Laboratory safety (Practical) Physiology 232 BMS Dr/Nahla Yacout 2016/2017

Objectives List dangers that may be present in labs List the general safety measures List the safety measures regarding fires, during glassware handling & during handling chemicals List the safety measures during heating substances & after experiments Identify the laboratory first aid kit that must be present in labs

Laboratory hazards There are many dangers that may be present in labs, including: Broken glass Corrosive reagents Inflammable chemicals Poisonous fumes Gas leakage Electrical hazard

Safety measures Safety measures that must be taken inside labs: General safety measures 1. All written & verbal instructions should be carefully followed 2. Lab coat has to be worn 3. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth & body while using chemicals 4. Gases, blood, urine, CSF & other biological fluids should be handled with great care as they are important source of infection 5. Chemical work involving irritating chemicals should always be conducted under hoods with adequate ventilation 6. Electrical heaters should be checked frequently 7. Eating & drinking in labs must be avoided

Safety measures

Safety measures regarding fire safety 1. Smoking should be prevented 2. Burning match sticks should not be thrown in waste baskets 3. Any gas leakage should be properly reported Safety measures during glassware handling 1. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands 2. Examine glassware before each use, to be sure that it is not cracked 3. Don’t immerse hot glassware in cold water

Safety measures during handling chemicals 1. All chemicals in lab must be considered dangerous & so must be handled carefully 2. Don’t taste or smell any chemical 3. Clear labeling of all the bottles containing chemicals & reagents should be done & their hazards should be noted on the label 4. Check the label on the chemical bottle twice before removing it 5. Bottles containing chemicals or reagents should be held with both hands, & should not be carried by holding their necks 6. Take only as much chemical as you need

7. Never return unused chemicals into their original containers 8 7. Never return unused chemicals into their original containers 8. Never pipette by mouth 9. Precautions must be taken while handling carcinogenic substances Bottles containing these substances must be labeled as (Carcinogenic) Plastic gloves must be used while handling these substances

Safety measures during heating substances 1. Heated glassware remains very hot for long time, & so they should be set aside in a place to cool, & picked up with caution 2. Never look into a container that is being heated

Safety measures after experiments 1. Clean all the glassware you have used, & put them on a shelf in a proper place 2. Clean the table 3. Put all chemicals back to their places

In case of fire Laboratory first aid kit that must be present in labs: Cotton wool Roller bandage Disinfectant solution Acetic acid 5% sodium carbonate In case of fire 1. Blanket should be used to put off small fires 2. (Fire extinguishers) must be used for large fires 3. Water should not be used 4. While trying to escape from fire, stay close to the floor & crawl by covering mouth