Shared Laboratory Space Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

Working in a shared lab isn’t just about running experiments; it’s also about running a tight and collaborative workspace. Whether you’re completing coursework, conducting research, or prepping for your first internship, understanding the dos and don’ts of shared laboratory space etiquette can set you apart as a responsible and reliable peer.

Let’s break down the essential protocols to help you navigate any common area with confidence.

Label Everything Clearly

Nothing causes more confusion in a lab than an unlabeled vial or mystery container. Always use clear, consistent labels that include your name, date, and contents. This prevents mix-ups, accidental disposal, and safety risks, especially when dealing with similar-looking substances. When in doubt, label it.

Don’t Hog Shared Equipment

Everyone needs access to the same equipment, such as centrifuges, water baths, or microscopes. Be mindful of how long you use shared tools, particularly during busy lab hours. If your lab has a sign-up sheet or online calendar, use it and honor it. Don’t hold up a workflow because you overbooked or didn’t plan ahead.

Clean as You Go

Maintaining a clean communal lab space isn’t just polite—it’s critical. Wipe down your bench as you go, return equipment to its proper place, and manage your waste as it accumulates. Before you leave, take one last look to make sure nothing has been left behind.

Discard used gloves, rinse out shared glassware, and sanitize surfaces so that the next person doesn’t inherit a mess. Cleanliness is a habit worth developing early, and if you’re unsure where to start, there are resources outlining what you should know about lab disinfection. Most labs post cleaning protocols or provide guidance for various types of work, so be sure to follow the standards appropriate for your setting.

Avoid Interrupting Others

If a station looks like it’s mid-project—with labeled samples, taped-off areas, or active monitoring equipment—don’t touch anything. Even if it seems abandoned or in your way, moving someone else’s setup can ruin hours or days of work. When in doubt, leave it alone or ask the lab manager.

Respecting others’ time and process is a key part of working in shared spaces.

Obey Storage Rules

Lab storage is often limited. Avoid placing personal items in communal fridges or leaving expired samples in cold storage. Only store what’s necessary. If you’re unsure where something belongs, ask before assuming.

Cluttered storage leads to confusion and, in some cases, hazardous situations.

Adhere to Safety Protocols

Even if you’re doing something routine, safety is never optional. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), follow signage, and take precautions when handling sharps, chemicals, or biohazards. Your choices affect others, so avoid taking shortcuts.

Speak Up, Respectfully

One of the most underrated lab skills is communication. If someone has forgotten to clean up or mislabeled something, speak up. Likewise, if you’re unsure about a particular procedure or piece of equipment, ask about it. Speaking up maintains a safer, smoother lab environment for everyone. It’s the final but essential part of mastering the dos and don’ts of shared laboratory space etiquette.

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