7. Safety and Risk Management

To ensure the safe operation of the laboratory and to protect the health, property, and environment of all users, the following rules shall be strictly observed:

7.1 Safety Training and Qualification Requirements

  1. All users must complete the university-wide General Laboratory Safety Training organized by the Office of Laboratory and Research Safety (EHS), pass the examination, and obtain a valid certificate or license. The certificate must be presented to InLab management upon the first application.
  2. Prior to entering InLab, users must complete InLab Safety training. Each training session must be documented in writing and co-signed by both the responsible trainer and the trainee. All DKU employees (including interns, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers), students, and technical staff must contact the InLab team (or the responsible person) to be briefed on general guidelines and potential hazards before starting work in InLab.
  3. High-risk equipment may only be operated by users who have completed specific operational training and received authorization.
  4. Users are responsible for their own safety and conduct, and shall not engage in any actions that may endanger themselves or others.
  5. Tools and equipment may only be used after receiving specific safety training, or under the direct supervision of laboratory management staff.
  6. Users must understand and comply with all posted safety signs, warnings, and instructions, and shall not remove, damage, or bypass protective devices.
  7. For operations involving potential danger, it is strongly recommended that at least two persons be present. “Dangerous conditions” are defined as those with a high potential risk of injury due to the working protocol or type of activity.
  8. Portable electrical devices must be visually inspected for damage prior to use.
  9. All students must familiarize themselves with the location of emergency shut-off controls for gas, electricity, and water, as well as emergency showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and evacuation routes. In the event of an emergency shutdown, the laboratory supervisor must be notified immediately.
  10. Falsification of training records, impersonation, or use of others certification shall result in disciplinary action under Violation and Penalty Regulation.

7.2 Hazardous Materials, Chemicals, and Equipment Management

  1. Hazardous chemicals are defined as substances that may cause explosion, fire, adverse health effects, or environmental harm. Any user handling such substances must complete required training, be familiar with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and waste disposal protocols, and obtain prior approval from the lab manager.
  2. Handling of chemicals must always be carried out with extreme caution. Almost all chemicals, whether solid, liquid, or gas, are toxic to some degree, and may enter the body through inhalation, skin or mucous membrane absorption, or ingestion.
  3. Before use, users must carefully review the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and comply with all Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling requirements. The quantity of flammable liquids stored in the lab should be kept to a minimum, particularly those with a flashpoint below 55°C.
  4. SDS are prepared by manufacturers and contain detailed information on hazards and safe use of their products. Users may obtain SDS from the manufacturer or distributor.
  5. Users must not touch their face, eyes, or body before thoroughly washing hands after handling chemicals.