Laboratory and workshop safety

If you are studying a course such as art and design, engineering, pharmacy or medicine science, which includes laboratory or workshop sessions, your safety and that of your fellow students and staff is of primary concern. In many laboratories the wearing of safety glasses is essential, and laboratory coats may also be required. Your school or department will provide specific details regarding the types of clothing required, and any specific rules of the laboratory or workshop, including safe handling of materials*. For safety purposes, students are generally not permitted in laboratories in the absence of a laboratory supervisor.

* For example: Pharmacy students will be issued the booklet `Safety precautions and emergency procedures' at the start of their course, which provides an outline of the faculty's safety procedures. Most Art and Design students in specific disciplines of the faculty are required to undertake a compulsory OHS study unit as a part of their course.

Warning: Handling of chemicals, drugs, biological or radioactive materials

Students involved in laboratories handling these types of materials (eg engineering, medicine, pharmacy and science students) are requested to exercise the utmost care with drugs and chemicals, many of which are either inflammable or poisonous. A particularly strong warning is given to students concerning the handling of live microorganisms and exposure to radiation of any kind. Take no risks. Where the slightest doubt exists, refer to a member of staff.