East Carolina Conservation Laboratory Safety Guidelines
Introduction
You are responsible for your own lab safety and should constantly be aware of your
surroundings. The biggest rule of working in the lab is use common sense. This laboratory
operates off of the same principles as a chemistry laboratory.
Basic Lab Safety Rules
 No practical jokes or horse play.
 Food and drinks are prohibited in the lab due to the small space and
close proximity to chemicals and to prevent insect infestation. Water
bottles that can be sealed are acceptable.
 All chemical solutions must be properly labeled with NFPA labels
and stored with compatible chemicals.
 No smoking in or within 50 feet of the dry or wet lab.
 Do not store food or drinks in the lab refrigerators. These are for artifacts and chemicals
only.
 Do not work alone in the laboratory unless you are authorized to do so by the instructor.
Lab hours are listed on the syllabus.
 No sandals, open toed or open heeled shoes.
 Long hair should be pulled back, no loose or torn clothing, no dangling jewelry.
 Many chemicals we use can destroy metal jewelry, it is suggested that you remove any
rings and bracelets before mixing chemicals or working on objects.
 Arms and legs should be protected when handling chemicals. Wear pants and use a lab
apron.
 Never taste, smell, or touch without gloves any chemical.
 IPods or personal radio devices are not be used in the lab for safety reasons.
 Please dispose of any food in the trash receptacle in the bathroom.
 Wash your hands at the end of the lab.
 If you are unsure about how to use equipment or a chemical, let the lab coordinator know.
Hazardous Materials
 Anything that is not water is listed on the chemical inventory and has an MSDS.
 Any storage or transportation of chemicals will abide by OSHA regulations.
 Label any new solution that you mix up, including artifact storage containers. If it is a
chemical solution that does not contain artifacts, use a NFPA label. Labels should not be
removed until the solution is used up and the container cleaned out.
 Before using a chemical, review the MSDS sheets provided in the lab. Be aware of the
safety precautions, spill cleanup, and incompatibilities.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
 Always wear gloves when handling chemicals.
 When mixing powders or performing an activity that produces dust, wear a mask or
respirator.
 Safety glasses or goggles must be worn when there is a potential for splash or injury,
including for those individuals located nearby.
 Eye washes and first aid stations are located in each lab. The lab coordinator will point
these out.
Sharps
 We will be working with scalpels and other sharp instruments. Please use caution and
dispose of them in the glass sharps container. If you break a glass container, place it into
the sharps container if it will fit. If not, wrap in paper and place in a separate marked
trash bag.
Chemical Mixes
 NEVER add water to a concentrated acid. Always add the acid to the water.
 Always mix chemicals in a ventilated environment.
 When carrying chemicals between buildings, always insure there is a sealable top on the
container and it is placed inside of a secondary container such as a tray. Have someone
else open doors for you.
 Carry artifacts and chemicals with two hands.
Disposal
 The only chemicals that are safe to dispose of down the sink are: tannic acid, water, and
water with Lysol. Make sure the water is running to flush the drain out.
 When disposing of PVA resins, add a small amount of water to solidify the resin and then
remove the solid. DO NOT dump resins or waxes down the drain.
 Pour used chemicals that cannot be poured down the drain into the red waste containers
in the flammables cabinet. Aqueous (water) based solutions can be placed together and
solvent based solutions (ie: acetone and alcohol) can be placed together for disposal.
Make sure to list the chemical on the sheet next to the container.
Spills
 Please make sure the scale area is always clean for the next person by cleaning up any
spills and wiping down the scale. Always make sure the scale has been turned off first,
remove the weight plate and wipe down. Replace the cover when not in use. Do not wipe
the weight plate while the scale is on, it will cause damage to the calibration.
 Clean up and wipe down the table or countertop when finished.
 Refer to the Lab Safety Plan if a spill occurs. Notify the lab coordinator and clean up the
spill quickly using paper towels.
Emergency Procedures
 Call 911 in case of an emergency including a fire or if someone needs immediate medical
attention.
 Eye washes, fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located in both labs. A garden hose is
located under the eye wash in the wet lab and can be used as an emergency shower.
Emergency Phone List
Susanne Grieve (Office)
328-4407
Eller House-Maritime History
328-6097
Flanagan Building - Anthropology
328-9430
Emergency
Fire (non-emergency)
Ambulance (East Care)
Police (non-emergency)
911
329-4390
800-672-7828
329-4335
Poison Control
(state center)
CHEMTREC
800-848-6946
800-262-8200