SAFE LABORATORY PRACTICES LABORATORY SKILLS SAFE LABORATORY PRACTICES It is your responsibility to protect yourself and other students by conducting yourself in a safe manner while in the laboratory
General Guidelines for Lab safety Only perform experiments specifically assigned by your teacher Before beginning work, tie back long hair, roll up loose sleeves, and put on any required personal protective equipment as directed by your teacher.
General Guidelines Cont. Always wear lab apron and safety goggles. Know the location of all safety and emergency equipment used in the laboratory. Immediately report any accident, incident, or hazard.
General Guidelines Cont. In case of fire, alert your teacher and leave the lab. Keep your work area neat and uncluttered. Wash your hands with soap and hot water after each lab period.
Key to Safety Symbols and Their Precautions Eye Safety Wear approved safety goggles as directed. In case of eye contact go to an eyewash station and rinse out with running water for 15 minutes.
Key to Safety… Cont. Hand Safety Do not cut objects while holding them in your hand. Wear protective gloves when working with an open flame, chemicals, solutions, or wild or unknown plants.
Key to Safety… Cont. Safety with Gases Sharp-Object Safety Do not inhale any gas or vapor unless directed to do so by your teacher. You need to WAFT Handle materials that emit vapors or gases in a well-ventilated area. Sharp-Object Safety Use extreme care when handling all sharp and pointed instruments, such as scalpels, sharp probes and knives. Do not use double-edged razor blades in the laboratory.
Key to Safety… Cont. Heating Safety Be aware of any source of flames, sparks, or heat before working with flammable liquids or gases. When heating chemicals or solutions in a test tube, do not point the test tube toward anyone. Use tongs or appropriate insulated holders when handling heated objects.
Key to Safety… Cont. Hygienic Care Glassware Safety Keep your hands away from your face and mouth while working in the lab. Launder contaminated clothing separately . Use the proper technique demonstrated by your teacher when handling bacteria or other micro-organisms. Return all stock and experimental cultures to your teacher for proper disposal. Glassware Safety Inspect glassware before use; do not use chipped or cracked glassware. Immediately notify your teacher if a piece of glassware breaks. Do not attempt to clean up broken glass.
Key to Safety… Cont. Electrical Safety Do not use equipment with frayed electrical cords or loose plugs. Do not use electrical equipment near water or with wet hands or clothing. Hold the rubber cord when you plug in or unplug equipment.
Laboratory Equipment
Triple-Beam Balance
Beaker
Bunsen Burner
Eye-Dropper
Funnel
Graduated Cylinder
Petri Dish
Pipette
Safety Goggles
Test Tube
Thermometer
Test tube rack
Hot Plate
Erlenmeyer Flask
Safety Gloves
Test Tube Holder
Burette & Ring Stand