College of Engineering Lab Safety Guide

and Chemical Hygiene Plan

EN-526-708
OSHA Lab Standard
The use of hazardous materials in laboratory areas is addressed by the OSHA
Laboratory Standard "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories." This standard mandates the preparation of a Chemical Hygiene Plan,
such as this Safety Guide, consisting of specific policies and procedures addressing the
requirements of the regulation.

Program Elements
Safety walk down
Buddy System
MSDS Sheets
Personal Protective Equipment
Hazardous Operations Notification
Fire Emergency Response
Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention
Spill Response and Clean Up
First Aid Guide
Smoke Free Building
Close Call Investigation and Reporting
Accident Investigation and Reporting
General Chemical Storage Rules
Compressed Gases
Chemical Labels
Chemical Disposal
Laboratory Inspections
Particularly Hazardous Substances
Cryogenics

Ladder Use Guidelines

General Machine Shop Safety
Equipment Safety
Laser Safety
Contact Information

Safety Walk Down

A safety walk down will be conducted of all COE lab spaces yearly by the Director of
Laboratories or their designee. A checklist of areas to be inspected and inspection
criteria is in Reference A.

Buddy System
The Buddy system requires two persons to be present in the laboratory areas when work
is being performed. No person is to be working alone on laboratory equipment. A
Buddy system will be used at all times.

No student is allowed to be working without supervision of a paid university employee

present.
Student work stops if supervision is called out of the lab.
No students are allowed access to the lab without supervision by a paid
university employee.

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Exception: Laboratories which only house clerical, computer, and/or non-hazardous
equipment and/ or assemble processes. These areas are to be controlled by key or
swipe access.

MSDS Sheets
Under the right to know laws all MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are to be
accessible to all personnel. MSDS books are available in the lab areas. Additionally,
MSDS sheets are located in the University Safety Office. Per the Hazard
Communication Standard of OSHA, a MSDS sheet MUST be obtained for every
chemical used in the work place.

Any chemical that is not in its original container must be labeled. This includes spray
bottles for water.

Waste containers used to dispose of chemical waste must be labeled. Contact the
University Safety Officer for pick-up and disposal of waste products or unwanted
chemicals.

Personal Protective Equipment

A critical aspect of working safely with hazardous materials is the proper selection and
use of personal protective equipment (PPE). All PPE should be carefully selected to
ensure that it is appropriate for the hazards present and that the users will be able to
perform their work in reasonable comfort wearing the protective equipment.

Gloves
Protective gloves should be worn whenever there is the potential for skin damage or
absorption through the skin when using a chemical or working with a hazardous
material. The gloves should be of a material appropriate for the chemical or material in
question. Information as to appropriate materials is available in safety equipment
catalogues from which gloves may be purchased or in the MSDS sheet for the material
being used. Care should be taken to ensure that the gloves fit properly. Also, an
individual's susceptibility to latex allergies should be considered when selecting gloves.

Eyewear
Protective eyewear is required to be worn in any situation where there is a potential for
damage to the eye. These situations include protection from flying debris, protection
from chemical splashes, and protection from hazardous radiation such as lasers or
ultraviolet light, which are often produced in welding operations. It is critical that the
proper protective eyewear be selected for use.

Protective eyewear must offer appropriate protection from the hazards presented. For
example, safety glasses do not offer sufficient protection from chemical splashes--
goggles or safety shields are indicated for that use. When dealing with chemical
splashes, be sure the eyewear offers NO opportunity for chemical entry, such as often
occurs with poorly placed ventilation holes.

In the case of protection from radiation, the eyewear must not only address the specific
wavelength of the radiation but also offer sufficient protection from the power or intensity
of the radiation.

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Respiratory Protection
As a minimum, dust masks are to be worn when performing operations that create fine
dust, such as sanding. Sanding should only be performed in an area with proper
ventilation and where the dust will not damage other equipment in the area.

