STEM Laboratory Safety Resources

 

Your Safety is a Top Priority.

All Instructors teaching courses in STEM Labs are required by the School of STEM to uphold and enforce all Safety guidelines.

 

ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN STEM COURSES WITH LABS MUST SIGN THE SAFETY CONTRACT!

Students can find the link to the safety contract below. Please read the Laboratory Safety Guidelines and the contract thoroughly and fill out the required fields.

Please select "Send me a copy of my responses" and forward that email to your instructor as proof of completion.

Student Safety Contract

Laboratory Safety Guidelines

  • The STEM laboratories are potentially hazardous work places. Even if you work carefully, you may be exposed to substances and situations that may pose a risk to your health and safety. To minimize this risk, a number of basic safety rules (listed below) apply in the laboratory. Please note that these rules are non-negotiable, and you are expected to adhere to them at all times when in the laboratory. You are also expected to follow any additional safety instructions given by your instructor or laboratory staff.
  • NO food, beverage, candy, is allowed in the laboratory. No exceptions.
  • Safety goggles are required by state law and should be worn for all experiments (Chemistry) unless instructed otherwise. Please note that contact lenses do not provide eye protection and in some cases may complicate an emergency (caustic liquids which splash into the eye can be trapped behind the contact lens). You are recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses in the laboratory, if possible. (Chemistry)
  • Wear closed shoes to cover your feet to protect from spilled chemicals or dropped objects. Do not wear loose, dangling sleeves, necklaces, or bracelets. Long hair should be pinned or tied back.
  • Learn the locations of the fire blanket, fire extinguisher, emergency shower, eyewash, first aid station and other safety features in the laboratory. Become familiar with their operation.
  • Arrive on time. Laboratory directions and procedures are given at the beginning of the laboratory period.
  • Read all experiments before you come to class to be sure that you understand all the procedures and safety precautions. Ask the instructor about any procedure you do not understand.
  • Conduct only authorized experiments and no horseplay in the laboratory. Accidents have been known to happen when fooling around.
  • Report any injuries to your instructor, including minor cuts and burns.
  • If reagents contact with your eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical help.
  • If reagents contact your skin, flush with water for 5 minutes, and seek medical help.
  • Place broken glass into the specially marked bin.
  • Drain all harmless chemicals in solution into the appropriate bottles.
  • When using the sink to clean glasses use plenty of running water.
  • Do not attempt to clean up chemical spills by yourself. Immediately notify the instructor of the chemical spill.
  • Never return unused chemicals to a reagent bottle, unless directed to do so by your instructor. Unused chemicals should be discarded in the instructor guided appropriate fashion.
  • Never point the opening of a test tube (empty or containing materials) toward yourself or another person in the lab.
  • Do not smell odor or fumes coming from chemicals or materials.
  • Do not force glass tubing or thermometers into rubber stoppers.
  • Never heat a flammable liquid.
  • Handle hot glassware with either test tube holders or heat resistant gloves.
  • When shaking a test tube or bottle to mix its contents, do not use your fingers as a stopper.
  • Read the labels on chemical containers before using the chemicals inside the containers.
  • Replace caps or stoppers on bottles immediately after using them.
  • Mouth pipetting should never be done. Instead use mechanical pipetting devices.
  • Shut off all gas and water lines when not in use. Always turn off the burners when not in use. Never leave an open flame (or Bunsen burner) unattended.
  • Never remove equipment, chemicals, biological materials from the laboratory.
  • Dispose of chemical in the designated containers or as instructed.
  • Never put paper or water insoluble solids in the sink.
  • When heating anything in a test tube, always point it away from yourself and others.
  • When your lab sessions end, clean your work station, clean all the glassware and equipment used in the experiment and place them in the designated areas. Always wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.
  • Use common sense while observing all safety rules in the laboratory. This will contribute to a safe working environment for all.
  • Do not operate any equipment until you are instructed how to use that equipment.
  • Do not place any personal items on the laboratory table, including coats, bags, knapsacks.
  • Wear gloves before using any materials in the lab.
  • Pick up and return materials as directed by the instructor.
  • Do not throw any animal part or tissue in the garbage container. Place them back into the proper pails.
  • Clean your work area after you have finished your lab experiment.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the laboratory room.
  • Fill out and sign the Safety Contract, and return to your instructor.
  • Follow the Safety Rules and Do Not Take Risks.

 

Students have the right to know the safety hazards associated with each chemical.

Click below to search Safety Data Sheet for Chemicals.

Safety Data Sheet for Chemicals

 

Contact Information

Dr. Abdallah Matari
Chemical Hygiene Coordinator
263 Academy Street, Room S504
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4296
amatariFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE

School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
263 Academy Street, Room S204
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-4265
stemprogramsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE