Laboratory Safety

General Lab Safety Rules for Instructors and Students

• Familiarize yourself with your lab and the people that share it.
• Familiarize yourself with the exits and the routes to them.
• Know where telephones, fire extinguishers and first aid kits are around your work area.
• Read the safety labels on all equipment in the lab, including the fire extinguisher.
• Review the differences between extinguishing electrical fires and those used for paper or wood or other substances.
• Check all plugs and cords for wear damage prior to use.
• Identify person(s) who have had CPR training in your class.

Student Safety Responsibilities

• Inform your instructor and other students of any special medical or health conditions or needs you may have and if you have a doctor that must be informed in the event of a medical emergency.
• You are responsible for the proper use of all equipment that you use.
• No student is permitted in the lab alone at any time. The student must be accompanied at all times by a laboratory partner and/or the laboratory instructor.
• Ask questions and request clarification to ensure understanding about the proper use of all equipment.
• Report equipment malfunction immediately to the instructor.
• Immediately report all dangerous conditions (stripped 110V AC lines; sparks in laboratory equipment; loose wall socket; etc.) to your laboratory instructor.
• Use proper lifting techniques for heavy objects - lift with legs and arms, keeping the back straight. Do not attempt to lift anything weighing more than 40 lbs. without assistance.
• Pick up pencils, pens, wires and other objects on the floor that may cause someone to trip.
• Close drawers.
• Wipe up spills.
• Stay alert and on the lookout for any condition that might pose a health and/or safety threat. Report any such condition to the instructor.
• Keep food and liquids away from your lab station.
• Unless under direct instructor supervision, never place an instrument lead into direct contact with 110V AC line voltage.
• Report any worn, frayed, broken, or missing equipment to the instructor.
• Untangle the test leads of your bench instruments before leaving.
• Any student who knowingly imposes a dangerous electrical situation on himself/herself, other students or the lab instructor (e.g., stripping 110V lines; electrocuting himself/herself or other students, etc.) will be denied access to the laboratory.

Maintained by John Loomis, last updated 1 January 2009