Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Emergency protocol

Objectives

The teaching and research activities carried out in the geotechnical laboratory of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) involve, in certain cases, a risk depending on the type of work carried out.

This guide includes the necessary indications to carry out a safe and efficient work in the Geotechnical Laboratory of the UPC, in accordance with the indications of the Spanish Occupational Risk Prevention Law.

Its recipients are teachers and researchers (PDI), as well as research fellows and third cycle students, who begin their first experiences in the laboratory. All technical personnel (PAS) related to work in the laboratory must know this guide, particularly the researchers responsible for projects and all UPC scholarship holders.

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General guidelines

  • It is recommended to work accompanied by at least one other person whenever possible.
  • The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required according to the type of work carried out is mandatory.
  • Do not carry out any activity without prior authorization or not properly supervised.
  • Avoid contact of the products handled with the mouth, skin and eyes.
  • Ensure the disconnection of equipment, water and gas at the end of the work.
  • Smoking, eating or drinking is prohibited in the laboratory.
  • Do not leave food or drinks in the laboratory refrigerators.
  • Reusable glassware must be cleaned in the laboratory.
  • Carry out the cleaning and disinfection of the work surfaces, elements and equipment at the end of each of the procedures and at the end of the work day.
  • No substance should ever be pipetted with the mouth, for this, plastic pears or automatic pipettors will be used.
  • Any accident, no matter how small, must be reported to the teacher responsible for the practice or to the person in charge of it.
  • Always read the safety label of the reagent you are going to use.
  • Do not force the glass tubes, as they can easily break causing serious cuts.
  • Hot glass must be handled with care, do not place it on a cold surface as it may shatter.
  • Use and store flammable substances in essential quantities.
  • Reagents must be kept tightly closed.
  • The laboratory must be left in perfect condition:
    • Closed water and gas taps
    • Lights off
    • Disconnected computers
    • Tables free of samples, or stains from reagents or materials to be cleaned
    • Soils free of samples, or trash
  • You must always follow the Safety and Hygiene Standards established by UPC's Occupational Risk Prevention Service

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Emergency protocol

  • See a doctor immediately
  • Do not use greasy creams and ointments

  • If it is a minor cut, clean it well with plenty of running water and cover it with a suitable bandage or dressing
  • If it is a large cut in dangerous areas, seek medical assistance

  • Clean quickly with plenty of running water
  • Take off contaminated clothing as soon as possible
  • Use safety showers in cases where the affected area of the body is extensive

  • Clean with plenty of running water. Use the eye wash if the splash has been in the eyes
  • Don't try to neutralize it
  • See a doctor immediately

  • Call the toxicological information service
  • Do not induce vomiting if the ingested product is corrosive
  • If the patient is unconscious, put him in an inclined position, with his head on the side and keep his tongue out
  • If he's conscious, keep him stretched out. Cover him with a blanket so he is not cold

  • Immediately take the affected person to a place with fresh air
  • See a doctor immediately
  • If the toxic vapor is a gas, wear the appropriate type of gas mask when approaching the affected person
  • If the mask available is not adequate, hold your breath as long as possible while in contact with the toxic fumes

  • Flammable gas leak without flame
    • If possible, close the gas tap
    • Do not use flames or electrical appliances in the area where the gas leak may spread
    • If the leak cannot be eliminated, prevent its spread and the entry of people into the affected area
  • Flammable gas leak with flame

    In the event of a fire, all gas cylinders exposed to heat may explode, resulting in the potential projection of cylinder elements, fragments and contained gas.

    • If possible, close the gas tap
    • Notify the Fire Department
    • Even if the fire goes out, the risk still exists
    • The bottles that have been affected by the fire should not be handled
    • If the operation does not involve risks, evacuate as many unaffected bottles as possible

Protocol acceptance form

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