When using chemicals or spray painting respiratory protection should be used. This
could be proper ventilation, a hood or personal respirator. Proper training on use of a
respirator should be completed before its use. The type of respirator should be matched
to the hazard. For training contact the University Safety Officer. (Greg Peebles X 7715)

Hazardous Operations Notification

If laboratory operations require leaving exposed hazards (chemical reagent, heat source,
ect.) when the lab will be unoccupied, prior notification must be given to the below
persons.
National Management Resources Corp – X7326
Facilities Management – X8038
Security – X8111
University Safety Officer X7715
COE Laboratory Director – X7349

This notification will prevent unintended interruption or disturbance of your experiment as

well as protecting those whose job requires them to enter labs.

Fire Emergency Response

According to the University policy on fire emergencies, employees are not required to
fight fires and should evacuate the building immediately in the event of a fire. The local
fire department has the primary responsibility for managing fire emergencies and must
be notified immediately of such situations at their emergency number – 911.

If fire is discovered, activate the nearest fire alarm and call 911. If the fire alarm does
not work, or the building is not equipped with one, dial 911 and notify occupants verbally
of the emergency and the need to evacuate.

Hazardous equipment or processes should be shut down before leaving unless doing so
presents a greater hazard. Close all doors when leaving, if conditions permit.

Employees may use fire extinguishers to fight small, incipient stage fires (no larger than
a waste paper basket) only if they have been trained in the proper use of fire
extinguishers and are confident in their ability to cope with the hazards of a fire. In such
cases fire fighting efforts must be terminated when it becomes obvious that there is
danger of harm from smoke, heat, or flames.

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Fire Extinguishers
The use of fire extinguishers must follow OSHA Guide lines (OSHA Standard 29CFR
1910.157)

Maintenance of fire extinguishers is performed by Security. Maintenance service is

performed once a year.

Fire prevention
Proper housekeeping including prompt removal of waste and keeping the work space
free of unnecessary combustible materials shall be performed by housekeeping and
shop personnel.

Flammable liquids shall be stored in flammable storage cabinets provided in the lab
areas. Storage of combustible materials such as card board boxes and newspaper shall
be kept at a minimum.

Electrical wiring should be maintained in good condition. Extension cords should be only
for temporary use. Do not overload outlets by using gang plugs.

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Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention
Slips, trips, and falls account for 15% of all accidental deaths. The most important
precautionary tip that applies in all these cases is to PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU
ARE DOING. This is among the most common causes of injuries and is the easiest to
correct. The best walking surfaces and ideal weather conditions won’t be of any help if
you are not watching where you are going.

SLIPS
Slips occur when there is too little friction or traction between your feet and the walking
surface. The most common causes of slips are wet surfaces, weather hazards, spills,
and poor tread on footwear. Preventive measures include:

Wet surfaces: Shorten your stride, walk with feet pointed out slightly, and make wider
turns.

Spills: Clean up immediately. If you are unfamiliar with the contents of the spill, contact
the Safety Officer or Lab Director

Weather hazards: Rain creates wet slippery conditions. Walk more slowly so you can
react to traction changes. Wear slip resistant shoes and dry off shoes as soon as
possible after entering a building (wet shoes on dry floors are as dangerous as dry
shoes on wet floors). Wear sunglasses on sunny winter days so you can more easily
see slippery areas.

Poor tread on footwear or generally poor traction: Wear slip resistant footwear, apply
abrasive strips to smooth walking surfaces, post warnings.

TRIPS
Trips commonly occur when you foot strikes an object and your momentum throws you
off balance. To minimize the potential for this type of injury:

Do not allow carried packages to obstruct your view.

If glasses fog due to atmospheric changes, clear them immediately.

Use only proven walkways.

Close desk and file drawers when not in use.

Report burned out or missing lights.

Be aware of elevator threshold positions.

Report any uneven or broken pavement, sidewalks, or handrails.

FALLS
Falls usually take place from one level to another, such as falling down stairs. Another
involves using chairs as ladders. Preventive measures include:

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NEVER stand on a chair to reach a high object. Always use a ladder.

