1. Director, Admin
  2. Mr. Manzurul Haque Sarker, Deputy Director, Facilities , Mobile: 01718521868
  3. Major (Retd.) Ahmed Hussain, Deputy Director, Administration & Security, Mobile: 01709963699
  4. Mr. Md. Salim Akond, Senior Security, Inspector, Mobile: 01741055492
  5. Fire Brigade: 01730002245,  01715282853
  1. If your own clothes are on fire, drop to the floor and roll to smother the fire. NEVER RUN!!
  2. If someone else’s clothing is on fire, get the person to the floor and roll or COVER WITH A FIRE BLANKET OR OTHER CLOTHING to smother the flames.
  3. Use a safety shower immediately thereafter. DO NOT USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON PEOPLE
  4. If the fire originated from a non-chemical source you may apply water.
  • Students Should:
    Immediately leave the lab with faculty members and make their way down the stairs to the waiting areas outside of the university
  • Faculty Members Teaching Lab Should:
    1. Immediately terminate class
    2. Evacuate the students and leave lab right away
    3. If possible, turn off the main gas switch and shut the lab door behind them

a) In case of a small fire (for students, faculty, room keepers, and lab manager):
1. If the fire is no bigger than a wastepaper basket you may try to extinguish it by covering it or by stepping on it with your shoe.
2. You may apply a fire blanket over the fire.
3. If it is an electrical fire or grease fire, DO NOT apply water.

b) If the fire is larger: For the students:
1. If the fire is too large (generally larger than a wastepaper basket), do not try to
extinguish the fire by yourself.
2. Immediately evacuate the lab with the faculty members. If no faculty member is
in the lab, immediately evacuate and notify the faculty members or lab manager
once you are out of danger.
3. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by the authorities.

For the faculty members, lab manager, floor keepers:
1. Immediately evacuate the students from the lab
2. If the fire seems VERY LARGE or is spreading, ACTIVATE THE FIRE ALARM to alert the building occupants once you are out of the laboratory and out of danger. Call IUB’s designated fire responders. If the fire alarm does not work, notify the building occupants verbally to evacuate. The emergency phone numbers are as follows: Mr. Manzurul Haque Sarker, Deputy Director, Facilities , Mobile: 01718521868
Security Inspector IUB: Mr. Salim 01741055492
Sr. Manager Estate & Facilities: Mr. Mahbub 01819227828
Fire Brigade: 01730002245, 01715282853

3. If the fire was caused by a reagent, NEVER apply water (use the fire extinguisher).
4. In an emergency, if it is imperative to extinguish the fire immediately to protect the students or yourself and if you have been trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, fight the fire from a position where you can escape. A fire contained in a small vessel can usually be extinguished by covering the vessel with a lid of some sort.
5. Do not turn off any hoods in the immediate area, as they will tend to keep the area free from smoke and fumes.
6. IF POSSIBLE, TURN OFF THE MAIN GAS VALVE AND CLOSE THE DOOR BEHIND YOU to prevent the fire’s spread.
7. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by the authorities.

1. If your own clothes are on fire, drop to the floor and roll to smother the fire.
NEVER RUN!!
2. If someone else’s clothing is on fire, get the person to the floor and roll or
COVER WITH A FIRE BLANKET OR OTHER CLOTHING to smother the
flames.
3. Use a safety shower immediately thereafter. DO NOT USE A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER ON PEOPLE
4. If the fire originated from a non-chemical source you may apply water.

Immediately run to the shower tray and flush water

For the students:
Notify faculty members or lab manager immediately
For faculty members or lab manager:
1. Based on the nature of the chemicals involved, guide the students to a safe zone.
2. According to the degree of vulnerability, manage the waste using a chemical spills kit.
3. If necessary, call the emergency phone numbers for help.

