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Laboratory Awareness
Emergency telephone numbers and contact names should be posted on or beside the outside of all laboratory or chemical storage room doors, as well as inside the lab near the telephone, if one is available. Emergency contacts should include: The department chair; individual(s) responsible for the lab/storage area; University Fire Department; and Environmental Health and Safety. Emergency information should also include the types of hazards that exist within the laboratory (i.e., Radioactive materials, Biological hazards, Carcinogens, explosives, etc.)
Post all storage areas, refrigerators, cabinets, etc., appropriately to identify types of materials stored (i.e., flammable, corrosive, carcinogen, water reactive, etc.). All chemicals must be properly labeled at all times (noting chemical name and associated hazard(s); date of receipt or generation should also be noted and the date of the opening of the chemical container, especially if the chemical is known to decompose over time and generate hazardous by-products). Fading or peeling labels should be replaced immediately. Labels that are no longer accurate should be removed.
Be alert to unsafe conditions and actions, and call attention to them so that corrections can be made as soon as possible.
Be familiar with the appropriate measures you should take when you or someone in your lab is working with or is exposed to the following: (read all product labels, material safety data sheets, and other information available before beginning work with these materials)
Corrosive Chemicals
Radioactive Materials
Carcinogens
Mutagens/Tetratogens
Biohazards
Compressed Gases
Toxic Chemicals
Reactive Chemicals
Flammable Substances
