We aim to nurture a strong safety culture within this community. Be on the lookout for potential hazards and safer ways to work. If you see any dangerous activities or hazards in your work environment, please inform the laboratory supervisor so that they can be corrected. Contact a Laboratory Supervisor if you have any questions.
Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements:
- All users must wear closed-toe shoes in the laboratory
- When working with dyes or any other approved chemicals in the lab, review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that substance. PPE must be worn as listed in section 8 of the SDS (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection).
- Laser safety glasses/goggles must be worn in room 1074A (Advanced Measurements Laboratory) when a laser is in use. Protective wavelength(s) of the laser eyeware must include the emission wavelength(s) of the laser.
- Safety glasses/goggles must be worn when striking objects with a hammer, using a drill, or under any circumstances where there is potential for flying debris.
- Lab coats are recommended to keep clothing clean when working with dyes or other circumstances in which clothing may become soiled.
- Notify a Laboratory Supervisor if PPE are missing or if other items are needed.
- Areas of the laboratory may contain dye residues or otherwise soiled surfaces. In case of accidental contact, it is suggested to wear clothes that can get dirty.
The following items and practices are not permitted in the laboratory:
- Working alone is not permitted in the Advanced Measurements Laboratory (room 1074A). At least one additional authorized laboratory user must be present at all times when working in the lab. Students working alone in the Fluids Workshop (room 1074) may not use tools or equipment that pose physical hazards.
- Admitting unauthorized individuals into the lab is not permitted. Make sure the door closes securely behind you.
- Open food and drink are not permitted
- Wearing headphones is not permitted
- Removal of laboratory materials, computers, instruments, and other equipment from the laboratory is not permitted unless permission is granted by a Laboratory Supervisor.
- Introduction of new chemicals to the laboratory is not permitted unless permission is granted by a Laboratory Supervisor.
You must do the following things when working in the laboratory:
- Immediately report accidents or equipment damage to a Laboratory Supervisor.
- Clean up spills immediately, and leave your workspace free of equipment, debris, or residue.
- Avoid use of extension cords if possible. If they are necessary, unplug them when not actively using them.
- Review and understand Safety Data Sheets for any chemicals you use, prior to using them.
- Clean and return tools, instruments, computers, glassware, and materials to their storage locations after use.
- Receive training on equipment from a Laboratory Supervisor or a trained student before using that equipment. This is for your safety and to avoid equipment damage.
- Clearly label any chemicals stored in secondary containers with a UI chemical label.
- Take responsibility for keeping the lab tidy, organized, and safe!