Lab Safety

Student Guidelines Fall 2009

Science Laboratory Safety Guidelines

Universal Science Laboratory Agreement for Georgia Perimeter College

Course name and section number:	Campus:	Semester and year:
Student Name:	Instructor:	Meeting Day/Time:
Student ID #:	Email:	Signature:

I ______________________________ acknowledge and agree to all of the following:

• I have received a printed copy, or the address of an electronic copy, of the laboratory syllabus and science laboratory safety guidelines.

• I understand that I am responsible for following the laboratory safety guidelines at all times.

• I understand that a violation of these guidelines could result in a grade penalty or a loss of laboratory privileges.

• I have been instructed in laboratory safety and the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials in the laboratory.

• I understand that failure to follow these laboratory safety guidelines could result in a serious accident or injury.

• I understand that my safety and the safety of my classmates depends on my actions in the science laboratory.

• I am aware that science laboratories contain materials which, if handled improperly, may be hazardous, particularly for students with chronic medical issues or students who are pregnant or nursing. I will consult my physician or health care provider about potential risks associated with the laboratory if I have a medical issue or concern. I understand that if I wish to withdraw from the laboratory after consultation with my physician or health care provider, I will need to submit a letter from the physician or health care provider within the first two weeks of class indicating that I should not continue in the laboratory due to a health risk. I understand that I assume all liability if I decide to remain in the laboratory portion of the course.

• I agree to indemnify and hold Georgia Perimeter College, its employees and agents harmless from any and all actions or claims arising as a result of participation in science laboratory activities. I also understand that any activity involves some element of risk for which the College is not responsible.

Signature ____________________________________ Date _________________

Students will not be permitted to remain in the science laboratory or ISCI classroom without signing this document. Student Guidelines Fall 2009 Page 2 of 6

General Laboratory Safety Guidelines (Applicable to All Science Laboratories)

1. Be familiar with and follow the Laboratory Safety Guidelines.

2. Students are not permitted in the laboratory without the supervision of an instructor at any time. Please wait outside the room until your instructor arrives. Only students officially enrolled in the course may be present in the laboratory except for brief tours/visits with the laboratory supervisor or instructor present.

3. Students are not permitted in the laboratory prep rooms at any time.

4. Students who have or who develop chronic medical issues or students that are pregnant or nursing should be aware that science laboratories contain materials which, if handled improperly, may be hazardous. Information about the chemical compounds used in science laboratories is available from the laboratory supervisor. Students should consult with their physicians or health care providers about potential risks associated with the laboratory. Such students assume all liability if they decide to remain in the laboratory portion of class. A student who wishes to withdraw from a laboratory after consultation with his/her physician or health care provider should submit a letter from the physician or health care provider indicating that the student should not continue in the laboratory due to a health risk.

5. It is the goal of Georgia Perimeter College to provide a safe and effective environment for students and employees to learn and to work. Generally, children under the age of sixteen (16) are not allowed in the College classroom(s). Due to the particular dangers in the College laboratories, under no circumstances, whatsoever, should children be allowed in the College laboratories. The policy shall not apply to students under the age of sixteen (16) who are enrolled in a course or program, either for credit or non-credit, or recreation, or who are attending any event on campus which is open to the public.

6. In laboratories with controlled ventilation systems, doors must remain closed.

7. Students must come to the laboratory prepared to conduct/perform laboratory experiments/exercises and to bring all safety items required by the instructor (may include gloves, goggles, laboratory coats, aprons, etc.).

8. In laboratories, student dress is expected to meet all safety codes. These include the following:

a. Shoes must be worn in the laboratory. Closed-toed shoes are required for laboratory activities involving liquids, heated, or heavy items that may injure the feet if spilled or dropped. Open-toed shoes, sandals, and high heels or stiletto heels are strongly discouraged and may be prohibited in certain laboratories.

b. Avoid wearing coats, flowing sleeves, loose fitting clothing, or dangling jewelry while doing science investigations. Loose fitting clothing or dangling jewelry can knock over equipment or get into flames or chemicals.

c. Keep long hair pulled back and secured.

d. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as goggles or gloves, when working with chemicals, small particles or projectiles, flames or sources of heat, or as directed by your instructor.

9. Bandage all exposed cuts before dissecting or using chemicals.

10. Georgia Perimeter College prohibits student use of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices in classrooms, laboratory areas, libraries, and Learning and Tutoring Centers. Exceptions to this policy, due to special circumstances, shall be at the discretion of the supervisor in the individual area.

11. Do not bring any type of food or drink into any laboratory unless it is to be used as part of a laboratory experiment.

12. Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply cosmetics (including hand lotion and lip balm) in the laboratory. Do not taste or put anything into the mouth in the laboratory.

13. Keep hands, writing instruments, and laboratory materials away from face and mouth.

14. Maintain a neat laboratory workspace with work area and aisles free of personal items, and do not create trip hazards. Pathways to exits must be clear.

