Safety at School and in Laboratories
Compliance with and fulfilment of the obligations arising from the internal regulations of UCT Prague and its faculties are among the basic duties of students, as set out in the Study and Examination Regulations.
These include health and safety regulations, in particular the Safety Guidelines for Students of UCT Prague, which specify the duties of individuals participating in classes organised by UCT Prague or in study placements carried out at UCT Prague workplaces. Further information can be found on the intranet (accessible after login).
When you are in UCT Prague buildings, please observe the following rules:
- Familiarize yourself with the operational rules of UCT Prague buildings, research facilities, and spaces intended for laboratory or practical training, and follow them carefully.
- Respect instructions given by UCT Prague staff (e.g., lecturers or supervisors) as well as safety signs.
- Take care of your own safety, behave responsibly, and be considerate of others.
- Remember: UCT Prague is an academic environment. Follow the principles of university ethics, dignity, and respectful conduct—you are part of the academic community.
The following is strictly prohibited on the premises of UCT Prague:
- Smoking anywhere on UCT Prague premises (indoors and outdoors), consuming alcohol, using drugs, or entering under their influence.
- Using open flames or starting fires, unless it is explicitly part of supervised laboratory work.
- Bringing live animals that may pose a threat (e.g., dogs), except for assistance dogs accompanying blind persons.
- Bringing dangerous items such as firearms, ammunition, knives, or any form of weapon.
- Running, skating, or riding scooters and similar devices.
- Handling laboratory equipment or instruments unless authorized and trained.
- Climbing ladders or entering elevated areas above 1.5 meters without fall protection, leaning out of windows, or climbing onto balconies.
- Aggressive, violent, reckless, or vulgar behaviour.
- Leaving objects in corridors, passageways, or evacuation routes that could block safe exits.
If you are injured or see someone else injured:
- Provide first aid and, if necessary, call emergency services (dial 155).
- Use first-aid kits, marked with a white cross on a green background, available in every department and at all reception desks.
- Use AEDs (automated external defibrillators) available at receptions A, B, and Zikova. Follow the spoken instructions of the device.
- Report the incident immediately. Only properly reported and recorded injuries are eligible for compensation:
- To the Safety and Risk Prevention Office (Building B, rooms 66–67, tel. 22044 2228/2229)
- To any reception desk
- To staff at the workplace where the incident occurred
- Please cooperate in investigating the causes of your injury and its official resolution, or the awarding of compensation. According to the Labor Code:
- The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is liable to its students for damage incurred as a result of an injury during their studies or practical training in a study program carried out by the university or in direct connection with them.
- If the damage to the student's health occurred during study or practice or in direct connection with them at another legal entity or natural person, that entity is liable for the damage.
- The claim for compensation may be reduced appropriately or rejected entirely if the student caused the damage to their health intentionally or as a result of gross violation of safety regulations or instructions given by employees of the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague.
If you or anyone else is exposed to a chemical substance, act quickly and carefully. Follow the first aid guidelines depending on the type of exposure:
- Inhalation (lung-irritant substances): Move the person to fresh air; do not let them walk. Rinse mouth/nose with water if needed.
- Skin contact with corrosives: Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry. Rinse affected areas with lukewarm water for 10–30 minutes. Do not use soap, brushes, or neutralizers. Cover with a sterile dressing—do not apply ointments.
- Eye contact: Rinse eyes under running water for at least 10 minutes, forcibly holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses immediately. Never neutralize.
- Minor burns: Cool with water, then cover with a sterile dressing.
- Mechanical injury: Remove debris, disinfect, and cover with a sterile bandage.
- Raise the alarm: Warn others and call the fire brigade (150). Shout “Fire!” to alert nearby people.
- If possible: Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. Instructions are printed on each device.
- Evacuate immediately if the fire is too large. Follow escape signs, do not use elevators, and proceed calmly to the designated assembly point:
- Building A: Open space between NTK (National Technical Library) and the Faculty of Civil Engineering (CTU).
- Building B: Space in front of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (CTU).
- See the evacuation map here.
- Do not return until authorized by the fire brigade.
Remember: The key to safely overcoming a fire is to react quickly, remain calm, behave responsibly, and exercise discipline!
An active shooter is defined as a person who has a weapon and wants to kill as many people as possible. The attack is usually planned in advance, with no intention to surrender or negotiate. It may be carried out by an individual or a group.
Pay attention to unusual or concerning behavior in people around you, as escalation often results from personal problems, frustration, or feelings of injustice.
