Fayetteville State University Program Composed from the Department of Biological Sciences Laboratory Safety Guidelines James E. Raynor, Jr., Ph.D. August 2012

Introduction Safety is the mutual responsibility of all personnel involved at three levels: institutional, supervisory, an individual. FSU & all departments are required by law to provide necessary facilities, equipment, and safety training to instructors, laboratory personnel and students The FSU Office of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone to conduct university business. It is the duty of the instructor to ensure students understand the potential health risks while working in the teaching lab, classroom setting, and research lab. Individuals working in the laboratory are responsible for complying with all safety guidelines and ensuring the safety of themselves and others.

Before you enter the lab Plan for it. Be on time as important instructions are given at the beginning of the lab. Bring your lab manual. As of fall 2012 students will NOT be allow to copy lab materials before, during or after a lab. Read the write up for the lab making notations of any potential hazards. The Laboratory Operations Manager (Ivy Rittenhouse, LS 305, (910) 672-1054) maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of every chemical you are working with online, from the manufacturer, or in the departmental files. MSDS contains hazard identification, health hazards, first aid, firefighting measures, and miscellaneous physical data.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) PPE are accessories worn for protection/safety. As of fall 2012, all students are required to purchase safety goggles/glasses, which is part of your Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Dress casually with long pants (no shorts), shirts with sleeves (no tank tops), and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Gloves, Lab jackets or aprons may be worn if approved by instructors. Be careful not to contaminate things with your gloves. What you shouldn’t your bring to lab: any food or drink, even if it is closed in a book bag because vapors can travel through plastics. Foods and drinks should be left on a table outside the laboratory. in the laboratory!

know lab safety symbols  Biohazard:   Flammable (international symbol): Radioactive (international symbol): Toxic or Poison symbol:

know the lab safety features Fume Hoods which draws toxic gases and vapors out the laboratory. Biological Safety Cabinets is an enclosed ventilated laboratory space to protect laboratory workers from pathogens. The biosafety cabinet removes harmful pathogens through HEPA-filtered exhaust while keeping all reagents sterile. Exits- where you need to leave the lab safely in the case of emergency. Fire extinguisher (PASS): Pull pin, Aim the extinguisher at base of fire, Squeeze lever slowly and evenly, Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Classes of fires Class A: wood, paper or anything that leaves ashes Class B: are burning liquids or gases Class C: fires involving electrical equipment Class D. Metals such as lithium, sodium, and magnesium

National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) chemical hazard label Blue (Health) 0 (no hazard); 1 (causes irritation); 3 (causes death upon short exposure) and 4 (death upon very short exposure) Red (Fire) 0 (material will not burn, water); 3-4 will ignite Yellow (reactivity) 1 (not reactive with water) 2 (reacts violently with water); 3 & 4 (explosion) White (special). Do not store near flammables. Oxidizer or Corrosive Review NFPA labels and levels in DETAIL

a. Always call fire department every time fire extinguisher is used b. Do NOT use FE on fires contained in a beaker or fire not contained in a small area. Get Out! If fire in uncontrollable. 5. Fire blanket: If your cloths catch on fire, do NOT run, use fire blanket. 6. Eye wash station: wash eyes for 15 min if contaminated with chemicals. Contact lens may complicate process therefore usage is not recommended in lab. 7. Shower: used to put our fires or remove spilled chemicals on clothing. 8. First Aid kit: supplies used for first aid. Instructors cannot dispense medicines, students must do so on their own initiative.

Glassware Safety 9. Broken glassware receptacle: broken glass, thermometers, needles, and ceramics only (no paper products). Do not pick up broken glassware with hands- use a broom and dust pan. 10. Biohazard receptacle: Biological waste which requires disposal in biohazard bags not trash can.

As you do your experiment 1. Never sit on bench top. Never gather all (hogging) lab materials at the beginning of experiment. Keep isles clear, store book bags, purse, etc. 4. Never work in a lab without an instructor, substitute instructor or Laboratory Operations Manager. Always assume dangers of electrical appliances when handling them. Do not touch appliances that are smoking or crackling. Never pipette chemicals by mouth Always add acid to water Never mix chemicals unless told to do so

As you do your experiment If you are pregnant, following your doctor’s recommendation regarding being exposure to laboratory chemicals. If you have a disability or require special assistance, see your instructor Students under age 18 who are not enrolled at FSU must complete a Minor Working in Research Laboratories and Greenhouse policy.

After the Experiment 1. Clean up. 2. Return all reagents Wipe down bench tops with 70% alcohol Wash hands with soap and water and dispose paper towels in biohazard bags. Check with instructor before you leave lab. Instructor must know who is in lab at all times.

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