15. Conduct only those experiments authorized by the syllabus or the instructor.

16. Use step stools to reach high objects. Never stand on laboratory stools or chairs.

17. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which describe hazards associated with the chemicals used in the science laboratory, are available for examination. Students are free to examine MSDSs, but must not remove them from the laboratory. MSDS are also available online.

18. Never handle equipment, supplies, or chemicals until you have been given specific information on their use and safety considerations. Students must follow all guidelines for the use of equipment, supplies and chemicals including the following:

a. Observe and respect all safety signs on equipment.

b. If you open any container, re-cap it securely.

c. Use care when dealing with laboratory burners. Turn laboratory burners off when not in use. Always handle the burner as if it were hot, even when you do not see a flame.

d. Keep laboratory equipment and breakable items away from edges of tables, benches, or counters.

e. Carry microscopes with both hands.

f. Do not use microscopes if you have an eye infection.

g. Be alert for sharp or broken objects which may cause injury.

h. Do not use cracked or chipped laboratory glassware.

i. Use all equipment only in accordance with its intended purpose.

j. Know the location and proper use of specialized safety equipment such as the eyewash, safety shower, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, phone, and know the location of the nearest exit.

19. In the event of an accident, injury, breakage or a chemical spill, notify the instructor immediately.

20. Students must follow all guidelines for disposal of materials including:

a. Do not attempt to clean up broken glass, a chemical spill, or breakage of a mercury thermometer by yourself.

b. Dispose of needles, nails, and other sharp objects in an approved sharps container.

c. Dispose of broken glass in a broken glass container.

d. Dispose of other hazardous materials as specified by your instructor.

e. Correctly discard any excess reagents. Do not return any excess reagent to the stock bottle.

f. Dispose of all chemical waste in the proper waste container as indicated by your instructor. NEVER pour any chemical down the sink without explicit permission from your instructor.

21. Reconfiguring the laboratory computers or installing any program onto the laboratory computers is prohibited.

22. Damage, destruction, or theft of Georgia Perimeter College property is prohibited and will be subject to punishment prescribed in accordance with the Student Responsibilities Section of the Georgia Perimeter College Student Handbook.

23. Before leaving the laboratory:

a. Clean up after yourself in all science laboratory areas. Clean and return all materials to their proper location. Wash test tubes, beakers, and other glassware. Thoroughly wipe down your laboratory space before and after each exercise with cleaning liquids provided.

b. Turn off all gas nozzles, water faucets, and electrical items before leaving the laboratory. Unplug hotplates and other electrical items.

c. Sinks are not trash receptacles. Do not dispose of any trash in the sink.

d. Wash your hands with soap and water both before you leave the laboratory.

e. No laboratory material is to leave the laboratory.

24. Any student who endangers another's safety or his/her own will be forbidden use of the laboratory.

All science laboratory students are required to comply with laboratory safety guidelines as specified in this document and in their course syllabi. Any student who does not comply with these safety rules will be subject to the following penalties: Violation	Consequence
First Safety Violation	Warning
Second Safety Violation	Removal from laboratory class and assignment of a zero for that laboratory class period.
Third Safety Violation	Third violation constitutes willful disregard of laboratory rules. Severe grade penalty or disciplinary sanction as deemed appropriate by the College Court and/or Dean of Student Services.

Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guidelines

1. Be familiar with and follow all General Laboratory Guidelines, above.

2. You must attend the first lab session, receive safety training, and pass the safety quiz before beginning work in the Chemistry Laboratory. Chemistry students must view the chemistry safety video, "Starting with Safety" which is shown in class (and is available online at http://aladdin.vcampus.com/0001/0062/000000005446/1_62_5446_1/cospecific/DSN1_62_5446_1co42503/assets/images/demos.htm).

3. In laboratories, student dress is expected to meet all safety codes. Students must wear long pants, laboratory coats or aprons, splash-proof goggles, and low- or flat-heeled, closed-toed shoes while in chemistry laboratory, and may wear aprons and gloves. You will be asked to leave the laboratory if you are not properly dressed.

4. Do not sit on laboratory work stations.

5. Read labels on chemicals for any safety precautions and know the nature of the chemicals you are using.

6. Some chemicals used in this laboratory may be absorbed by contact lenses. It is advisable to remove contacts before laboratory and wear glasses, or wear tight-fitting splash-proof goggles during laboratory exercises that will involve these chemicals.

7. Always use a fume hood when working with volatile chemicals.

8. Never use chemicals from an unlabeled container.

9. To avoid respiratory damage, never smell hazardous chemicals.

10. Do not taste chemicals or pipette solutions by mouth. Assume that all reagents are poisonous and act accordingly.

11. Should eyes or skin come into contact with a hazardous chemical, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. If the affected area is underneath clothing, the clothing should be removed. Get prompt medical attention.

12. Never lay a test tube flat on a work station