Lab Safety and General Rules

Safety in the Undergraduate Laboratories is our primary concern. The following rules must be obeyed at all times. Instructors are required to enforce these rules without exception. Failure to observe these rules may result in your removal from the laboratory.

Injuries

Your instructor must be notified immediately of all injuries and incidents, including burns, cuts, and chemical exposure.

Lab Rules

• Students are not allowed in the lab without their instructor present.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn in the lab at all times.

o PPE consists of Authorized goggles, apron or lab coat, & protective gloves

o PPE must be removed before exiting the lab

• Closed-top shoes must be worn in the lab at all times. Open-toed shoes, ballet-style slippers, and sandals are not permitted.

• Long hair must be tied back.

• Head phones are not permitted in the lab. Remain alert at all times.

• Eating, drinking, gum chewing and use of tobacco is not permitted in the lab.

• Only authorized experiments are allowed to be performed in the lab.

• Unauthorized personnel are not allowed in the lab. Visitors must be authorized by the instructor and the Director of Laboratories & Facilities prior to arrival.

• Never sit or stand on lab benches or counter tops.

• Report all chemical spills to your instructor.

• Handle all chemicals with caution, read the labels and follow directions carefully.

• Dispose of waste and excess material in the proper manner. All waste containers must be properly labeled. Ask an instructor if you have any questions about waste.

• Never remove chemicals from the lab.

• Always close chemical containers and return chemicals to their proper location after use.

• Clean your work area and help clean common areas before leaving the lab.