Important DOs:
1. Always stay with the instructor
2. Wear an apron
3. Understand the experimental procedures and safety measures before beginning work
4. Wear necessary safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask, hairband, shoes)
5. In case of any emergency or accident, notify the instructor immediately
6. If you are unclear about any experiment or task assigned to you, ask for guidance from the instructor or supervisor

Important DON’Ts
1. DO NOT enter or stay in an empty lab
2. DO NOT misuse the basic lab safety gear (apron, goggles, masks, etc)
3. DO NOT bring any food or drinks into the lab
4. DO NOT smell or taste any reagent
5. DO NOT attempt to fight fires or chemical spills alone unless it is an immediate emergency

A. Responsibilities

a) Every Laboratory Worker (students, faculty, floor keepers) should know the location and operation of the:
1. Safety showers& eyewashes
2. Fire blankets
3. Chemical spills kits, 4. First aid kits
5. Fire extinguishers
6. Fire Alarm
7. Telephones & Emergency Phone Numbers
8. Fire exits
9. Material safety data sheets


b) The Lab Manager must:


1. Be trained in the use of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment
2. Be aware of fire drill and evacuation protocols. He/she must know what to do in case of a fire inside the laboratory and how to evacuate students
3. Be aware of what to do in case someone catches on fire or spills a chemical on himself/herself
4. Be aware of what to do in case of gas leakage and/or explosion
5. Make sure there are clear and prominent signs that identify the: safety showers and eyewashes, fire blankets, chemical spills kits, first aid kits, material safety data sheets, etc.
6. Check that all fire and safety equipment are functional and serviced regularly
7. Make certain there is a list of Emergency Phone Numbers posted and visible at various sites in the laboratory and hallways, particularly near the telephones.
8. Make certain there is easy access to all safety and fire equipment at all times
9. Make certain the laboratory is always clean, dry, organized, and well ventilated
10. Make certain chemicals are always stored appropriately
11. Review CHECK LIST daily before leaving the lab


c) The Floor Keeper must:


1. Be trained in the use of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment
2. Be aware of fire drill and evacuation protocols. He/she must know what to do in case of
a fire inside the laboratory and how to evacuate students
3. Be aware of what to do in case of gas leakage and/or explosion


d) The Faculty Members must:


1. Be aware of fire drill and evacuation protocols. He/she must know what to do in case of
a fire inside the laboratory and how to evacuate students
2. Be aware of what to do in case someone catches on fire or spills a chemical on himself/herself
3. Be aware of what to do in case of gas leakage and/or explosion
4. Provide the following to students in 3 forms (as online material, as hard copy handouts, and as a lecture in lab):  The layout of the rooms in the laboratory – equipment, chemicals/reagents, gas
lines, vacuum lines, water lines, main switch for the gas, etc.

Where and how chemicals and reagents are stored

Safety guidelines related to particularly hazardous/toxic/flammable chemicals/reagents and infrastructure (gas lines and nozzles) 

Safety guidelines related to all the chemicals/reagents which they will be handling during the class 

Safety guidelines related to all the equipment which they will be using during the class 

What to do in case of an accidental chemical spill/fire on themselves or anyone else 

Where all the telephones, fire extinguishers, eye wash, safety showers, fire blanket, material safety data sheets, and first aid kits are located/stored

Where all the emergency phone numbers are written

How to evacuate in case of an emergency

How to use protective clothing (gloves, goggles, masks, etc) 

How to use the safety equipment (showers, eye wash, fire blanket)  How to clean different chemical spills and use of chemical spills kit 

How to use the chemical fume hood

That no food or water is allowed in the laboratory under any circumstances

 

5. Make sure all students know the important “DO’s and DON’Ts” in the LAB

6. Never let the students perform any experiments alone

7. Teach students how to recognize and handle hazardous/toxic reagents

8. Put away chemicals, turn off equipment, clean up after lab classes before leaving the lab.

9. Notify lab manager if any equipment runs overnight


B. Protocols


a) Protocol for faculty members, lab managers, floor keepers if fire/gas alarm rings during lab class:

1. Immediately terminate class

2. Evacuate the students and leave lab right away

3. If possible, turn off the main gas valve and shut the lab door behind you.

 

b) What to do when someone catches on fire:

1. If your own clothes are on fire, drop to the floor and roll to smother the fire. NEVER RUN!!

2. If someone else’s clothing is on fire, get the person to the floor and roll or COVER WITH A FIRE BLANKET OR OTHER CLOTHING to smother the flames.

