Laboratory Safety
Each User is responsible for laboratory safety. All rules and policies must be adhered to at all times during the laboratory. The laboratory staff has complete authority to enforce general rules for laboratory safety and to impose any other rules for specific labs to insure safe practices. A reminder of general rules:
- Approved safety goggles and Lab Coats must be worn at all times in the Sample Prep laboratory.
- Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times.
- Appropriate gloves must be worn when working with hazardous or potentially hazardous materials. Gloves for adding, removing, or changing samples. Other personal protection equipment must used for specific hazards.
- All gloves and other personal protection equipment must be removed when exiting the lab. Wash your hands thoroughly after removing gloves.
- Absolutely no foods, drink, gum or tobacco chewing, or smoking allowed in the lab. Avoid dangling hair, jewelry, and clothes when in the lab.
- Know the location of, and how to operate, the nearest eyewash fountain, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire alarm box. Lab doors should be closed at all times.
- Report any accidents, injuries, fires, explosions or spills immediately to the lab staff.
- In the event of a fire alarm, evacuate immediately to the designated area.
- Horseplay and carelessness are not permitted. Keep your work area clean and organized.
- Perform only authorized experiments.
- Do not use equipment unless you have received proper instruction.
- Do not underestimate risk. Treat all chemicals and materials as hazardous unless you are absolutely certain they are not.
Chemicals
- All chemical storage containers must be properly labeled. Never use a chemical from an unlabeled bottle.
- Acutely hazardous materials cannot be used in this laboratory
- All hazardous waste must be disposed of into designated containers and return to the user’s lab. Nothing should be disposed of in the sink or in general garbage. The IMF does not dispose of your chemicals for you. you are responsible for knowing how to use, store and dispose of the chemicals
- All procedures with hazardous or noxious fumes should be done in the fume hood. Never taste or smell any chemical.
- You must carry an MSDS sheet of any chemical brought into the facility.
