Laboratory

Safety Guidelines
_

Department of Civil Engineering

Faculty of Engineering

University of Peradeniya
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Laboratory Safety Guidelines
Table of Contents
Preface …………………………………………………………………………………………3

Quick safety guide for students…………………………………………………………...…...4

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………….5

Scope …………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Responsibility…………………………………………………………………….…………….6

General…………………………………………………………………………………….…...6

Laboratory dress…………………………………………………………………………...…...7

Laboratory procedures……………………………………………………………………….....7

Accidents ……………………………………………………………………………………....8

Electrical hazards ……………………………………………………………………………....9

Security…………………………………………………………………………………………9

Computer safety ………………………………………………………………………………10

Safe Use of Ergonomics ………………………………………………………………………10

Risk control ……………………………………………………..…………………………….11

Safe policy communications ………..…….…………………………………………………..11

Sign boards ……………………………………………………………………………………11

Appendices

I. Acknowledgement form (Blue form)…………………………………..……....….12

II. Student’s safety audit (White form) …………………………………..……...…..13
III. Incident report form (Yellow form) …..………………………………………..…16
IV. Risk assessment form (Pink form) …………………………….……….................18
V. Laboratory-specific safety considerations (Purple form)………………….……....21

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 PREFACE

This laboratory safety guidelines/manual was prepared by the Department of Civil Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. The guide includes general safety rules that
need to be followed by the students during in-laboratory/field experiments conducted by the
respective laboratories. The laboratory-specific safety guidelines are also provided (Appendix V)
which, unless stated otherwise, will supersede the general guidelines.

In this document, the ‘Department’ refers to the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of
Engineering, University of Peradeniya; the laboratory refers to any laboratory belonging to the
Department of Civil Engineering; the ‘student’ refers to any undergraduate/postgraduate student
registered at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya with a specific registration
number, a ‘visitor’ refers to any permitted individual not attached to the laboratory of interest
and visiting the laboratory for an intended purpose which may involve potential safety concerns.
Note that any references to singular imply the plural and vice versa.

Students are required to read the entire guidelines and produce the signed and dated
acknowledgement form (Appendix I) to the laboratory without which no experiments can be
conducted at the laboratory. In addition, the ‘safety audit form’ described herein (Appendix II)
needs to be completed before starting any experiment. The completed safety audit form, with the
respective instructor’s signature, needs to be enclosed with the student’s laboratory report.

Two other important documents, the incident report form and the risk assessment form, are given
in Appendix III and IV. Note that important documents are made available in specific colors and
please use the correct form and submit the duely completed form to the respective laboratory.

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Quick Safety Guide for Students

 The Department of Civil Engineering consists of 8 laboratories: Computer Aided Design

(CAD) Laboratory, Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, Fluid Mechanics Laboratory,
Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Materials Laboratory, Metallurgy Laboratory,
Structural Laboratory, and Survey, Transportation and Highway Laboratory.

 Each laboratory (except the CAD laboratory) is demarcated with ‘work zones’ identified
by the potential safety hazards involved with the experiments conducted within the zone.
Each zone has specific personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used as mentioned in
laboratory-specific guidelines (see Appendix V). A ‘safety map’ showing the work zones
is displayed at the laboratory entrance.

 Each experiment conducted within a laboratory has a unique experiment code designating
the laboratory, the semester in which the experiment is conducted, the work zone, and the
experiment number in the given order.

e.g., GEO213
Experiment No.
Zone
Semester
Laboratory

 When entering a laboratory for an experiment, be aware of the zone in which the
experiment will be conducted and use the PPEs accordingly. Students are required to
come with appropriate attire and shoes for the experiment. No dangling objects (e.g.,
necklace), loose-fit garments, and slippers are allowed.

 Each laboratory is equipped with a first-aid box and fire extinguishers to be used in an
emergency. The safety guides with emergency contact telephone numbers will be made
available to all students. A safety telephone directory will also be available near the
laboratory telephones for quick access.

 Be cognizant about the emergency exits, fire exits, and assembly areas when you are
working in a laboratory.