3. Use a safety shower immediately thereafter. DO NOT USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON PEOPLE

4. If the fire originated from a non-chemical source you may apply water.


c) What to do when a fire breaks out in the laboratory:

In case of a small fire (for Students, Faculty, and Lab manager):

1. If the fire is no bigger than a wastepaper basket you may try to extinguish it by covering it or by stepping on it with your shoe.

2. You may apply a fire blanket over the fire.

3. If it is an electrical fire or grease fire, DO NOT apply water.


d) If the fire is larger:


For the students:


1. If the fire is too large (generally larger than a wastepaper basket), do not try to extinguish the fire by yourself.


2. Immediately evacuate and notify faculty or 


3. If the fire seems VERY large or spreading, ACTIVATE THE FIRE ALARM to alert the building occupants. Call the fire defense section of IUB. If the fire alarm does not work, notify the building occupants verbally to evacuate.


Security inspector IUB: Mr. Salim 01741055492

3. If the fire was caused by a reagent, NEVER apply water (use the fire extinguisher

ABC powder type preferred).


4. Call Lab Manager/Appropriate personnel to use the fire extinguisher. 

If you have been trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, fight the fire from a position where you can escape, only if you are confident that you will be successful. 

A fire contained in a small vessel can usually be extinguished by covering the vessel with a lid of some sort.

5. Do not turn off any hoods in the immediate area, as they will tend to keep the area free from smoke and fumes.


6. CLOSE THE DOOR behind you to prevent the fire’s spread.


7. If you know the precise location of fire wait outside the lab for the arrival of the experts to inform them of the exact location, details of the fire, and chemicals that are stored and used in the area.

8. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by the authority.


For Lab manager/Floor keeper


1. If students are present, immediately evacuate them


2. If the fire is spreading DON’T fight alone


If you have been trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, fight the fire from a position where you can escape, only if you are confident that you will be successful. 

A fire contained in a small vessel can usually be extinguished by covering the vessel with a lid of some sort


3. Raise the fire alarmor notify the building occupants verbally. Security inspector IUB: Mr. Salim 01741055492


4. If possible turn off the main switch/any running equipment


5. Leave the lab close THE DOOR behind you to prevent the fire’s spread


6. Wait outside of the lab to inform the firefighters


7. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by the authority


e) What to do when there is a chemical spill in the laboratory:


For the students:


1. Notify faculty or lab manager immediately


2. Co-operate corresponding personnel to remove the waste.


For faculty or Lab manager


1. Based on the nature of the chemical guide the students to the safe zone.


2. According to the degree of vulnerability manage the waste using spill kit. 3. If necessary call any housekeeper or cleaner for help.


f) What to do if Chemical spill on body or clothing:


1. Immediately run to the shower tray and flush water

 

LABORATORY & CHEMICAL SAFETY
Independent University, Bangladesh is committed to providing a safe laboratory environment for its faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
The purpose of this guide is to promote safety awareness and encourage safe working practices in the laboratory. These brief guidelines should serve as a reminder of things you can do to work more safely and are applicable to all users of the laboratory.
All research workers are expected to adhere to safety guidelines and maintain the safety standard expected in a university facility where direct staff observation is not possible.

Laboratory Hazards
Hazards in the laboratory fall into three general categories:
Equipment:
A wide variety of equipment is used for different activities. Most of the equipment is delicate, sensitive and expensive. Before you use any equipment you must learn about its operation and its safety implications. Misuse of equipment can lead to injury delay in project work and substantial cost in the repair bill.

