Safety

The following are rules that relate to everyone and every laboratory in the Buchmeiser research group and should be kept in mind during your work at the Chair of Macromolecular Materials and Fiber Chemistry. They cover what you should know in the event of an emergency, proper signage, safety equipment, safely using laboratory equipment, and basic common-sense rules.

• Lab and safety information and procedures must be read ahead of time. All verbal and written instructions must be followed in carrying out the activity or investigation. Be sure to read safety signs and follow the instructions in the event of an accident or emergency.
• Make sure you know where your lab's safety equipment including first aid kit, fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and safety showers is located and how to properly use it.
• Know emergency phone numbers to use to call for help in case of an emergency.
• Open flames should never be used in the laboratory unless you have permission from a qualified supervisor.
• If there is a fire drill, be sure to turn off all electrical equipment and close all containers.
• Always work in properly-ventilated areas.
• Eating, drinking, gum chewing, applying cosmetics, manipulating contact lenses, and other unsafe activities are not permitted in the laboratory.
• Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and cracks. Notify your lab supervisor of any damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of.
• Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to operate.
• If you are the last person to leave the lab, make sure to lock all the doors and turn off all ignition sources.
• Do not work alone in the lab.
• Make sure you always follow the proper procedures for disposing lab waste.
• In the event of a chemical splashing into your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush the affected area(s) with running water for at least 10 minutes.
• If you notice any unsafe conditions in the lab, let your supervisor know as soon as possible.

In view of the current Corona situation and the instructions given by the University, all Bachelor, Master, PhD students and PostDocs are asked to resume their lab work on Monday 20.4. 2020. Please consider the following:

As a general rule:

• The minimum distance of 1.5 m must be observed. If this is not possible, face masks must be worn.
• Individuals with respiratory symptoms1 or fever are generally not allowed on the university premises (unless a doctor has confirmed that it is a non-hazardous condition such as a cold).

Special technical/organizational measures:

• synthetic labs: max. 2 plus one person in the glove box.
• all other labs: max. 2 persons
• in offices for 6 persons: Max 3 persons, keep max. distance (eventually change places)
• in offices for 5 persons: max. 2 persons, (eventually change places)
• Glove box should be cleaned and desinfected after every use.
• library: max. 2 persons, keep maximum distance!!
• Library should be ventilated regularly
• If several employees or students work together or meet, the minimum distance of 1.50 m must be guaranteed. 
• Occupancy of work areas and shared facilities should be reduced by measures for temporal equalization (staggered working and break times; formation of two-shift teams).
• Access by persons not affiliated with the chair will be limited to an absolutely necessary minimum.

In general: keep distance, try to wear respiratory protection try to ventilate the labs (open the windows) as much as possible. Wash hands, use disinfection solution, both for your hands and the lab benches. 

More detailed information can be found following the links below:

1. Institute Rules
2. Lab Safety Rules
3. Safety Instructions
4. Safety Data Sheets are located under shared folder
5. Working alone Policy
6. Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct
7. Working safely in Laboratories

8. Maternity protection – help/guidance for students