Proper Practices for Working Safely in the Laboratory Laboratory Safety Proper Practices for Working Safely in the Laboratory

Play it Safe! While doing science experiments, you’ll be expected to follow safety rules. There are risks involved in handling glass, hot objects, and certain chemicals. Knowing what to do in different laboratory situations will help prevent injuries and accidents.

Dress Code Safety Always wear goggles to protect your eyes. Tie back long hair to keep it away from chemicals, flames, or equipment. Never wear open shoes or sandals. Roll up or secure long sleeves or loose clothing and jewelry.

General Precautions Always read all directions before beginning an experiment or activity. Never perform activities that are not assigned by your teacher. Never eat or drink in the laboratory. Keep lab station clean and tidy at all times. Do not engage in horseplay.

First Aid Safety Report all accidents to your teacher (14 and 21). Know the location of emergency equipment.

Heating and Fire Safety Never heat anything unless instructed to do so. Keep all combustible materials away from flames. Point the fire extinguisher at the bottom of the flame (8). Use an oven mitt, clamp, or tongs to pick up a container that has been heated. Never heat a liquid in a closed container.

Using Chemicals Safely Never mix chemicals “for the fun of it.” Never touch, taste, or smell a chemical unless instructed to do so. When mixing an acid and water follow the “Triple A Rule” (Add Acid After). Dispose of all chemicals as instructed by your teacher.

Using Glassware Safely Never use broken or chipped glassware. Never eat or drink from glassware. Clean all glassware before putting it away. Never pick up glassware without first checking if it is hot.

End of Experiment Rules Return all equipment to its proper place. Clean your station—make it look cleaner than it did when you entered the lab! Dispose of waste materials as instructed by your teacher. Wash hands after every experiment.

Recognizing Laboratory Safety Directions: Read each of the following situations. Decide if the proper safety procedures are being followed. Be prepared to give a reason for your answer. The printed directions in the lab book tell a student to pour a small amount of hydrochloric acid into a beaker. James puts on safety goggles before pouring the acid into the beaker. It is rather warm in the lab during a late spring day. Anna slips off her shoes and walks barefoot to the sink to clean her glassware. While washing glassware, Mike splashes some water on Evan. To get even, Evan splashes him back.

Recognizing Laboratory Safety Gina is thirsty. She rinses a beaker with water, refills it with water, and takes a drink. During an experiment, Lindsey decides to mix two chemicals that the lab procedure does not say to mix because she is curious about what will happen. Brad notices that the electrical cord on his hot plate is frayed near the plug. He takes it to his teacher and asks for permission to use another one.

Safe or Unsafe? Look at each of the following pictures and explain if the students are following proper safety precautions for their laboratory activities.

Unsafe Actions: Not wearing goggles Not following the Triple A Rule Hair is not tied back

Safe Actions: Unsafe Actions: Substance is being heated in an open container Lab area is clean and clear of extra books and other supplies Unsafe Actions: Not wearing safety goggles Long sleeves are not rolled up

Safe Actions: Unsafe Actions: Student is wearing safety goggles Flask is placed on a wire gauze for heating Work area is clean and clear Unsafe Actions: Flask is being heated while closed Long sleeves are not rolled up

Safety in the Laboratory Safety rules are essential parts of working in a laboratory. While doing science experiments, you’ll be expected to know and follow these safety rules. Study your notes from class today because some of this may be on the upcoming test!