When using ladders, select the proper type and size, and use it properly.

Walk up and down stairs, and never jump from the last step.

Use handrails.

Walk, don’t run.

Report any unsafe conditions.

Spill Response and Clean Up

If a spill causes an uncontrolled fire emergency, call 911

In the event of a small (depends on the MSDS as to what constitutes a small non-life
threatening spill) chemical spill, the individuals who caused the spill are responsible for
prompt and proper clean-up. It is also their responsibility to have spill control and
personal protective equipment appropriate for the chemicals being handled readily
available. The following are general guidelines to be followed for a small chemical spill.

Immediately alert area occupants and supervisor and evacuate the area, if necessary.
If there is a fire or medical attention is needed, contact public safety at 911.
Attend to any people who may be contaminated. Contaminated clothing must be
removed immediately and the skin flushed with water for no less than fifteen minutes.
Clothing must be laundered before reuse.
If a volatile, flammable material is spilled, immediately warn everyone, control sources of
ignition and ventilate the area.
Protect floor drains or other means for environmental release.
When spilled materials have been absorbed, use brush and scoop to place materials in
an appropriate container.
Consult the MSDS sheet for proper method of spill clean up and decontamination of the
surface where the spill occurred.
Report all spills to your supervisor or the University Safety Officer.

If a spill is large (per the MSDS) or is life threatening contact the 24/7 FIT Hazardous
spill contractor – ACT – at 800-226-0911 & follow their direction. Immediately contact
both FIT Security – 321-674-8111 (x8111) and the current Emergency Coordinator per
the posted yellow emergency contacts sheet.

SPILL CONTROL
Spill Kits are placed in Olin 117, Frueauff 107, Quad 404, Quad 407, Link 320 and
building 538. Laboratories must have a minimum amount of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and appropriate clean-up materials present prior to an incident

The supplies needed to clean up a spill will depend on the quantity and type of chemical
that is spilled. You may not proceed with your work until the proper spill equipment &
appropriate PPE are on hand. Contact the Lab Director or the University Safety Officer
for assistance and approval of your equipment.

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Clean-up Procedures
The responsibility of the first responder is to limit access to the spill so that unsuspecting
persons do not inadvertently encounter spilled material and either contaminate
themselves or spread the spilled material beyond the immediate spill area and notify
supervision. Call numbers are posted in all laboratories.

Don the appropriate personal protective equipment and control further release and
spread of material, if possible. This step often involves righting containers and placing
absorbent or other diking material around the spill to prevent the spread of the spill
beyond the containment area.

Then, review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or other references for recommended
spill cleanup methods.

Once the spill has been contained, the responder should absorb any free liquid Acquire
sufficient quantities and types of appropriate spill control materials to contain any spills
that can be reasonably anticipated. The need for equipment to disperse, collect and
contain spill control materials (e.g., brushes, scoops, containers, etc.) should also be
reviewed.

Many spills involve broken glass. The responder must be careful not to get cut by broken
glass during the clean-up process. Use tongs to pick-up the broken glass.

Once all of the free liquids are absorbed, place all of the absorbents and other
contaminated spill clean-up materials into the appropriate container.

Label the container as hazardous waste and specify the contents. Then request that the
materials be removed from the laboratory as hazardous waste. Call the University
Safety Officer for removal of the material.

First Aid Guide

The first aid policy provides procedures for responding to sudden illness or accidents
where an injury has occurred. The policy is as follows:

When immediate aid is needed, call 911. Then contact FIT Security at 321-674-8111
(x8111).

After notifying emergency response at 911, if there are individuals qualified to render first
aid, seek their assistance, i.e. FIT security. Personal protective equipment should be
used when there is the potential for exposure to blood or other body fluids. Do not
attempt to clean any blood spills. Contact security to have our cleaning contractor who
are equipped & qualified to do this type of cleaning.

First aid for life threatening situations such as stopped breathing or excessive bleeding
should be rendered as soon as possible.

Treatments such as bandaging or splinting should not be attempted, except under the
supervision of medical personnel.