 In an emergency, seek professional help. Consult the laboratory staff who have been
trained to provide professional help. Do not attend to any safety operation if you are not
trained.

 If you come across any defective equipment with potential risks, inform the laboratory
staff immediately.

 In case of any type of accident and/or if someone is hurt, seek help immediately. Behave
as a responsible citizen in case of serious accidents and report to the concerned
authorities. Breaching of safety rules during an experiment will not be tolerated.

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1. Introduction

Laboratory safety awareness is an important mindset that protects people, expensive equipment,
and the university resources while conducting laboratory experiments. Individuals working in a
Civil Engineering laboratory are always required to exhibit maturity and follow proper
operational procedures while operating equipment and conducting laboratory tests. The
guidelines given herein are intended to minimize personal accidents and equipment damage.
Please be sure to follow the following mandatory rules while conducting the laboratory work.

2. Scope

The present safety guide describes the procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and
work practices that are capable of protecting students and all users (including visitors) of the
laboratories of the Civil Engineering Department.

This manual is applicable to:

-Students
-Lecturers, instructors, technical and supporting staff
-Visitors
- Any individual entering the spaces with assigned duties in the respective laboratory.

The guide covers activities such as:

- Field work/in-laboratory experiments
- Handling testing equpment/tools
-Taking readings during/after lab sessions
- Storing materials, tools and equipment
- Performaing basic maintenance tasks
- Housekeeping

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3. Responsibility

While the students are primarily responsible to have clearly understood and acknowledge in
writing the safety guidelines described herein and abide by them, the laboratory technicians,
instructors and the academic staff bear the overall responsibility to ensure that the safety
precautions are adequately maintained within the laboratory.
 Provide a 15-minute safety briefing prior to each laboratory session and ensure that each
student understands, signs and dates the acknowledgement form.
 Under no circumstances should a student be allowed to involve in any laboratory activity
associated with potential risks without completing the safety acknowledgement form.
 Misbehavior of any nature and breaching of safety rules during an experiment must not
be tolerated.
 Students must not be left unattended for an extended period of time during the
experiments.
 The level of supervision must be made on the basis of the maturity of students: the
younger the students, the greater the level of supervision should be.
 No defective equipment should be allowed for any reason.

4. General

 If you are not sure about what and why you are doing any task, please ask your instructor.
 While conducting a lab experiment, safety of yourself and that of those around you are
paramount – make sure that everyone around you is aware of what is going on.

 Please do not leave any equipment unattended. Equipment should be cleaned and
returned to its original condition and position when you leave the instrument.

 Please do not touch anything in the laboratory that is not a part of your experiment.

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5. Laboratory Dress

While attending a laboratory class, you must be appropriately attired for the particular work
related to the lab work.

Some of the simple guidelines include:

 Wear sensible closed-toed shoes or boots; open-toed shoes, sandals, or bare feet are not
acceptable laboratory attire

 Wear long pants; shorts are not acceptable laboratory attire.

 Refrain from wearing clothing accessories that may become caught in laboratory
equipment.

 Remove loose or dangling objects such as bracelets and necklaces

 Tie back and secure long hair, or contain them properly.

 Wear eyeglasses or contacts, if needed.

 Use ear plugs when necessary.

 Wear gloves, face masks, protective shoes or boots, as appropriate, depending upon the
nature of the lab work.

6. Laboratory Procedures

A wide variety of equipment and testing apparatus are available in the laboratory. The
complexity of many of these devices necessitates specific care and consideration while operating
them. If there is any doubt or any question on operating any piece of equipment while
performing laboratory work, consult with the instructor or the lab technician.

Guidelines for laboratory safety are necessary to minimize accidents and to ensure that expensive
equipment is not damaged by carelessness or negligence.