Gases
A variety of compressed gases are used, some of which may be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or explosive. These hazards have been minimized by the use of proper equipment, proper confinement, ventilation, safety valves, etc., and by procedural controls. You must learn about the safe handling of gases before embarking on their use. An accident with any of these could be catastrophic.

Chemicals
Acids, bases, etching solutions and solvents are commonly used in materials chemistry and device fabrication. These are “hands-on” hazards which are hard to control by engineering controls only. These chemicals can cause severe burns, tissue damage, organ damage,
asphyxiation, and genetic damage if used improperly. You must take chemical safety instructions before using any chemical.

UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING LABORATORY SAFETY REGULATIONS
1. NO STUDENT MAY WORK IN A LABORATORY UNLESS AN INSTRUCTOR IS ON DUTY.
2. RECOMMENDED EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES IN THE LABORATORY UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE.
3. NO SMOKING, EATING OR DRINKING IS PERMITTED.
4. LABORATORY COATS ARE RECOMMENDED WHILE WORKING IN THE LABORATORY.

In addition to these four basic rules, the following regulations should be observed:
1. No student may perform an unauthorized experiment.
2. Never leave an experiment in progress unattended.
3. Any chemical which produces toxic vapors must be used in a fume hood.
4. Wipe-up spilled chemicals and bottle `rings’ immediately.
5. Never handle or pour flammable liquids near an open flame.
6. Report all accidents to the instructor immediately.
7. Unless given specific permission to the contrary, NEVER pipette a liquid by mouth; Use a rubber bulb.
8. Keep the sinks clean.
9. At the end of the period, make sure the hood, work area and sink are clean and tidy.
10. Always store flammable liquids in appropriate cabinets.
11. Do not store incompatible reagents together (e.g., acids with organic solvents).
12. Do not store ethers or similar chemicals for extended periods of time as explosive peroxides could form.
13. Date chemicals when received and opened.
14. Make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition and all electrical outlets are earthed.
15. Remain out of the area of a fire or incident if you are not in a position to help.

Laboratory Safety Equipment

Extracted Wet Bench
Extracted wet bench capture, contain, and expel emissions generated by hazardous chemicals or chemical reactions. All laboratory experiments with chemicals should be done in the extracted wet
bench. While it is possible to predict the release of undesirable or hazardous effluents in most laboratory operations, surprises can always happen. Therefore, the extracted wet bench offers an
extra measure of protection.
Fume hood should not be used for long-term chemical storage.

Chemical Storage Cabinets

Storage of flammable and corrosive chemicals in the lab should be limited to small quantities as far as possible. Flammable materials should be stored in flammable material storage cabinets.
Storage outside of the cabinet should be limited to materials used in the current process and must be returned after use to the appropriate storage cabinets. Leaving chemicals on benches or working areas is hazardous and is not acceptable.

Plastic cabinets are designed for corrosion resistance and used for storing acid and other corrosive materials.

Acids and other corrosive chemicals in the chemistry laboratory are stored under the fume hoods.

Refrigerators

To prevent potential safety hazards, the length of storage of chemicals should be kept to a minimum and refrigerators should be periodically inspected.

Eyewash Stations

Eyewash station which is basically a sink with a continuous flow of tap water is available in the chemistry laboratory and is accessible to all laboratory personnel.

Always flush the eyewash line before use. Water should not be directly aimed onto the eyeball, but rather, aimed at the base of the nose. This increases the chance of effectively rinsing the eyes free of chemicals (harsh streams of water may drive particles further into the eyes). If wearing contact lenses remove them as soon as possible to rinse eyes of any harmful chemicals.

Fire Safety Equipment

Please familiarize yourself with the location of Fire Alarms. Fire Extinguishers are located near exit.

Suggestions

Learn the locations of the eyewash and fire extinguisher and know how to use them. While working in the laboratory, beware of burns from forgotten, still-lit burners and from hot glassware. Wash your hands at the end of each laboratory class.

If you are unsure about any directions, ask your instructor. For example, ask for his/her instructions when disposing of used chemicals. Finally, never hurry when performing experiments. Safety always has the highest priority.