Ajman University

College of Engineering & Information Technology

Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME)

Safety Manual

January, 2024
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Table of Contents

# Description Page

1 Introduction 3

2 Student’s safety regulations 3

2.1 General rules of conduct in the laboratories 4

2.2 Safety rules for electronic and biomedical labs. 4

2.3 Safety rules for project lab 5

2.4 Safety rules for integrated biological lab 6

3 Student acknowledgement form 7

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1. Introduction
The purpose of the BME safety manual is to provide various safety policies and procedures to
the teaching assistants and students associated with BME laboratories. This manual also
provides various maintenance procedures that are to be carried out, for the smooth and safe
functioning of BME laboratories. Every lab user is required to ensure that experiments are
conducted with the utmost safety considerations in order to avoid hazards. In addition, the user
must be familiar with procedures for dealing with hazards. Every semester, a quiz on laboratory
safety is conducted to assess BME students' knowledge and practice of safety rules and
regulations.

2. Student safety regulations

As a student in the department of biomedical engineering (BME), your safety is important.

Your compliance with the rules of the department, together with a common-sense approach,
will ensure your safety.

Specific hazards in the laboratories may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• electric shock when working with electric and electronic circuits and equipment.
• fire resulting from the use of defective electrical equipment.
• burns when using soldering equipment.
• cuts and eye injuries when using tools such as pliers and knives.

The laboratory rules are enforced to ensure students' safety when undertaking laboratory
activities. The rules also govern general student conduct in laboratories.

Laboratory rules and safety concerns are classified as follows:

• General rules of conduct in laboratories.

• safety rules in the electronics and biomedical labs.
• safety rules in the project lab.
• Safety is paramount in biological laboratories.
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2.1 General rules of conduct in the laboratories:

1. You are expected to arrive on time and not leave the laboratory before the end.
2. You must not enter a lab unless you have permission from the lab engineer or
technician.
3. You are expected to comply with instructions given by the lab instructor during the
lab session.
4. Students are not allowed to work in the laboratory alone or without the presence of the
teacher.
5. You should behave politely at all times in the lab.
6. You must not stand on the stools or work benches in the laboratory.
7. Keep the workbench tidy and do not place bags, coats, etc. on the benches.
8. You must ensure that at the end of the laboratory session all equipment used are
restored back.
9. You must dispose of all rubbish, such as paper, in the available bins.
10. Eating, smoking, and drinking in the laboratories are forbidden.
11. The use of mobile phones during laboratory sessions is not allowed.
12. You must not take test equipment, test leads, power cables, etc. from any lab without
permission.
13. Broken components should be returned to the lab supervisor for safe disposal.
14. Do not upload, delete, or alter any software on the lab PCs.
15. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the lab
supervisor immediately. Do not panic.

2.2 Safety rules for electronic and biomedical labs.

1. You should inspect laboratory equipment for visible damage before using it. If there is
a problem with a piece of equipment, report it to the lab supervisor.
2. Before switching on the power for breadboards, circuit connections and layout should
be checked by the supervisor.
3. Before making any reconnections or changes, make sure that the circuit is fully
isolated from the mains (switch off and disconnect).
4. You should not work on circuits where the supply voltage exceeds 40 volts (RMS)
without very specific approval from your lab supervisor. If you need to work on such
circuits, you should contact your supervisor for approval.
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5. Know the correct handling procedures for batteries, capacitors, inductors, and
transformers before connecting them on the circuit board.
6. Always disconnect a plug by pulling on the connector body, not the cable.
7. Disconnect any device from the circuit before maintenance or service (e.g.,
replacement of a fuse).
8. Electrical equipment and connections should not be handled with wet hands, nor
should they be used after liquid has been spilled on them.
9. Be familiar with the locations and operation of the safety and emergency power
isolators in the lab.
10. Don’t try to remove the plastic wire insulation of the wires by tooth.
11. If a small electrical fire occurs, try to disconnect the electrical power source, and call
immediately the university security (Ext: 06 -7056530)
12. Never work alone, you should be accompanied by your laboratory partner and/or the
instructors all the time.
13. Static charge sensitive electronic components have to be handled with great care.

2.3 Safety rules for project lab:

1. Safety glasses must be worn while working with the UV exposure machine.
2. Safety gloves, glasses, and a mask must be worn during PCB etching and drilling of
the printed circuit board (PCB).
3. Ensure the air exhaust fan is turned on during etching, drilling, and soldering
operations.
4. Lab coats must be worn in the project lab, especially while working with rotating
5. Always use an appropriate stand for holding your soldering iron.
6. Turn off your soldering iron if it is unlikely to be used for more than 10 minutes.
7. Never leave a hot soldering iron unattended.
8. Never touch a soldering iron element or bit unless the iron has been disconnected
from the mains and has had adequate time to cool down.
9. Please make sure that, wires of the equipment are not in contact with the hot body of
the soldering iron.
10. The air exhaust fan should be turned on to minimize the inhalation of the solder flux
fumes.
11. Wash your hands thoroughly after completing soldering work.
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12. Precautions must be taken when working with tools with sharp edges like screw
drivers, pliers, or knives.
13. Do not touch or use chemicals without the permission of the lab supervisor.
14. The disposal of used chemicals must be done carefully with the help of a lab
supervisor.
15. Every student should know the location and procedures of all safety equipment,
including, first aid box and fire extinguisher.
16. Extension cords are intended for temporary use only. If additional wall receptacles are
needed, inform the lab supervisor.
17. Testing on human subjects must be done in the presence of the lab supervisor.

2.4 Safety rules for integrated Biological lab:

1. All students must wear a lab coat during lab sessions.

2. Gloves or bandages will be available in the laboratory.
3. Wear goggles if risk of splash.
4. It is important to wash hands thoroughly before leaving the lab or if you have spilled
on your hands.
5. Report all spills to the lab instructor, whether they are on the bench, floor, or
equipment.
6. Ensure you have disposed of wastes such as biohazardous material, non-biological
material, broken glass wares, etc. in the appropriate containers.
7. Ask your lab supervisor if you do not know the correct disposal method for the
materials with which you are working.
8. Wear closed shoes during laboratory sessions.
9. Report all cuts, burns, and other injuries to the lab instructor.
10. Keep fingers and objects away from your mouth and eyes.
11. Do not carry out a new or unfamiliar procedure until you have been fully trained and
understand the precautions necessary for safe work.
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3. Student acknowledgement form

(The attached acknowledgement form is to be signed by the BME students)

I have read and agree to follow all of the general conduct rules and safety guidelines as given
in the safety manual. I will fully cooperate with lab supervisors and fellow students to
maintain a safe lab environment. I will also strictly follow the instructions provided by the
supervisor.

Name of the student:

Student ID:

Signature:

Date: