Lab Safety Rules
General Rules and Policies of the Composites and Plastics Lab (CPL)
Lab rules will be followed very strictly. You will not be able to use the lab; if you handle chemicals and/or nanoparticles carelessly.
Before you start working in the lab you must:
- Read the hazardous communication, respiratory protection and;hazardous waste disposal presentations and pass the quiz.
- Pass the pulmonary function test at the Respiratory Care Department.
- Pass the fit-Tested on respirator with Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management (EHS&RM).
- Everyone must sign in and sign out of the common log book when using any of the instruments in the lab. Please book your dates a week before you would like to use specific instrument/s.
Addiotional rules:
- Read the material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals that you will be using and follow instructions related to handling and storing.
- Perform experiments under the supervision of designated lab coordinator/s. Students are NOT allowed to work independently.
- Identify locations of all chemicals in the lab, MSDS folder, emergency phone numbers, eye wash and drench shower, first-aid, aprons, gloves, safety glasses, chemical storage areas, chemical disposal bins and emergency exits.
- Wear full-length pants in the lab at all times. No tank tops, spaghetti straps or bare midsection.
- Wear closed-toed shoes in the lab at all times. No flip-flops, sandals, or chappals.
- No food or drink is allowed in the lab.
- You must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in the lab, especially when handling liquid chemicals. Lab coats, gloves, aprons, safety glasses, face shields, nose masks; and respirator are provided.
- You MUST wear a half-mask respirator when handling nanoparticles and when handling polyurethane resin.
- Maintain a clean work environment. Be considerate and leave your work area in a neat and clean condition.
- If you create any mess (such as resin spill or fabric cutting) it is your responsibility to clean it up immediately.
- After using tools, gages, chemicals or other items, return them to their designated storage location immediately.
- All small containers containing cured or uncured resin must be placed under a fume hood and MUST be labeled with a marker to indicate their content. These containers are called secondary containers.
- The wash-basin in the lab is ONLY for washing hands. Do NOT wash/clean glassware or plastics ware in the wash basin.
- If you break any equipment please report it immediately.
- Do not leave any equipment running and unattended.
- Shut off machines, mixers and; vacuum pump once you are done.
- If you are heating/curing any material overnight or for long hours, you MUST place a note on the oven indicating the material inside, when it was kept and when it should be removed.
- Follow protocols for off-cured, uncured resin, rags,VARTM (Vacuum Assited Resin transfer Molding) bagging material, etc. Do not throw everything in the garbage container. Place it in designated satellite waste containers.
- All nanoparticles contaminant waste such as wipes, rags, beakers, napkins, respirator cartridges etc. MUST be put in Zip lock bag and kept in the nanoparticles containment room.
- When in doubt, consult Ray Cook, Jason Wagner, Shane Arabie, Dr. Tate, or EHS&RM personnel. All important phone numbers are placed near MSDS folder.
Safety Regulations in the Nanoparticle Containment Room
- All personal items such as keys, watches, and rings should be stored outside the nanoroom.
- Valuable personal Items such as wallets may be permitted in the nanoroom provided they are NEVER removed from beneath the nanoroom garments.
- NO eating, drinking, or gum chewing allowed inside the nanoroom.
- Only approved room paper shall be allowed in the nanoroom.
- Ball point pens shall be the only writing tool used.
- Use of paper or fabric towels is prohibited. Use cleaning towels within the nanoroom.
- Only approved gloves, pliers, tweezers should be used to handle product.
- All tools, containers and fixtures used in the cleaning process should be cleaned to the same degree as the nanoroom surfaces.
- NO tool should be allowed to rest on the surface of a bench or table. It should be placed on a nanoroom wiper.
- Only nanoroom approved wipers may to be used.
- NO ONE who is physically ill, especially with respiratory or stomach disorders, may enter the nanoroom.
- All nanoparticles contaminant waste such as wipes, rags, beakers, napkins, respirator cartridges etc. MUST be put in Zip lock bag and kept in nanoroom.
Personal Actions Prohibited in NC Room
- running, walking fast or horseplay.
- sitting or leaning on equipment or work surfaces.
- writing on equipment or garments.
- removal of items from beneath the nanoroom garments.
- wearing the nanoroom garment outside the nanoroom.
- wearing torn or soiled garments.