Lab Safety

Lab Safety Overview

• Frequent Accidents:

  • Most accidents are caused by the way people move around the work area.

  • General Safety Practices:

  • Do not run in the lab.

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially near machines and in confined areas.

Fire Hazards

• Flammables:

  • The graphic communications lab uses many flammable solvents, which pose a potential risk for fires and explosions.

  • Identifying Fire Hazards:

  • The color RED is used to identify both fire hazards and fire protection equipment.

  • Storage of Flammable Materials:

  • Solvents and other flammable liquids should be stored in red safety cans.

  • Must be kept away from heat or flame and properly identified.

  • Rags:

  • Oily rags should be disposed of in special, airtight, self-closing waste cans.

  • These rags are very flammable and should never be left lying around.

  • Rags soaked in oils and solvents can catch fire without an apparent source of ignition.

• Spontaneous Combustion Risks:

  • Spontaneous combustion can occur when towels, rags, or materials are soaked in oils and other flammable materials.

  • Oils or resins generate enough heat through auto-oxidation to exceed the ignition temperature of the materials, starting a fire without flame or spark.

  • Containment:

  • Waste rags should be stored in closed metal containers to ensure that any potential fire can extinguish itself by consuming all the oxygen quickly.

Classes of Fires and Extinguishers

• Extinguisher Classes:

  • Class A: Fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics.

  • Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water, or foam extinguishers.

  • Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline, petroleum oil, and paint.

  • Includes flammable gases like propane and butane.

  • Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or clean agent extinguishers.

  • Class C: Fires involving energized electrical equipment.

  • Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or clean agent extinguishers.

• Using a Fire Extinguisher:

  • Pull the safety pin out completely.

  • Hold the extinguisher upright and aim at the base of the fire.

  • Pull the handle or trigger and squeeze short bursts in a sweeping motion until the fire is out.

• Emergency Response:

  • Know how to report a fire and the procedures to follow if one occurs.

  • Learn where fire alarms and exits are located in your building.

  • If you see or smell smoke, inform an instructor or graduate assistant immediately.

  • Maintain clear access to outside exits.

Hazardous Materials

• The use of hazardous substances in the lab is decreasing due to technological advancement, but precautions must still be taken.

  • Ventilation:

  • Never work with solvents unless in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of fumes and potential explosive vapors.

  • Spill Response:

  • Wipe up any solvent spills immediately; do not wait for evaporation.

Chemical Handling

• Mixing Chemicals:

  • Always wear safety glasses when mixing or using chemicals that could splatter into your eyes.

  • Follow the principle: "Acid to water", never add water to acid to avoid violent splashes.

• Chemical Safety:

  • Chemicals used in graphic communications can cause skin irritation.

  • Wash hands with soap and water after handling any chemicals.

  • Consider wearing rubber gloves if your skin is sensitive.

Cleanliness and Organization

• Maintaining cleanliness is vital in a graphic communications lab.

  • Dirt on film plates or presses can spoil work, incurring high costs in time and materials.

  • Messy Work Areas:

  • A messy area can hide sharp objects or liquids, leading to accidents like cuts or slips.

  • Dispose of scrap paper and other materials from lab work in wastebaskets to prevent buildup and hazards.

Machinery Safety

• Handling Machines:

  • Wear closed-toed shoes at all times, especially when operating machines.

  • Always wear safety glasses when operating presses or machinery.

  • Do not run a machine until properly trained and checked out on it.

  • Never experiment with a machine without proper instruction.

  • Do not leave machines unattended while running.

  • If leaving a machine for any period, turn it off.

  • Only one person should operate a press at a time.

  • Always turn the machine by hand before powering it on and store tools away before starting the machine.

• Emergency Procedures:

  • If a press jams, turn it off before clearing the paper; never reach into a moving press.

  • Always check that guards and safety features are in place before starting up equipment.

Paper Handling

• Safety with Paper:

  • Handle paper with care; sharp edges can cause cuts.

  • Using a Paper Cutter:

  • The paper cutter is for one person only and designed specifically to cut paper.

  • Ensure that the cutting surface is free of unwanted objects before use.

Exposure Units and Electricity

• Plate Exposure Units:

  • Never look directly into the bright light from an exposure unit to avoid eye damage.

• Electrical Safety:

  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets; this is a significant fire risk.

  • Only plug in as many cords as outlets available.

Heavy Lifting and General Safety Practices

• Proper Lifting Techniques:

  • Approach the object with feet spread apart.

  • Crouch close to the object, keeping your back straight.

  • Lift your legs to avoid straining your back.

• Maintaining Safety:

  • Horseplay creates disturbances leading to injuries.

  • Dispose of hazardous waste and recycle materials in their correct containers.

  • Store scissors and knives properly when not in use.

  • Keep work surfaces clear of unnecessary items; they should not be storage areas.

General Laboratory Conduct and Final Safety Tips

• Stay Attentive:

  • Do not wear headsets in labs; sound can indicate problems.

  • Report any safety hazards to an instructor immediately.

  • Maintain clear paths to avoid creating hazards for oneself or others.

  • Never take shortcuts when working with equipment, and always follow instructions.

  • If an object seems too heavy or awkward to lift alone, ask for help.

  • Turn off any machine at the first sign of unusual sounds.

  • Ensure to leave the building immediately during a fire alarm.

  • Know the location of eyewash stations for emergencies.

  • Report any equipment or tool that is inoperable or requires repair to the instructor immediately.