The main health and safety issues for laboratory technicians are:

• Toxic, corrosive, and flammable chemical hazards.
• Exposure to compressed gases.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissues which may contain infectious agents.
• Needle-stick injuries.
• Fires from flammable materials and electronic equipment.
• Physical hazards such as radioactive materials, ultraviolet light sterilizers and lasers.
• Cryogenic (ultra-cold) materials, e.g., liquid nitrogen and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide).
• Working in awkward positions.
• Standing for long periods of time, creating risks of back and arm injuries.
• Repetitive motion injuries.
• Electrical hazards from electrical equipment and instruments.
• Slips, trips and falls from spilled liquids and congested work areas.
• Cuts and lacerations from broken glass.
• Burns and scalds from hot equipment.