Argonne National Laboratory
Center for Nanoscale Materials
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Emergency and Safety Information

Safety is integral to the Center for Nanoscale Materials’ (CNM) scientific mission.

Important information for users and staff

As a staff member or user at the CNM, you need to be aware of safety regulations at Argonne National Laboratory. You are also required to have taken any safety, orientation and training classes or courses specified by your User Work Approval(s) and/or work planning and control documents prior to beginning your work.

For safety and security reasons, it is necessary to know of all facility users present in the CNM (Buildings 440 and 441). Users are required to scan their badge at the entryway kiosks upon entering and leaving.

Who to call in an emergency

Call in cases of injury, illness, or medical emergency. The Argonne Fire Department will respond and provide transportation to an offsite medical facility. If a user who is not an Argonne employee enters the Argonne Medical Department with an injury, illness, or medical emergency, they will be given minimal treatment, and the medical staff will call the Fire Department for transportation to an offsite medical facility. Users who are not Argonne employees are expected to carry their own health insurance for treatment at offsite medical facilities.

Where to assemble

Become familiar with at least two routes of exit from your work area(s). While in CNM buildings 440 and 441, if a building-wide alarm is activated, then alarm bells will activate and/or a public address announcement will direct occupants to evacuate. All building occupants should exit the building and assemble in the CNM west parking lot (overflow parking lot). In some situations, you may be directed to the alternate location, which is the Lower Gallery of Building 402. If working in other CNM buildings (200, 212, 216 or 400), then please obtain the assembly information from your scientific contact.

Know where tornado shelters are located

Tornado shelters are marked with signs throughout buildings. Under a tornado watch, identify the location of your nearest shelter. Under a tornado warning, announcements will be made, go to shelter immediately and remain until an all-clear is issued. The CNM tornado shelters in buildings 440 and 441 are the first and second floor A-wing washrooms, corridor D104 east end, corridor B113 east end, and corridor B124 midpoint. If working in other CNM buildings (200, 212, 216 or 400), then please obtain the tornado shelter information from your scientific contact.

Proper attire in CNM laboratory facilities

Laboratory areas have posted requirements for entry. Users will be expected to adhere to the following attire requirements:

  • Shoes impervious to liquids (at a minimum closed toe shoes that cover the entire foot)
  • Clothing that completely covers the legs
  • A shirt or other clothing that will cover the entire torso with at least ¼ length sleeves

Personal protective equipment will vary depending on the work scope and will be provided by the CNM. Be prepared to wear:

  • Safety glasses with side-shields
  • Chemical-resistant gloves
  • Coveralls and lab coats
  • Chemical splash goggles
  • Chemical-resistant sleeves and aprons
  • Full-face shields

Safety Training

On-the-job training must be provided to all new workers and will be completed during orientation to SOPs. Orientation to SOPs will be required before being authorized to work.

Chemicals and Samples

Please clean your work areas when you are finished. Be respectful of the next person that will use this space. If there is an incident (e.g. a spill), inform your SciCon promptly.

Dispose of hazardous waste you generate into the designated waste container. Record the addition of the waste to the container on the waste log, which is kept by the SAA.

Labeling chemical containers and samples is a requirement for the safe and professional conduct of research, and an expectation for all CNM users and staff. Failure to label containers puts the people that must handle these containers at risk and costs the CNM time and financial resources to address. To avoid this, follow the directions below.

Chemical containers:

All chemical containers must be labeled with either the original product label or an appropriate secondary label that clearly communicates the contents of the container, along with its hazards and enough information to determine which safety data sheet (SDS) is applicable (for example, unique ID or manufacturer information).

Samples:

Samples should be labeled as follows:

  • Sample name (the name must reflect the chemical composition of the sample)
  • Solvent (as applicable)
  • Last name (preferred) or Initials
  • Date

Visit the Chemicals and Samples page for additional safety information.

Additional Information