Maintaining a safe laboratory environment is the PI’s responsibility However, all employees must comply with the safety guidelines according to the Annual Safety Program he signed (ASP). Personal protective equipment must be used by all employees according to the exposure risks. The employee is responsible to use the equipment properly. According to safety legislations, it is mandatory to wear a lab coat and closed shoes in the lab. Safety glasses and gloves should be used when needed. Information regarding personal protective equipment can also be found in the MSDS.
Student/employee must use the personal protective equipment they received.
- Lab coat made of 100% cotton, long sleeves, tight cuffs, and snap bag buttons.
- Closed shoes (Liquid repellent, not made of fabric)
- Safety glasses
- Gloves (if needed and compatible with the material) as detailed in the ASP of the research group
Eyes & Face Protection
All employees and visitors at the laboratory are provided with protective measures and are obligated to use them. The safety glasses and face shield used in the Institute's laboratories protects from chemicals splash and also protects against mechanical impact and UV radiation.
Eye protection provided by the Safety Unit include:
- Safety glasses with side protection- protects against spray, particles, dust and dirt.
- Googles (closed glasses) protect against shards, dust and spray. For working with glassware under low or high pressure or when working with a drill.
- Full face shield protects face and neck from particles. Mandatory while working with liquid air, liquid nitrogen, and strong acids.
It is strongly forbidden to use contact lenses while working in the lab. If necessary, the employee will be referred to an optometrist by the safety unit for receiving optical safety glasses based on the risks.
Skin & Body protection
While working with chemicals wear a long-closed lab coat and closed shoes. It is forbidden to wear open-toed shoes, such as sandals. Rubber aprons, rubber gloves and rubber boots are supplied by the safety unit as needed. For example, when working with corrosive acids, such as HF, and strong inorganic acids. At the end of the work, leave the protective equipment in the laboratory. It is forbidden to wear a lab coat or other protective equipment in restaurants or other eating areas.
Respiratory Protection
Any work involving hazardous chemicals should be carried out in a chemical hood, unless authorized by the lab manager. The chemical hood is the best means of protection for working with hazardous materials. The hood provides the worker with a safe working environment because it draws in laboratory air and emits it out with the contamination.
In places where there is no ventilation or when it is not possible to work in a chemical hood, contact the safety unit.
Emergency measures
In case of skin or eye exposure to chemicals, use the emergency shower or the nearest eye wash. Rinse your body or eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. It is mandatory to report any splash, spillage, or explosion to the service center at 08-9342999.