Persons with injuries or illness, which require emergency department facilities, are to be
transported directly to a medical facility.

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Persons with cuts which require band-aides are to report to the nurse for evaluation,
within 24 hours of the injury. Persons who are injured in the machine shop shall be
transported over to the nurse at the time of the injury by shop supervision.

All first aid supplies are maintained in the laboratory, except on the third floor of Olin
Engineering, where they are located in the ECE department office and GSA office.

First aid supplies are limited to household supplies, such as band aids and sterile gauze
pads.

Persons who wish to acquire first aid or CPR training are encouraged to avail
themselves of local resources such as the Red Cross, local first aid squads, or
University programs when offered

Smoke-Free Buildings
At Florida Institute of Technology, smoking is prohibited in all education buildings per
Florida State law. Smoking is prohibited in all university-owned transportation vehicles.
In addition, smoking is prohibited within 10 feet of all College of Engineering building
entrances.

Adverse health affects are also found in people exposed to second-hand smoke. In
addition, people with lung diseases, such as asthma, find second-hand smoke highly
irritating and a trigger to attacks.

Close Call Investigation and Reporting

Reporting is key to improving everyone’s safety. Even minor injuries are warnings that
something happened that wasn’t planned. Unless we know about injuries, or even those
incidents that don’t result in injuries (referred to as “Close call” accidents), we can’t
correct the problem that led to the incident. Left uncorrected, it can easily happen again,
and it may be more serious the next time. Help management and everyone around you
by reporting every incident that causes, or has the potential to cause, an injury. The
College of Engineering with the University Safety Officer will investigate and determine
what can be done to prevent a recurrence.

A close call is an event that had the potential for personal injury or major equipment
damage, but that only lead to equipment damage in under of $50.

Reporting will consist of having all parties present fill out an investigation form.
Reference B

Upon review of these forms, the Director of Laboratories or the University Safety Officer
has the authority to have a formal review committee review the incident. At a minimum
this committee will consist of the supervisor of the area where the incident occurred, the
student or employee performing the work, the safety officer, and the director of
laboratories. Other individuals may be requested to participate at the request of director
of Laboratories or the University Safety Officer
A formal incident report will be completed and filed in the College of Engineering.
Corrective actions will be tracked to verify they are complete

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Accident Investigation and Reporting
An accident is any personal injury that required professional medical care or any
equipment damage in excess of $50.

All Workers Compensation claims will be handled as defined in the Employee Handbook
and Human Resources policies and procedures. In addition, the College of Engineering
with the University Safety Officer will investigate and determine what can be done to
prevent a recurrence using the method defined under close call investigation.

General Chemical Storage Rules

ƒ Minimize the amount of chemicals stored in the laboratory.
ƒ Always use safety cans to store flammables when removed from original
container, unless less than 8 oz is to be stored.
ƒ Use OSHA's Standards approved fireproof cabinets for storing flammables.
ƒ Make sure that all containers are properly labeled.
ƒ Do not store flammables where they are exposed to direct sunlight.
ƒ Periodically check that the storage areas are adequately ventilated.
ƒ Do not fill closed lid containers to the top.
ƒ Always separate acids from bases and fuel from oxidizers.

Compressed Gas
Many gases have hazardous attributes, such as being poisonous, causing asphyxiation,
supporting fires, or having other dangerous properties. When these gases are
compressed in containers, their high pressure adds a special hazard to their use and
storage. Always read the MSDS for a given gas before purchase or use. Be sure to have
any needed safety equipment in place before obtaining a gas that is hazardous.

All persons handling compressed gas cylinders must have University Safety Office
approved training.