How to Respond in Case of an Attack
RUN – Escape to a Safe Area
- If possible, immediately escape to a safe area outside the attacker’s reach:
- Choose hallways and exits out of the attacker’s line of sight.
- Run along the edges of corridors, not through the middle.
- Use cover from objects along your escape route.
- Stay low while running.
- Remove anything that restricts movement; never go back.
- Leave belongings behind; your life comes first.
- Warn others and assist them if possible, without putting yourself at risk.
- Once safe, call the Police of the Czech Republic (158) immediately.
- Inform the Safety and Risk Prevention Department and the reception desk.
HIDE – Find a Safe Location
- Never stay in an open space; ideally hide in a room that can be locked and barricaded.
- Stay silent, mute phones, and turn off vibrations.
- Turn off lights, step away from doors and windows, and hide behind solid objects.
- Call the Police (158) and describe your location and situation.
- If possible, inform the Safety and Risk Prevention Department and the reception desk.
- Do not communicate through doors or respond to impulses.
- Do not share photos, videos, or information about the attack on social media.
- Remain hidden until the police arrive and follow their instructions.
FIGHT – Defend Yourself
If escape or hiding is impossible, act decisively to protect your life:
- Fight back if your life is in immediate danger.
- Attempt to incapacitate the attacker using surprise and any available objects as improvised weapons.
- If in a group, use your numerical advantage.
- Target the attacker’s vulnerable areas and join others if they intervene.
When the Police Arrive
- Police priority: locate and neutralize the attacker.
- Stay calm, comply immediately, keep hands visible, and avoid sudden movements.
- Provide any useful information about the attacker(s).
- Remember: help for the injured is on the way.
Recommendation
- Watch the instructional video in English: RUN-HIDE-FIGHT!
For safe use of electrical appliances at UCT Prague, follow these guidelines:
- Use electrical equipment strictly according to the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
- Only use electrical appliances provided by UCT Prague (personal devices such as space heaters or kettles are prohibited). Charging mobile phones and laptops is allowed.
- Use appliances only in designated areas and for their intended purpose.
- Do not disassemble electrical appliances or attempt untrained repairs.
- Keep equipment in good working order. Damaged appliances must not be used. Devices with liquid ingress must be disconnected and checked by a technician.
- Repairs may only be performed by authorized personnel using manufacturer-approved parts.
Strictly prohibited:
- Touching hot parts of appliances (e.g., stove hotplates, kettle bodies during operation).
- Covering ventilation openings of appliances.
- Using appliances without protective covers or with damaged parts, including exposed cabling.
- Using damaged electrical sockets or overloading appliances; appliances must always be used according to instructions and intended purposes.
Before starting work in a chemical laboratory at UCT Prague, you must familiarize yourself with the principles of good laboratory practice. When in the laboratory, follow these rules carefully:
- Study the laboratory operating rules and the assigned work procedure. Ask the instructor if anything is unclear.
- Dress appropriately:
- Long pants, lab coat, closed-toe shoes with firm heel and non-slip soles.
- Hair tied back and loose clothing secured.
- Remove jewelry and piercings on hands/face.
- Do not wear contact lenses.
- Wear safety goggles, gloves, and coat at all times; use a face shield if required.
- Check safety data sheets for all chemicals and mixtures.
- Follow the prescribed work procedure exactly; do not improvise.
- Work carefully and with concentration.
- Use all personal protective equipment properly.
- Keep your workspace clean and tidy; store unnecessary items away from your work area.
- Use clean utensils for handling chemicals; never handle solids by hand.
- Avoid mixing strong oxidizers with organic substances.
- Prevent alkali metals and hydrides from contacting water.
- Handle hazardous gases, vapors, and odorous substances only in a fume hood.
- Pipette liquids using safety pipettes or suction devices.
- When handling test tubes or open containers, tilt them away from yourself and others.
- Never leave chemical containers open; clean any spills immediately.
- Carry bottles with both hands; do not carry by the neck.
- When pouring liquids, cover labels with your palm to prevent spills.
- When heating, use boiling stones and do not leave substances unattended.
- Use chemicals, equipment, and materials only for their intended purposes.
- Exercise extra caution with gas and electrical equipment, following instructor instructions.
- Label all containers and beakers clearly with chemical names or hazard symbols.
- Store chemicals only in original containers; substitute containers require instructor approval and proper labeling.
- Observe personal hygiene; wash hands after leaving the laboratory.
- Report any injuries or sudden illness to the instructor.
- Report spills, broken glass, or accidents immediately.
