Today we welcomed a new intern to Dr. Hotz’s team: Maya. Knowing that we would be starting around the same time, Dr. Hotz delayed our mandatory safety debrief until we were together.
Every lab has its fair share of safety hazards, but in many ways the combination of hazards is what defines each lab. After all, one can only say they know what they’re doing in the space once they are certain of what they are not doing, or rather must not do. This way of defining a space– using the safety procedures as negative outlines of the experimental procedures– is written into the department itself. Before working with any materials, I had to review countless standard operating procedure (SOP) debriefs and sign my name in compliance. Strangely, more than merely learning the rules, I gained a better understanding of the role of researchers in the greater university web. Suddenly the lab assistants weren’t just an assortment of people typing away at a computer, but part of a greater agreement with a shared responsibility to one another and to the university. Regardless of the individual motivations, projects, and goals of interns, assistants, and doctoral researchers, it was interesting to find a common thread of purpose– that is, carrying out experiments in an efficient, non-wasteful, and safe manner– that would remain long after I left and even after Dr. Hotz left too.
Some of the safety hazards included: Oxidizers (gasses that can add to or intensify an open fire), nanoparticles (particles that are so small they can diffuse through skin, enter the blood stream, and potentially cause cancer. Largely unresearched health detriments), glass (potentially broken/sharp), and noxious/flammable gasses.
