Saint Louis University
Department of Biology
Physiology Lab
Safety Contract for the Fall 2006
(you will be given this form on paper to sign the first day of class)
1. PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE!!!
2. Although many chemicals used in this course are not inherently toxic,
all chemicals and solutions should be treated as if they are potential toxins.
Therefore, NEVER put anything in your mouth in the laboratory. No
eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, application of cosmetics is allowed
in the laboratory, unless specifically related to physiology lab.
3. Disposable gloves should be worn to protect the hands when handling all
caustic or carcinogenic materials. If you contaminate your gloves while
handling these kinds of materials, please change them immediately. Reduce
the potential for contamination of areas outside the lab by removing your
gloves and washing your hands before leaving the laboratory. This includes
working with animals, caustic chemicals or any other potential contaminating
equipment.
4. Do not store backpacks, purses, or books that are not required for performing
the experiment on top of the bench where you are working to minimize the
opportunity to spill things on your personal belongings.
5. Be aware of locations of (and know how to use) the fire extinguisher,
eye wash stations, deluge shower, and exits. You should also know where
to find the MSD sheets.
6. Always double-check the label of any chemical that you use.
7. Always report any accidental spills, burns, cuts, fires, etc. IMMEDIATELY
to your instructor. If a spill occurs, cover the spill with paper towels
to prevent the spill from spreading.
8. Discard chemicals, biological materials, and paper as directed by your
instructor.
9. Avoid shorts, skirts, or open-toed sandals in the lab as it increases
the likelihood for chemical exposure to skin in the case of a spill. If
you have a lab coat and/or safety glasses, we encourage you to wear them.
The biology department also has a few lab coats that you may borrow during
lab.
10. Please report any damaged or defective equipment to your instructor
as soon as possible so that we may repair or replace it.
11. Please dispose of all glass in specially-marked cardboard boxes and
all metal sharps (needles, razor blades, etc.) should go in a plastic sharps
waste container.
12. If you are in doubt, or if you have a question, please ASK!
13. The nature of physiology lab requires the use test subjects, most often
ourselves. You are under no obligation to be a test subject for any experiment,
your grade will not impacted if you choose not to volunteer as such. None
of the experiments are designed to cause serious harm to the subject. Nor
should the subject feel that any results of the experiments are a diagnosis
of a medical condition. If the subject feels uneasy about the results of
some experiments as they pertain to their own well-being, then the subject
should seek professional medical advice.
Laboratory Safety Rules and Regulations Contract
I have read, understand, and agree to follow the safety procedures described
above as well as any other written or verbal instruction provided by my
instructor(s). I understand that failure to follow general safety procedures
could result in personal injury, property damage, and that failure to comply
will result in loss of points for that day's laboratory.
Student Signature Date
This page was last updated 7/14/06
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