- Clean your work area after finishing or interrupting work; close and store all chemical containers properly.
Strictly prohibited:
- Violating laboratory operating rules or assigned procedures.
- Allowing unauthorized or legally incapacitated persons into the lab.
- Working without familiarity with safety data sheets or procedures.
- Handling chemicals without consent, smelling or tasting them.
- Removing or giving away chemicals from the lab.
- Pipetting substances by mouth.
- Eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics in the lab.
- Bringing unnecessary items into the lab.
- Blocking escape routes, aisles, or access to firefighting equipment or electrical panels.
- Carrying chemicals improperly or dragging containers across floors.
- Using open flames or heat with flammable substances carelessly.
- Storing chemicals in containers for food, drinks, medicines, or cosmetics.
- Using unsuitable, damaged, or dirty tools or protective equipment.
- Using unstable objects to raise your workspace or exit the lab.
- Do not work hastily or engage in distracting activities such as listening to music on headphones or using your phone.
Working with corrosive substances (acids and alkalis) is routine in laboratories but carries serious health risks, including permanent chemical burns. Follow these safety instructions carefully:
- Use corrosive substances only in well-ventilated areas or under a fume hood.
- Do not transport corrosive substances in open containers.
- Wear personal protective equipment to protect hands and eyes (nitrile or butyl gloves, safety goggles).
- Store substances in a dry, cool place; hydroxides must not be stored with acids.
- In humid environments, contact with certain metals can produce flammable hydrogen with explosion risk.
- Seal containers completely to prevent vapor escape; use suitable packaging (polyethylene), not metal containers.
- Mineral acids must not contact strong alkalis, oil, strong oxidizers (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate), or chlorates (e.g., Savo).
- When preparing solutions, always add the corrosive to water while stirring, never the other way around.
- Alkali solutions (hydroxides) must not contact aluminum, zinc, or tin objects (risk of hydrogen evolution).
- Spilled acids should first be diluted with water, then neutralized with carbonate (soda, chalk) or diluted hydroxide, and finally rinsed or absorbed with safe materials (sawdust, rags).
- Do not use wood shavings or organic materials to clean up nitric acid, chlorates, or strong oxidizers; use inert materials like diatomaceous earth.
- Avoid contact between strong oxidizers and organic substances; do not use organic materials for cleaning chemical containers.
- When working with flammable liquids, prevent static electricity and sparks; if spilled, turn off gas and electricity immediately.
- Prevent alkali metals and alkali metal hydrides (including calcium carbide) from contacting water.
- When handling test tubes or containers, keep mouths away from yourself and others.
- Handle hazardous gases, vapors, fumes, irritants, and odorous substances only in a fume hood or approved extraction devices.
When working with hazardous substances marked with the skull and crossbones symbol, it is essential to understand the risks and follow strict safety rules:
- These substances are highly toxic chemicals that can cause death, temporary incapacitation, or permanent damage to human or animal health, or harm plants.
- Chemicals classified under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation) are considered highly toxic if they fall into:
- Acute toxicity category 1 or 2 (Acute Tox. 1 or 2),
- Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure category 1 (STOT SE 1),
- Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure category 1 (STOT RE 1).
- Only individuals with professional qualifications or those properly trained by a responsible person may work independently with highly toxic substances.
- Do not handle these substances without the required knowledge, training, and practical skills.
- Bachelor’s students may only work with highly toxic substances:
- after completing required training, and
- under the supervision of a qualified responsible person.
- Students who have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in a chemical field may work independently with these substances.
- Always follow all safety instructions given by instructors and maintain strict personal hygiene and safety practices.
- Exercise the same level of caution when working with:
- Carcinogenic,
- Mutagenic,
- Teratogenic, and
- Sensitizing substances
Pressure cylinders are commonly found in laboratories, but they are not part of standard student work. These cylinders contain technical gases under high pressure, dissolved under pressure, or in liquefied form, and therefore pose a significant risk to life and health if mishandled. Strict adherence to safety rules is essential:
- Only trained personnel may handle pressure cylinders.
- Only designated UCT Prague staff may receive cylinders from suppliers (not students).
- Protect cylinders from impact and ensure their surface temperature does not exceed 50 °C.
- Report any defects immediately and remove faulty cylinders from service.
- Wait at least 1 hour after installation before drawing gas.
- Keep flammable substances and open flames at least 5 meters away from cylinders with flammable gases.
- Transport cylinders only with closed valves and protective caps.
- Always properly secure and tighten protective caps.
- Open/close valves slowly using the correct key (never pliers or wrenches).
