We are committed to providing a safe laboratory environment for our students, faculty and staff. We provide ongoing safety training and maintain an updated laboratory safety procedures manual to help ensure a safe environment.
The manual includes emergency contact information and procedures for severe weather, medical emergencies, fires, accidents and building evacuations. It also includes building evacuation route maps and safety equipment locator maps.
We provide annual fire extinguisher training, which is required for all teaching and research assistants. We also offer First Aid and CPR certification through Environmental Health and Safety. In conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, we provide training in laser safety, biosafety, waste storage and removal and chemical storage.
All instructional laboratory students receive the personal protective equipment required for their labs. Students also receive training on laboratory safety equipment, including safety phones, eyewash stations, fire blankets and safety showers.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all chemicals used in the department. First aid kits are also available in most instructional laboratories.
Safety Rules
As employees of the Department of Physics, all personnel must follow these general safety rules to reduce the risk of accidents in the laboratory. Following these rules and procedures will improve the overall safety of your laboratory.
General Procedures
- Plan all laboratory activities carefully. Practice experiments and demonstrations beforehand, and make sure you thoroughly understand the science and procedures before performing a laboratory activity for the first time. Never perform a demonstration for the first time in front of a class. Evaluate the safety of each demonstration, identify key areas where an accident could occur, and practice beforehand.
- Establish and enforce basic safety rules for all students. Explain the rules to students, review them frequently and enforce them consistently. Demand compliance.
- Secure the laboratory when leaving. When leaving the laboratory, even for a short period, make sure preparation areas and laboratory doors are locked. Make every effort to prevent theft.
- Know how to use master utility controls. Be familiar with the location and operation of controls used to shut off gas, electrical and water supplies.
- Use electrical equipment safely. Do not operate electrical equipment with wet hands.
Chemical Usage
- Review the properties and hazards of all chemicals before use. Read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and all applicable warnings before using chemicals in the laboratory.
- Reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. Avoid contact between chemicals and your eyes or skin. Pay particular attention to respiratory irritants and inhalation hazards, where immediate effects may not be obvious.
- Do not underestimate chemical hazards and risks. Few chemicals are without potential hazards. Even when a chemical has no known hazards, keep exposure to a minimum.
- Read all chemical labels before use.
- Develop good chemical hygiene practices and habits. Never eat in the laboratory or drink from laboratory glassware. Always wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.
- Restrict access to the chemical storeroom. Only authorized personnel should be allowed in the chemical storeroom. Keep the door locked at all times.
Safety Equipment
- Wear appropriate eye protection at all times. Follow the school's goggle policy. A simple policy is most effective: goggles must be worn whenever chemicals, heat or glassware are used in the laboratory.
- Train students and employees to use all laboratory safety equipment. This includes eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. Show everyone where safety devices are located so they can be quickly found and used in an emergency.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. This is especially important when working in the laboratory.
Emergencies and Accidents
- Know appropriate emergency procedures. Be familiar with procedures for responding to chemical spills, fires, injuries and power failures.
- Know and understand the first aid policy. If an accident occurs and you do not know what to do, call 911 without hesitation.
- Know where to find emergency communication equipment. Know the location of a telephone or other means of emergency communication.
- Keep evacuation routes clear. Do not block fire exits. Keep all aisles clear, and know an alternative evacuation route in case your primary route becomes blocked.
- Practice your emergency plans.
- Report accidents. When time allows after an accident, complete an accident report describing the event in detail.