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The staff at INRF/BiON also recognizes that in this research environment, users need to test and develop new
tools and process capabilities. The researcher’s responsibility, in these cases, is to work with staff to ensure
that any new procedure/chemical/equipment be introduced in a safe manner.
It is also your responsibility to report any safety concerns you may have to each other and to INRF/BiON staff.
To report any potentially unsafe conditions or practices, or to offer suggestions for improving safety, direct an
email to safety@INRF.uci.edu
2. General Safety
2.1 Lab Behavior
To avoid collisions with others open doors slowly and approach corners and turns slowly. Always remember
that researchers around you may be handling sensitive materials such as chemicals, or their years’ worth of
work.
Minimize clutter and always clean up after yourself – remove or store everything that you’ve brought into the
lab with you. Label all personal belongings with your name, so that they may be returned to you if misplaced.
Always try to be aware of your work area and be sensitive to what other researchers are doing around you.
The following activities are prohibited:
1. Eating and gum chewing
2. Bringing in drinks, including water bottles (please use water dispenser outside the lab).
3. Sudden and fast movements (i.e., no running).
4. Wearing open toe shoes or sandals
5. Working alone when handling hazardous material (see section 2.5)
6. Bringing in chemicals before receiving proper approval (see section 5.2 and 5.5)
7. Working with chemicals in an undesignated area (must work under exhaust hood)
8. Installing or changing out gas cylinders
2.2 Clothing
Shoes worn in the lab must fully enclose the feet to minimize tripping hazards (absolutely no sandals, open
toes, or sling-back shoes). This is the only clothing restriction in the lab. Since you will be wearing a bunny
suit over your normal clothing, we recommend that your clothes should be light, comfortable and allow free
movement. Bare legs (i.e. wearing shorts and dresses) are not recommended; slacks are preferred as they
provide additional protection to legs.
2.3 Eye Protection
Safety glasses should be worn at all times in the lab, except perhaps when using a microscope or other
equipment with eyepieces. Safety glasses must be ANSI Z87.1 approved (with side shields or other side
protection) with “ Z87” stamped on the spectacle frames/temples. For researchers requiring corrective lenses
impact-resistant prescription safety glasses with side shields can be purchased from most prescription glasses
suppliers. Most safety glasses are designed to protect only against flying fragments, however, not chemical
splash hazards. So full face shields should be worn in addition to glasses when handling chemicals or working
at chemical wet benches. Chemical splash goggles are recommended where there’s a potential for splashing.
Regarding the use of contact lenses, the INRF/BiON abides by the American Chemical Safety Society
recommendation that “contact lenses can be worn in most work environments provided the same approved eye
protection is worn as required of other workers in the area”. (C&E News, Vol. 763, p. 6.) Thus, contact lens
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