All students must observe the IIUM Dress Code and wear the Engineering Jacket and covered shoes while in the laboratory.

Open-toed shoes/ sandals/ slippers are NOT allowed as they provide no protection from contact hazards. Only covered shoes are allowed in the laboratory.

Food and drinks are NOT allowed in the laboratory. This includes all visible insulated water bottles or mugs, containers of water or flavored drinks intended for consumption.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the university and especially in the laboratory.

Wash promptly whenever a chemical has contacted the skin. Know what you are working with and have the necessary cleaning/neutralization material on hand and readily available.

Wash hands before leaving the lab and before eating.

PPE is a necessary defense against certain types of hazards and/or in the event of an emergency which includes laboratory coats, safety glasses and goggles, masks and respirators and safety gloves and shoes.

Lab coat or jacket is a must when you are in the lab for practical session.

Wear an apron over a laboratory coat when the hazard level or procedure warrants it.

Use proper gloves size and material when handling chemicals. Disposable gloves should only be used once and replaced when contaminated.

Masks and eye protection or chin-length face shields shall be worn whenever splashes, spray, spatter, droplets, or aerosols of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and there is a potential for eye, nose, or mouth contamination.

Report defective or ill-fitting equipment to the technical staff and have it replaced.

All PPE should be taken off before leaving the laboratory area and entering other areas, such as staff rooms or offices.

Eliminate safety hazards by maintaining laboratory work areas in a good order.

Always keep tables, fume hoods, floors, aisles and desks clear of unnecessary material.

Keep the laboratory floor dry at all times. Immediately attend to spills of chemicals or water, and notify technical staff of potential slipping hazards.

Workspace must be kept clean and tidy after experiment is completed. Be sure that all test equipment and/or electrical devices are switch off, unplugged and returned to its original place. Stools and chairs must be placed under the table.

Disposal - Students are responsible for the proper disposal of used material if any in appropriate containers.

All electrical equipment shall be properly grounded.

Limit the use of extension cords. Do not route the extension over metal objects, pathways, under heavy objects or other areas where repeated abuse can cause deterioration of insulation.

Minimize the potential chemical spills on or near electrical equipment.

All electrical cords should have sufficient insulation. Damage cords should be taken out service immediately and give to technical staff for repair.

Do not unplug by pulling on its cords. Hold the plug firmly by its insulating cover.

Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits.

Dress appropriately for machining work. It is imperative that no ties are worn, loose clothing is tied back and jewelry is removed.

Know how to stop a machine in emergency mode.

Do not remove anything from the machine until it has come to a complete stop.

Wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying chips and shavings. Wear welding goggles for arc welding.

Appropriate gloves must be worn when working with corrosive fluids, hot furnaces, and sharp objects.

Know what chemicals you are using. Carefully read the label twice before taking anything from a bottle. Learn how to interpret the labels.

Do not directly touch any chemical with your hands.

Many common reagents for example alcohols and acetone are highly flammable. Do not use them anywhere near open flames.

Never use laboratory glassware as a food or drink container.

Place chemical waste in appropriately labeled waste containers. Never pour chemical waste into the sink drains or wastebaskets.

Be careful with hot plates to avoid burns. Always assume that hot plates are HOT.

Use the chemical fume hood, if available, when there is a possibility of release of toxic chemical vapors, dust, or gases. When using a hood, keep the sash opening to lowest practical opening to protect the user and to ensure efficient operation of the hood. Keep your head and body outside of the hood face.

Ensure MSDS are readily available for all chemicals in use.