Department of Chemistry

General Laboratory Policies

 

  • Approved safety goggles or glasses must be worn at all times while working with chemicals, heat or glassware in the laboratory.
  • Safety Glasses must have side shields.
  • Do NOT alter the goggles by removing vents, cushioning, etc.
  • Goggles and glasses may be removed ONLY AFTER ALL chemicals in the laboratory have been closed, are no longer in use and have been properly stored.

  • No food or beverage is to be consumed in the laboratories.  This includes gum, throat lozenges and chewing on pencils/pens!

  • Students are required to wear proper clothing: No tank tops, shorts, short skirts, cropped tops, etc.  Pants are recommended.

  • Students are required to wear practical full-coverage shoes: No open-toed shoes, no sandals, no high-heeled shoes, etc.

  • The use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) i.e. gloves, lab apron is recommended.

  • Long hair presents a serious fire hazard and must be properly pulled back.

  • Know the locations and operating procedures for eyewash fountains and safety showers.

  • Students are not to sit on the laboratory benches or on the floor in the laboratories.

  • First Aid materials are located in the laboratory and should be used whenever needed.

  • No chemicals or apparatus are to be removed from the laboratory.

  • All accidents and/or fires must be reported to the instructor immediately.

  • Persons involved in any accident which may in any way be more than superficial should report to the University Health Center for proper medical care.  

  • Broken glassware must never be placed in the trash. Use the disposal boxes provided.

  • Trash is to be placed in trash cans, not in the sinks, etc.

  • Chemicals must be disposed of in accordance with the instructor’s directions.

  • Only authorized work shall be conducted in the laboratory.

  •  NEVER mouth pipette, always use a pipette bulb.

  • Only laboratory students are allowed in the lab.  If you must speak with someone not in the laboratory class; please leave the room for the duration of the visit.

  • Solo laboratory work is ABSOLUTELY prohibited.

  • Students must wash their hands before leaving the laboratory.

  • The laboratory work areas are to be left in a clean and orderly condition.