*All employees, at the time of hire, are required to read the USU Administrative Safety and Health Policy (337.1), Provisions (337.2; 2.1-2.5), and Responsibility (337.3; per role), as well as the USU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Safety & Security Policies Manual, linked below. Employees must then acknowledge their understanding by completing the form on the Training & Reporting Forms tab.

General safety requirements are:

USU Administrative Safety and Health Policy  
Department Safety & Security Policies Manual

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The USU Chemistry and Biochemistry Department is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and faculty, as well as teaching appropriate respect for safety while engaged in scientific pursuits. Personal safety of each individual associated with the department is of primary importance. Through the department faculty and the department Safety Committee, every effort is made to ensure the availability and maintenance of all physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, radiological facilities, and equipment required for safety as per federal, state, local, and University policy.

1. Eye protection - Goggles or safety glasses are required when working in the laboratory. Specific requirements may be found in the safety documentation of each laboratory.
2. Lab coat - Lab coats are required when working in the laboratory.
3. Gloves - Proper gloves are required when working in the laboratory. Check the compatibility of the gloves with the chemicals to be used. Take off the gloves before stepping out of the lab.
4. Safety equipment - Know the locations of a fire extinguisher, eye-washer, safety shower, first aid box and chemical spill.
5. Food and drinks - Food and drinks are not allowed in the laboratory. Food and drink containers must be disposed of outside the laboratory.
6. Shoes - Shoes should cover the entire foot. Sandals, clogs, and other open toed or open-heeled shoes do not cover enough foot and are not allowed.
7. Hair - Hair should not be worn in a style that impairs vision, cause distractions during job functions, or that may come in contact with work surfaces or moving equipment.
8. Transfer of chemicals - For transporting chemicals outside the laboratory, place the chemicals in a secondary confinement and transport the chemicals on a cart. Alternatively, hand-carrying chemicals in a secondary confinement is acceptable. However, hand-carrying chemicals directly, without using a secondary confinement, outside the laboratory is forbidden. For transporting chemicals within the laboratory, always wear personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles and lab coat and carry the chemicals with caution. Never grab the container by the cap. Return the chemical to its designated storage site after use.
9. Fume hood - Always make sure the fume hood is operational before use. Open the sash to proper height when operating a procedure. Avoid opening the sash too high, which may reduce the effectiveness of air flow. Avoid over accumulation of items in the fume hood that may obstruct the air flow. Lower the sash when the operation is complete.
10. Emergency exit - Exits and aisles must not be obstructed by equipment, chairs, supplies, or trash. Doors to the laboratory must be kept closed, exit doors must not be blocked, locked, or obstructed in any way to inhibit egress.
11. Glassware - Glassware must be cleaned after completion of the experiment. Large pieces of broken glass must be placed in the broken glass containers designated for large pieces of broken glass.
12. Chemical spills - You must know the location of spill clean-up material in your laboratory. You must know the Spill Prevention and Response procedure for your laboratory.
13. Housekeeping - Good housekeeping is an essential aspect of laboratory safety. The work area must be cleaned up at the end of each procedure and prior to the start of a new procedure.

Teaching Labs

Teaching Labs - Students enrolled in laboratory courses in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, as well as the teaching assistants assigned to these courses, are required to follow the general safety requirements listed above as well as any course specific guidelines and required documentation.
Research Labs - Anyone working in a research laboratory in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is required to pass the USU laboratory safety training (initial) prior to beginning work in the laboratory. All are required to follow the general safety requirements listed above as well as any laboratory specific guidelines and required documentation.

COVID-19 Information 

Procedures for Working In the Laboratory During the Covid-19 Epidemic

1. Students will learn what section Cohort they are assigned to by reading the Cohort Assignment document on Canvas.
2. Students will complete experiments during the time assigned to their Cohort.
3. Students will enter the laboratory through the designated doors marked with clear signage.
4. Students will exit the laboratory through the designated doors marked with clear signage.
5. Students will wear face masks when entering the laboratory, working in the laboratory, and leaving the laboratory.
6. Students will wash their hands when entering the laboratory and leaving the laboratory.
7. Students will disinfect their work area before using the work area and after using the work area with provided disinfecting materials.
8. Students will perform all work, including set-up, experiment performance, clean-up, and waste disposal, in their designated self-contained work areas.