Safe Habits in the Laboratory

1. Safe Habits in the Laboratory Ken Yancey

2. Choosing Appropriate Clothing

3. Appropriate Clothing • Clothing should cover as much of the legs, feet, arms and eyes as possible. E.G. No shorts, sandals or short sleeves • Avoid loose clothing which could spill chemicals or catch fire • If wearing good clothing be sure to wear a lab apron

4. Appropriate Clothing (Cont.) • Lab clothing must: • Be worn to protect against minor spills or contamination of street clothing. • Be worn where chemical, biological or other hazardous materials are used or stored. • Be fitted properly so that they are fastened and flexible for use. • Be made of an appropriate material for the work environment. E.G. Cotton or polyester blend • Regularly cleaned and maintained. • Be thrown out if showing wear. • Not be worn eating areas, offices or public places.

5. Appropriate Shoes • Very little Protection • Protection from glass but not chemical spills • Protection from glass and small spills

6. Common Rules for Glove Use • Select: • Gloves resistant to the desired chemicals. (See MSDS) • Appropriately sized gloves to prevent tearing or lose of dexterity. • Always: • Check gloves for any external tearing before using. • Remove gloves so that the exterior doesn’t contact any skin. • Consider washing the surface of gloves frequently with water. • Avoid all naked flames. • Do not reuse disposable gloves

7. Choosing Gloves • Consult a glove selection chart *http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172

8. Eating in the Lab • Eating in the lab probably won’t get you that third arm you’ve been hoping for. • Can result in accidentally ingesting harmful chemicals • All food will be banned from labs as of Fall 2010