Laboratory Safety ALARA Practices Attire Hazards Electricity Radiation Fire Signage Emergency response
Safety Is Everyone's Top Priority Use common sense, think, learn, and pay attention
ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable Typically refers to chemical or radiation exposure levels; but applies to all risks Make every reasonable effort to limit exposure as far below limits as is practical consistent with the task, taking into account the state of technology, and (general as well as personal) costs relative to (general, not personal) benefits
Safe Practices Be neat and orderly Care for and be careful with equipment Avoid working alone Ingest nothing in the laboratory Ask if you don't know Report concerns, injuries, and accidents
Mandatory Procedures Close laboratory doors, lock when leaving (even temporarily) Never leave hazards unattended or unsecured Restrict access to hazardous materials Restrict laboratory access to trained, authorized personnel Restrict off-hour access Restrict visitor access
Mandatory Procedures, cont. Question unescorted persons who try to gain access and report to University Police Report missing or stolen property and suspicious activity to University Police 911 or 703.993.2810
Visitor Access No unattended visitors may enter the laboratory (keep doors closed) Visitors must be escorted to and from the laboratory Visitors must receive basic laboratory training before entering
Attire Cover limbs and feet, and sometimes eyes and hands (e.g., when handling lead). Open-toed shoes or shorts in the laboratory will result in the wearer being sent out of the lab and a letter grade deduction from the final grade. Wear nothing baggy, loose, or floppy that can trip you or someone else, get caught in something, or knock something over this includes hair: tie it back
Hazards Eliminate, control, minimize, and protect against all hazards Avoid all practices and objects that could cause harm Be aware of exits and keep access to them clear
Hazardous Materials Chemical: material safetly data sheets available Biological (infectious): none in our labs; don't create any Radioactive: follow protocols rigorously; see radiation safety information
Electricity The ubiquitous hazard, leading to shock and fire Don't fiddle with live circuits Power down circuits before altering Minimize use of extension cords Don't use bad wires or cords
Electricity Procedures Extension cords are temporary; disconnect when leaving laboratory Have frayed wires replaced Don't tamper with powered circuits Disconnect electronics before working on them Avoid liquids; shut off electroncs if near spill Grounded (3-prong) plugs required Shielding required for any exposed power contact greater than 50 volts
Radiation Avoid Shield
Signs and Labels Identify hazards, safety equipment, emergency supplies, designated areas, etc.
Entryways Identify hazards, required special attire, access restrictions, and emergency contact information
Radiation Universal Radiation Symbol
Emergencies Spills, exposures, injuries, fire, or equipment failure Ensure personal safety and the safety of others You are not required to address emergencies, but, if you don't, evacuate and contact University Police 911 or 703.993.2810 Isolate, contain, control, and/or evacuate, and contact University Police 911 or 703.993.2810
Evacuation Procedure Notify others that and why you are evacuating If safe to do, secure materials and turn off equipment Close laboratory door upon exit Activate alarms Contact University police 911 or 703.993.2810 Use stairwells, not elevators Assist others, if it poses no personal risk Exit at nearest exit and assemble at designated area Report missing persons Await official permission before reentering building
Emergency Contact Name and telephone number Location of the emergency Nature of the emergency Special considerations 911 or 703.993.2810
Fire Extinguish if incipient and means exist Help others without risking yourself; don't try to be a hero Evacuate (DO NOT USE elevator) Call University Police 911 or 703.993.2810
ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable