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Why ANSI-Approved Safety Glasses?
I am often asked if ordinary prescription glasses can be substituted for approved safety glasses. The photograph above is a visual reminder why ordinary prescription glasses cannot be substituted for approved safety glasses.
The photo above clearly demonstrates the failure of a Researcher’s ordinary prescription glasses to protect his eyes after an explosion. The reaction detonated with a force so great that one lens and a temple bar have been blown away. The other lens is shattered.
The accident occurred when a graduate student researcher was working at a laboratory bench synthesizing approximately one gram of diazonium perchlorate crystals. The student was transferring synthesized perchlorate using a metal spatula when the material exploded, sending porcelain fragments into his face. The fragments shattered the lenses of his eyeglasses and lacerated his left cornea.
The student was taken to the hospital where he underwent surgery on his eye, and treatment for several facial lacerations. He was released from the hospital that same evening.
Please click here to read the full article released by the Office of Environmental, Health and Safety at the University of California, Berkley.
Nitric Acid Safety
 Nitric acid is not only a strong acid that is extremely corrosive but it is also a potent oxidizer. Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards states that “Nitric acid is the common chemical most frequently involved in reactive incidents."
Do you use nitric acid in your laboratory? If so please Click here to learn more about the hazards of nitric acid as well as how find more information about the safe use and storage of this unique strong oxidizing acid.
Shorts and Sandals are Appropriate for the Beach, but not the Lab
It is summer and this is the time of the year where laboratory personnel want to begin wearing shorts and sandals in the laboratories. Adequate protective clothing must be worn whenever working in the laboratory. “Adequate” means, at a minimum, clothing that falls below the knees and shoes that fully cover the feet. These, of course, are in addition to other personal protective equipment such as a lab coat, gloves and eye wear.
Please click here to read about the importance of ensuring you are properly clothed when working in a laboratory.
People Mover Transportation Safety
 Are you aware that flammable liquids as well as other materials found in a laboratory are prohibited on the People Mover? The IU Health People Mover is a convenient way to move about between the IUPUI campus, the IU Health Pathology Lab Building and Methodist Hospital. Because it is open to the general public as well as physicians, faculty and staff, it is important to understand that it is not designed to carry cargo.
To view the IU Health People Mover Transportation Safety Policy, which details the items that are prohibited on the People Mover, please click here.
Welcome Tuan Nguyen
 Please join us in welcoming Tuan Nguyen. Tuan is the newest member of our laboratory safety team and has replaced Amy Donofrio as an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist for the IUPUI campus. Tuan will be performing laboratory safety surveys in the near future so please welcome him when he visits your laboratory. Please click here to read Tuan's bio and find out more about our newest laboratory safety team member.
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