Lab Safety Notes

Lab Safety Overview

  • Introduction

    • Host: Dr. Russell Betts

    • Focus: Ensuring safety in the lab is paramount and non-negotiable.

Basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Safety Goggles

    • Importance:

    • Required by Broward College for eye protection.

    • Protect the eyes from harmful chemicals and materials.

    • Common Issues:

    • May be uncomfortable, steam up, or fog; however, they are essential.

    • Policy:

    • Must be worn at all times within the laboratory.

    • Personal Practice:

    • Dr. Betts expresses discomfort without them and will not approach anyone who isn't wearing them.

  • Safety Gloves

    • Description:

    • Non-latex gloves made of nitrile, providing good impermeability to most substances.

    • Usage:

    • Must be changed immediately if soiled to prevent contamination.

    • Dispose of used gloves immediately.

  • Hand Washing

    • Facilities:

    • Two sinks with hot water available in the lab.

    • Recommended Procedure:

    • Wash hands with soap and water before leaving the laboratory to avoid contamination.

    • Use paper towels for drying hands.

  • Lab Coats/Apron

    • Recommendation:

    • Wearing a lab coat is highly suggested but not mandatory.

    • Black lab aprons are available to protect clothes from spills.

Emergency Equipment

  • Emergency Eyewash Station

    • Function:

    • Designed to flood the eyes with water in case of chemical exposure.

    • Steps to Use:

    • If chemicals get in the eyes, proceed to the eyewash station, likely requiring assistance.

    • Push paddles back to activate water flow and open eyes to wash away contaminants.

    • Rinse for a substantial duration to ensure thorough cleaning.

  • Deluge Shower

    • Alternative Name: Emergency Shower

    • Function:

    • Intended for large chemical spills on the body.

    • Steps to Use:

    • Pull the handle to activate the shower and stand beneath it.

    • If wearing safety goggles, keep them on; if not, remove them.

    • Remove contaminated clothing under the shower to avoid further harm.

  • Bloodborne Pathogen Kit

    • Purpose:

    • First aid for cuts to prevent transmission of bloodborne illnesses.

  • Fire Safety Equipment

    • Fire Blanket:

    • Used to smother flames; apply to person if they catch fire.

    • Fire Extinguisher:

    • Use only if absolutely necessary on a person; ideally for fire incidents.

    • Steps:

      • Pull the nozzle out, remove safety pin, aim at the base of the fire, and squeeze the handle.

      • Do not aim directly at the flames; aim at the base for effective extinguishing.

    • Location:

    • Two extinguishers are present in the lab area.

  • First Aid Kit

    • Contents:

    • Includes bandages and antiseptics for minor injuries that may occur.

Course Requirements

  • Safety Video:

    • Students are required to watch an additional online safety video.

  • Safety Quiz:

    • Completion of an online safety quiz is mandatory for course requirements.

Eyewash Station Demonstration by De Antigua

  • Eyewash Station Usage

    • Reminder: Goggles should be secured over eyes correctly and not worn improperly.

    • Goggles should not hang loosely around the neck or forehead.

    • Demonstration Steps:

    • Press back the lever on the eyewash station to activate water flow.

    • Ensure adequate water flow and position face in the stream.

    • Open eyes in the water and roll around to wash away contaminants thoroughly.

    • Perform for an extended period to allow complete flushing of the eyes.

  • Deluge Shower Demonstration

    • Functionality Demonstrated:

    • Pull the emergency handle to activate the deluge shower, highlighting it effectively douses the body with water.