Emergency Telephone Numbers

Campus Security:   Cranford - x7152      Elizabeth - x6070     Plainfield - x3595

Emergency:    For Direct line to Public Safety Dept.:

In Cranford - use red phone in lab and prep areas

In Plainfield and Elizabeth - use red panic buttons in hallways

Fire or Medical Emergency:  Dial 911 from any desk phone

Your instructor will address the following safety issues:

Emergency exit route

Fire extinguisher and fire blanket

First aid kit

Emergency eye wash station and/or shower

Location of nearest telephone

Unauthorized experiments

Disposal of trash in biohazard containers

Disposal of biohazardous materials in trash containers *

Dangers of consuming food and beverages in a Biology Laboratory

To avoid hazards and prevent injuries students must:

Read all experiments prior to the laboratory session

Be alert to what is happening around you

See that long hair is tied back

Avoid wearing contact lenses in the laboratory**

Check containers for safety warnings- always READ LABELS

Pour liquids carefully, making certain that tubes, flasks, beakers, etc.are not pointed towards anyone, including  yourself

Keep flammable liquids a safe distance from any flame

Use insulated gloves or tongs when handling hot items

Always carry test tubes in a rack, not in your bare hands

Dispose of broken glass in a designated container, never in the trash

REPORT ALL INJURIES, CHEMICAL SPILLS AND BROKEN GLASS TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR - IMMEDIATELY

In case of a heat or chemical burn, the best first aid is cold water- LOTS OF IT, and FAST!

*Special precautions are to be followed in any laboratory exercise involving blood, saliva or urine because these body fluids may carry disease causing agents.  Any slides, cover slips, toothpicks, alcohol swabs, lancets or paper products used for work with these body fluids are disposed of in an appropriate container and are NEVER REUSED.  Dispose of these items in the manner instructed.  Under no circumstances should these  materials be returned to the clean supply areas or disposed of in regular trash receptacles.

**The wearing of contact lenses in the laboratory could cause injury to your eyes.  Based on medical advice, the Biology Department recommends that contact lenses NOT be worn in the laboratory.  If you must wear contact lenses it is recommended that you   (1) WEAR  PROTECTIVE SAFETY GOGGLES while working in the laboratory    (2) wash your hands before leaving the laboratory and  (3)  wash your eyes and lenses immediately after leaving the laboratory

 You should make your laboratory instructor aware of anything that may affect your performance or safety in the laboratory.  You are encouraged to speak to him/her in private.  Your conversation will be kept strictly confidential.