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The following are some of the basic rules pertinent to lab safety:

 Ensure adequate lighting is available at the experimental area. Consult the instructor in
case of poor lighting conditions before handling any equipment.
 Do not handle any materials or operate any equipment unrelated to the laboratory
experiment to be performed on that particular day.
 Never operate any unfamiliar equipment without a specific approval of the instructor or a
lab technician.
 Be sure to clean and dry out the equipment after you have finished the experiment.
 When operating very important equipment, be sure that at least two persons are always
present.
 Avoid situations when nobody is available within sight or earshot that could assist in the
event of an emergency. This applies to circumstances where, in the event of injury or
emergency, immediate assistance is not readily available and the student may not be able
to self-rescue or activate emergency services
 Be careful while using and storing sharp edge equipment like knives.
 No food or beverages are allowed in the laboratory.
 Be aware of your surroundings. Keep fingers away from large machinery.
 Wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
 Place all laboratory equipment in their proper storage area after use with the help of the
technician.
 Always act in a professional manner.

7. Accidents

 In case of any type of accident and/or if someone is hurt, seek help immediately. Behave
as a responsible citizen in case of serious accidents and report to the authorities
concerned.

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  If equipment is damaged, please report the situation to the instructor promptly. This will
ensure a proper and quick repair or replacement.

 In the event of major fire, please evacuate the building immediately and seek professional
help. In the event of a minor fire, use the nearest fire extinguisher to extinguish the flame
if you are trained, if not seek the assistance of the instructor and/or lab technician.

8. Electric Hazards

 Switch off all electrical equipment when not in use.

 Do not attempt to do any electrical repairs or investigations. Consult qualified staff.
 If equipment is to be left on for a specific reason (over an extended period), display a
‘TEST IN PROGRESS’ sign with the time and date.
 All electrical equipment should be regularly checked.
 Report to the lab instructor any problem/malfunctioning of any equipment for
appropriate action to be taken.
 Never short circuit the terminal on a power supply, battery, or other voltage source
unless instructed to do so.
 Be sure wires leads and patch cords have sufficient insulation when creating electrical
circuits.
 Never test battery voltage and capacity using anything other than a voltage sensor or
voltmeter.

9. Security
Proper security of the laboratory facilities also ensures a safe working environment. The
following are some of the guidelines:

 If you are working late and the last to leave the laboratory inform the lab technician
beforehand.
 After you have finished using any equipment, please return it to its proper storage area
and cabinet.

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  Report any suspicious individuals or unwelcomed visitors not related to the laboratory to
the lab technician or faculty security.

10. Computing Safety

Computers in the laboratories are secured using a combination of physical and software-based
method to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff and equipment and also the
computer network.
 Restricted computer access
To prevent unauthorized use of computing resources
 Physical security
Equipment is placed in a manner to limit access to physical ports on the CPU.
 Software based security and prevention of installation of malicious software
All computers are protected with standard anti-virus and anti-spyware. As a further
measure, all computers require a unique, authorized login for authentication before
granting network access. Any malicious action against the departmental computer
security is an offence.

11. Safe Use of Ergonomics

To escape aching muscles and tiring eyes while working at a desk or a computer, try the
following:
 Check your posture
 Take short breaks regularly.
 Adjust chair height so that your arms are approximately parallel with the floor.
 If the front of the chair is causing pressure on your back of thighs or behind your knees,
readjust the chair.
 Locate the computer screen approximately one full arms lengths away and position it so
that your line of sight to the screen is slightly below horizontal. Relax those muscles.

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  A total of 4 hours (not including breaks) of intensive keyboard work is the maximum
recommended for a day.

12. Risk Control

This step provides a means by which risk can be systematically evaluated against a set of control
options (the hierarchy of controls). The risk control considers ranked risks from the highest to the
least weighty.
The hierarchy of controls is as follows:
 Eliminate the hazard
 Substitute with a lesser hazard
 Use engineering controls to reduce hazard
 Administrative controls such as workplace procedures
 Personal protection equipment

13. Safe Policy Communications

Safety instructions, guidelines are communicated through different media:

 Posters
 Signs
 Flyers
 Manuals
Laboratory safety signs and posters are displayed within the laboratory at appropriate locations.

