VNR VIGNANA JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Bachupally,(S.O.) Nizampet, Hyderabad -500 090
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING LABORATORY SAFETY PRACTICES BASIC SAFE WORK PRACTICES The basic or routine work practices and attitudes in the laboratory can significantly contribute to the level of safety, the prevention of accidents and incidents, and to limit risks to health and the environment. The correct attitude and practices in the laboratory incorporate the following: a) Know your capabilities and limitations: Everybody has limitations to their skills, and there are some tasks that each person should realise they cant do. Tasks should only be attempted by persons who possess the appropriate knowledge and skills. If in doubt, ask for help. b) Follow regulations: Regulations, instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, red tape etc. exist for everyones protection. Although it might be tempting to cut corners or use shortcuts, these lead to accidents in many cases. c) Pace yourself: Rushing around or over-tiring yourself (e.g. by working very long hours) to complete tasks is risking an accident or injury. By working at a steady, comfortable pace, more will be completed in the long run. For example, just consider the time involved in cleaning up a chemical spill. d) Respect safety guards: Equipment should only be used for its intended purpose - with any safety guards in place. Safety guards and interlocks are there to prevent accidents. e) Attitude: An attitude of familiarity, indifference or ignorance to chemical safety can result in exposures and accidents. Basic Practices and Prohibitions (DOs and DO NOTs) for Work Bitumens Always follow the established DOs and DO NOTs of laboratory practice. The development of these lists is based on a history of laboratory accidents, and therefore the items on these lists are there to protect your health and safety by minimising the chances of previous incidents from recurring. DOs a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i)
Understand the procedures that you intend to perform
Conduct risk assessments when using hazardous Know the location of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers) how to use them and how to summon assistance in the event of an emergency. Highly toxic chemicals should only be used by people involved in the experiment. Be considerate of neighbours when working with hazardous materials and using laboratory equipment Only use equipment for its intended purpose(s) Appropriately label chemical containers Clean glassware thoroughly and promptly Dispose of chemicals and their wastes according to relevant guidelines
j)
Clean-up your own mess
APPAREL IN THE LABORATORY
a) Wear disposable gloves, as provided in the laboratory, when handling hazardous materials. Remove the gloves before exiting the laboratory. b) Wear a full-length, long-sleeved laboratory coat or chemical-resistant apron. c) Wear shoes that adequately cover the whole foot; low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles are preferable. d) Do not wear sandals, open-toed shoes, open-backed shoes, or high-heeled shoes in the laboratory. DONTs a) Dont wear apparel that may become contaminated or caught on equipment b) Dont leave naked flames unattended in a laboratory c) Dont leave equipment running or experiments overnight, unless they are labelled d) Dont exceed the quantities of flammable solvents and corrosives allowed by the Budget Unit e) Dont store other chemical bottles on the floor for cleaning bitumen materials. f) Dont run in laboratory areas g) Dont distract or startle others who are using chemicals
Report All Injuries Requiring Medical Attention Immediately To The Laboratory In - Charge / HOD- CE