Lab Safety

The College of Engineering is committed to maintaining a safe learning and work environment.

All members of the campus community—including faculty, students, and staff—are required to abide by federal, state, local, and university policies, as well as the College of Engineering Health and Safety Policy below.

Immediately report safety or health incidents to Safety Officer Chibuzo Obiefuna at 562.985.4544 or notify the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Office at 562.985.2283. 

For unlawful acts or other types of emergency, call University Police at 911 from any campus phone, or 562.985.4101 from cell phones.

Students should report any safety or health incident to their professor or instructor. Before working in labs, students must pass the safety quiz, which will be administered by your professor. To prepare for the quiz, read the Lab Safety Training presentation. (pdf)

Per CSULB Regulations, graduate assistants and other students in the laboratory after normal business hours must possess written permission and approval from the appropriate department administrator.

Lab Regulations

If you’re working in a lab, you must: 

1. Put away equipment after experiments

2. Place chemicals in separate, labeled containers

3. Know how to read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

4. Pass the Safety Quiz (administered by professor)

5. Complete the Hazard Communication Program if you work with chemicals

6. Wear closed-toe shoes

7. Wear safety goggles/ear protection

8. Keep food and drinks outside

9. For chemicals needing waste pick up, place in proper container, attach label, and contact Chibuzo Obiefuna at 562.985.4544 or chibuzo.obiefuna@csulb.edu.

Safety Policy

This policy is intended to: help prevent accidents, illnesses and injuries; increase safety awareness; meet requirements of environmental, occupational health, and safety laws and regulations; reduce liability; and establish safety responsibilities for members of the college community and visitors to college-owned or occupied property. All members of the College community are expected to be thoroughly familiar with their safety responsibilities, strive to follow safety practices at all times, act proactively to prevent accidents and injuries, communicate hazards to supervisors, and be prepared for emergencies that may occur in the workplace.