These Laboratory Guidelines are established by the Centre for Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology (CPTCB) to ensure safe, ethical, and responsible conduct of laboratory-based academic, training, and research activities. The guidelines apply to all students, trainees, researchers, staff, and visitors accessing CPTCB laboratory facilities.

Laboratory facilities of CPTCB shall be used strictly for approved academic, educational, training, and research purposes only. Any commercial, personal, or unauthorized use of laboratory space, equipment, materials, or data is strictly prohibited.

All individuals shall comply with applicable laboratory safety regulations, institutional protocols, biosafety norms, chemical safety standards, and environmental guidelines prescribed by CPTCB and relevant statutory authorities.

Access to laboratory premises is permitted only to authorized individuals and strictly under approved supervision. Entry without prior permission or presence of an assigned supervisor or authorized personnel is prohibited.

Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including laboratory coats, gloves, masks, eye protection, and closed footwear, is mandatory at all times within laboratory areas. Failure to use PPE may result in immediate removal from the laboratory.

All biological samples, chemicals, reagents, instruments, and equipment shall be handled strictly in accordance with approved standard operating procedures. Unauthorized experimentation, modification of protocols, or misuse of equipment is prohibited.

Collection, labeling, storage, transport, and disposal of samples shall follow CPTCB-approved protocols. Disposal of biological, chemical, or hazardous waste shall be carried out only through designated waste management procedures.

All research activities shall adhere to principles of academic honesty, research integrity, and ethical conduct. Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, data manipulation, or misrepresentation of research outcomes is strictly prohibited.

Research data, laboratory records, reports, and intellectual property generated within CPTCB shall be treated as confidential unless otherwise authorized. Unauthorized copying, disclosure, or distribution of data or materials is prohibited.

The following acts are strictly prohibited within CPTCB laboratory premises:

• Unsafe or negligent behavior
• Unauthorized access to restricted areas
• Removal of samples, reagents, or equipment without permission
• Tampering with laboratory records or instruments
• Any activity that may compromise safety, data integrity, or institutional reputation

All accidents, injuries, equipment malfunctions, spills, or safety incidents shall be reported immediately to the laboratory supervisor or authorized CPTCB personnel. Failure to report incidents may result in disciplinary action.

CPTCB shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, injury, or incident arising from non-compliance with laboratory guidelines, negligence, or unauthorized activities by students, trainees, or researchers.

Violation of these Laboratory Guidelines may result in disciplinary measures, including suspension or termination of laboratory access, discontinuation of training or research activities, and reporting to the concerned academic institution, as applicable.

CPTCB reserves the right to amend, modify, or update these Laboratory Guidelines at any time without prior notice. Continued use of laboratory facilities shall constitute acceptance of the revised guidelines.