Student Lab Safety Contract

printable version (.docx) (.pdf)

 

 

Lab Safety Contract

 

Print Name                                                                                  

 

Course                                  Section                                           

 

This safety contract states the lab-safety rules that are to be followed by everyone in order to ensure the safety of the work place for everyone (TA’s, students, faculty and staff).  Two copies are provided that are to be completed and signed by each student: one should be returned to your TA, and the other retained by the student for use as a guide.  The latter should be present in the lab-notebook at all times.

 

GENERAL RULES

1. Pre-lab assignments are to be completed prior to entering the laboratory. Read all experimental procedures in the lab-manual thoroughly before entering the laboratory.
2. Do not attempt lab work if you are on any medication that could interfere with your ability to function safely in the lab.
3. Consumption of any type of food/drink (beverages, chewing gum, tobacco, etc.) or application and/or use of cosmetics (lip balm, gloss etc.) in the laboratory is prohibited.
4. Hands and pens/pencils are to be kept away from face, eyes, and mouth while using chemicals or equipment. Hands are to be washed with soap and water after performing all experiments, especially before going to the restroom or leaving the lab for any reason.
5. Use of cell phones, radios, MP3 players, and/or headphones is not allowed in lab. Store these with your other personal items in designated areas.
6. Students are required to practice disciplined and responsible conduct at all times when present in the laboratory. Playing around in the laboratory, sitting or leaning on the lab benches, and disorderly behavior are not permitted. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times when in the lab.
7. All written and verbal instructions are to be followed carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask your TA (or other supervising figure) to clarify it before proceeding.
8. Students must be supervised at all times while in lab.
9. Only experiments that are authorized by the course instructor and supervised by your TA may be performed.
10. Each student may only execute experiments in the work space designated to them, and must personally monitor their experiments while they are in progress. Do not move the equipment/glassware for personal preference.
11. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times.  Bring only your lab manual, lab book, and other necessary materials to the work area.  All backpacks, coats, and other personal items must be stored away from benches, fume hoods, and all chemicals, and out of aisles.  Keep aisles clear.
12. All work surfaces and apparatus are to be cleaned by the student at the end of each experiment. All equipment/glassware must be cleaned, inventoried and returned (clean and in working order) to its proper location when you are done.  Broken or missing items must be replaced through the stockroom.
13. Chemicals and equipment are NOT to leave the laboratory unless their removal has been authorized by the supervising authority.
14. All chemical wastes must be properly disposed of. This includes checking the waste container before any chemicals are added to ensure it has an appropriate label.  Waste containers are not to be over filled.  Notify the supervisor if the container is full.
15. Fume hood sashes are to be closed when not in use. Fume hood sashes are not to be opened beyond the 18’’ mark when in use.  Never stick your head into the fume hood.  Never leave objects in the front or back 6” of fume hood.
16. Sinks are to be used only for water and solutions that are permitted by your TA. Mixing of chemicals in sinks is not allowed.  Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in their proper waste containers, not in the sink.

 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

1. Approved chemical splash goggles must be worn at all times when in the lab. The goggles must seal around the face and have no open holes, no exceptions.
2. Contact lenses should be replaced with prescription glasses.
3. Avoid or minimize wearing apparel with synthetic fibers.
4. Dress properly for lab. Clothing must cover all parts of the body between shoulders and toes.  Lab coats are required for any experiment using hazardous materials.
   1. NO bare midriffs or ankles
   2. NO tank tops or low-cut tops
   3. NO shorts, skirts, or cropped pants
   4. SHOES must be closed-toed and completely cover the entire foot. NO sandals.
5. Long hair, hanging items (jewelry, hoodie strings etc.), and loose or baggy clothes must be secured.
6. Gloves are available for use when needed and must be removed before leaving lab. Do not handle personal items such as pens with the gloves on.

HANDLING CHEMICALS

1. All chemicals in the lab are to be considered dangerous and used with caution. Chemicals are not to be touched or tasted.  If needed, chemicals may only be smelled via the “wafting” method and only after this method has been demonstrated to you by your TA.
2. Labels on the reagent/chemical bottles must be checked thoroughly prior to use or transfer. Only the directed amount should be used or transferred.  Unused chemicals must not be returned to their original container.  All chemicals must be properly disposed of in the appropriate waste container.
3. All reagent bottles and waste containers must be capped when not in use. Reagent bottles must not be removed from their designated dispensing areas.
4. Flammable solvents must not be used anywhere near a flame.
5. Acids must be handled with care and as directed by your TA. Dilute acids by adding add acid to water, not water to acid.
6. Acids and other chemicals must be properly secured in a secondary container prior to transport from one part of the lab to another.
7. Your TA (or other supervising figure) must be promptly notified of any spills. Clean-up of small spills should be performed immediately as directed by the supervising authority.

 

HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT

1. Use the dust pan and broom provided to clean up any broken glass; never handle it with your bare hands. Place all broken glass in the container designated for this purpose (it will be labelled either “Glass and Sharps” or “Broken Glass”).  Replace all broken glassware with a new piece from the stockroom.
2. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware. Encountering chipped or cracked glassware notify TA if it’s appropriate to dispose of in glass waste.  Never use dirty glassware.
3. Fill wash bottles ONLY with deionized water and use it only as intended, e.g., rinsing glassware and equipment, or adding water to a container.
4. Unplug hotplates when they are not in use.
5. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching the plug or switch.
6. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections.  Do not use damaged electrical equipment.
7. Do not use a piece of equipment until its proper use is demonstrated by your TA.

 

ACCIDENTS and INJURIES

1. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to your TA immediately, no matter how trivial the accident or injury may seem.
2. Report fires to your TA immediately.
3. If a chemical splashes in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20 minutes. Notify your TA immediately.
4. Know the location of the following safety equipment:
   1. Fire extinguisher
   2. Safety shower
   3. Eye wash
   4. First aid kit
   5. Chemical spill kit

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of a fire alarm (a continuous sounding bell) while you are working in the laboratory, immediately turn off any Bunsen burners or hotplates you are using and leave the building by the shortest route as designated by your TA.  DO NOT use the elevators.  Proceed to the appropriate meeting site with your TA; these sites will be posted in your lab room.  You must remain with your TA until you have been dismissed by supervising personnel.

In the event of a serious injury or someone becomes ill, immediately turn off any burners or hotplates and evacuate to the hallway until supervising personnel give you additional instructions.  DO NOT leave until you have been dismissed by supervising personnel.

I have read and agree to the safety rules set forth in the chemistry lab safety contract.  I realize that I must obey these rules in order to insure my own safety, as well as the safety of others.  I am aware that any violations of the contract can result in the removal from the laboratory and loss of credit for the experiment.  I also understand that I can be held financially responsible for the laboratory equipment used in this course if I break or destroy an item due to carelessness, neglect, or misuse.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                          

Signature                                                                                     Printed Name