. Open flames (burners, matches, etc.) are not permitted.
5. Use every precaution to keep all chemicals off your skin and clothing, out of your nose,
mouth and eyes, and away from flames. It is strictly forbidden to eat or drink anything
(including water) in the laboratory.
6. Long hair and billowy clothing must be confined when in the laboratory. Shoes are
mandatory; sandals or open-toed shoes are not allowed, even if socks are worn. Shorts and skirts
must cover the knees.
7. All laboratory workers must know the location and proper use of all laboratory safety
equipment, including eyewash, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and telephone. You will be
expected to locate all safety equipment during the first week's lab.
8. You should know how to exit the lab via two different exits, in the event of an emergency.
9. All accidents, including contact with chemicals, cuts, burns, or inhalation of fumes must be
reported to an instructor immediately. Any treatment beyond emergency first aid will be
referred to the student infirmary. Severe emergencies will be referred to the Hospital emergency

room.
10. It is your responsibility to read and abide by the "Laboratory Safety" section of the lab
manual and to keep it with you in the laboratory. Any other safety handouts or special
precautions mentioned during lab lecture must be scrupulously observed.
11. Laboratory equipment and work area must be cleaned after finishing work each week.
12. Failure to observe laboratory safety rules and
Personal and General laboratory safety
1. Never eat, drink, or smoke while working in the laboratory.
2. Read labels carefully.
3. Do not use any equipment unless you are trained and approved as a user by your supervisor.
4. Wear safety glasses or face shields when working with hazardous materials and/or equipment.
5. Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent.
6. Clothing: When handling dangerous substances, wear gloves, laboratory coats, and safety shield or glasses.
Shorts and sandals should not be worn in the lab at any time. Shoes are required when working in the
machine shops.

7. If you have long hair or loose clothes, make sure it is tied back or confined.
8. Keep the work area clear of all materials except those needed for your work. Coats should be hung in the
hall or placed in a locker. Extra books, purses, etc. should be kept away from equipment, that requires air
flow or ventilation to prevent overheating.

9. Disposal - Students are responsible for the proper disposal of used material if any in appropriate containers.
10. Equipment Failure - If a piece of equipment fails while being used, report it immediately to your lab
assistant or tutor. Never try to fix the problem yourself because you could harm yourself and others.

11. If leaving a lab unattended, turn off all ignition sources and lock the doors.
12. Never pipette anything by mouth.
13. Clean up your work area before leaving.
14. Wash hands before leaving the lab and before eating.

Always...

Never...

Wear Safety Glasses

Wear a Buttoned Up Lab Coat
Tie Back Long Hair
Wear Gloves if Necessary
Be Aware of the Risks and Hazards
Involved in Any Experiment
Use a Fume Cupboard if Necessary
Minimise Risks By Working Tidily
Clear Up Spillages Immediately
Clear Up at the End of a Practical

Work Alone or Unsupervised

Eat of Drink in the Laboratory
Touch, Sniff or Taste Chemicals
Wear Open Toed Shoes or Sandals in the
Laboratory
Pipiette Liquids By Mouth
Dispose of Hazardous Materials Down
the Drain
Return Unused Chemicals to Their
Containers