School of Agriculture:: The University of Jordan

General Safety

General Safety Procedures at the School of Agriculture

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The School of Agriculture is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all students, faculty, administrative staff, and visitors. To achieve this, the school adheres to general safety procedures in accordance with approved standards to minimize risks and promote a culture of safety.

Key General Safety Procedures in the School:

1. Laboratory Safety:
Adhering to laboratory safety instructions, wearing personal protective equipment, and handling chemicals and laboratory tools properly.

2. Safety in Fields and Agricultural Stations:
Safe use of agricultural tools and following supervisors' instructions when dealing with agricultural machinery and equipment.

3. Emergency Procedures:
Familiarity with emergency exits, evacuation plans, and available fire extinguishing equipment in buildings and laboratories.

4. Handling Chemicals and Pesticides:
Following guidelines for the storage and use of chemicals and agricultural pesticides.

5. First Aid:
The school provides first aid stations equipped to handle emergency situations.

6. Awareness and Training:
Offering regular courses and workshops to increase awareness about safety procedures and promote a culture of risk prevention.

Commitment to General Safety Procedures at the School of Agriculture

The School of Agriculture at the University of Jordan is committed to implementing the highest standards of general safety, in accordance with environmental regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment, and the policies and procedures issued by the Public Safety Office at the University of Jordan. The school also follows its own specific safety procedures to ensure a safe educational and research environment for all students, faculty, and administrative staff.

To achieve this, a General Safety Committee has been formed at the school level to monitor the implementation of safety procedures and oversee adherence to approved standards. Each academic department also has its own safety committee responsible for monitoring and implementing safety procedures related to laboratories, research facilities, and agricultural fields according to the nature of each specialization.

The school emphasizes the importance of complying with all general safety instructions issued by official bodies or adopted internally, to ensure a safe and sustainable educational and research environment.

Laws, Regulations, and Instructions

Laws and regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment

Legislations_Ministry of Environment

Ministry of Environment_waste_management_framework_law_no_16_of_2020-1.pdf

Regulations and instructions issued by the Public Safety and Environment Office at the University of Jordan

Regulations-UJ Public Safety and Environment Office

Instructions for the Management of Chemical and Hazardous Materials at the University of Jordan

Instructions for the Management of Chemicals and Hazardous Materials at the University of Jordan.docx

Laboratories of the School of Agriculture

General Safety Equipment in the Laboratories

The School of Agriculture is committed to providing a safe environment in its laboratories by equipping them with the necessary general safety tools and equipment to protect students, researchers, faculty, and technicians. This equipment includes:

I. Emergency and Safety Equipment

Eye Wash Station

Used to quickly rinse the eyes in case of exposure to chemicals or foreign particles.
The location must be known in every lab, and users should be trained on how to use it when needed.

Safety Shower

Used in emergencies when hazardous chemicals contact the skin or clothing.
Located in accessible areas for immediate use in case of accidents.

First Aid Kit

Contains essential items such as bandages, antiseptics, and medical gauze for treating minor injuries.

II. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety Goggles

Used to protect the eyes from chemical splashes and flying particles.
Must be worn when working with chemical or biological materials.

Lab Coats

Designed to protect clothing and the body from chemical spills and biological contamination.
Should be worn at all times while in the laboratory.

Protective Gloves

Worn when handling chemical or biological materials to protect hands from direct contact.
The type of gloves must match the material being handled.

III. Instructional and Warning Signs

General Safety Instruction Boards

Provide guidelines for emergency responses, including emergency contact numbers and lab safety personnel.

Fume Hood Instruction Board

Explains the correct usage of the fume hood to protect the user from harmful vapors.
Includes instructions on airflow, closing the protective glass, and avoiding placing the head inside the hood.

No Eating or Drinking Signs

Prohibit food and drink in labs to avoid chemical or biological contamination.

Hand Washing Signs

Emphasize the importance of hand washing after lab work, especially after handling chemicals or biological materials.

IV. Other Safety Equipment

Fire extinguishers distributed throughout all laboratories for emergency use.
Clearly marked emergency exits to ensure quick evacuation when needed.
Adequate ventilation systems to maintain air quality in the laboratories.

General Safety Procedures in the Laboratories of the School of Agriculture

The School of Agriculture ensures a safe environment inside laboratories by enforcing general safety procedures aimed at protecting students, faculty, researchers, and technicians from potential hazards during lab work.

I. Compliance with Laws and Instructions

All lab users must comply with the environmental regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment and the rules and instructions from the Public Safety Office at the University of Jordan.
Follow lab-specific safety instructions based on the materials and experiments involved.
No experiments should be conducted without supervision or guidance from a qualified supervisor and without completing the general safety training offered periodically by the school.

