Safety+&+Emergencies

__Medical emergencies__
For all medical emergencies, call 9-911

__Minor medical issues__
Ask for help in the lab. There are two small first aid kits in the lab. One is located on the wall near the door of each office space: outside room 204B, and outside room 201A

__Fires__
There is a single fire extinguisher located in the hallway near the elevator. Additonally, a fire alarm is located in the hall near the lab door. Remember that it is not safe to put water on all fires. If 9-911 is called, I have no doubt the fire department will crush any fire with overwhelming fire extinguishing prowess.

__Chemical spills__
Good chemical hygiene is the responsibility of **//__everyone__//**. If you observe someone using unsafe or dangerous practices, calmly and politely let them know and recommend a more safe method. It is also important to understand that everyone has a different scientific upbringing, and along with that comes different methods for handling chemicals safely. There is often more than one 'safe way' to do most tasks, but unsafe, unattentive, and negligent practices have no place in our lab.

The University also maintains a very detailed "[|Chemical Safety and Disposal Guide]" that contains a detailed explanation of virtually every aspect of chemical safety imaginable. Some of the more useful chapters are:
 * "[|Disposal Procedures by Chemical]": this is an alphabetical list of many chemicals and refers the user to detailed instructions
 * "[|Chemical Disposal Procedures]": Companion to previous link; specific instructions for disposal

[|UW chemical & Environmental Safety Website]

__MSDS information__
//I strongly encourage everyone to try this database before it is needed to get a feel for how it works.//

Because maintenance of MSDS sheets can be problemmatic both in terms of keeping the documents current and locating the appropriate document in an emergency, use this [|searchable link].

A brief note on how this database works: The search scans for a single string of characters entered in the search field. Thus, searches for "sulfuric+acid" and "sulfuric acid" will both fail, even though the chemical is listed in the database. Instead, a search for "sulfuric" will be successful. If a search for a whole word fails to provide useful hits, try using part of the word, for example, "aceto."

__Biological Safety__
There are no known human pathogens in culture or storage in the lab, however, soil is a natural reservoir for many infectious diseases. Thus, washing your hands before leaving the lab, eating, or drinking is highly encouraged.
 * **Eating or drinking is not allowed in any lab space**
 * All soils from outside the continental United States __must__ be autoclaved before disposal

[|UW office of biosafety]

__Floods__
Minor floods can be cleaned up with paper towels or a mop. Our lab's mops are currently located by the door of room 204B. Larger floods, like from a broken pipe, should be dealt with and ultimately fixed by physical plant. They have a flood cleanup crew. Generally, the building manager (Bill Hickey 262-9018) should be contacted, and he will forward the request to physical plant. In the event that Bill is unavailble, contact physical plant directly (available 24/7) at 3-3333.

__Building issues__
Issues that fall under this heading have to do with things that are part of the building, or attached to its plumbing, electrical, or heating/air conditioning systems. Specific items might include broken or leaking water taps, leaky drains, electrical problems, broken windows, etc.

__Fluorescent light bulbs__ are generally replaced by the custodial staff. The way that is supposed to work is as follows: place an obvious note on the outer door of the lab stating there is a light bulb out, and its location. Place another note hanging from the fixture that houses the broken light. When the custodian arrives, they generally replace the bulb. If that doesn't work, they are supposed to contact the electricians for repair directly. But, that is where the chain often fails. If a light has not been fixed after several days' notification, ask the lab manager to contact Bill Hickey or physical plant. Be warned that this is NOT a fast process.

__Electrical panel for the lab__
In the event that a circuit is overloaded and the breaker trips, the electrical panel for the lab is located inside the main door of the lab. There are two gray panels that are labelled "F-1" and "F-2." On the inside of each panel is a somewhat helpful key to where the circuits go. The panel F-1 has the breakers primarily for standard electrical outlets and light fixtures. The panel F-2 has higher voltage circuits. I generally find it most useful to open the panel and look for the breaker that isn't like the others (the little lever is flipped the wrong way). To reset them, just push them back so they look like the others.

If breakers continue to trip, there may be an electrical problem. Contact the lab manager, your PI, or the building manager for help.

__Everyday safety practices__

 * Open toes shoes are not allowed in the lab.
 * Wear safety goggles any time you are dispensing liquids above your shoulders; dispensing strain acids, bases, organic solvents, stock chemicals, or strong solutions.
 * Wear a lab coat to protect your arms and clothing from stains and chemical burns
 * Wear a thick rubber apron for dispensing all strong acids

__Securing our physical space__
Our building is locked in the evenings by campus security. Access after hours (i.e., meeting someone or having your own key) should be arranged well before needed. An additional security measure used by campus is the "after hours authorization permit." This little card should be carried with your University ID to prevent some sort of penalty from campus security. Keys can only be acquired from the office with prior approval (this is in the form of a phone call, email or personal escort) from Teri or the lab manager - and there is a $5 deposit for each key.