Lab Safety

• To enforce compliance with Laboratory rules and University Policy CAMJ adopting a progressive discipline policy
• More details about CAMJ Progressive Discipline Policy could be found here. 
• There are also other policies found in the University of Waterloo's website which are compulsory rules for the University community :
  • Policy 34 – Health, Safety and Environment
  • Policy 71 – Student Discipline
  • Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour
  • Policy 22 – Regulations Governing the Installation of Equipment in University Buildings

• All involved researchers must read and understand the MSDS’s
• Ensure you have the proper PPE to minimize exposure
• Be prepared to properly deal with a possible spill
• Know where the spill kits are
• Make sure your Safety Report contains the SOP for your procedure and that you have it at hand in the lab
• Store reagents properly!!
• Every container must be labeled
• Segregate your chemical waste
• Waste containers should never be filled more than 80%
• Rubber gloves for handling specific lab apparatus/materials only; remove when finished with procedure

• Consult the sheet BEFORE you start working with a chemical
• Hard copies must be available in lab for chemicals used regularly
• Soft copies may be stored on local media for everything else
• MSDS must be no older than 3 years.
• MSDS must be of the exact same formulation as the material you are working with.

• PPE requirements will be per MSDS, Safety Office and Safety Manual requirements
• Lab Coat and Closed-toe Shoes (no sandals, flip-flops) in general
• Neoprene Gloves for handling toxic or corrosive materials
• Safety Glasses or Full Face Mask for some chemical transfers, or risks of flying debris
• Etc.

• Exhausts toxic or hazardous materials
• Calibrated for 100 fpm with sash open
• Flammable and Acid storage under hood
• Some have gas nozzles
• DO NOT USE IF ALARMING
• CLOSE SASH when not in use

Researchers are to evaluate possible hazards and protect against them:

• Safety Stickers are applied on equipment for a single “hazard point”
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for all equipment
• Focus is on Safe Operation, not skills
• Compressed Gas Cylinder Handling
• Fumehood Operation
• etc.