- Cylinders must be secured in an upright position using a belt or a chain. In no case

may the cylinder be secured to plumbing or electrical conduits.
- All cylinders are color-coded. This color code is used to identify the contents of the
cylinder. - Never change the color of cylinder.
- The valve protection caps must be replaced when cylinders are not in use.
- Care must be taken when handling the cylinders to prevent physical damage. Cylinders
should be transported using suitable hand trucks and should never be rolled or dragged.
- When cylinders are stored they must be separated according to their contents. See
MSDS.
- Full and empty cylinders must be stored separately. All cylinders must be tagged to
indicate whether they are full or empty.
- Cylinders not in use should be removed from the laboratory. The number of cylinders
used in the lab should be limited to minimize fire and toxicity hazards.
- Using compressed gases should be conducted in well-ventilated areas.
- No smoking is permitted at all by stored gases.
- The conditions of the cylinders, valves and related equipment must be checked
regularly for leaks and physical damage. The user of the cylinder should check for leaks
with a soap and water test solution.
- Cylinders must pass hydrostatic pressure test within the past 10 years. It is the
responsibility of the cylinder owner to perform mandatory inspections on the integrity of

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the cylinder. If you have been in possession of a cylinder for 5 years, it must be either
returned or re-inspected.

Chemical Labels

All chemicals are to be labeled at all times. Temporary storage or use containers, like
squeeze bottles are to be labeled with there contents. Any container without a label or
which is blank shall be labeled with the NFPA label described below.

Exemptions for labeling requirements shall be made for chemical transfers from a
labeled container into a container which is intended only for the immediate use of the
employee who performed the transfer. Examples are the transfer of material into a
graduated cylinder to measure volume or the use of a beaker or container to measure
weight of a substance.

By law, chemicals supplied by manufactures are labeled to indicate the name of the
product and list the hazardous ingredients present. The label must also provide
information regarding the hazards associated with using the material. This is often done
both with text information as well as with symbols. There are two common symbols
used on labels to quickly provide information of the relative hazards of a material. One
is called the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warning diamond, which
appears below as Figure 1. The other is the Hazard Materials Information System
(HMIS) system, which appears below as Figure 2. Both systems use a numerical rating
of hazards in each of three sections (health hazard, fire/flammability hazard and
reactivity hazard). The key to the hazards associated with the numerical ratings is
provided below.

Figure 1 Figure 2

Health Hazard Ratings: 0 - Ordinary combustible hazards in a fire

1 - Slightly hazardous
2 – Hazardous
3 - Extreme danger
4 – Deadly

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Flammability Hazard Ratings 0 - Will not burn
1 - Will ignite if preheated
2 - Will ignite if moderately heated
3 - Will ignite at most ambient conditions
4 - Burns readily at ambient conditions

Reactivity Hazard Ratings 0 - Stable and not reactive with water

1 - Unstable if heated
2 - Violent chemical change
3 – Shock and heat may detonate
4 – May detonate

Chemical Disposal
If chemicals are no longer needed or are expired, they should be deposited into your
laboratory’s hazardous waste Satellite Accumulation Area (if you do not have a SAA you
need to contact the University Safety Office to set one up). When your SAA containers
are approaching full - contact the University Safety Officer for disposal. All aerosol
containers are to be sent to the University Safety Officer or placed in the proper
container for disposal. Empty aerosols which contained food or personal hygiene items
may be disposed of in the blue university recycling bins. An SAA for aerosol collection is
located on the east side of building 538, the machine shop.

Never dispose of chemicals, aerosol containers or potentially hazardous materials in

trash containers.

Always separate acids from bases and fuel from oxidizers.

Never pour chemicals down a sink.

Laboratory Inspections
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety requires all laboratory areas to be
inspected once per year. Help ensure a successful inspection by reviewing the
inspection criteria in the Laboratory Inspection Form in Reference A

Particularly Hazardous Substances

The OSHA Laboratory Standard specifies that special precautions be taken when
Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) are used in the laboratory. Florida Institute of
Technology requires the preparation of a written procedure for the use and handling of a
PHS in a laboratory. Any chemical that has carcinogenic effects in its MSDS sheet is
considered a PHS.

Fume Hoods
The primary control for protecting laboratory employees from exposure to chemical
hazards in the lab is the fume hood. They are inspected during safety walk downs to
assure that fume hoods are properly working and maintained.

