Laboratory Safety

It is absolutely essential that all of our work be done in a safe manner. Safe working habits are in the best interests of yourself, your colleagues, your instructor, the equipment and future students. There are potential hazards in the teaching laboratories: chemical, electrical and mechanical hazards. You need to be aware of them and how to deal with them. It is both your responsibility to learn these things and it is our responsibility to teach you them. Your instructor will spend the first part of each laboratory session briefing you on whatever hazards are present and how to conduct your experiment safely.

In accordance with U. C. Davis’ Illness and Injury Prevention Program we have established safety training procedures for laboratory instructors and their students. You will receive this training during your first session in the laboratory. Subjects covered will include your right-to-know about potential hazards in your work environment, safe laboratory practice, safe storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals, evacuation procedures, etc., all of which is summarized in this laboratory manual. Please read these sections of your laboratory manual.

Your instructor has received training on laboratory safety and has a measure of experience working in a laboratory environment. He/she should be able to answer basic questions on most subjects and all questions relating to your immediate environment and should be able to provide you with any additional information you feel you need. If for some reason you are not satisfied that your questions and concerns have been adequately addressed you should contact the following persons:

Chemical Engineering

Departmental Safety Coordinator
TBA

Materials Science

Mike Meier
Alternate Departmental Safety Coordinator
2034 Engineering II
752-5166
mlmeier@ucdavis.edu

Please download and read through the following documents.  They provide an overview of the safety issues and policies in effect in the teaching laboratories.

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