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At Dartmouth College laboratory safety is a collaborative effort which encompasses many different facets and potential hazards. Some hazards include radiation, chemicals, biological agents, temperature, pressure, vacuum, equipment and machinery to name a few.

In simple terms the goals are to understand the associated risks of your work, minimize the hazards involved and be aware of those hazards that cannot be eliminated. By doing these things we can work to perform and teach science safely. Protect yourself and those around you by anticipating problems and working to prevent them.

 

EMERGENCIES                                                                                                                                                                                     

Fire or Medical Emergency - Dial 911

(DHMC/Hospital Complex - Dial 5555)

Chemical, Biological or Radiological incident:  646-1762

 

What can we help you with?

 

1. Report an injury
2. Training
3. New Faculty information
4. BioRaft (i.e. basic use information)
5. SDS Lookup (Safety Data Sheets; formerly MSDS)
6. Hazardous waste collection request
7. Radioactive waste collection request
8. Scientific Equipment Clearance
9. Laboratory Moves/Closures
10. Laboratory Survey Form
11. Researcher Input/Feedback
12. Request a consultation  (i.e. chemical safety, biosafety, radioactive work, work practice assessment, personal protective equipment, safety audits, lab group review)

 

Hazardous Materials Incidents  

Isolate the problem - close doors and keep people away

• If problem is known, small in nature and you are comfortable cleaning up, use the EHS supplied spill kit in the lab.
• If problem in UNKNOWN and beyond your ability and comfort level, isolate the area and call EHS.
• For any injury or possible exposure: Seek medical attention, report the incident to EHS and complete an Accident Report.

 

Biological Exposures (BSL2 agents/human blood/body fluids)

• Wash skin with Povidone Iodine or soap and water
• Immediately irrigate eyes and mucous membranes with large volumes of water. Notify your supervisor. Report to Occupational Medicine (653-3850) at DHMC or DHMC emergency room.

 

Chemical Exposures

• Immediately flush area with large volumes of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention.

 

Radioactive Material Exposure

• For skin contamination, wash with soap and water. Use care to avoid damaging the skin. Minimize spread of contamination. Notify EHS immediately.

CONTACTS:

For laboratory safety questions:

Matthew Dunn - Radiation and Laser Safety

Erik Pietrowicz - Biosafety

Jason Angell - Laboratory Compliance Officer/Waste Manager

Erik Pietrowicz - Research Safety Officer

 

Laboratory Safety - Links

Respiratory Protection Program

 OSHA Safety and Health Topics - Laboratories

OSHA Laboratory Safety Fact Sheets