Laboratory safety is a concern to scientific personnel conducting research or safety testing, laboratory directors responsible for institutional liability for employees, and to individuals working or residing near the laboratory. A strategy for safe laboratory operations requires an understanding of industrial hygiene, engineering, and the regulations associated with the use of hazardous chemicals. This review describes many of the basic principles involved in laboratory safety. It provides general information on the use of personal protective equipment, selection of laboratory safety equipment, laboratory design, disposal of hazardous waste, and the regulations and guidelines affecting laboratory operations.