The laboratory safety program in UCSD’s Chemistry & Biochemistry Teaching Laboratories has been honored as the 2011 recipient of the NIOSH College and University Health and Safety Award. This award is given by the American Chemical Society’s Division of Chemical Health and Safety (CHAS) to recognize the most comprehensive laboratory safety programs in higher education at the undergraduate level. UCSD joins eleven other distinguished colleges and universities that have received this award sponsored by the National Institutes of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH).
Students in Chemistry & Biochemistry need to know and follow the Laboratory Rules and posted procedures, as well as information for specific classes, equipment and instruments. Specific information is taught in class as new procedures and instruments are introduced, but some basic lab safety needs to be learned before beginning a lab class.
Our basic lab safety program is a self-study program, with assistance as requested by the student. Each student is responsible for learning the Laboratory Rules and safety topics.
Students needing accommodation for documented hardship or disability should contact Sheila Kennedy before the end of WEEK 1. No make-up time is planned for those who skip the on-line exam. Students who do not take the on-line exam during the test period may be dropped from the class.
Students who FAIL to demonstrate an understanding of general laboratory safety and familiarity with the UCSD Chemistry Lab Rules may be dropped from the course with a grade of "W," where applicable.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) give information about constituents, chemical hazards, first aid measures, and emergency responses. MSDS are available through the UCSD MSDS search site. Students accessing the site from off-campus computers may need a log-on and password.
Attentive and considerate behavior is expected in the labs and lab buildings at all times. Clean your laboratory bench and common areas and leave them ready for the next student.
Know your materials. Find the MSDS for any new/unfamiliar material to be used in lab. Build a file of your MSDS resources and review as needed. Before going to class, make a table in your lab notebook for ready reference; list the materials you'll use, their hazards and the appropriate precautions to use with each one. Handle hazardous materials using the recommended procedures and equipment.
Lab Coats and Closed Shoes are required in the labs. Choose sturdy shoes and a long style (knee-length) lab coat. Wear the coat closed to protect skin and clothing; make sure shirt sleeves don’t protrude beyond the coat sleeves. Avoid loose or synthetic clothing; remove loose jewelry; secure hair and clothing away from flames, equipment, and chemical contamination.GLOVES are provided in the labs and should be worn when working with hazardous chemicals. Ask the Lab Staff if you do not find suitable gloves stocked in your classroom. Remove gloves and wash hands before leaving the lab to enter public areas (halls) and before handling common equipment (keyboards & telephones).
EATING, DRINKING, GUM CHEWING, and SMOKING ARE FORBIDDEN in the labs (to avoid chemical ingestion, excessive inhalation of harmful vapors, and ignition sources). Food, drinks, and smoking materials (including chewing tobacco) should be left outside the lab or stored in securely closed containers in the storage areas provided.
Lab visits by those not enrolled in the class are permitted only with the express permission of the course Instructor.
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A NOTE FROM THE SAFETY COORDINATOR: |