Safety is the foundation of research. Without a safety focus, confidence in the lab can go hand-in-hand with carelessness, a sense that nothing can go wrong because nothing has gone wrong. Scholars are encouraged to build their confidence on strong foundations by committing to being part of a safety-first culture every day.
The Basics: All occupants of chemistry buildings must:
- Have completed online safety training in SciShield within the past year (minimum: EHSO Research Laboratory Training Course)
- Always be able to locate emergency equipment including the emergency shower, eyewash, spill kit, first aid, and fire extinguisher.
Chemistry partners with Emory’s Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) to conduct research in a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible manner.
All occupants of laboratory spaces must:
- Be familiar with the Chemical Hygiene Plan and follow safe laboratory practices.
- Wear appropriate PPE for the laboratory work being done (minimum: long pants, closed toed shoes, fire retardant laboratory coat, and eye protection).
- Not work alone in any laboratory space.
- Properly dispose of all chemical waste, including broken glassware, as directed. Read the labels of chemicals carefully and follow all handling procedures.
- Know your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – these resources, maintained in a database from EHSO, contain detailed safety information for specific types of laboratory work.
If a chemical, biological, or radiation spill occurs, call the EHSO Spill Team at 404.727.2888 for assistance.
If there is a fire alarm, evacuate the building immediately using the closest exit. Once you are outside the building, go to the first floor of the Peavine Parking structure.
- Do not re-enter the building until Facilities announces “ALL CLEAR.”
If scholars have acute concerns about their own well-being or that of a student colleague, contact Student Case Management and Intervention Services.
For information about emergency response, please visit the website of Emory’s Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response.