Also see the GPC Geology Lab Safety Video.
Students in the GPC Geology Lab who are found in violation of the safety rules will be given a warning for the first offense, will be dismissed from the lab room for the second offense, and will be withdrawn from the class (lab as well as lecture) for the third offense. If a violation is observed at a particular lab table (such as spilled liquid - water or hydrochloric acid), and those working at that lab table deny responsibility, all students working at that table will be considered to be in violation of the safety rules. Please sign the accompanying sheet after you have read through the safety procedures. Please ask your instructor if any of the items need clarification.
GENERAL LAB SAFETY RULES
1. No student is allowed to work in a laboratory unless Science Department Lab Supervisory Personnel are present.
2. Any student who endangers others' safety, or his or her own, will be forbidden use of the laboratory.
3. Only authorized experiments may be performed.
4. Equipment may be used only for its intended purpose.
5. Bare feet are not permitted in the laboratory.
6. Children and pets are not permitted in the Geology Lab.
7. Any accident, even a minor one, must be reported to the laboratory instructor.
8. Lab tables should be as uncluttered as possible to allow work space and avoid accidents. Also, keep the aisles clear to prevent tripping over your gear, and so that carts can pass unhampered. Place bookbags, pocketbooks, etc. under the lab tables.
9. No eating, drinking, or smoking are permitted in the geology laboratory.
10. When lab work is completed, all materials must be returned to their proper places. Check to make sure that your microscope light, and any other electrical equipment is turned off before you leave.
11. Any student who has, or who develops a medical condition (epilepsy, asthma, allergies, diabetes, etc.) that could magnify the hazards of the laboratory should immediately notify the lab instructor.
12. Fire drills may be scheduled for the science building (or the library). If a fire alarm should occur, exit the building and go to the designated area outside. The instructor should be the last one to leave the room, and should close and lock the door. Remain together as a class. The instructor will check to be certain that all students have exited the building. When the "all clear" signal is received, return to the classroom.
GEOLOGY-SPECIFIC LAB SAFETY RULES
1. When using 10% hydrochloric acid for rock and mineral identification, students should use only a very small drop of acid, and should use care so as not to get the acid on the lab table, their skin, clothes, or in their eyes, or on any other student. ROCKS AND MINERALS MUST BE RINSED OFF WITH TAP WATER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACID TEST, AND BLOTTED DRY using paper towels. Keep all table tops wiped or blotted dry. Do not leave acid-covered specimens lying on the tables, and do not put acid-covered specimens back into the cardboard specimen trays. If you suspect that you have acid on your hands, wash them immediately. Do not rub your eyes. Report any acid spills to the instructor immediately. An eye wash station and emergency shower should be available within the Geology Lab.
2. When conducting a mineral taste test, the student should rinse the mineral in clean tap water BEFORE and AFTER the test. Only taste specimens that you have good reason to suspect are HALITE on the basis of other evidence. Do not taste specimens that you suspect may have hydrochloric acid on them. Taste only specimens that you have personally rinsed off immediately prior to tasting.
3. Do not put any lab materials or specimens into your mouth.
4. When conducting a mineral hardness test using a nail or pointed metal probe, students should be careful not to stick themselves or anyone else. (Danger of tetanus).
5. When conducting a mineral hardness test using a glass plate, the glass plate should be held flat against the table (rather than in the hand) to perform the test. The edges of the glass plate might be sharp. Students should take care not to cut themselves on the edges. Inform the instructor immediately if a glass plate is broken so that the pieces can be disposed of safely. A glass disposal box should be available within the Geology Lab.
6. When using microscopes and illuminators, students must use care not to trip over the electrical cords. Tripping on a cord can pull a microscope or illuminator into the floor causing considerable damage to the equipment, or cause injury to other students.
7. Microscopes should be carried with two hands to prevent dropping the microscope. Dropping the microscope will damage the microscope, and can cause injury to your feet.
8. Any accident, even a minor one, must be reported to the laboratory instructor.