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Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education

Lab Safety Rules

General Rules and Policies of the Composites and Plastics Lab (CPL)

Lab rules will be followed very strictly. You will not be able to use the lab; if you handle chemicals and/or nanoparticles carelessly.

Before you start working in the lab you must:

  • Read the hazardous communication, respiratory protection and;hazardous waste disposal presentations and pass the quiz.
  • Pass the pulmonary function test at the Respiratory Care Department.
  • Pass the fit-Tested on respirator with Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management (EHS&RM).
  • Everyone must sign in and sign out of the common log book when using any of the instruments in the lab. Please book your dates a week before you would like to use specific instrument/s.

Addiotional rules:

  • Read the material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals that you will be using and follow instructions related to handling and storing.
  • Perform experiments under the supervision of designated lab coordinator/s. Students are NOT allowed to work independently.
  • Identify locations of all chemicals in the lab, MSDS folder, emergency phone numbers, eye wash and drench shower, first-aid, aprons, gloves, safety glasses, chemical storage areas, chemical disposal bins and emergency exits. 
  • Wear full-length pants in the lab at all times. No tank tops, spaghetti straps or bare midsection.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes in the lab at all times. No flip-flops, sandals, or chappals.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the lab.
  • You must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in the lab, especially when handling liquid chemicals. Lab coats, gloves, aprons, safety glasses, face shields, nose masks; and respirator are provided.
  • You MUST wear a half-mask respirator when handling nanoparticles and when handling polyurethane resin.
  • Maintain a clean work environment. Be considerate and leave your work area in a neat and clean condition.
  • If you create any mess (such as resin spill or fabric cutting) it is your responsibility to clean it up immediately.
  • After using tools, gages, chemicals or other items, return them to their designated storage location immediately.
  • All small containers containing cured or uncured resin must be placed under a fume hood and MUST be labeled with a marker to indicate their content. These containers are called secondary containers.
  • The wash-basin in the lab is ONLY for washing hands. Do NOT wash/clean glassware or plastics ware in the wash basin.
  • If you break any equipment please report it immediately.
  • Do not leave any equipment running and unattended.
  • Shut off machines, mixers and; vacuum pump once you are done.
  • If you are heating/curing any material overnight or for long hours, you MUST place a note on the oven indicating the material inside, when it was kept and when it should be removed. 
  • Follow protocols for off-cured, uncured resin, rags,VARTM (Vacuum Assited Resin transfer Molding) bagging material, etc. Do not throw everything in the garbage container. Place it in designated satellite waste containers. 
  • All nanoparticles contaminant waste such as wipes, rags, beakers, napkins, respirator cartridges etc. MUST be put in Zip lock bag and kept in the nanoparticles containment room.
  • When in doubt, consult Ray Cook, Jason Wagner, Shane Arabie, Dr. Tate, or   EHS&RM personnel. All important phone numbers are placed near MSDS folder. 

Safety Regulations in the Nanoparticle Containment Room

  • All personal items such as keys, watches, and rings should be stored outside the nanoroom.
  • Valuable personal Items such as wallets may be permitted in the nanoroom provided they are NEVER     removed from beneath the nanoroom garments.
  • NO eating, drinking, or gum chewing allowed inside the nanoroom.
  • Only approved room paper shall be allowed in the nanoroom.
  • Ball point pens shall be the only writing tool used.
  • Use of paper or fabric towels is prohibited. Use cleaning towels within the nanoroom.
  • Only approved gloves, pliers, tweezers should be used to handle product.
  • All tools, containers and fixtures used in the cleaning process should be cleaned to the same degree as the nanoroom surfaces.
  • NO tool should be allowed to rest on the surface of a bench or table. It should be placed on a nanoroom wiper.
  • Only nanoroom approved wipers may to be used.
  • NO ONE who is physically ill, especially with respiratory or stomach disorders, may enter the nanoroom.
  • All nanoparticles contaminant waste such as wipes, rags, beakers, napkins, respirator cartridges etc. MUST be put in Zip lock bag and kept in nanoroom.

Personal Actions Prohibited in NC Room

  • running, walking fast or horseplay.
  • sitting or leaning on equipment or work surfaces.
  • writing on equipment or garments.
  • removal of items from beneath the nanoroom garments.
  • wearing the nanoroom garment outside the nanoroom.
  • wearing torn or soiled garments.