Lab Safety Guidelines

These rules apply to labs, where a lab is any room where hazardous materials are in use. They also apply at all times to the stockrooms: E3010 and E3031B. Some locations or experiments may require more strict safety precautions, at the instructor’s discretion.

Attire

1. Clothes must cover from the shoulder to the knees. Very loose or flowing clothes must not be worn.
2. Shoes must be closed-toe.
3. Long hair must be confined.
4. Safety glasses or goggles, approved by the instructor, must be worn.
5. With instructor approval, students may bring additional safety gear such as gloves.

Storage Of Chemicals

1. All chemicals must be stored with the appropriate label. The label must contain (at minimum): the name of the substance, approximate concentration, and NFPA hazard label. Person preparing the solution and date it was prepared should also be included.
2. All chemicals must be stored in the proper location. Flammable material should be kept away from heat sources. Note: Fume hoods are not storage locations. Also, there are special storage locations for flammables, acids, bases, metals and oxidizing agents.
3. Chemical waste must also be stored in the appropriate location and labeled. If feasible, do not mix waste.
4. Do not remove materials from lab.

Accidents and Spills

1. Know the location of laboratory fire extinguisher, eyewash, first aid kit, broken glass container and clean up materials for spills.
2. Report all accidents, including glassware breakages, to the instructor.
3. Report all significant spills to the instructor. If you are in doubt as to whether it is significant, report it!
4. Clean all chemical spills properly and promptly. Note: Mercury spill kits are available.

General

1. Students may not perform unauthorized experiments.
2. All equipment must be used properly and safely. Do not borrow equipment from another lab station.
3. No food, chewing gum or drink can be brought into lab.
4. No horseplay.
5. Cosmetics may not be applied in lab.
6. Clean up after yourself, leaving things as you found them or better.
7. Return all materials to the proper location.
8. Wash hands before leaving lab.

Working Outside of Regular Lab Hours

1. Instructor permission is required. The instructor will notify Public Safety if student has permission to work after hours.
2. 2.Students may not work in labs alone.