MS State Department of Chemistry Safety Protocols

MS STATE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY SAFETY PROTOCOLS – Reminders

Safety First
…always...and last

Safety starts with good practices…

  • WIDSIO – When In Doubt Shout It Out!!!
  • An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!
  • Prevent incidents by being prepared and knowledgeable
  • Follow your group’s standard operating procedures - SOPs
  • Discuss deviations from SOPs with lab mates and PIs
  • Openly communicate with peers and PIs any concerns
  • USE PPE – glasses, gloves, coats…
  • Check the SDS
  • Know the location of the safety equipment in your lab

But if something does go wrong…

  • If there is a fire, pull the fire alarm.
  • If there is a fire, if appropriate, use the fire extinguisher, then pull the fire alarm, dial 911, and/or call UPD (662-325-2121)
  • If there is a major solvent spill, confine the area (close doors), evacuate the area, and notify the front office.
  • If someone is injured, seek medical attention. Longest Health Center is across the street.
  • If someone is unconscious call 911, then try to administer first aid. Direct emergency responders when they arrive.

In all cases, when something goes wrong (fire, spill, injury, etc.) a report must be submitted to your PI and the faculty chair of the DSC, safety@chemistry.msstate.edu. In this way, the DSC can continually assess the safety needs of the department and enact necessary changes to keep the researchers safe and productive.