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Cryogenics
Cryogenic materials are any material that is below–150 °C ( –238 °F or 123 K). When
using cryogenic materials the proper PPE includes gloves, full face goggle, apron, and
long pants, long sleeved shirt or lab coat, and shoes with socks. The most used
material is liquid nitrogen.

Precautions
Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold (-320°F, -196°C, 77K) and can cause severe frostbite.
Always use gloves and face protection when handling liquid nitrogen. Loose-fitting long
sleeve clothing is recommended.
Never use liquid nitrogen in a confined space. An oxygen-deficient atmosphere may
occur.

In case of skin contact, rinse with plenty of water. Do not remove clothes. Seek medical
attention.

In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention.

In case of a major liquid spill, evacuate all personnel from the affected area. Do not enter
the affected area without a self-contained breathing apparatus. Respirators WILL NOT
function in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Transfer from tank to Dewar

Place Dewar under dispensing line.
Open valve on tank slowly.
Fill Dewar slowly. Never fill completely to the top.
Replace foam cap on Dewar.
Transfer from Dewar to equipment
Remove foam cap from Dewar.
Pour slowly into equipment, using a funnel if necessary.
Replace foam cap on Dewar when not in use.

Ladder Use Guidelines

Before using a ladder inspect it, place it properly, and use it appropriately.

INSPECT IT

Contact FIT facilities maintenance (321-674-8038 or x 8038) and have one of their
ladder safety trained employees inspect your ladder.

AND,

Inspect ladders before using (make sure there are no breaks or cracks, all components
must be in good working condition, no oil or grease on side rails or steps, no frayed or
worn ropes, movable parts operate freely, no excessive wear, rungs securely attached to
side rails, and are you using the proper ladder for the job?)

Before using a ladder, consider any external hazards: overhead obstructions, presence
of electrical equipment, congested area, uneven surfaces, weather conditions, etc.

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Never use a ladder that is too long or too short for what you are going to work on, and
NEVER stand on a swivel chair, stool, desk, or other object when you need to reach
something. Check the ladder’s load limits before putting it into service. Use this table to
interpret the ladder rating that will be marked on the ladder somewhere:

Category Weight Limit, Pounds Rating

Type I-AA 375 Special Duty
Type I-A 300 Heavy Duty Industrial
Type I 250 Heavy Duty
Type II 225 Medium Duty
Type III 200 Light Duty

Remove any defective ladder from service immediately, tag it (or better yet, break it so
that it can not be used), and report it so that it can be replaced.

PLACE IT
Do not use ladders as a brace, platform, scaffold, plank, or lever, and do not use the
rungs for storage.

Never use a metal ladder near electrical sources, don’t use step ladders as straight
ladders (i.e., leaned against the wall), and don’t tie ladders together to make a longer
ladder.

If you have to use a ladder near a doorway, take one or more of these precautionary
steps to make sure nobody comes through the door and knocks you from the ladder:
lock the door, put up barricades, secure the ladder, and/or have somebody stand watch
to warn others that a ladder is in use.

Set up straight ladders using the 4 to 1 rule: 1 foot from the wall for every 4 feet of the
ladder’s working length.

When using a stepladder, open it fully, place it on a solid surface, and make sure the
spreaders are locked into position. Do not stand on the top two rails, and never stand on
the back section.

When using a straight ladder or extension ladder, be sure the rails are supported equally
at both the top and bottom. The bottom side rails must be on a firm surface. Also, extend
the top at least 3 feet beyond the support point, make sure the upper section of an
extension ladder overlaps the lower portion adequately, and check to be sure the rungs
are locked in place.

USE IT
Do not stand on the top four rails when using a straight ladder.

Face the ladder when ascending or descending. And remember, you will be farther from
the wall as you descend the ladder. If you find it difficult to reach the wall as you near the
bottom, you should be using a different ladder.

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Grip the rails with both hands whenever possible, and always use the 3-point contact
rule (i. e., always have one hand and both feet in contact with the ladder, or one foot and
both hands).

