Follow these instructions carefully and show that you are a responsible and safe learner. Show that you care by just following procedures, doing careful work and applying all safety guidelines. Do not be a Dork and horse around in the laboratory.Front Page
Page Two
The
Lab Reporter
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Advice offers an important measure of security and safety
Safety in the Science Laboratory means: 1) Proper laboratory dress. 2) Careful and safe lab technique. 3) Taking precautionary health measures. 4) Working safely with chemicals. 5) Following the rules in the Hazmat Training Program.
Each student must be responsible enough to work in a manner that will insure everyone’s safety. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Follow these instructions, and show that you care!
Laboratory Dress
Hair
Long hair can interfere with your sight and ease of movement. At times long hair can be dangerous. Tie your hair back or pin it away from your eyes.Clothes
Always check the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) section of the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for the correct dress if any.Avoid wearing clothes that may be a danger near an open flame or moving machinery. Fleecy, fuzzy, fluffly, or extremely long or full clothing can create problems for the wearer. Also, avoid wearing valuable clothing or jewelry while in laboratory. If you wish you can wear a lab smock, a lab apron, or some other protective clothing to avoid staining garments.
Eye Protection
Safety Goggles MUST be worn at all times in the laboratory area! PERIOD!Use the MSDS to Determine the Correct Dress
Just look under the PPE section of the MSDS for the particular chemical or material.Laboratory Technique
Glassware
Many lab accidents involve glassware. Observe cautions given by the lab instructor. Exercise caution when using glassware. Keep all glass away from table edges. If any glassware is broken or damaged, bring it to the attention of the lab instructor.Chemicals
Pay attention when dealing with any of the laboratory chemicals or materials. Follow the cautions given for special handling. If you have any questions, ask the lab instructor and/or read the MSDS information. Wipe up all spills immediately. Notify the lab instructor immediately of any spills involving any dangerous material. Follow the specific directions given for the disposal of lab materials.Equipment
Be careful near electrical sources. Keep instruments and liquids away from outlets. Handle hot containers with the proper technique and place the hot item on a protective pad. Report damaged equipment to the lab instructor.Biological Specimens
No creatures are to be handled without the permission of the instructor. Wash hands after contact with or handling of specimens.Lab Surfaces
Keep all surfaces neat and clean during and after lab.Precautionary Health Measures
Report
all injuries!Feel Faint?
sit down and tell instructor.Never eat in the laboratory!
Use Care
in touching your eyes, mouth, or face.Use
plenty of water on any spills on yourself. Where is the eyewash? Shower?WASH
whenever you come in contact with hazardous materials and after lab.Follow these instructions carefully and show that you are a responsible and safe learner. Show that you care by just following procedures, doing careful work and applying all safety guidelines. Do not be a Dork and horse around in the laboratory.
Our Students Questions & Answers
Students Ask
What are MSDS sheets and where do we have access to them?
MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheets. These are kept in the lab for faculty and student use. When using hazardous chemicals this information should be consulted.
Why is MSDS information so important to lab safety?
Any time a material is used, the MSDS information should be consulted. The MSDS has information pertaining to handling, storage, personal protective equipment, effects on health, and other important information needed to use the material carefully and safely. The MSDS information is required by law and with good reason. If you deal with chemicals in the workplace, make sure you have the MSDS available.
Where can I find more safety information?
The Lab Safety Guidelines and the Hazmat Training are documents that will be given to you at the beginning of the course. If you wish to view these on the internet, please see the question about information on the internet.
Is there information about safety on the internet, and how would I access it?
The following internet site may help you learn more about hazardous materials handling and other important safety concerns: http://www.ncia.net/users/joe/college/htuniv/univinfo/htmenu.html. When you are at the site, select Safety First and then select Hazardous Materials Communication Program. If you should need MSDS sheets for some chemical or product, you can find sites to visit that may give you the MSDS.
My lab partner seems to disregard the safety precautions given in the course materials and given by the lab instructor. I am concerned for my safety. What do I do?
Your lab instructor should be notified and the instructor will take appropriate steps. Unsafe practices will not be tolerated.
Why is there an eyewash in the lab?
For your protection. Learn to find the eyewash blindfolded just in case you may have to do so in earnest. Other protection found in the lab is the hood for venting and the shower in case of spills.
Know your lab and its protective devices!