Lab Shield Equipment Reference Guide
NYS Education Department Standards NYCRR Part 100 • Life Science Lab
Life Science Lab Safety Equipment
Classroom Readiness Guide Page 1 of 2
NYS Safety Mandate: All equipment below must be unobstructed, clearly labeled with high-visibility signage, and inspected on a regular documented schedule prior to executing biological labs or dissections.
Category 1: Emergency Decontamination & Flush Stations
Emergency Eyewash Station
ANSI Z358.1 Compliant
15-Min Flush
- • Purpose: Flushes chemical splashes, irritants, preservatives, or biological fluids from eyes.
- • Operation: Hands-free paddle or push bar; twin continuous tepid water streams (60°F–100°F).
- • Protocol: Hold eyelids open with fingers; flush continuously for a full 15 minutes.
Path: ≤ 10 seconds unobstructed Weekly flush test
Emergency Full-Body Shower
Deluge Overhead Unit
≥ 20 GPM
- • Purpose: Total body decontamination for massive chemical spills or burning clothing.
- • Operation: Heavy-duty overhead pull chain/triangle ring with stay-open ball valve.
- • Protocol: Pull lever immediately; remove contaminated clothing while under running water.
Clearance: 36" around floor Annual inspection tag
Category 2: Thermal & Fire Response Equipment
Fire Blanket & Quick-Drop Case
100% Wool / Fire-Retardant
Wall Mount
- • Purpose: Smothers clothing flames; provides thermal barrier for burn/shock victims.
- • Operation: Pull rapid-release hanging straps downward; wrap victim neck-to-feet.
- • Protocol: "Stop, Drop, and Roll" assisted by wrapping blanket; never wrap head tightly.
Case: Quick-release drop Check for tears/damage
ABC Dry Chemical Extinguisher
Multi-Class Rated
P.A.S.S.
- • Class A: Paper, wood, biological specimens, textiles.
- • Class B: Alcohols, acetone, solvents, flammable reagents.
- • Class C: Microscope lamps, incubators, hotplates, wiring.
Gauge: Needle in green zone Certified inspection pin
Category 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Stations
Goggles & UV Sanitizing Cabinet
ANSI Z87.1 D3 Splash Rated
Mandatory
Indirect-vented chemical splash goggles seal completely against skin. NYS requires UV germicidal sterilization cabinet (15-min cycle) between class lab periods.
Aprons, Nitrile Gloves & Sinks
Barrier & Hygiene Gear
Non-Latex
Heavy chemical-resistant vinyl aprons and non-latex nitrile gloves (size S, M, L, XL) for dissections/staining. Dedicated soap & single-use paper towel handwashing sinks.
10-Second Rule: Eyewash and safety shower must be reached within 10 seconds along an unblocked path.
Continued on Page 2 →
Part II: Containment & Protocols Waste, Controls & Compliance
Waste Disposal & Facility Engineering
Life Science Standards Page 2 of 2
Category 4: Waste Containers & Containment
Sharps Disposal Container
Rigid Red Box
Puncture-resistant, leak-proof container for scalpel blades, dissecting pins, razor blades, and hypodermic needles. Never overfill beyond the 3/4 fill line.
Broken Glass Disposal Box
Heavy Cardboard
Dedicated lined box exclusively for broken test tubes, beakers, microscope slides, and cover slips. Must include dustpan and broom (never use bare hands).
Biohazard Waste & Bags
Autoclavable
Pedal-operated biohazard bin lined with certified red/orange autoclavable bags for bacterial swab cultures, Petri plates, cheek cell swabs, and biological waste.
Chemical Spill Response Kit
Acid/Base Kits
Contains neutralizers for acids (sodium bicarbonate) and bases (citric acid), inert absorbent pillows/vermiculite, disposal bags, and non-sparking scoop.
Category 5: Facility Engineering & Safety Documentation
Chemical Fume Hood
100 FPM Flow
Local exhaust ventilation for working with volatile stains (Lugol's iodine, ethanol), preserved dissection specimens (formalin vapors), or chemical reactions.
Master Utility Shut-Offs
Quick-Kill Button
Dedicated master gas valve and emergency electrical power kill switches. Must be prominently marked, accessible to instructor, and clear of all obstructions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Binder
16-Section OSHA
Yellow high-visibility binder or active terminal with indexed Safety Data Sheets for every biological stain, reagent, fixative, and chemical stored in the lab.
School First Aid & Burn Kit
District Stocked
Stocked according to district medical policy: sterile gauze pads, adhesive bandages, burn gel dressing, antiseptic wipes, cold packs, and emergency contact numbers.
Classroom Safety Equipment Location & Inspection Log
Room: _________ | Instructor: ______________________
| Required Equipment Item | Specific Room Location | Status / Tag | Verified By / Date |
|---|
| 1. Emergency Eyewash Station | | [ ] Pass [ ] Fail | |
| 2. Emergency Deluge Shower | | [ ] Pass [ ] Fail | |
| 3. Fire Blanket in Wall Case | | [ ] Pass [ ] Fail | |
| 4. ABC Fire Extinguisher | | [ ] Pass [ ] Fail | |
| 5. UV Goggle Sanitizer Cabinet | | [ ] Pass [ ] Fail | |
| 6. Sharps & Broken Glass Boxes | | [ ] Pass [ ] Fail | |
| 7. Master Gas & Power Shut-Off | | [ ] Pass [ ] Fail | |
Complies with NYSED Science Safety Guidelines & OSHA Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450.
NYS Life Science Reference Guide
