Condensed Guide to Laboratory Safety

1. Our Safety Policy is that there is only one kind of experiment, and that is a safe one. Plan ahead!
   
   
2. Information about NIST safety regulations can be found on-line at:
   http://www-i.nist.gov/admin/ohsd/hsinstrc.htm
   
   
3. Keep fire extinguishers, emergency routes, other safety equipment and walkways clear at all times.
   
   
4. Wear protective clothing appropriate for the work you are undertaking. If you need special safety equipment, ask for it.
   
   
5. Always wear safety glasses in the workshops, chemistry and biology laboratories. Also, always wear safety glasses and cryogenic gloves for the transfer of liquid nitrogen and liquid helium.
   
   
6. Food and drink must not be stored or consumed in any lab or restricted area (see door sign).
   
   
7. Compressed gas cylinders must be secured at all times.
   
   
8. Chemicals and Samples
   • Chemicals and samples must not be stored in offices.
   • For activated sample storage contact John Barker for storage locker.
   • Store acids and organics in separate cabinets.
   • Label all chemical containers, including beakers, etc. with chemical name, owners name, date and hazards.
   • Chemicals in breakable containers (glass) must be transported in an approved carrier.
   • Commercial chemicals brought into the labs must be accompanied by an MSDS. If chemicals are to be kept in the labs, please see Yamali (A123, x5295).
   
   
   
9. Before carrying out any procedure for the first time, you must notify and go over the procedure with one of the contacts for the laboratories. Also, if you are going to work after hours another person must be in the laboratory with you.
   
   
10. A safety orientation must be taken before using the laboratories (see Yamali) and/or the crane and machine shops (see G. Baltic).
    
    
11. Be aware of the location of the emergency exit and the emergency equipment. Dial x2222, the NIST emergency number, to obtain assistance in an emergency. Report all fires to extension 2222, then use the fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so.
    
    
12. Report all accidents to your contact or superior.
    
    
13. Waste Disposal
    • Waste acid or any other chemicals must not be poured down the drains.
    • All waste bottles must have a label with your name, date, chemicals on the bottle and amounts of each chemical. Write the full name of the chemical.
    • Broken glass and empty glass containers should go in the green and white cardboard box labeled for GLASS.
    • Sharp (needles, syringes, razors, etc.) objects should be placed in the dark red plastic containers labeled: SHARPS.
    • Biohazardous waste is to be disposed of in the appropriate container (red labeled box: Biohazardous materials).
    • Cadmium and Lead are hazardous waste and must be stored separately and disposed of accordingly.
    • All radioactive waste must be disposed of through Health Physics.
    
    
    

    ANY DOUBTS OR CONCERNS TALK TO YAMALI, X5295 OR JOHN BARKER, X6732.

    
    Last modified 21-February-2002