Laboratory technicians work in laboratories assisting chemists and scientists. They perform chemical testing to analyse products such as chemicals, cosmetics, plastics, pharmaceuticals and paints. 

Laboratory technicians may work with potentially hazardous materials. Following proper workplace safety standards such as wearing protective clothing greatly minimises any associated risks.

Laboratory technicians use a wide range of general scientific equipment such as test tubes, volumetric flasks and pipettes, alongside specialised testing and measuring equipment, and computer-controlled machinery. They often need to wear special protective clothing such as safety glasses and laboratory coats.