| 13. LABORATORY SAFETY |
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This section provides only a brief summary of
laboratory safety. For
more in-depth information refer to the
NMSU Guide to Laboratory Safety
developed by the University Safety Committee and EH&S (details are
provided on the EH&S web site). Staff working in laboratories should be
familiar with certain rules; these include:
Chemical Hygiene Plan/Lab Std Training
Departments with labs must have a
Chemical Hygiene Plan (updated
annually) and appoint a Chem. Hygiene Officer. All lab employees (regular or
student) must be trained by EH&S (minimum training - HazCom & Lab Standard )
Food and Drink Consumption
Maintaining food, drink, smoking materials, and cosmetics, in a
laboratory potentially exposes employees to toxic substances. Consuming food
or drinks, applying cosmetics, and smoking are not allowed in these areas.
Well-defined areas are to be established for their storage and consumption.
Protective Equipment
Clothing is a critical factor in the safety of laboratory personnel. As
such, teaching and research laboratories must enforce the OSHA standard for
proper clothing worn by people handling hazardous chemicals (PPE Guide). At a minimum,
lab users must wear the following:
 Safety
glasses must be worn at all times in areas (i.e. near) where hazardous
materials are being used. Splash goggles (acid goggles) or face shields with
splash proof sides must be worn for splash protection from corrosive or
dangerous chemicals.
Protective gloves when the potential exists for contact with
corrosive, toxic materials, infectous, or hazardous materials
Appropriate protective clothing (pants, lab coats, aprons, or
tyvek-type coveralls) and closed-toe shoes in areas where hazardous
chemicals are used or stored.
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