II. Personal Protective Equipment

Lab coats must be worn at all times in the lab.
Gloves, goggles, and face shields must be used when handling hazardous chemical or biological substances.

III. Handling Chemical and Biological Materials

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be read for all chemicals before use to understand their properties and safe handling procedures.
Chemicals must be stored in designated safe storage areas.
Chemical and biological waste must be disposed of according to approved instructions and must never be poured down drains or discarded unsafely.

IV. Use of Laboratory Equipment

Ensure equipment is safe before use and follow manufacturer instructions.
Never leave electrical equipment operating unattended.
Immediately report any malfunctions or accidents to the supervisor.

V. Emergency and Safety Procedures

Know the locations of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits in the lab.
In the event of chemical spills or fire, immediately report and follow emergency evacuation procedures.
Minor incidents such as cuts or burns must be treated cautiously and reported promptly.

VI. Lab Cleanliness

Clean the workspace after completing experiments and return tools and materials to their proper locations.
No food or drink is allowed in the lab to prevent chemical or biological contamination.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling any chemical or biological substances.

VII. Awareness and Training

Participate in safety workshops and training courses organized by the school.
Adhere to the instructions of the school's General Safety Committee and departmental safety committees.
Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a safe and productive laboratory environment.

Agricultural Stations

General Safety Equipment in Agricultural Stations

First Aid Kit

Contains basic tools for treating minor field injuries such as cuts or scratches.

Fire Extinguishers

Available at designated locations for use in agricultural fires or equipment-related accidents.

Eye Wash Station

Located in areas where pesticides and fertilizers are used to protect eyes from accidental exposure to chemicals.

Instructional and Warning Boards

General Safety Instruction Boards: Include emergency procedures and contact information.
PPE Use Board: Lists required clothing and protective gear for fieldwork.
Pesticide Use Warning Board: Alerts students and workers to pesticide-sprayed areas, with safe re-entry times.
Hand Washing Instruction Boards: Stress the need to wash hands after contact with soil, fertilizers, or animals to protect personal health.

General Safety Procedures in Agricultural Stations

The School of Agriculture places great importance on providing a safe environment for students during field training in agricultural stations, adhering to general safety procedures to protect students and workers from potential risks.

I. Compliance with Laws and Instructions

All students and workers at agricultural stations must comply with environmental regulations from the Ministry of Environment and the rules issued by the University of Jordan’s Public Safety Office.
Follow specific instructions for each agricultural activity to ensure safety during field training.
Do not use any tools or equipment without proper guidance and supervision from qualified supervisors.

II. Personal Protection Requirements

Protective Clothing

Appropriate fieldwork clothing such as closed shoes and gloves must be worn when handling plants or soil.
Hats are recommended for sun protection.

Protective Gloves

Essential when handling soil, fertilizers, pesticides, or plants with thorns or irritants.

Safety Goggles

Used when working with chemicals such as pesticides or liquid fertilizers to protect the eyes from direct exposure.

III. General Safety Guidelines During Field Training

Handling Agricultural Tools

Use tools and equipment carefully according to supervisors’ instructions.
Check tools before use and do not leave them scattered on the ground after work.

Operating Agricultural Machinery

It is forbidden to operate or approach heavy machinery (e.g., tractors, harvesters) without permission or supervision.

Handling Pesticides and Fertilizers

Follow safety instructions when dealing with pesticides and wear appropriate PPE.
Do not inhale or directly touch chemicals; ensure the area is well-ventilated.
Respect re-entry intervals after pesticide application.

Awareness of the Locations and Uses of General Safety Equipment at the Agricultural Stations, and Following the Instructions and Guidelines for Their Proper and Safe Use

It is essential to be familiar with the locations and proper usage of safety equipment at agricultural stations, and to follow all posted instructions and supervisor guidance to ensure safe and effective use.

Emergency and Evacuation Procedures

Students must be familiar with the emergency exits and the evacuation plan at the agricultural station in case of any emergency.
In the event of an injury, the supervisor must be informed immediately and first aid instructions should be followed.
Refrain from working in the fields during storms or severe weather conditions.

Awareness and Training

Students must participate in training sessions organized by the college on agricultural safety at the beginning of each academic semester before starting field training.
It is mandatory for students to complete the general safety form prior to beginning field training at the agricultural stations, and to report any allergies, chronic illnesses, or special health conditions to the relevant personnel.
Students must comply with the instructions of the College Safety Committee and the sub-committees in the academic departments.
Cooperation with supervisors and fellow students is essential to ensure the proper implementation of safety procedures and to maintain a safe agricultural environment.

Adhering to these guidelines and procedures ensures a safe training environment for students and staff at the agricultural stations, contributing to the maximum benefit from field training while minimizing potential risks.