Protective and Emergency Equipment

1. Safety glasses of an approved type MUST be wom by all persons in all laboratories at all times. Light-weight "visitors' shields" are acceptable only for laboratory visitors, but are not suitable for routine laboratory work.

• For general laboratory work, the glasses should have shatterproof safety lenses. Most prescription glasses are constructed with safety lenses. However, side shields afford added protection and should be considered a necessary feature of acceptable safety glasses.

• For work with hazardous materials, such as strong acids and alkalis or other corrosives, face shields or wrap-around, ventilated goggles with safety lenses should be used.

• When possible, entire experimental set-ups (e.g., a bench-top distillation apparatus) should be enclosed within a Plexiglas shield.

2. Proper protective clothing should be worn at all times whenever handling potentially hazardous chemicals.

3. Exposed skin on arms, legs, and feet is particularly susceptible to injury by spattering of hot, caustic, or flammable liquids.

• Shorts and sleeveless garments are generally not suitable laboratory attire, unless covered by a laboratory apron or coat.

• Sandals and open-toed shoes are similarly inadvisable. Bare feet are never allowed in a laboratory.

B. Safety Showers

1. The 3 ft. x 3 ft. floor area beneath each safety shower must be kept clear of equipment and other obstructions at all times.

2. Safety showers should be tested only by qualified personnel. Articles of clothing (e.g., coats, jackets, sweaters, etc.) or other objects must not be hung from safety showers.

C. Fire Extinguishers

1. Each person that works in a laboratory should know the location and method of use of each fire extinguisher. The department will arrange for demonstrations of proper fire extinguisher usage, as needed.

2. Articles of clothing (coats, jackets, sweaters, etc.) or other objects should never be hung on fire extinguishers.

3. Each use of a fire extinguisher, no matter how brief, should be reported to the Business Office, Room 119 (5-3335).

4. Fire extinguishers should be tested only by qualified personnel.

D. Emergency Procedures

1. For the benefit of maintenance and emergency personnel, a sign bearing the name(s) and telephone number(s) of laboratory personnel to be contacted in the event of an emergency must be posted outside of each laboratory.

2. A description of emergency shutdown procedures for major laboratory instruments and equipment should be posted, if necessary, outside the entrance to each laboratory.

3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) for each laboratory should be accessible at all times to laboratory personnel, either in printed form or via ready access to on-line versions . MSDS's are accessible via the departmental website .

4. All occupants of each laboratory should know the location(s) of the nearest building exit(s), and should familiarize themselves with alternative building evacuation routes.