Keep your belt buckle within the side rails to ensure against over-reaching. Move the
ladder if you have to get to something beyond your normal reach.

Never allow more than one person on the ladder at any given time.

Hoist tools or other materials up to you, rather than carrying them up the ladder with you.
Wear a tool belt so you don’t have to hold onto tools.

Never paint wooden ladders. Paint will conceal cracks and defects.

Do not try to move the ladder while you are still on it, and do not allow anyone else to
move a ladder while it is still occupied.

Be constantly aware of where you are and what you are doing. Many injuries have
occurred because ladder users were not paying attention.

Use slip resistant “shoes” on the bottoms of portable ladders. If a ladder can not be
safely secured, have someone brace it at the bottom.

If the top of a ladder must rest against a window or a corner, use a ladder stabilizer.

Ladders longer than 8’ must be carried by two people.

Store ladders safely and properly: step ladders in vertical, closed position; straight
ladders horizontal, on ladder racks or wall brackets.

Do not jump from the last rung to the ground.

If you follow these guidelines, you should never have to worry about being injured in a
ladder-related incident.

General Machine Shop Safety

The head research professor or shop supervisor is responsible for work done in lab
areas. Detailed rules for the Machine Shop are in the “Basic Machine Tool Operations
Policy".

Student project work space is to be assigned by the Director of Laboratories.

See http://coe.fit.edu/srproject.html request form.

All work orders are to be approved by the Director of Laboratories.

Equipment Safety
Lab equipment and machinery has the potential to produce large amounts of force and
potential injury. NEVER operate equipment unless you are trained to do so. Always
follow the instruction or lab manual to prevent injury or damage to the equipment.
Students working in the Machine shop are required to complete the training
requirements outlined in the Basic Tool Manual.

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Repairs of equipment are only to be performed under the direction of the Director of
Laboratories. Employees and students working on equipment should always use the
buddy system. Working alone on equipment will be viewed as unauthorized work and
will be subject to disciplinary action.

Types of hazards present are dependant on the equipment design. Equipment may have
the risk of an unexpected startup, energization, or release of stored energy.

Types of energy that have the potential to cause injury include (but are not limited to):
Electricity
Trapped pressure
Spring tension
Components that could fall or shift position
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Piping and vessels
Temperature extremes
Any form of energy that could cause injury, whether on the above list or not, can cause
injury. Follow written manuals when working on or with any equipment.

Laser Safety
There are a great many lasers and laser-containing devices present in the College of
Engineering Laboratories. Lasers have the potential to damage vision and skin. Always
wear protective eyewear that is rated for the wave length of the laser. Never allow body
parts to cross the laser’s path. For the University Policy and Procedure, Laser Use and
Safety Policy see the University Safety website or the University Laser Safety Officer
(Stephanie Hopper X7349).

Contact Information
The below information is for reference only. Phone numbers can also be found on the
posted yellow Emergency contact information placards or on the online directory at
http://www.fit.edu/telecom/faculty_search.html

Greg Peebles University Safety Officer X7715, Cell 917-5484

Stephanie Hopper Dir. Of Labs, University Laser Officer X7349, Cell 795-9440
Julio Sanchez National Mgm’t Supervisor X7326
Campus Security X8111
Facilities X8038

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Reference A –Yearly Safety Walk downs

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REFERENCE B
Incident Review Report

Name of person making the report: ______________________________________

Title or Position; ____________________________________________________
Supervisor;_________________________________________________________
Person(s) involved in the incident:___________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Date and Time of the incident:. _____________________________________________
Building or location of incident _____________________________________________
Task being done when the incident occurred:___________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Witnesses:______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe how the incident occurred.__________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe physical injuries__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Date and time medical attention was sought____________________________________
Name of doctor and health care facility. _______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe property damage__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Estimate of property damage (if known) ______________________________________
Describe what could have been done to prevent an incident of this type. _____________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Signature; __________________________ Date_____________________

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