School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences
Student Safety & Study Skills
Handbook 11/12

• University information
• School information
• Laboratory safety rules
• General laboratory rules
• The laboratory handling of human body fluids and tissues
• Safety in microbiology

Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PABS) School Office

Phone: 01273 642090 or 642014
Fax: 01273 642674
Email: Email us
Visit: Huxley Building Room H608

General Laboratory Rules

1. Faulty or damaged laboratory equipment or services should be reported to the Lecturer in Charge, or a Technician. Do it yourself repairs are forbidden.
   
   
2. All instruments and their accessories should be used with care and their operating instructions followed exactly.If in doubt - ask.
   
   
3. Centrifuges may only be operated after instruction in their use by a competent person.
   
   
4. Large glass bottles (Winchesters) of acids or solvents must only be carried in approved polythene carriers, obtainable from the stores.
   
   
5. Burettes should be filled using a beaker and a funnel and not directly from the Winchester.
   
   
6. Analytical balances should be left clean.
   
   
7. Protect wooden bench surfaces from hot objects by using the insulated sheets provided.
   
   
8. Gas cylinders are charged to a very high pressure, the following rules apply:
   
   (i) No gas cylinder may be operated until instructions on their use have been obtained from the Lecturer or a Technician.
   
   (ii) Gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position using an approved cylinder support or mounted on a cylinder trolley.
   
   (iii) Do not place cylinders near a radiator or any other source of heat.
   
   (iv) Cylinders must only be moved with the aid of a trolley and the main cylinder valve must be closed.
   
   (v) After use, turn off the main cylinder valve and release the pressure in the regulator.
   
   (vi) Immediately report if a cylinder is leaking. Do not overtighten the main cylinder valve. Do not attempt to use damaged regulators.
   
   
9. Liquid nitrogen can cause severe burns, gloves and facemasks as well as laboratory coats should be worn at all times.
   
   
10. Compressed air is dangerous; do not connect the service line direct to glass apparatus without using a suitable safety vent.
    
    
11. You are responsible for the apparatus and equipment that you use and may be charged for breakage or damage.
    
    
12. Where a student fits a padlock to their laboratory lockers, a spare key, suitably labelled, must be deposited with the technician in charge of the laboratory.