Laboratory Safety Rules

Laboratory personnel must follow the standard University laboratory rules and practices listed below.  In addition to these standard rules, individual laboratories may have their own additional safety rules based on the chemicals and operations performed in their specific laboratories.

4.1. General Safety

  • Know and follow all University laboratory safety policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Only perform approved procedures. Never perform unauthorized work.
  • Complete all required laboratory safety trainings.
  • Do not use hazardous chemicals or materials or operate equipment without proper training.
  • Never eat or drink in the laboratory.
  • Keep all work areas clean and clutter free. Clean and wipe down work areas often.
  • Keep floors clean and dry. Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals and obstructions. Stairways and hallways should not be used as storage areas.
  • Do not obstruct access to emergency equipment, utility controls, showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, or exits.
  • Avoid working alone. Follow lab specific working alone protocols if working alone is unavoidable.
  • Notify others in the laboratory when working with highly hazardous chemicals  or equipment, and only conduct this type of work during normal working hours.
  • Avoid use of headphones/earbuds and other distractions in the laboratories.
  • Wash hands before leaving the laboratory.
  • Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage before use. Do not use damaged equipment.
  • Report safety concerns to laboratory supervisors and EHSS.

 

4.2.   Hazardous Materials Safety

  • Use hazardous  materials and chemicals appropriately.
  • Do not use hazardous chemicals without:
    • Review of Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
    • Proper ventilation
    • Proper protective clothing and equipment (PPE)
  • Use hazardous materials and all laboratory equipment only as directed or for their intended purpose.
  • Store hazardous materials appropriately. Segregate chemicals by hazard class.  Do not store chemicals directly on floors and minimize chemical storage outside of chemical cabinets.
  • Keep chemical containers closed when not in use.
  • Label hazardous materials and chemical containers properly with appropriate identification information.
  • Use a fume hood for materials that present an inhalation hazard.
  • Ensure fume hood is operating and used properly.
  • Dispose of waste materials properly.  Store chemical wastes in a satellite accumulation area (SAA) and ensure waste container is properly labeled.

 

4.3.   Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE)

  • Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and closed toed shoes in the laboratory.
  • Wear lab coat, gloves and eye protection when working with hazardous materials.
  • Use additional personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) appropriate for the hazard present.
  • Inspect PPE to ensure good integrity or proper function before use.
  • Tie loose hair, secure loose clothing and jewelry while conducting experiments.
  • Remove PPE before leaving laboratory. Never touch door handles, elevator buttons, etc. with gloved hands.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratory.

 

4.4.   First Aid and Emergencies

  • Follow all emergency procedures.
  • Report laboratory incidents and emergencies to the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.
  • Report accidents, injuries, spills and fires immediately, no matter how minor.
  • Know the location of the fire extinguisher, eyewash, safety shower, and first aid station/kit.