This document outlines the Truman State University Chemistry Department policies that are in place to minimize hazards associated with working in chemistry laboratories.  While every attempt is made to provide a laboratory environment that is as safe as possible, it is important recognize that no laboratory can be made perfectly safe.  

1) Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times while in the laboratory, or as directed by your instructor.  Safety eyewear will be provided for use while in the lab.

2) Clothing must provide full body coverage (i.e. long pants or long skirt, shoes that completely cover the feet, and a shirt that completely covers the upper portion of the body, with at least short sleeves to protect the arms).  No shorts, tank tops, sandals, tights, yoga pants, or any clothing that allows skin to show anywhere from the neck to the floor are allowed.  Inappropriately dressed people will not be allowed to enter the laboratory.

3) Long hair must be tied back.

4) Eating, drinking, or chewing gum is not allowed in the laboratory.

5) Students are required to obey any special instructions pertaining to the laboratory activity being conducted and will not perform any unauthorized or unsupervised experiments.

6) The following safety features, and instructions for their use, will be pointed out to you on your arrival:
-Eyewash Station -Safety Shower -Fire Extinguisher -First Aid Kit -Exits

7) Students will immediately notify the instructor of any spills or other safety concerns, which will be dealt with according to established Truman procedures.

8) Any waste generated by the activity is to be handled by established Truman protocols which will be communicated by the instructor or other Truman personnel.

9) Students are expected to clean up their work areas before leaving the laboratory.

10) Truman State University is not responsible for any damage that may occur to personal electronic devices brought into the laboratory.

11) Pregnant women should consult with their personal physician about the risks of working in a chemistry laboratory.  When this is not possible, it would be best to avoid exposure completely.  

12) While service animals may be brought to the laboratory, it is important to realize that the laboratory environment may not be safe, and cannot be made completely safe, for the animal.  The student will assume total responsibility for the animal while in the laboratory and for any health issues arising from the animal being in the laboratory.

By their typed signatures below the student and parent/guardian acknowledge they have read and understood the information contained in this document, and will abide by its provisions.  Furthermore, the student and parent/guardian will release Truman State University, its employees, and students from any responsibility due to the student’s negligence to follow the procedures set out above or orally communicated to them by Truman State University personnel.