1. DEL MAR COLLEGE
Department of Natural Sciences
LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES
A Pre-Lab Course
24-Hour Emergency Number:
DMC Security Office 361 / 698-1199
2. INSTRUCTIONS
• This Module is only necessary if your class
includes field trips. You will be instructed to
complete this module by your instructor prior to
the first field trip.
• Study the information in this module.
• Take the quiz following this module.
• You must score 100% on this quiz to stay
registered in the class. You may take the quiz
as many times as needed to achieve 100%.
3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Module
General Rules and Regulations 1
Chemical Safety 2
Biohazard Safety 3
Emergency Equipment & Procedures 4
Field Trip Safety 5
5. BE PREPARED
• Report any allergies or medical conditions to
the Instructor before leaving campus.
• Bring any medications and allergy treatments
that you might possibly need.
6. BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY
Use good manners and consideration for others
Do not disturb the environment more than necessary
Respect property boundaries and conservation regulations
Do not damage property in any
way (climbing over walls or
fences, leaving gates open,
trampling crops, disturbing
livestock, etc…)
Stay with the group - do not wander off by yourself
Pay attention to where you are walking or climbing
7. SEPARATED FROM THE GROUP?
• Stop where you are and wait for someone to find
you. Someone WILL return to look for you so don’t
make it harder for them to find you!
• Don’t panic – focus on accepting the situation and
analyzing options
• Whistle or yell for help
• Decide on a plan that insures health and safety
• Conserve water and rest in the shade
8. PREPARE FOR THE SOUTH TEXAS HEAT
• Carry drinking water and drink frequently.
• Minimum of 2 quarts/day
• Use sunscreen liberally and reapply frequently.
• Rest in the shade when possible.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
9. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - SUMMER TRIPS
The following are the minimum items of clothing that will
be required while participating in Field Trip activities:
UPLAND TRIPS WATER TRIPS
• Hat • Wear appropriate clothing
for water activities.
• Light-weight shirt with
long sleeves
• Shorts are not
recommended
• Light-weight pants • PFD’s and closed-toed
shoes are MANDATORY in
• Boots or sturdy shoes the boats
• Snake chaps, boots, or
leggings
10. BEWARE: DEHYDRATION
SYMPTOMS:
Lethargy and & light-headedness
Dark urine and constipation
PREVENTION:
Drink frequently
(minimum 2 quart/day)
FIRST AID:
Drink water
Rest frequently until rehydrated
Minimize caffeine intake
11. BEWARE: SUN BURN
SYMPTOMS:
• Pink or red skin
PREVENTION:
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, perhaps long sleeves,
and long pants (thin)
• Rest in the shade
FIRST AID:
• Apply cool water
• First aid lotion
12. BEWARE: HEAT EXHAUSTION
SYMPTOMS:
◦ Fatigue and excess thirst
◦ Heavy sweating and cool clammy skin
PREVENTION:
◦ Acclimate to heat gradually
◦ Drink water
◦ Rest in shade frequently
FIRST AID:
◦ Cool the victim and treat for shock
◦ Slowly give water or electrolyte replacement
13. BEWARE: HEAT STROKE
SYMPTOMS:
o Exhaustion, light-headedness
o Bright red skin, warm to the touch
PREVENTION:
o Become acclimated
o Drink plenty of water
o Rest in the shade frequently
FIRST AID:
o Call 911! Heat Stroke is a medical emergency.
o Move the person to a cool shaded area.
o Cool the person using methods such as:
• Soak their clothes with water.
• Spray, sponge, or shower them with water.
• Fan their body. Cool the victim at once and replenish fluids
o Seek medical attention immediately!
14. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - WINTER TRIPS
The following are the minimum items of clothing that will
be required while participating in Field Trip activities:
UPLAND TRIPS WATER TRIPS
• Hat • Appropriate clothing for
water activities
• Layered clothing
• Wet suit
• Rain gear
• Gloves
• Boots or sturdy shoes
• Waders
• Snake chaps, boots, or
leggings • Slicker suit
15. BEWARE: HYPOTHERMIA
When the outside environment gets too cold or the body's heat production
decreases, hypothermia occurs. Hypothermia is defined as having a
core body temperature less than 95 degrees F.
SYMPTOMS:
• Shivering, numbness, slurred speech, excessive
fatigue
PREVENTION:
• Dress in layers and/or wear appropriate clothing
• Avoid getting damp from perspiration
FIRST AID:
• Replace wet clothing with warm dry clothing,
blanket or skin to skin contact.
• Drink warm liquids
• Seek medical attention ASAP
16. PLAN AHEAD FOR EXTREME WEATHER
o Be aware of special weather concerns before you leave
campus
o Bring appropriate equipment (weather radio, flashlight,
etc.) to deal with fast forming severe weather such as;
● Flash flood
● Lightening
● High winds
● Tornadoes...
17. DANGERS IN THE SOUTH TEXAS:
UPLAND ENVIRONMENT
Plants – poison ivy and oak..
o Wear gloves…
Venomous Snakes
o Be aware of your surroundings
Rodents – Remember Hanta virus?...
o Wear gloves …
Alligators...
o Stay away from them…
Bugs- mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks…
o Carry insect repellent…
18. DANGERS IN THE SOUTH TEXAS:
WATER ENVIRONMENT
Stingrays
• SHUFFLE YOUR FEET!
Jellyfish
• STAY AWAY FROM THEM!
Portuguese Man-of-war
• STAY AWAY FROM THEM!
Barnacles
• Watch for them on the jetties
Make sure you take meat tenderizer and
peroxide along on the trip
19. SOME SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS
Keep garbage contained
Shake all clothing & bedding before use
Stay away from animal nests or burrows
Watch where you put your feet and hands
Avoid contact with sick or dead animals
Wear tightly woven materials and tuck pants into
boots
Minimize use of lights after dark
Use netting to keep pests away from food
Be aware of animal behavior
20. PARTIAL SUPPLY LIST:
Water Flagging Map/Chart of the
Sunglasses Rope area
Sunscreen Signal mirror Windproof jacket
Hat Signal flares Sea sickness
medication
Protein, Power, or Extra clothing
Granola bar Marine radio
Safety blanket
Pocket knife Waterproof
Whistle
matches
Insect Repellant
21. TRIP SAFETY CHECKLIST
Study location & potential hazards beforehand
Study the weather conditions for possible storms
Make sure a well stocked first aid kit available
Check your clothing & pack for the following:
• appropriate emergency • drinking water
weather & environment gear • appropriate shoes
• medication • flashlight
• hat & sunglasses • insect repellant
• sunscreen
WEAR YOUR SEATBELT IN THE VEHICLES
22. REMINDER
Please complete the quiz for
Module 5.