Research labs and shops are full of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Working alone in laboratories is forbidden if you are working with hazardous substances or equipment. At least two people should be present so that one can shut down equipment and call for help in the event of an emergency. Working alone in any kind of lab is not recommended under any circumstances, but if you must do so, notify someone of your location.

Although all M.E. staff and students are expected to have appropriate English-language ability, many foreign languages are spoken in the department. If there is a need for training in another language, please notify the safety committee.

Safety training should be provided by a faculty member, lab safety contact, or staff member at the beginning of a new assignment or when a new hazard is introduced into the workplace. Particularly hazardous substances may require campus registration and approval. Such material includes radioactive, biohazardous, and regulated carcinogens. Check with EH&S (2-3073) or M.E. Safety Committee if in doubt about approval requirements for a substance.

Lab-specific hazard and emergency information is contained in the Chemical Hygiene Plan (flip chart) posted in every lab. Lab safety contacts are responsible for filling in the appropriate lab-specific information.

All laboratory personnel are entitled to a medical consultation and examination under certain conditions (possible overexposure to hazardous substances, or adverse symptoms associated with chemical use or exposure). Contact the Occupational Health Program (2-1553) to arrange for a medical examination or consultation.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Smoking is not allowed in any indoor areas on campus.

Wear safety glasses or face shields when working with hazardous materials and/or equipment.

Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent. They should be removed before leaving the lab, using phones, opening refrigerators, or entering common areas.

Clothing: When handling dangerous substances, wear gloves, laboratory coats, and safety shield or glasses. Shorts and sandals should not be worn in the lab. Shoes are required when working in the machine shops.

Do not use any equipment unless you are trained and approved as a user by your supervisor.

Pregnant women should take special care with exposure to radiation and certain chemicals which can be harmful to fetal development. Call EH&S at 2-3073 for further information or contact your physician.

Wash hands before leaving the lab and before eating.

Tie back medium length and long hair when working near flames or entangling equipment.

If leaving a lab unattended, turn off all ignition sources and lock the doors.

GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY

Keep aisles clear.

Maintain unobstructed access to all exits, fire extinguishers, electrical panels, emergency showers, and eye washes.

Do not use corridors for storage or work areas.

Make sure all cabinets, bookcases, etc., taller than 42" are anchored.

Shelves 48" or higher and all shelves with chemicals should have restraining straps or lips.

Do not store heavy items above table height. Any overhead storage of supplies on top of cabinets should be limited to lightweight items only. Also, remember that a 36" diameter area around all fire sprinkler heads must be kept clear at all times.

Spills should be cleaned up immediately.

Areas containing lasers, biohazards, radioisotopes, and carcinogens should be posted accordingly. However, do not post areas unnecessarily and be sure that the labels are removed when the hazards are no longer present.

Be careful when lifting heavy objects. (See appendix C, "How To Lift Things Safely") Only shop staff may operate forklifts or cranes.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

All electrical outlets should be labeled with panel and breaker box numbers.

Electrical equipment must be GFI-protected (i.e. "grounded") when used near any water source. If water or fluid is spilled in or around electrical equipment, FIRST shut off circuit breaker, then unplug the equipment before cleaning up the spill.

Maintain a 36" unobstructed access to all electrical panels.

Consult the Electronics Shop staff, 2116 Etcheverry hall, before operating any high voltage equipment.

Wiring or other electrical modifications must be referred to the Electronics Shop or discussed with the Building Coordinator.

Avoid using extension cords whenever possible. If you must use one, obtain a heavy- duty one that is electrically grounded, with its own fuse, and install it safely. Extension cords should not go under doors, across aisles, be hung from the ceiling, or plugged into other extension cords.

MECHANICAL SAFETY

When using compressed air, use only approved nozzles and never direct the air towards any person.

Guards on machinery must be in place during operation.

Gas cylinders in Hesse Hall and the Etcheverry Machine Shop may be moved only by shop staff.

Exercise care when working with or near hydraulically- or pneumatically-driven equipment. Sudden or unexpected motion can inflict serious injury.

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Make sure all chemicals are clearly and currently labeled with the substance name, concentration, date, and name of the individual responsible.

Arrange storage by chemical compatibility. Useful information on chemical compatibility can be found in Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, by N.I. Sax the Merck Index, and the Aldrich Chemical Catalog.

Comply with fire regulations concerning storage quantities, types of approved containers and cabinets, proper labeling, etc. If uncertain about regulations, contact the building coordinator or EH&S (2-3073).

All pressurized containers (e.g. gas cylinders) will be moved and installed only by staff personnel.

Use volatile and flammable compounds only in a fume hood. Procedures that produce aerosols should be performed in a hood to prevent inhalation of hazardous material.

State law requires that the University maintain a complete chemical inventory as part of a Hazardous Materials Management Program. All labs must submit a chemical inventory to the Building Manager and update it annually.

Do not store food in laboratories.

Latest update: June 18, 1996
© 1996 UC Regents