Bristol ChemLabS Health and Safety
Students and accompanying staff will be expected to follow the School of Chemistry's rules for visiting school scientists on health and safety in the laboratories as well as the specific health and safety requirements of the experiments.
photo by riot_jane
Failure to observe safety rules by students or accompanying teachers, including inappropriate clothing, will result in no admission to/removal from the laboratories!
Bristol ChemLabS has a more than sufficient supply of lab coats and safety glasses available for students and accompanying staff. However, students or staff may also bring their own if they so wish.
Safety precautions for all schools users of the chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories (students and teachers)
- SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. Even if you normally wear glasses, safety glasses or goggles must be worn over them.
Dress like a chemist. Wear clothing in the laboratory that will provide maximum body coverage. When carrying out experimental work you MUST wear a fastened lab coat. Long trousers or jeans must be worn to cover all of your legs.. *Prohibited footwear includes sandals, flip flops and ballet shoes. Trainers are fine.- In case of a large chemical spill on your body or clothes, stand under the safety shower and flood the contaminated area with water. Remove contaminated clothing to prevent further reaction with the skin.
- Make sure you acquaint yourself with the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets and, most importantly, the fire exits. If the fire alarms sound, make your working area safe and leave the building as directed by the laboratory staff.
- Eating and drinking is strictly prohibited. This includes chewing gum.
- Keep long hair tied back and ensure that long or large necklaces are safely tucked away.
- Mobile phones, personal stereos etc. must be switched off when entering the laboratory. Anything that interferes with your ability to hear what is going on in the laboratory is a potential hazard.
- You are strongly advised not to wear contact lenses in the laboratory, even under safety glasses. Solvent vapours can build up behind the lens. ‘Soft’ contacts are especially dangerous as solvents can dissolve in the lenses themselves and be released over several hours.
- After reading any warnings and recommendations, use all chemicals carefully and in a fume hood whenever possible. Dispose of solvents properly. Immediately return any chemicals you have used to the shelves for other students to use.
- Keep your work area tidy and clean up any spills, including water, on the floor.
- Report all accidents and dangerous incidents
- Wash your hands carefully when you leave
- Assume you are the only safe worker in the laboratory. Work defensively!
