Department Lab Safety Plan

Laboratory Instructors and Project Supervisors shall include the appropriate laboratory safety plan in their class syllabi, and shall instruct their students in laboratory Safety procedures.

The following categories of general safety related information are presented to alert the student to the safe and efficient use of the College of Engineering classrooms and laboratories. The listing provided below is not meant to be all inclusive of safety rules and procedures, but its intent is to emphasize the importance of safe practices when conducting experiments, operating equipment, and so on. Each individual is responsible ultimately for his/her own safety and the safety of others. Please conduct your actions in a safe manner and also alert others whenever you see a dangerous or hazardous situation developing.

Personal Safety – Dress and Safety Equipment/Instruments

• Always use appropriate safety apparel and equipment
• No loose clothing or jewelry around operating equipment
• Wear safety goggles when operating equipment or mixing chemicals
• Do not wear open toe shoes or sandal in operating laboratories
• Use head protection where danger of falling objects or electrical shock is present

Classroom-Laboratory Behavior

• Do not engage in horseplay or unsafe activities
• Always report injuries (even if slight) to Instructor or Lab Technician
• Always have someone accompany injured individuals to the Health Center
• Do not operate equipment or carry on experiments unless the instructor is present in the classroom or laboratory
• Trial and error is not the way to learn equipment operation
• Warn others of recognized hazards and dangerous conditions before accidents occur
• Inform Instructor or Lab Technician of recognized hazards, dangerous conditions, malfunctioning equipment and instruments

Working with Chemicals

• Review Chemical Inventory
• Be familiar with contents of Material Safety Data Sheets
• Utilize safe practices when mixing and using chemicals
• Be aware of possible chemical interaction upon use
• Prevent the use of chemicals in a hazardous manner
• Become familiar with first aid procedures
• Use protective eye, hand, and body devices and equipment

Operating Equipment

• Must receive instructions on proper equipment use before operating any equipment
• Read and understand Code of Safe Practices for equipment operation
• Do not leave equipment unattended while in the on (operating) condition
• Observe zone of safety around all equipment
• Do not talk with or distract equipment operator while equipment is turned on
• Do not use defective equipment-Notify Instructor or Lab Technician immediately
• If equipment malfunctions, move out of harms way, then turn off equipment, only if this can be accomplished in a safe manner
• Make sure that movable (rolling) equipment is properly stored
• Tag all disable broken, unguarded, or otherwise dangerous equipment or furniture

Laboratory/Classroom Facilities

• Locate and read Cal/OSHA "Safety and Health Protection on the Job"
• Locate and read emergency egress plans for Room/Building (Evacuation Routes)
• Determine the location of room exits (Marked and Illuminated) and Fire Alarm Pull Boxes
• Locate First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher, Telephone (Emergency numbers posted)
• Keep room clean of clutter and debris with unobstructed exits
• Determine the location and operation of Emergency Shut Offs
• Use only electrical outlets, appliances, and equipment which are GFCI protected
• Make sure extension cords are in good condition (no broken insulation or missing ground prongs)
• Shelves, file cabinets, bookcases, and furniture more than five feet tall shall be adequately secured to prevent tipping or falling
• Make sure that work areas are properly ventilated, illuminated, and free of debris and hazards
• Storage areas shall be kept well organized, orderly, and sanitary
• Work surfaces and floors must be kept dry and slip resistant
• Chair use requires all legs on the ground to prevent tipping