What should you do if you break a glass tube in the lab?

If you break a glass tube in the lab, the appropriate action is to notify your supervisor and clean up the broken glass while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This approach is critical for several reasons.

First, notifying your supervisor ensures that the incident is properly documented and that additional support or guidance can be provided, especially if the breakage poses a safety risk. Having an authority figure involved also helps ensure that the situation is handled in accordance with lab protocols.

Second, wearing PPE—such as gloves and safety goggles—protects you from potential injuries while cleaning up sharp glass shards. Glass can be very hazardous, and using bare hands increases the risk of cuts and lacerations. Proper protective gear minimizes the risk of injury and contributes to a safer working environment.

Cleaning up the broken glass is essential to prevent accidents for yourself and others in the lab. Leaving it for someone else to clean can create a hazard, and ignoring the situation not only puts you at risk but also exposes your co-workers to dangers. Therefore, taking responsibility and following appropriate safety protocols is the best practice in such situations.