CH 220C General Lab Safety Rules and Policies

general safety rules pt 1

1. The goggles provided by the university are to be always worn properly in the lab.

2. You are to be properly dressed in the lab.

a. Close-toed shoes.

b. At least a short sleeve shirt.

c. Pants.

3. No eating or drinking allowed in the lab at any time.

4. The lab coats provided by the university are to be always worn properly in the lab.

general safety rules pt 2

5. No horse play is allowed in the lab at any time.

6. Dispose of chemicals properly (see waste disposal standard operating procedure).

7. Know where all the safety equipment is located (fire extinguisher, fire blanket, eyewash stations and shower).

8. If an accident occurs, notify your TA as soon as possible.

general safety rules pt 3

9. Follow the procedure of the lab. Do not attempt any experiments that have not been authorized.

10. Clean your area after you have finished the lab.

11. Wash your glassware properly and dispose of any broken glassware into the appropriate container (see glassware standard operating procedure).

12. Do not run in the lab, walk calmly.

general safety rules pt 4

13. Give people plenty of room when moving around the lab. Do not crowd around other people. Especially if someone is carrying chemicals, chemicals or lab equipment such as syringes and needles.

14. You should dedicate a pen as a lab pen and use it strictly for the lab. This will limit exposure of chemicals outside of lab. Also remember, never put this pen into your mouth and do not use this pen if you are wearing gloves.

15. Treat everyone in the lab with respect and courtesy.

16. Avoid contact of the chemicals on your skin. If you do get exposed to chemicals, ensure that you wash the area properly. If it requires special procedures, follow them. (See chemical exposure standard operating procedure).

safety equipment

It is important that you are aware of the location of all the safety equipment in the lab. You will be shown the location of each of these at the beginning of the semester.

types of safety equipment

1. Emergency Shower

2. Eye Wash Stations

3. Fire Blankets

4. Fire Extinguishers

5. First Aid Kits

6. Emergency Exits

7. Dust Pans and Brooms

8. Spill Kits

water bottle policy

We do not want the water bottles cluttering the floor in the hallway.

water bottle policy rules

1. You may keep your bottles in your backpack while in the lab.

2. If you want to drink, remove your gloves, get the bottle and exit the lab.

3. Return the bottle to your backpack when you re-enter the lab.

equipment

Equipment is considered anything used that is not glassware. It is important to use all lab equipment properly to reduce the risk of accidents and reduce the risk of damaging the equipment.

Instruments

1. The instruments used in the organic chemistry lab include an infrared spectrometer (IR), a polarimeter, a gas chromatograph (GC), and a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR).

2. Follow all instructions from the TA, lab instructor, and stockroom when using any instruments. If an instrument is not working, inform your TA immediately. Do not try to fix any instrument.

3. The instrument area must always be kept clean. Do not leave anything next to the instrument after you have used it such as your sample or a beaker.

Electrical

1. Electrical equipment includes the hotplate/stir plate, the centrifuge, the analytical balances, and the melting point apparatus.

2. Follow all instructions from the TA, lab instructor, and stockroom when using any electrical equipment. If any piece of electrical equipment is not working properly or you notice the electrical copper lines are visible from the electrical cord, inform your TA immediately. Do not use any electrical equipment that is damaged or not working properly.

3. Keep the area around the electrical equipment clean.

4. When finished using your hotplate/stir plate and the melting point apparatus, please make sure to turn the off. Do not turn off the balances or the centrifuges.

Lab Kit

1. Lab kit equipment includes everything in your drawer kits that are not glassware. They include things like the test tube clamp, syringe, stir rod, stir bars, Keck clamps, etc...

2. Follow all instructions from the TA, lab instructor, and stockroom when using any lab kit equipment.

3. Make sure all lab kit equipment is returned to your locker before leaving the lab.

Mechanical

1. Mechanical equipment includes the lab jack, the aluminum heating blocks, and all metal clamps.

2. Follow all instructions from the TA, lab instructor, and stockroom when using any lab mechanical equipment. If any mechanical equipment is broken, inform your TA immediately.

Entering the Lab

1. When you enter the lab, place your backpack and other personal items into one of the designated spaces.

2. Obtain a pair of goggles from the goggle cabinet and put them on. The goggles are to be worn properly at tall times while in the lab. If the goggles get foggy, go to one of the de-fogging stations located in the NHB hallway of the organic lab.

3. Obtain a lab coat from the coat rack. Be sure it is the correct size, put it on and button it up. Wear the lab coat while in the lab. If you need to leave the lab but will remain in the NHB hallway of the organic labs, you do not need to remove the lab coat. If you must leave the hallway for some reason (like going to the bathroom), please remove the lab coat.

4. Obtain all the necessary glassware from your locker and move it to the drawer located at your station in the hood. Do not leave anything on the benchtops except your notebook.

Leaving the lab

1. If you leave the lab, notify your TA of why and where you will be going. Also let them know when you come back into the lab.

2. Always remove your gloves if you leave the lab for any reason.

3. When you have completed the assignments for the day and are ready to leave, make sure to do the following:

a. Clean your work area and put all your equipment back into your locker.

b. Ensure that your hotplate/stir plate is off. Make sure that your water line, airline, and vacuum line are all turned off.

c. Return the lab coat to the correct hanger on the rack.

d. Return your goggles to the goggle cabinet.

e. Inform your TA that you are leaving for the day.