ENVH 555 2008
LABORATORY SAFETY

Fire and Emergency- Know the locations of the following:
Telephone (RED) in South Main Hall outside T-568.
Fire and Emergency: 9-911
Hazardous Spill (large): 9-911
Other important numbers: See Red Wall Chart by Door Room T564

Fire Extinguishers:
Type A - For wood, paper, etc.
Type B - Chemical
Type C - Electrical

Fire Alarm:
Located next to T-Wing main stairwell, 5th Floor Entrance.

Deluge and eyewash showers:
Showers: outside in South hall. Eyewash Nozzles at main lab sinks.

First Aid Kit
By South doors to each lab.

Injury, Illness, and Incident Reporting:
Within 24 hours of an incident, an SIAR (Supervisors Incident Accident Report must be filled out by the instructor).
If you report in to Hall Health or Hospital Emergency for treatment of a lab reported illness, they must fill out a form.
For info call campus Environmental Health and Safety, 543-7262.

Personal Protection
Safety Glasses are a must and are available at University Bookstore or T564.
Know about the chemicals used in lab.
Use common sense. Control your own exposures.
Lab coats and protective gloves are available and should be used when handling hazardous chemicals.
Ask any questions about Lab Safety before you act.
Consumption of food and beverages in the laboratory is forbidden. Use the shelving in the hallway outside for storage of open food and beverage containers.
Wear appropriate footwear to protect feet from chemical spills and broken glass.

Chemical Hygiene Plan
The Chemical Hygiene Plan is available on the reference shelf of the Laboratory in Room T564. All Students should familiarize themselves with contents of the Plan, especially for the following topics:

Chemical Storage:
MSDS Library – know where it is, be familiar with what you use!
Label samples and standards for storage until the next period.
Storage in refrigeration; follow guidelines for combustibles.
Lab Techniques- prevent bulk sample and stock contamination.

Safety of Compressed Gasses
Tanks are to be secured by straps to walls and benches.
Tanks not in use will have their caps secured. Especially during transportation.
Each tank has a labeled regulator. Many regulator fittings are designed for specific gasses to prevent cross-mixing and other hazards.

To obtain a gas from a compressed gas tank.
1. Attach the proper regulator and tighten the nut.
2. Assure valve of regulator's second stage is closed (counter clockwise).
3. Be sure gas outlet valve (to the system) is closed.
4. Open the valve on the compressed gas tank. (usually in a counter-clockwise direction) and observe pressure on first stage of the regulator.
5. Open second stage regulator to desired pressure (turn clockwise).
6. Attach sample bag or sample line or container to outlet and open valve.

To shut off (Proper shut down) of the Compressed tanks
Shut off tank valve (Usually turn handle clockwise till tight.)
Observe pressure gauges drop to zero
Close second stage regulator valve and outlet valve.
After class experiments, help the instructor turn-off tanks, remove regulators, cap tanks and store regulators. Write the last primary tank pressure with the date on the tag.

Chemical Disposal
Follow approved procedures--ask instructors and/or see the Chemical Hygiene Plan
Do not dispose of chemicals down the drain or into the trashcans.
Dispose of organic solvents into the Organic Waste Bottle in the Hood.
Dispose of strong acids into the Acid Waste Bottle in the Hood.
Dispose of metals solutions into the Metal Waste Solutions bottle in the hood.
When in doubt ask an instructor how to dispose of your chemicals.

Standard Operating Procedures
See the appropriate procedures (SOPs) in the Chemical Hygiene Plan Notebook.