Policy Text
Identification Bureau Page 1 of 2 5/05.2 (NEW 1/07)
Evidence Lab Safety Procedures
The purpose of this Order is to e stablish guidelines for safe w ork practices for personnel
working in the Evidence Lab. I. General
Many chemicals are used in the Evidence Lab. These chemicals c an be
hazardous and precautions must be used. Failure to follow prop er safety
practices and use proper safety equipment may result in overexp osure to these
chemicals causing seri ous injury or death.
Food and drink are not permitted in the evidence processing are as.
A. The Identification Tec hnician will demonstrate:
1. Knowledge of safe work practic es and the procedures necessar y
for the safe handling of pot entially dangerous materials
2. The desire for self-protecti on and the protection of co-work ers by
following safety guidelines.
3. Knowledge of the Material Saf ety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the safe
use of chemicals and products u sed in the Evidence Lab.
II. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
A. Gloves
1. The appropriate type of gloves must be worn at all times whe n
handling evidence.
a. Latex or vinyl gloves are w orn when workin g with potentially
infectious materials. Latex o r vinyl gloves do not provide
protection from solvents such as acetone, methanol, ethanol
or petroleum ether.
b. Chemical Resistant glove s made of butyl rubber, neoprene
or nitrile are worn when processing chemicals.
Identification Bureau Page 2 of 2 5/05.2 (NEW 1/07) c. Latex, vinyl or cotton gloves are worn when working with an
alternate light source such as those in the ultraviolet
wavelength ranges.
(1) Cotton gloves should no t be worn while using an
alternate light source in co mbination with dye stains.
Chemical Resistant gloves are used in these cases.
B. Respiratory Protection
1. Face masks (particulate masks) are worn when working with la tent
print powders to protect the nose, throat and lungs.
C. Eye Protection
1. Eye protection is worn where there is a possibility of expos ure to
dried blood particles and/or chemicals.
2. Goggles equipped with appropria te barrier filters are worn w hen
working with lasers, alternate light sources or ultraviolet lam ps.
D. Clothing E. Laboratory coats are worn wh ile working in the Evidence Lab or while
processing any evidence.
References:
Safety Guidelines – Internati onal Association for Identificati on
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)