Skip to main content
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
    • Email
    • Employee Self-Service
    • Finance (PeopleSoft)
    • Campus Connection
    • Flex Spending
    • Starfish
    • Faculty Success
  • Calendar
  • Directory
  • Scope of this search:
Campus Services
  • Employee Resources
    • Job Openings
    • Benefits
    • Equal Opportunity
    • Staff Senate
    • TTaDA (Professional Development)
    • UCLC (Childcare)
    • University Council for Women+
    • University Senate
    • Work Well (Employee Wellness)
  • Financial Services
    • Shared Service Center
    • Grants & Contracts Accounting
    • Procurement & Payment Services
    • Resource Planning & Allocation
    • Treasury
  • Operations
    • Facilities Management
    • Parking & Transportation
    • Policy Office
    • Records Management
    • Safety
  • Communication Services
    • Brand and Identity
    • Campus Postal Services
    • Duplicating
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Telecommunications
    • University Information Technology
    • Web Support
University of North Dakota
  • Employee Resources
    • Job Openings
    • Benefits
    • Equal Opportunity
    • Staff Senate
    • TTaDA (Professional Development)
    • UCLC (Childcare)
    • University Council for Women+
    • University Senate
    • Work Well (Employee Wellness)
  • Financial Services
    • Shared Service Center
    • Grants & Contracts Accounting
    • Procurement & Payment Services
    • Resource Planning & Allocation
    • Treasury
  • Operations
    • Facilities Management
    • Parking & Transportation
    • Policy Office
    • Records Management
    • Safety
  • Communication Services
    • Brand and Identity
    • Campus Postal Services
    • Duplicating
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Telecommunications
    • University Information Technology
    • Web Support
Scope of this search:
Scope of this search:
  • Home
  • UND Public Safety
  • Public Safety
  • Additional Resources
  • Lab Safety
Skip Section Navigation
  • Office of Safety
  • Risk Management & Insurance
  • International Travel Safety
  • Personal Safety
  • Fire Safety
  • General Safety
  • Electrical Safety
  • Biological Safety
  • Radiation Safety
  • Additional Resources
  • Contact Us

Lab Safety

Identifying and Evaluating Hazards in Research Laboratories - A comprehensive guide to lab safety by American Chemical Society

Decontamination of Equipment Form

Form 205a

Waste Disposal

Waste Disposal Form/Manifest

Lab-Specific Safety Training Record

Lab-Specific Safety Training Record

Chemicals In Use & Storage Form

Chemicals In Use & Storage Form

Compressed Gases

Compressed gas cylinders may contain up to 2500 PSI of pressure. Serious accidents can occur when the valves of these cylinders are broken off. The escaping gases can create a jet action of sufficient force to propel the cylinder like a "rocket". This "rocket" can penetrate through walls of buildings and cause injury to persons in its vicinity. The improper storage, movement, and use of gas cylinders is a major safety hazard.

When using high-pressure compressed gas cylinders, always be aware of the following safe work practices:

  • Empty cylinders must be plainly marked "MT" or "EMPTY" and removed to a segregated storage area.
  • To prevent tipping, cylinders must be secured in position regardless of status (in use or storage; full or empty) by restraining straps or chains mounted to a rigid surface.
  • When cylinders are not in use, insure that the valve is in the off position and not leaking. Valve covers must be firmly in place.
  • Only use regulators and gauges designed for the particular gas to be used. Never force-fit gauges and regulators, because leaks may appear creating additional hazards.
  • Always store cylinders with valve end "UP" and valve cover installed.
  • When movement of the cylinders is required, transport cylinders with a wheeled cart. Do not slide or roll cylinders.
  • Storage of high-pressure gas cylinders must be in a well-ventilated area and away from excessive heat or ignition sources.
  • During storage, oxygen and other oxidizing compressed gas cylinders must be separated from compressed gas cylinders containing flammables.
  • If cylinders must be filled, do so according to regulatory and manufacturer guidelines.
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) rules require that hydrostatic testing procedures be used as preventive maintenance to detect cylinder fatigue. Refuse delivery on cylinders not having the hydrostatic test date marked on the cylinder.

Sharps

Sharps are any object capable of penetrating the skin, including, but not limited to: needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, razor blades, saw blades, and exposed ends of dental wires. Dispose of sharps in impervious, puncture resistant, rigid containers to eliminate the potential of physical injury. Label all sharps containers that are disposed of in building waste receptacles (e.g., broken glass, sharps, etc.). It is each department's responsibility to assure that sharps are not put into the regular garbage, or other regular waste receptacles, in a loose or unprotected state.

When the disposal of sharps is complicated by the presence of radioactive, hazardous chemical, or bio-hazardous contamination, the proper disposal steps for each must be taken once the sharps have been placed in the proper container and labeled. Sharps containers contaminated with radioactive, hazardous, chemical, or bio-hazardous materials must be labeled with the appropriate hazard symbol (e.g., radioactive, bio-hazardous, corrosive, etc.).

For further information on the disposal of sharps, please contact the Office of Safety at 701.777.3341

Office of Safety
3851 Campus Rd Stop 9031
Grand Forks, ND 58202-0000
P 701.777.3341
F 701.777.4132
UND.safety@UND.edu
    We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

    By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.

    UND.info@UND.edu  |  701.777.3000
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Campus Map
    • Employment
    • Vector Solutions Training
    • UND Today
    • U Letter
    • Report Safety Concern
    University of North Dakota

    © 2023 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System

    • Accessibility & Website Feedback
    • Terms of Use & Privacy
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Student Disclosure Information
    • Title IX
    ©