MIE Laboratory Safety Guide

Critical Safety Protocol & Requirements

MIE Lab Safety – student in full PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coat in a manufacturing environment

Welcome to the MIE Department. Safety is our top priority. This guide outlines the essential rules you MUST follow to ensure your safety and the safety of others in our labs.

🚨 Mandatory Requirement:
All students must read this guide and submit the signed Safety Commitment Form before any laboratory access is granted. Failure to follow safety rules will result in immediate removal from the lab.

✍️ Required Commitment

Sign and Submit Before Working

Before you start your first lab session, you are required to:

Review the General Safety Rules completely.
Identify the safety resources in your specific lab.
Sign the MIE Safety Training Form.
Submit the form to your instructor or TA.

✅ Verification:

Laboratory staff will verify your signature and valid training status for specific equipment (CNC, Robots, etc.) before allowing you to operate any machinery.

📜 MIE Safety Statement

Policies & Compliance

Our Departmental Commitment

The MIE Department is committed to providing a safe workspace for all. We follow NU Policy 602 (Restricted Access) and all university safety standards. Compliance is non-negotiable.

Lab Spaces

Rooms like 002FR, 010FR, 012FR, and others have specific hazards ranging from basic hand tools to high-powered lasers.

Supervision

Direct supervision by a TA or Technician is required for all high-risk operations after 5:00 PM.

📞 Campus Safety Resources

Help is always one call away

3333

Emergency (Campus Phone)

Cell Phone: 617-373-3333

📱 SafeZone App

Install the SafeZone app for immediate connection to NUPD and emergency services.

🏥 UHCS

University Health and Counseling Services: 617-373-2772

🤝 The Buddy System

Never work alone in a restricted space

Working alone on high-risk equipment or with hazardous materials is PROHIBITED.

Required For:

Machine Shop operations
High voltage electronics
Chemical handling
Robot physical deployment

Why?

A "buddy" can activate the emergency stop, call for help, and provide immediate assistance if an accident occurs.

Exception: Only quiet activities (report writing, simulation) may be done alone in approved student rooms.

📝 Incident Reporting

Transparency saves lives

ALL incidents MUST be reported immediately — even if no injury occurred.

What to Report:

Near Misses: "That almost hit me!"
Minor Injuries: Scrapes, minor burns.
Equipment Damage: Broken bits, smoke.
Unsafe Behavior: Seeing someone bypass a guard.

Reporting Path:

1. Notify TA or Technician.
2. Contact Department Safety Officer (Rick Kennedy).
3. File formal university report.

👓 PPE: Eye Protection

Your most valuable tool: Your vision

Safety glasses are REQUIRED in all designated lab areas.

Standard Glasses

Must have Z87.1 rating. Provides protection from flying chips and debris.

Chemical Goggles

Required when handling liquids or chemicals to prevent splash injury.

Laser Eye Protection

Must match the specific wavelength (Color) of the laser being used.

Note: Regular prescription glasses are NOT safety glasses unless fitted with Z87 rated lenses and side shields.

🧤 PPE: Hearing & Hand Protection

Correct usage is key

👂 Hearing Protection

Use earmuffs or plugs when noise levels exceed 85dB.
Required in the CNC lab and near large cooling fans.

✋ Hand Protection

Chemical Gloves: Match the material to the chemical (Nitrile vs. Latex).
Heat Gloves: Use for 3D printer parts or ovens.
WARNING: NEVER wear gloves near rotating machinery (lathes, drills) — they can pull your hand in.

👕 Proper Lab Attire

Dress for a safe work environment

👞

Closed-Toe Shoes: Must cover the entire foot. No sandals, flip-flops, or mesh sneakers in heavy labs.

💇

Long Hair: Must be tied back and secured. Loose hair is a severe entanglement hazard.

🧣

Clothing: No loose-fitting clothing, dangling jewelry, or hoodies with strings.

🚫 Prohibited Items & Behavior

Zero tolerance for distractions

🎧 Audio Gear

No earbuds, headphones, or high-volume music. You must be able to hear machine warnings and instructions.

🍔 Food & Drink

Strictly prohibited in lab areas to prevent contamination and spills. Use designated break areas.

🚭 Vaping/Smoking

Includes e-cigarettes. Prohibited in accordance with university policy.

Entrapment Hazard: Take off all rings, bracelets, and watches before operating manual or CNC machines.

⚙️ Machine Area Rules

Training is the key to safety

1

Never operate without training. You must be checked out by a technician for the specific machine you want to use.

2

Check guards. Verify all safety covers and interlocks are functional before starting.

3

Follow the SOP. Read the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) posted on or near the machine.

💡 Emergency Stop (E-Stop)

Identify the location of the red E-stop button BEFORE you turn on the machine. Keep it accessible and clear of debris.

🧪 Chemical Safety & Waste

Handling hazardous materials

Every chemical in the lab has a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Know where to find it.

Storage

Secure lids immediately after use.
Store in approved cabinets (Acid, Flammable).
Label every container — no "unknown" liquids.

Waste Disposal

NEVER pour chemicals down the drain.
Use labeled ECOS waste containers.
Report leaks or spills immediately.

🧹 Laboratory Housekeeping

A clean lab is a safe lab

Clean as you go

Don't wait until the end of the lab to sweep chips or wipe up oil.

Clear Walkways

Keep aisles, fire exits, and safety equipment clear of backpacks and material.

Tool Storage

Return all tools to their shadow boards or drawers after use.

Leave it better than you found it. Respect the space and your fellow students.

🔥 Emergency: Fire

Act fast, act safely

1

Rescue: Help anyone in immediate danger (if safe).

2

Alarm: Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.

3

Evacuate: Use the nearest EXIT. Do not use elevators. Gather at the assembly point.

🧯 Using an Extinguisher (PASS):

Pull the pin | Aim at base | Squeeze handle | Sweep side-to-side

Only fight a fire if it is smaller than a wastebasket and your exit is clear.

🩹 Emergency: Medical

Immediate responses to injuries

Minor Injury:

First aid kits are located in every lab room.
Clean the area, apply pressure, and notify the TA.

Serious Injury:

Call 3333 immediately.
Do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger (fire, gas).
Find an AED (locations are marked in hallways).

🏥

Stay with the victim until help arrives.

🛡️ Chemical Exposure & Spills

Minutes matter

👁️ Eye Wash

Flush eyes for AT LEAST 15 minutes. Hold eyelids open. Seek medical help immediately after.

🚿 Safety Shower

Use for large body splashes. Remove contaminated clothing while under the water.

🧪 Spill Kits

Contain absorbent material. Only use for small spills (1 Liter or less) if trained.

🎯 Scenario Learning

Test your safety awareness

Q: You see a robot moving in an erratic, dangerous way. What should you do?
A: Press the Emergency Stop (E-Stop) immediately. Do not try to enter the work area to "fix" it while it's moving.

Q: You're alone in the lab at 8:00 PM and need to run a CNC machine. Is this allowed?
A: NO. High-risk equipment requires a buddy and/or professional supervision after hours.

Q: You have a small cut but think it's fine. Do you need to report it?
A: YES. Every incident must be reported for documentation and to check for underlying hazards.

✅ Safety Summary

Your safety is our shared responsibility

1. PPE Always | 2. Training First | 3. Never Work Alone

Contact	Role	Email / Phone
Rick Kennedy	Safety Officer	ri.kennedy@northeastern.edu / (617) 373-5636
Kevin McCue	Lab Technician	k.mccue@northeastern.edu / (617) 373-4548
NUPD	Emergency	617-373-3333