C239 Laboratory Safety Rules

1. Many things happen in the lab, and you can never be sure how your area has

been used, or whether it was properly cleaned up. Because of this, and possible

contamination from the animals, you should not bring food or drink into the lab

with you! Also, don't put anything that's come in contact with the lab table -

pens, pencils, fingers, etc. - into your mouth or eyes.

2. Be on time! There are several ways being late can hurt your grade directly, but

there are safety considerations as well - lab instructions, including safety items,

are gone over at the beginning of the labs.

3. It's always a good idea to look your lab exercise over ahead of time, and make

notes of the modifications and warnings given at the beginning of the class.

4. Any time you're not sure, ask!!

5. Wash your hands before and especially after working in the lab.

6. There are drawers and coat hooks available - keep all unnecessary objects out of

7. Although labs rarely involve dangerous materials, some can have lasting effects

on clothing, so you might want to bring a protective cover-up. With some

procedures, protective eye coverings will be required. If you have long hair or

dangling jewelry, keep them out of your working materials.

8. Clean up your stuff! Your area should look at the end of your lab like it did

when you started. When in groups, everyone is responsible for clean-up.

Points may be lost if this is not done.

9. When working with chemicals or cultures, make sure you do not mix things

together in the source glassware - that includes droppers and mixing rods.

It is not always safe to mix tap water into materials by washing them, either.

10. Dispose of all waste materials properly. The wastebasket is near the door.

Broken glass does not go into the wastebasket - there's a special box for

it next door in the prep room. Notify the instructor any time something gets

broken or if you're injured, even mildly.

11. Try to always stay alert while you're in the lab. Know where the emergency

equipment - first aid kit, fire extinguisher, eyewash fountain, etc - are (most

are on the front wall or just across the hall). Know the appropriate route out

of the building during an emergency.