1 General Lab Etiquette and Safety

Appropriate lab etiquette is critical to the safety and well-being of yourself and your classmates. Working effectively in the lab requires teamwork and consideration of classmates and instructors. Even when working on a project independently, you are part of the class and need to honor the lab etiquette.

The following lab etiquette and lab safety rules may vary slightly from lab to lab, but the underlying principles are universal.

Lab Etiquette

•  Respect
  • Ask permission before using someone else’s tools.
  • Avoid working on other classmate’s projects.
• Honesty
  • If a machine or tool breaks down, let the instructor know.
• Consideration
  • Give a verbal warning to those around you before using a chemical or equipment that requires PPE.
  • If you feel sick or have a cough, please let your instructors know and stay home.
  • Sort, straighten, and sweep areas around yourself as you work:
    • Clean the machine and the area around it after you are done.
    • As soon as you are done using tools, clean and return them to their proper location.
    • Keep the floors clear of obstacles and messes.
    • Do not fill garbage can heavier than 35 pounds (the maintenance people have to load/unload each bag by hand). When full, place in the garbage bin at the end of the hallway.
  • Expect to spend about 15 minutes at the end of lab organizing tools and cleaning up.

The 5 p’s of P&O fabrication are Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

General lab safety

• 1. Always have at least one other person present when working with machines and power tools.
  2. Dress:
     • No open-toe shoes.
     • Long pants while in lab and working with patients.
     • Loose neckties, sleeves, hair and other loose clothing must be securely fastened against the body or removed before operating the machinery.
     • Name tag should be worn above the waist but not dangling in the machines.
  3. Use the appropriate PPE for the task.
  4. Use the appropriate tool for the task.
  5. No Food or Drink in any of the labs.

Machine Safety

1. 1. All adjustments to machinery must be securely tightened before the power is turned on.
   2. All safeguards must be kept in proper position at all times.  If a guard cannot be used on a machine, contact the instructor.
   3. All tools must be removed from machines before the power is turned on.
   4. No machine is to be used while out of order.  Report all problems to the instructor and tape a broken sign on the machine.
   5. The floor around the machines must be kept clear of excess material.  Small waste pieces should be put in the garbage.
   6. Use machines and tools safely and for their intended use only.
   7. Power must always be shut off after a machine is used.

Chemical Safety

1. 1. Turn on ventilation switches before using chemicals.
   2. Read SDS on each new chemical or material used.
   3. Keep chemical and glue containers closed when not in use and return to hazardous materials cabinet.

If an accident happens:

1. 1. Turn off all machines and powered tools.
   2. If chemicals get in the eye(s), wash eye(s) for 15 minutes in an open flow of water before proceeding for medical treatment.
   3. Do not attempt to remove foreign objects from the eye or body yourself.
   4. Follow first-aid procedures and call for medical help.