Safe practices in civil engineering laboratories

The University is dedicated to providing a safe working environment for students, staff and Faculty. UVic Security services are staffed 24 hours a day, year round and provide a number of services such as Safehaven, Safewalk and Campus alone.

The staff within Engineering are also dedicated to maintaining a safe working environment. Should you encounter an unsafe enviroment (i.e. exposed electrical wire, broken chairs or equipment) please email engrcsg@uvic.ca or the appropriate person(s) responsible for the lab (often found posted on signs in the lab) and provide the details and location of the issue.

Similarly it is also your responsibility to maintain a safe environment for yourself and others when accessing the building/labs outside of regular business hours. Do not block doors open, or let others in.

Personal safety

Eating and drinking are forbidden in all laboratories. It is forbidden for any individual to work alone in a civil laboratory. In order to enter a laboratory, an individual must wear appropriate eye protection (options are available for purchase at the University Bookstore). Prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection against splashes from either the side or the top of the glasses, and a pair of safety eye wear that fits over the prescription glasses is required (options are available for purchase at the University Bookstore). Users of contact lenses must be aware that vapors in the laboratory may be absorbed by the lens and may lead to irritation and damage to the cornea if not dealt with promptly. All instructors, students and researchers working in a laboratory must wear appropriate PPE including shoes that cover the top of the foot and have a back.

Undergraduate students are expected to purchase their own PPE which includes a lab coat, ear protection, eye protection, and steel toed boots. 

First aid kit

Each civil laboratory has a First Aid Kit. Before working in a laboratory, check the location(s) of the First Aid Kit(s). If anyone in the laboratory is injured, no matter how minor, call for assistance. A co-worker, instructor or teaching assistant will give First Aid and call for medical attention if warranted. Call Campus Security (7599) or call 911 directly, if necessary. 

Emergency shower

There are emergency showers in or near each civil laboratory. Before working in a laboratory, check the location(s) of the showers (in some cases they are in the hallway next to the lab). Pulling down on the rod of the shower releases water. Pushing the rod up stops the flow of water. A person who has been splashed with corrosive liquid or solvent should be quickly doused under the shower. Call for assistance immediately. When necessary, remove clothing to avoid corrosive liquid being in prolonged contact with the skin. 

Eyewash fountain

There are eyewash fountains in all civil laboratories. Before working in a laboratory, check the location(s) of the eye wash fountains. When material has been splashed into the face, call for assistance immediately and flush the eyes for a minimum of twenty minutes.

Fire extinguishers

Each civil laboratory contains at least one fire extinguisher. Before working in a laboratory, check the location(s) of the fire extinguishers. 

CO₂ extinguishers can be quickly identified by the large black nozzle. To operate this type of extinguisher, pull out the pin on the side of the handgrip, direct the nozzle at the base of the flames and squeeze the handgrip. This type of extinguisher is used for organic liquid fires and minor electrical fires. Do not use a CO₂ extinguisher on sodium, potassium, or metal hydride fires, which should be covered in sand.

All Purpose (ABC) Dry Chemical Extinguishers can be quickly identified by the small nozzle and pressure gauge. To operate this type of extinguisher, pull out the pin on the side of the handgrip, direct the nozzle at the base of the flames and squeeze the handgrip. This type is useful for all fires, except sodium, potassium, or metal hydride fires (use sand).

It is required that any use of a fire extinguisher, however minor, be reported to the Civil Main Office.

Spill kit

Spill kits are used to soak up a liquid spill. Before working in a laboratory, check the location(s) of the spill kit(s). In the event of a chemical spill. Call for assistance and notify the supervisor of the lab. Store the absorbent containing the liquid in a fume hood.

Fire

Before working in a laboratory, check the location(s) of the safe exits. If the fire alarm sounds, make your experiment safe and pull out all plugs from the electrical sockets. Leave the building by the nearest exit and go directly to one of the assembly points.

If a fire starts in the laboratory, assess the situation:

a) A small fire can be extinguished with a fire extinguisher, but be careful of people in the immediate area.

b) If in any doubt, clear the immediate area of people and sound the fire alarm. The fire department should also be called (911), but not until the fire alarm has been activated. Personal safety must be the priority in an emergency.

Following an emergency evacuation, no one may enter the building unless an emergency coordinator has indicated that it is safe to do so. 

Earthquake

In the event of an earthquake, drop, cover and hold. When the shaking has stopped, evacuate the building as in the case of the fire alarm sounding. Watch for falling debris, both inside and outside of the building. Keep well away from any structures, trees and fallen power lines. Be prepared for aftershocks. Assemble with others in one group and be prepared to identify yourself to the emergency coordinator.

Cell phones and ear phones

Cell phones must be turned off and stored during undergraduate laboratory classes and ear phones are forbidden in all civil laboratories. Nevertheless, cell phones may be used on occasion to access the internet.

Hazardous chemicals and waste management

 Some compounds are toxic, flammable or reactive. Before using a compound, acquire the necessary information so that you are knowledgeable of the potential hazards and appropriate waste disposal procedures. Do not dispose of chemicals down the sink unless specified for safe sink disposal.

The UVic Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) is responsible for the appropriate disposal of hazardous waste throughout the campus, and provide necessary guidelines and training.