14. Signboards
 Exits
 Fire extinguishers
 Showers
 Eye washes
 Chemical and supply storage areas

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  Gas lines
 Special depositories (e.g., biohazardous waste, glass, chemical garbage)
 Emergency plan and phone numbers
Prohibiting signs

Don’t push No mobile phones Non-potable water No eating/drinking

No fire No smoking Don’t touch Don’t sit

.
Mandatory signs

Eye protection Gloves Masks Safety boots

Lab coat Handwash Head protection Manuals

Triangular signs

Slippery Hot Explosive Toxic

Electric shock Flammable High voltage Crushing hazard

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Emergency escape, fire-fighting signs

In the event of fire and extinguisher has to be used, keep remember the P A S S approach:

Pull the pin out on the extinguisher

Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire
Squeese the nozzle to release extinguishing material
Sweep: Usa a back-and-forth sweeping motion

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APPENDICES

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,
UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA,
PERADENIYA, SRI LANKA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM [BLUE FORM]

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES

Acknowledgement

I hereby acknowledge that I have read the entire guidelines mentioned hereunder in
relation to the proper procedures and conduct to be followed in the laboratory
experiments. As a student at the Dept. of Civil Engineering, Faculty of
Engineering, University of Peradeniya, I understand these guidelines and
procedures and agree to abide by them.

Course Title: Year:

Name Registration number:

Signature: Date:

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,
UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA,
PERADENIYA, SRI LANKA

STUDENT’S SAFETY AUDIT [WHITE FORM]

Before starting each experiment at the laboratory, students should visit the
respective experimental area and study the safety and risks associated with the
experiment.

 Identify the potential risks associated with the experiment that may endanger

the safety of you and your colleagues. It may include safety concerns related
to fire hazards, excessive heat, electricity hazards, rotating devices, sharp
tools, explosive parts, overhead sections with potential to fall, breakable
glass-type pieces, chemical spills, overexposure to poisonous gases or any
other hazardous potentials you may identify.

 Identify the safety precautions that have been already undertaken to ensure
the safety during the experiment.

 Do you feel comfortable with regard to the overall occupational safety of the
laboratory during the experiment?

 What are the additional safety measures that you propose to enhance the
operational safety associated with this experiment?

 Enclose individually completed ‘safety audit form’ (see overleaf) with your
laboratory report which you submit following the experiment.

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 STUDENT’S SAFETY AUDIT FORM

Name: Registration number:

Course: Experiment:

Materials Equipment Processes

Hazardous chemicals Electrical Excessive heating

Mechanical Chemical spilling

Biological substances

Materials with Radioactive Rotational movements

sharp edges
Corroded /degraded Exposure to dust/
materials Robotic vapour/fume/ gases
Toxic materials Overhead sections Exposure to noise above
with potential to fall tolerable limits
Explosive materials Others (specify)
Sharpe tools
Flammable materials Personal Protective Equipment
Breakable parts Labcoat
Irritant materials
Heated elements Reflective jacket
Incompatible materials Malfunctioning
sections Linesman safety belt

Emissions Safety shoes

Dust Others (specify) With toecap &midplate
Fume
Vapour Gloves
Gas (Cotton/asbestos/canvas
Others (specify) /chemical/surgical)
Other materials with safety
concerns (specify) Goggles
(light weight/white vision)

Respiratory Masks

Helmets

Earmuff

Gumboots

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Are satisfactory post-experiment processes adapted? (e.g., waste disposal, Yes /No
material reuse, cleaning equipment, floor/tables, etc.)
If not, please mention what post-experimental measures you propose.

What additional safety measures do you propose to improve the safety during the experiment?

Are you satisfied with the overall occupational safety of the laboratory? Yes /No
(e.g., adequate lighting and ventilation, unobstructed exits, easy access to first aid
box, fire extinguishers, availability of trained staff in an emergency etc.)

If not, please mention how to improve the overall occupational safety of the laboratory.