- Ensure proper ventilation and check for leaks before use.
- Secure hoses and connections to prevent damage or accidental pulling.
- Cylinders over 50 kg must be handled by at least two people.
- Never throw, drag, or roll cylinders.
- Handling toxic or corrosive gases requires at least two qualified persons.
- Work with toxic gases only in a fume hood or as specified by safety procedures.
- In case of fire, switch off electrical equipment and remove cylinders immediately.
- Store explosive or reactive gases separately, with proper spacing.
- Oxygen cylinders must be stored separately from flammable gases.
- Avoid contact between oxygen and flammable substances (risk of ignition).
- Store heavier-than-air gases away from low-lying areas (e.g., basements, shafts).
- Clearly separate and label empty, full, and defective cylinders.
- Apply the same storage rules to empty cylinders as to full ones.
It is strictly prohibited to:
- Handle cylinders or gas equipment without proper training and permission.
- Use damaged cylinders or faulty accessories.
- Subject cylinders to mechanical stress or impacts.
- Use force or improper tools to open valves.
- Alter or cover color coding or markings.
- Use non-approved regulators or equipment.
- Modify cylinders, hoses, or gas systems.
- Release gas freely into the workplace.
- Heat cylinders with an open flame to increase gas release.
Laboratory work inevitably generates chemical waste, including reaction products, unreacted residues, and contaminated chemicals. Since these are often hazardous, proper disposal is essential for safety and environmental protection.
Follow these guidelines when disposing of chemical waste:
- Dispose of all waste according to its chemical nature and properties. Always follow safety data sheets and your instructor’s instructions.
- After proper treatment (e.g., neutralization), collect waste solvents in clearly labeled containers.
- Store waste containers only in designated areas, out of reach of unauthorized persons, and ensure they are emptied regularly.
- Dispose of alkali metals, alkali metal hydrides, and organometallic residues immediately.
- Dispose of alkali metals in a fume hood by dissolving them in 96% ethanol.
- Dispose of alkali metal hydrides based on reactivity (e.g., using ethyl acetate or acetone).
- Do not place flammable materials in waste containers near glass burners.
- Waste contaminated with oils or flammable substances must be stored in closed metal containers.
- Only the following may be disposed of via sinks/drains:
- Water-miscible solvents (diluted at least 1:10, max. 0.5 L at a time),
- Aqueous solutions of acids, bases, and salts (diluted at least 1:30).
- Never pour into drains:
- Non-water-miscible solvents,
- Highly toxic or toxic substances,
- Concentrated acids or bases,
- Explosive substances,
- Substances releasing toxic or irritating gases.
- Spilled mercury must be collected and treated using zinc dust or sulfur. Use appropriate respiratory protection and gloves.
- Waste that cannot be handled as above must be sent for professional hazardous waste disposal:
- Package securely to prevent leaks, breakage, or reactions,
- Clearly label all containers with the chemical identity and hazard symbols (CLP).
It is strictly prohibited to:
- Dispose of chemical waste in regular (municipal) waste bins.
- Place flammable or self-igniting substances in waste containers.
- Pour chemical waste into sinks or mix different wastes without authorization.
- Remove chemical waste from university premises or give it to unauthorized persons.
A suspicious object is any item with unknown origin, purpose, or owner, whose appearance or placement raises concern that it may contain dangerous materials (e.g., explosives, chemicals, biological agents, radioactive material, or weapons). These objects are often bags, boxes, backpacks, or similar items left in public spaces.
While it may simply be a forgotten item, it could also be intentionally placed to cause harm. Always treat such situations seriously.
If you encounter a suspicious object, follow these steps:
- Take every suspicious object seriously.
- Check cautiously whether it might belong to someone nearby (ask people in the area).
- Do NOT open, touch, or move the object – it may be dangerous and could destroy important evidence.
- Keep others away:
- Prevent access to the area,
- Ask people to leave and keep a safe distance (e.g., exit the room or floor).
- Take a photo of the object and its surroundings (if safe to do so) for reporting purposes.
- Report immediately to the reception desk and the Safety and Risk Prevention Department, then wait at a safe distance and follow their instructions.
- If outside working hours or in urgent situations (e.g., smoke, strong odor), call the Police of the Czech Republic (158) immediately, then inform reception.
- Provide a clear description to emergency services:
- Location,
- Appearance,
- Markings or labels,
- Any unusual features.
- When police arrive:
- Explain the situation,
- Show them the location,
- Inform them of actions already taken.
- Fully cooperate with authorities and follow all instructions.