Departmental Policy On Laboratory Safety

Policies and procedures governing universal precautions in the academic laboratories should be posted in each laboratory or contained in individual laboratory manuals.  Students are responsible for reading and following these policies.  In addition, a Laboratory Safety Seminar is presented by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the University Student Health Center at the beginning of the junior year.  This is mandatory for all new students entering the Program.

Students are subject to individual laboratory rules governing universal precautions at the hospital sites, where additional lab-specific training will be given.

1. Place coats and similar clothing in lockers or specified areas; do not leave them on bench surfaces or stools in the laboratory.  Only books and handouts essential for the day's work should be in the lab.
2. There will be no eating, drinking or smoking in the laboratory.
3. Keep hands and fingers away from face and mouth.  Do not chew pencils, rub eyes, etc.
4. Do not mouth pipette. Use a bulb or other pipetting device.
5. Long hair must be tied back.
6. Students must not wear open-toed shoes, shorts or dangling jewelry of any type.
7. Any accident, however minor, must be reported to an instructor.  In addition an Accident Report must be filed with the Departmental Safety Officer.  First aid materials, fire blankets and fire extinguishers are located in each laboratory.  Body showers and an eye wash station are located in or near each laboratory.  Students should familiarize themselves with their locations.
8. Policies regarding eye protection, gloving and handling of hazardous material are addressed in each individual laboratory.
   

Students in the Medical Technology Program are expected to supply the following:

1. Gloves: Gloves are not provided by the BCLS Department for students. Each student should have a supply of disposable gloves for laboratory safety.  Gloves may be purchased at the UB Medical Bookstore, or through a medical supply company.  Other stores, such as drug stores, discount retail stores, and grocery stores may carry gloves.
2. Lab coats
   • Disposable, full-length/ knee-length lab coats are required.
   • The UB Medical Bookstore often sells the appropriate approved lab coat. Students can also purchase on-line
   • Cloth lab coats are not acceptable and cannot be worn by students.
3. Face Masks/ Face Shields
   • Face masks: students must provide their own face masks
   • Face shields: will be provided by the BCLS Department