Signature of the student Date

Checked by:

Instructor’s signature Date

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` DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,
UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA,
PERADENIYA, SRI LANKA

INCIDENT REPORT FORM [YELLOW FORM]

This form should be filled out by the person involved with the incident

Name Registration No.

Location of the incident

Date and time of the incident

Supervisor

A: Describe how the incident occurred

Task you were doing (your goal of the activity)

Describe incident in detail. What happened?

Describe your response (sequence of events)

B. did you sustain injuries? What were they? Did you seek medical care?
Describe severity of the incident.

C. Was there any property damage? Elaborate.

D. Safety rules and procedures.

Had necessary PPE been used during operation? Have you received a training?

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`

Signature of the person involved Date

with the incident (or a responsible
person on his/her behalf)

Comments from the Laboratory-in-

charge

Signature and date

(Laboratory-in-charge)

(For the Department Office only)

Received by (Date)

Action taken by the Head of the Department

Signature and date

(Head of the Department)

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,
UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA,
PERADENIYA, SRI LANKA

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM [PINK FORM]

(For research students)

PART 1: Personal data and the nature of the project/activity

Name Supervisor

Registration No. Location/Laboratory

Contact information

Status
Technician/Undergrade/Postgrade/Research assistant/other (specify)

Starting Date
Proposed finishing date

Title of the Project/Experiment

Brief description of the project

Definitions:
Hazard : The potential for harm
Risk: The probability of harm actually occurring and the severity of its consequences
Risk Assessment : The process of deciding on actions to be taken to reduce risk to an acceptable
level by implementing control measures

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PART 2: Nature of Possible Hazards

Chemicals/Substances
Are chemicals/substances hazardous to health to be used? Yes/No
If YES, please describe the hazard.

Biological substances
Are biological substances to be used? Yes/No
If YES, please describe the hazard, precautionary measures you follow when you use
them, and steps to be taken in an emergency, the means of safe disposal upon use

Electrical
Is electrical equipment to be used? Describe… Yes/No

Radioactive
Is radioactive equipment to be used? Describe… Yes/No

Robotic
Is robotic equipment to be used? Describe… Yes/No

Mechanical
Are you using mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulics, motor drives, lifting gear, etc.?
Describe… Yes/No

Other hazards
Are there other hazards that may expose you to unusual risks (e.g., working at height)

Yes/No
Please describe the nature of the hazard.

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PART 3: Control Measures

If you answered YES in PART 2 in any of above questions, please provide the
control measure to be adopted for these activities. Please describe the post-activity
safety measures (e.g., safe disposal of chemical and biological wastes)

How to analyze the risk

Hazards List all potential hazards, e.g. those that may arise from substances,
Identified: electricity, equipment or machines, and the ways in which people
use or misuse those items etc.
Identify The risk may be different for the person performing the experiment
persons at risk:from someone who knows nothing about it (e.g., cleaners, visitors)

Control Measures that you adopt to reduce risk to their lowest level,
Measures:

Likelihood: 1 = Unlikely; if control measures do not break down

2 = Likely; if the control measures depend on the individuals using them or
adjusting them.
3 = Certain/imminent; Exposure to hazard is continuous
Severity : Assessed on a scale of 1-3 as follows;
1 = minor injury/illness, 2 = serious injury, 3 = Death/fire /explosion
Risk: Likelihood x Severity = Risk rating
Risk rating : 1-3 low; 4-6 Moderate; 7-9 High

Signature of the student Date

Checked by:

Supervisor’s signature Date

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TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Security Service:
Faculty security office 3333
University security officer 2133
University chief security officer 2134

University Health Centre

Office 2028
Chief Medical Officer 2024

Peradeniya Hospital 081-2388001-5

Peradeniya Police Station 081- 2388222
Kandy fire brigade 081-2 224444
Kandy Hospital 081- 2222261
Kandy Police Station 081-2 222222

Department of Civil Engneering

Faculty of Engineering
University of Peradeniya
Peradeniya 20400
Sri Lanka
Tel: 0812393500/02
Email:headcivil@[Link]
Web:http:// [Link]/civil/

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