PolySep Safety Information

• Laboratory orientation is mandatory for all new students in our research group. Laboratory video tapes are available from the Chemical Engineering Department Laboratory Coordinator.
  
• All laboratory equipment must be operated in accordance with the specifications in the instruments' laboratory manuals. 
  
• Before you use any given instruments you must obtain permission from Dr. Cohen. You will be given an orientation on how to use the instrument and informed of safety procedures for equipment operation, startup and shutdown.
• Be sure to familiarize yourself with the hazards imposed by the chemical with which you are working. Make the necessary preparations to deal with emergency situations that may arise.
• Be aware of your surrounding in the lab
• Familiarize yourself with the first-aid emergency station(s)/areas!
• Be sure to always wear safety glasses (or goggles) while working in the lab.!
• Do not wear headphones while working in the Lab.!
  
• Before using any chemical make sure that you review the MSDS sheets. If you cannot find these in the laboratory check the laboratory MSDS Binder, the online UCLA MSDS sheets or those posted online by the USEPA.
  
• All waste chemicals must be disposed off in a safe manner and following UCLA policy. No chemical should be discharged through laboratory drains.
• Label all containers (vials, bottles, flask, beaker, etc) containing chemicals. Do not leave unmarked samples or empty containers (e.g., vials, bottles or beakers) in common areas (i.e., work benches)!
• Only work with solvents under the fume hood!
• Work with non-aqueous solvents, toxic solids and powders only in the fume hood!
• Do not leave solvents, corrosives (acid/base), or samples containing chemicals in open areas!
• If you don't feel well do not work in the lab. Get immediate medical attention.
• In the event of a chemical spill, be sure to immediately clean all spills (water and chemicals) and call for assistance if needed.
• Be sure to have your emergency phone number listed on the Laboratory and Office emergency contact sheets!
  
• Laboratory Safety information is available in the PolySep compilation binder of laboratory safety.

Guidelines for Laboratory Conduct:

1. Please remember, Access to the Lab is authorized only for PolySep members!
2. Follow the laboratory dress code. You must wear a Lab coat and Goggles if working the Lab and wear protective shoes (No sandals or ..!)!
3. Don't obstruct the common pathways (access areas and the sink) with lab equipment and any other objects!
4. Be sure to sign your name on the Lab and office bulletin boards to indicate if you are performing experimental work in the lab.!
5. Do not store food and do not eat in the Lab.!
6. Do not leave any glassware in the sink. Please be sure to leave the sink clean after you are done with your work for the day!
7. Do not move, remove or switch other people's experimental setup or solution vials; ask, before you do anything.
8. Do not leave your experiments running overnight without safety provisions!
9. Be sure to return all tools to their proper storage location at the end of each working day!
10. Clean up the bench space after you are done; others might need to use it.
11. Be sure to clean your work area before your leave for the day. Cleanup should include cleaning the work benches to remove any traces of your work chemicals!
12. Place the trash can in the hallway (outside the Lab) if you are the last person to leave the Lab at the end of the work day!
13. When one needs to use equipments, especially shared ones, one shall always ask the others whether or not the others would need it.
14. Always clean up your glassware after you use it.
15. If you need glassware, find one, don’t take clean glassware that belongs to others (ask first!)
16. Even if you receive permission to use someone else's glassware, PLEASE clean the glassware after you are done and put it back to where it belongs.
17. Be considerate, the lab is a shared space. 
18. Do not take equipment used by others in the common area.  Equipment left in common areas should only be that which is in current active use.  Equipment and tool snot in active use should be properly stored.
19. Any student who is mentoring an undergraduate student in the La is responsible for the conduct and training of the undergraduate under their supervision.
20. The lab is a working space where fundamental science and intellectual property are being developed.  The lab. It is not a social environment.  Please socialize with your friends outside of the laboratory.
21. Do not hold TA office hours in the Lab.  This is not permitted.

• PolySep Chemical Inventory

Laboratory Safety Information Links:

• UCLA Campus Safety Programs
• UCLA MSDS Sheets Online
• Detailed Lab. Safety Manual from the UBC
• OSHA Safety Standards
• MSDS Search
• Safety Links: MSDS Search
• Where to find MSDS Sheets
• MSDS Information OnlineMSDSsolutions.com - FREE Online MSDS Database

Last update:

12/19/2006