7/19/2012
 Biotechnology Laboratory Safety Contract 
Read the following Laboratory Safety Rules. After you have finished reading these guidelines and
understand what is expected, sign and turn in the laboratory safety contract.
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I will NOT eat or drink in the laboratory classroom. Do not even bring food or drink into the lab. This rule
MUST be followed without exception in all scientific laboratory rooms on the college campus. This holds true
even if class is not in session!
I will NOT apply cosmetics while in the lab. Cosmetics include beatifying agents, contact solution or liquid
tears, and even lip balm.
I will dress appropriately while working in the lab. With glass, sharp utensils, chemicals and more being
utilized in the laboratory, individuals should wear appropriate clothing as their first barrier for protection. Shoes or
sneakers (no open toes or clog-types), long pants or skirts, and tops that cover the midriff are suggested. Long
hair, loose clothing and dangling jewelry should be pulled back out of the way of the working area.
I will wash my hands with soap and water when before I leave the laboratory area. The best protection
against spreading undesired bacteria, chemicals, etc. is to wash your hands. Protect yourself and your loved
ones by remembering to do this. If you have an open cut or sore on or near your hands, keep it covered with a
sterile bandage.
I will keep my work area neat and clean. Unnecessary books, bags, purses, coats, and etc. should be stored
somewhere other than on your workstation to reduce the potential for accidents and reduce the confusion of
clutter.
I will follow all instructions including OSHA, EPA, DEC, Animal Welfare and NRC guidelines. If you do
not understand a direction or if you are unsure if something you’ve been asked to do is safe, ask for help.
I will wear a lab coat at all times and when required gloves and protective eyewear. Use of gloves and
goggles is mandatory during certain procedures as indicated by your professor. Safety glasses have been
provided for eye protection and must be worn when your professor indicates. If using blood or other bodily fluids,
gloves must be worn and all samples handled and disposed of as if they are infectious (Universal Precautions).
I will assume all lab chemicals are dangerous. Follow all instructions for safe chemical use and disposal. If
you are unsure if a chemical is safe, ask the instructor. All chemicals, when removed from their original container,
are to be properly labeled in their new vessel immediately. Never drink or eat any lab chemical.
I will take proper care of all equipment. Follow all directions for safe equipment use, knowing how to use the
equipment and supplies before utilizing them. Take special care with electrical equipment when water and other
liquids may be used in the same area and remember to unplug electrical equipment when the lab is completed. It
is very important to treat all equipment, models, microscopes and etc. as carefully as you can – for the safety and
learning benefit of yourself and others. Clean, dry and put away all glassware and dissecting equipment after
use.
I will not engage in horseplay.
I know where the fire extinguisher, the eye wash station, first aid kit, broken glass container, cleanup materials for spills and exits are located.
I will call 911 in case of an emergency (college phones = 9–911).
I will report all spills or accidents, no matter how minor, to the instructor.
I will inform the instructor of any allergy, prior medical condition, or treatment (pregnancy, diabetes,
asthma, heart condition, taking immunosuppressive drugs, etc.) that might impact my safety in this
laboratory.
I will NEVER work alone in the laboratory. Make sure you always have a ‘buddy’ with you when you work in
the lab, especially after normal lab hours. The individual does not have to be a classmate or enrolled in the
sciences, but must be able to get help if an accident should happen. It is highly recommended that you locate a
science instructor on the floor and tell them where you will be working so they are aware and can check on you if
necessary.
I will not remove laboratory notebooks from the lab. I understand that all laboratory notebooks are a
legal and accurate record of my work and the reagents I use. They are the property of the JCC
Biotechnology Program and thus must stay in the lab.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------I have read the above safety rules and have listened to further information from my instructor. I
understand what is expected of me while working in the laboratory and will to the best of my ability follow
these guidelines to insure my own personal safety as well as the safety of my classmates.
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Print Name
Signature
Date