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LABORATORY SAFETY:AN OVERVIEW OF LAB SAFETY PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

Polymer Composites Research Group

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OUTLINE• 5 Principles of Safety• Safe Work Practices• Safety Signs• Emergency Equipment• Chemical Safety• General Safety• Hazardous Waste• Extras / Conclusion

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5 PRINCIPLES OF SAFETY• Practice Safety

– Need to know it to practice it• Be Concerned about Others

– Just because you know doesn’t everyone knows• Understand the Hazards Associated

– Prevention is Key• Know What to do in Emergencies

– Preparation saves time in Emergencies• Report Hazards and Hazardous Conditions

– Never Leave a Hazard or Potential Hazard

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SAFE WORK PRACTICES

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE WEAR• Lab Coats

• Safety Glasses

• Gloves

• Footwear

NOTE: Splash Goggles, Face Shields, aprons, thermal or cut restraint gloves, hearing protection, and/or respirators where dictated. RED

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PROPER LAB PRACTICE• Gloves

– Must be worn only in the lab

• PPE must be worn– No good if not used

• Chemical Carriers– Always use for

glass containers

• No Food in the Lab

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SAFETY SIGNS

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EMERGENCY AID CARDS• Lab Safety

Responders

• Emergency Action Plan

• Evacuation Cards

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CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION• Fire Diamonds

• Chemical Fridges

• MSDS Sheets

• Chemical Labels– Every Container– Clear Labels– Must be able to match to

MSDS

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EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

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IMPORTANT ITEMS• Fire Extinguishers

• Eye Wash & Safety Shower

• Shut off valves

• First Aid

• Spill Control

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KEEP EQUIPMENT CLEAR

• Do not leave the work space obstructed

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CHEMICAL SAFETY

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LIQUID CHEMICAL STORAGE• Secondary

Containment Required

• Class Separation– Flammable, organic acid,

bases, oxidizer, carcinogen

• If You Use Chemicals– Page 16 - 20 MSE Manual

BLACK

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PEROXIDES

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GENERAL CHEMICAL STORAGE• Do NOT use the

Hood• Compressed Gas

Must Be Secured• Flammable > 1 gal

– Special Container• Keep Flame from

Flammables

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HOOD USAGE• Don’t Clutter• Check Hood Card

– White: Good– Yellow: Marginal– Red: Bad

• Don’t Block Air Flow• Monitor Air Flow

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GENERAL SAFETY

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LAB ORGANIZATION• Heavy Item Storage

– Lower than 5 ft

• Metal Sharps in Container

• Proper disposal of Glass

• Plastic tubing on Faucet– Above rim unless contains

backflow device

• Soap and Towel access

• General Tidiness

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HAZARDOUS WASTE

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PROPER STORAGE• Designated Area• Labeled

“Hazardous Waste”• Max 90 Day Storage• Always Covered

• Store Oils Separately

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DISCUSSION

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HIGHLIGHTS• PPE• Stay informed

– MSDS Sheets– New Equipment Hazards

and Safety• Clean Up

– Take the extra effort– Regular Lab Cleanup