Laboratory Policies

  1. General – Applies to all Oakton Laboratories
    1. Students are not allowed in lab rooms unless an instructor is present
    2. No eating or drinking is allowed in the lab at any time.
    3. No application of cosmetics.
    4. All laboratory supplies must be treated with respect. This includes but is not limited to: glassware, models, cadavers, slides, microscopes, laboratory equipment, and chemicals.
    5. Proper attire must be maintained in the labs at all times
      1. No open-toed shoes of any kind including sandals and flip flops
      2. No shorts or skirts above the knee – exposure of skin surfaces should be minimized
      3. No dangling jewelry or baggy clothing
      4. Long hair should be pulled back or confined
    6. Mouth pipetting is not permitted. Mechanical pipetting devices should be provided
  2. Safety Procedures for Chemistry Students
    1. Be Prepared Before Coming to Lab
      1. Read over the assigned laboratory procedures. Respond to any pre-class questions and/or complete any assigned pre-laboratory work.
      2. Be aware of any hazards associated with the chemicals you will be using and the proper method of disposal for any wastes you will be generating.
      3. Dress appropriately. You should be well covered - no shorts above the knees, sandals or bare midriffs (even when you stoop over) preferably with older, cotton clothes (jeans and a cotton shirt or tee are fine). Avoid bulky clothes or hanging necklaces. Hair longer than shoulder length – on both men and women – should be tied back or confined. Do not wear valuable jewelry to lab.
    2. Familiarize Yourself With the Laboratory Facilities During the Check-in Lab
      1. Learn the location and how to properly use the laboratory safety equipment including safety goggles, eye washes, shower, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher.
      2. Identify the lab exits and locate the closest fire alarm box.
      3. Check out the posted laboratory evacuation plan.
      4. Become familiar with laboratory references, including chemical labels, for checking on chemical hazards.
      5. Become familiar with the appearance and proper name of the equipment in your assigned drawer(s) and other commonly used equipment in the cupboards and drawers around the laboratory.
    3. Conduct yourself in a responsible and safe manner during all laboratory periods.
      1. Wear SAFETY GOGGLES at all times when you are in the laboratory.
      2. Be on time to the lab so that you hear the safety review and other introductory material.
      3. Place book bags and winter coats, scarves, etc. in the designated areas.
      4. Follow written and verbal instructions carefully. If you are required to develop your own procedure (i.e. during a lab practical or for a special project), please have your procedure checked and approved by your instructor before implementing.
      5. Perform only the assigned activities/procedures. Use only the prescribed equipment and chemicals. Check labels and instructions carefully.
      6. Keep work areas clean. Keep floors, aisles, and passageways clear of obstructions. Avoid leaving drawers and cupboards open.
      7. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the laboratory.
      8. Conduct yourself in an appropriate manner – no horseplay. Walk and don't run. Be respectful toward your fellow students, instructor and the facilities.
      9. While conducting an experiment in the laboratory, keep your hands away from your eyes and face. Wash your hands thoroughly after completing the laboratory experiment.
      10. Replace tops on containers of chemicals immediately after use. Keep coasters under the acid reagent bottles
      11. Most of all, be alert and proceed with caution in all laboratory activities.
      12. Students should not be in the stock area unless accompanied by their instructor.
    4. Execute laboratory techniques knowledgeably and safely
      1. Never taste any chemicals.
      2. Never inhale any chemical directly. On occasion you may be directed to check an odor, but this is done by wafting the material toward you, not by placing your nose directly over the container and inhaling.
      3. Never carry hot equipment or hazardous chemicals through a cluster of students.
      4. Never add water to acids; you should add acid (slowly. Carefully, and with stirring) to water.
      5. Use Bunsen burners only when directed by your instructor to do so.
      6. When heating any chemicals (in a test tube or flask), be sure that it is an open system and that the opening is not directed toward yourself or other students.
      7. Chemicals are generally transferred in the approximate amount needed and taken to the student's lab bench. Only use transfer techniques that have been demonstrated by your instructor. Never return chemicals to the original container because they could be contaminated. Instead, dispose of any excess or waste chemicals in the prescribed manner.
      8. Moving chemicals from one place to another in the lab should generally not be necessary. If it is, it must be done very carefully.
      9. NEVER PIPETTE BY MOUTH. Instead use a bulb or an automatic pipette.
      10. Ordinarily you will not need to bend, break or insert glass tubing into rubber stoppers. If you do have occasion to do any of these activities, be sure to use the techniques demonstrated by your instructor.
      11. If you have need to insert or remove an electrical plug, be sure that your hands are dry and apply pressure directly to the plug, not the cord.
    5. Minimize risk and danger to self and others in case of an accident and when disposing of chemical waste.
      1. Any chemical spills need to be reported to your instructor and cleaned up immediately using the appropriate neutralizing agents and/or disposal procedures.
      2. If you get chemicals on your skin (hands, face or elsewhere) or clothes, wash immediately with copious amounts of water, and report the incident to your instructor.
      3. Chemicals in your eye are very serious. Use an eye wash in the lab to irrigate the eye with water for several minutes; report the incident to your instructor.
      4. If a glass piece of equipment is broken, use the brush and trash scoop in the lab (with the green/white container for broken glass) to clean up any glass. Dispose of broken glass in the box designated for that purpose.
      5. If a person's hair or clothing catches fire, drop and roll to smother the fire. Another near-bye person should immediately get the fire blanket and assist with smothering the fire. The fire extinguisher can also be used. Report the incident to your instructor.
      6. If chemicals or papers on your lab bench catch on fire, remain calm and attempt to smother the fire by placing a larger object (preferably inflammable) over it. A watch glass put over the top of a small beaker containing burning liquid works wonders. The fire extinguisher may also be used. Report the incident to your instructor.
      7. Report any accident such as burns, chemical contact with skin or clothes, cuts, or scratches, no matter how minor, immediately to your instructor.
      8. If you notice smoke or fire, notify your instructor.
      9. Follow your instructor's directions in the case of any accident and/or need to evacuate the lab.
      10. For the disposal of chemical waste, follow directions given in the laboratory text and/or by your instructor. Some chemical wastes may be safely washed down the drain. However, many solid and liquid chemical wastes must be discarded into designated containers maintained in one of the hoods of each laboratory. Chemical wastes are not discarded in the regular waste containers. The latter are used exclusively for paper and plastic dry waste.
  3. Safety Policies for Dr. Landrie's Students
    1. No coats, book bags or personal belonging, other than a lab notebook and writing utensil, may be stored on lab benches or floors. All personal belonging must be stored in cabinets to prevent chemical contamination.
    2. Keep track of your combination lock and ensure it is locked before leaving the lab. Combinations will be posted to D2L during the second week of classes.
    3. Do not sit in stools when conducting an experiment. Stools are provided for non-laboratory activities only.
    4. Ensure you are properly trained before using an instrument in the instrument lab (341). Ask your instructor if you unfamiliar with operating procedures.
    5. Do not enter the research lab (342) unless accompanied by your instructor.