Lab Spaces

The following general rules and precautions are to be observed at all times in the laboratory. These rules are for the benefit of the experimenter as well as those around him/her. Additional rules and precautions may apply to a particular laboratory.

1. Dress appropriately. Each lab space has specific rules regarding attire (eg closed toe shoes, long pants, hair tied back) which must be followed when entering those spaces.  Shoes are required at all times in the Academic Center.
2. Wear required personal protective equipment.  In particular, protective safety glasses are required when you are working with or near any hazardous equipment. Each lab has a supply of safety glasses at the entrance. This applies even if none of the machines are turned on. You should also wear safety glasses when you are working with chemicals, glassware, heat, or mechanical testing equipment in the labs or any sort of powered tool in design studios.
3. Gloved hands should never be used on keyboards, pens or doors.  Your gloves may be contaminated with hazardous materials which could be transferred to other surfaces. 
4. No food or drinks in lab spaces unless permitted by instructor. You could be exposed to hazardous biological materials, chemicals or other materials through consumption of potentially contaminated food or drink.
5. Have a buddy when working with any hazardous equipment. Your buddy must be with you at all times when in the labs. This means: if your buddy steps out for a drink of water or to go to the bathroom, then you need to stop working on the hazardous machine. Your buddy is there to watch out for your safety and is expected to intervene if they see a problem or a rule being broken.
6. Get trained on a machine prior to using it. Do not use any machine or equipment on campus without being properly trained.  As a buddy, you should never hesitate to ask your partner if they are trained on a machine before they use it.
7. If you have been trained prior to Olin at a professional machine shop, school, job, etc. you are NOT allowed to use a machine or piece of equipment at Olin until you are trained at Olin or cleared by an appropriate faculty or staff member. There are two reasons. First, we need to assess your ability to use the machine to confirm that you meet Olin’s standards. Second, if an accident does happen and we have not confirmed your training, access to the shops or labs  could be revoked for the general student population and the College could be held liable if someone were hurt.
8. Clean up your workspace and the equipment after you are done working. Properly dispose of anything and return all tools to their proper location. Clean your work surfaces. Label anything you need to leave in the lab or shop with your name, the date, your contact information, and a description of the experiment/setup and any potential hazards associated with it. This is to ensure the safety of those who enter the space after you.
9. Always report accidents to the respective lab supervisor. Know the location of safety equipment and emergency phone numbers so that you can access them quickly if necessary.