BAMZOOKA
Basic Principles
Task list
- Minimize all chemical exposures
- Use adequate ventilation
- Take exposure limits seriously
- Never underestimate risk
Be Familiar with
Task list
- Chemical container labels and material safety and data sheets
- Permissible exposure limits for chemicals used
- Physical and health hazards of chemicals
- Personal protective equipment
- When hazardous chemical activities need pre-approval
- What to do in an emergency
Use Required Ventilation and Protective Equipment
Task list
- Check for proper hood function before each use
- Don't store materials on hoods or block vents / air flow
- Keep hood closed except when making adjustments
- Wear assigned protective clothing in all laboratory settings
- Wear closed-toed shoes that fully cover feet
Store, Handle, Dispose of Chemicals Safely
Task list
- Only keep chemicals needed for the current task in the lab
- Regularly check inventory lab chemicals; store/dispose of what's not needed
- Store chemicals in labeled and appropriate containers
- Store highly toxic substances or opened containers in unbreakable secondary containers
- Store chemicals in designated, well-ventilated rooms
- Don't use storerooms for preparation or repackaging
- Check condition of stored chemicals and containers periodically
- Store breakable containers in chemically resistant trays or overwrap containers
- Wrap evacuated glass to protect against explosion
- Don't use cracked or broken containers
- Clean up any broken glass immediately and dispose of it properly
- Carry chemical containers in bucket or other container; use a tray, rack, or cart rather than carrying by hand
- Have a partner present for jobs with highly hazardous substances
- Cover work surfaces with removable absorbent plastic-backed paper when working with highly hazardous substances
- Dispose of chemical waste in properly labeled receptacles
- Never pour chemical waste down drains or into general trash
Practice Good Hygiene
Task list
- Don't eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in areas with lab chemicals
- Always wash hands carefully before entering and leaving lab
- Don't keep food, beverages, or utensils in chemical storage areas (including refrigerators)
- Don't drink from lab glasses
- Don't smell or taste chemicals
- Don't use mouth suction to pipette or start a siphon
- Keep work area neat
- Never store or place materials in hallways, on floor, or blocking exits or emergency equipment
- If an experiment must be left unattended, leave lights on and a warning sign on the door
Prevent Fires, Shock, and Other Lab Hazards
Task list
- Be sure wires and plugs aren't frayed or broken
- Use tongs or heat-resistant gloves with autoclaves and equipment that uses heat
- Don't touch electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing on wet floor
- Keep clothing/long hair away from equipment with moving parts
- Keep compressed gas cylinders clean, free of oil and grease, and chained in place
- Only operate equipment you've been trained to use
- Immediately report any equipment that's not working properly
Act Promptly and Properly in an Emergency
Task list
- Clean up small spills immediately; contact emergency response team if appropriate
- Know how to turn on fire alarm, who to contact, and evacuation route to take
- For chemical inhalation, get to fresh air and seek medical attention
- For chemical eye contact, immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention
- For chemical ingestion, check substance's MSDS for instructions and call poison control
- For chemical skin contact, wash immediately and thoroughly with water; remove and dispose of contaminated clothing properly; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Use Common Sense
Task list
- Be alert to any possibly unsafe situations and report immediately
- Never indulge in horseplay in the lab or chemical storage area
- If you see something, say something