I. Environment

The Innovation Field covers a total area of 5,500 square meters, well laid out for in-class, open-ended and research experiments etc. By introducing advanced technology, safety equipment and health protection measures for teachers and students, the centre has established a first-class experimental teaching environment with a complete set of experimental equipment, advanced management concepts and open access to resources.

II. Main safety measures

1. Institutional guarantees

To improve the safety management system, a series of laboratory management regulations have been formulated in the College of Design and Innovation of Tongji University: Laboratory Safety Management Rules, Laboratory Safety Inspection Rules, Innovation Field Admission System and Laboratory Safety Management Personnel Training Standards. A leading group responsible for laboratory safety has been set up to supervise all laboratories to ensure the implementation of the safety system, with a responsibility mechanism that assigns safety responsibility to each person.

2. Facilities

The Innovation Field is furnished with a complete system of safety instruction signs including 3D evacuation guide maps of the whole centre, ground evacuation instruction signs and contact information of the workshop staff. Fast and direct knowledge of the lay-out of the centre enables visitors to reach safe zones quickly in emergency, ensures time for evacuation and enables rescue workers to locate the accident area timely, while the lab management staff could be reached in the shortest possible time for support, preventing occurrence or worsening of cases of accident. All laboratories in the Innovation Field are equipped with surveillance cameras to monitor lab conditions at any time. Each laboratory displays a clear sign marking the responsible person and contact information, and each unit of equipment is labelled with similar information. In order to improve of the environment of the Innovation Field, the electrical system and fire safety signs of the centre building have been comprehensively upgraded in early 2019, obtaining safety inspection approval from related authorities.

3. Inspection and self-inspection routines

The laboratories conduct autonomous routine inspections for safety hazards, and the University and the College runs regular specific inspections on the facility, safety and environmental protection of the Innovation Field. The centre keeps regular maintenance of facilities and repairs damage, replenishes consumable items to ensure sufficient supply. Fire extinguishers and other fire safety facilities are examined weekly, and protective equipment is regularly inspected and restocked. All laboratories in the centre are cleared for inspection every day at 5:00 p.m. All-round security cameras are installed in the corridors of the building, the security staff keeps watch 24 hours a day and goes on night patrol once every 2 hours during night time.

Regular safety inspection at the Innovation Field

4．Safety education and practice

A Laboratory access system has been established: New students receive systematic safety education every year and have to pass an exam and sign the laboratory safety and responsibility notice, before they’re granted access to the Innovation Field with an access card. The students will fully understand the safety management system and learn the safe operation of laboratories, equipment, tools and areas by heart. Emergency rehearsals are conducted regularly with teachers and students to raise awareness and improve emergency response skills, playing an important role in effectively averting potential dangers.

Regular safety education and practice at the Innovation Field

III. Health and environmental protection

1. Operation protection

The laboratory is specially equipped with free access personal operation protection equipment and supplies to ensure protection and emergency response coverage while using the laboratory. The protective equipment is regularly inspected and replenished. A separate grinding area has been set up and equipped with vacuuming equipment to reduce the spread of dust generated in the course of work, and extra air purification equipment will be furnished to improve indoor air quality, creating a hygienic and healthy laboratory environment.

2. Waste recycling and disposal

To create an environment-friendly laboratory, we recycle and reuse experimental materials to reduce waste. Waste gas and liquid are filtered and rendered harmless before disposal. The processing area is kept clean, waste materials and other debris are cleared and disposed of. Toxic and hazardous wastes will be delivered to waste recycling departments for uniform disposal according to the relevant school regulations.