Safety Guidelines for Labs

1. A strict no-drinking, no-eating policy is enforced in the labs at all times. Please use the provided student lockers or storage spaces (cubbies) to place all of your personal belongings. 
2. Lab coats MUST be worn in all labs and must be provided by the students. Lab coats must be the appropriate length (extend below the waist) and are available for purchase at the UFV bookstore. Lab coats must be removed prior to exiting the lab (no lab coats in common areas). Safety goggles are provided by UFV and must be worn during any labs involving hazardous chemicals.
3. Comfortable, casual clothing should be worn in the lab. Avoid long loose clothing (e.g. trailing sleeves, dangling jewelry, extremely baggy clothing, etc.) that may become entangled in equipment, Bunsen burners or chemicals.
4. Shoes should be low-heeled and should protect the feet from spills. High heels, stilettos, “crocs”, or open-toed shoes are hazardous since they may hamper movement or expose the foot to chemicals.
5. Long pants or full-length garments (including those worn for religious or cultural purposes) must be worn to ensure the legs are fully covered and protected from potential spills and splashes. 
6. Smartphones should be safely stowed away and NOT put on the bench tops. 
7. Contact lenses should not be worn in the lab if hazardous chemicals are in use. 
8. Long hair should be secured away from the face.
9. Know the location of the safety eyewashes and emergency shower and how to use them. Be ready to assist your partner if a chemical spill or splash to the eye occurs.
10. Notify the instructor immediately of all spills, breakages, and injuries, no matter how minor.
11. Wear disposable gloves when handling preserved specimens or when required for other hazardous materials.
12. All bench areas used during the lab should be washed upon completion of the lab. If biohazardous materials have been in use, the bench should be cleaned with 0.8% clinicide and/or 10% bleach.
13. Wash hands regularly. Do not touch face with hands (including gloved hands) or place objects in mouth that have been in contact with the bench. Wash hands thoroughly with soap before leaving the lab.
14. Work with volatile, flammable, or toxic materials only in the fume hood.
15. Dispose of waste chemicals and other materials in the proper manner. Do not pour chemicals down the sink unless you are told to do so. Special labelled containers are used for disposal of the following: broken glass cover slips and disposable glassware; sharp objects (razor blades, needles, etc.); flammable chemicals, hazardous materials.

A series of short, UFV specific, lab safety videos are available in the link below:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJPPYuDxruQM&si=lplIsJz1uNaYDrgX