Lab Safety

PREPARE FOR LAB WORK

Study lab procedures prior to the lab Know the dangers associated with all materials you will use Know the proper way of using all the materials Know all the protective measures you must use during the exercise

Why lab safety Safe working protects: You Other lab workers Your work

Be responsible for yourself Protect yourself. How? Primary safety Be responsible for yourself Protect yourself. How?

Get organized Keep your lab bench organized and free of apparel, books, and other clutter.

Dress for lab work Wear lab coats during all laboratory sessions. Wear safety goggles when required. Wear gloves when using chemicals that irritate or can be absorbed through the skin.

Tie back long hair. Do not wear loose sleeves as they tend to get in the way. Wear closed toe shoes.

Protect others When heating substances in a test tube, point the mouth away from people. Never carry dangerous chemicals or hot equipment near other people.

Clear up spillage promptly If a glass container gets broken, get the shards off the floor/bench into the bin Dispose of any hazardous material as toxic waste

General Precautions

AVOID CONTACT WITH CHEMICALS Never taste or "sniff" chemicals. Never draw materials in a pipette with your mouth.

Laboratory Hygiene Never eat, drink or smoke in a laboratory Never apply cosmetics Never touch your face, mouth or eyes Never suck pens or chew pencils Always wash your hands before you leave and especially before eating

No Playing Around in the Lab Laboratory Decorum No Playing Around in the Lab

General tidiness Keep your workplace tidy Clear up waste, deal with washing up and put things away as you finish with them Make sure everything is safe before you leave things unattended A tidy laboratory avoids accidents to everyone

Place Broken Glass in Appropriate Containers

Laboratory Equipment Never use any laboratory equipment unless you are trained & have been authorised to do so As well as injuring yourself you may cause very costly damage

Turn off burners and electrical appliances when you leave the lab.

First Aid For ALL chemical splashes, wash with plenty of water for 10 minutes Control bleeding with direct pressure, avoiding any foreign bodies such as glass Report all accidents to your demonstrator or TA.

Your health matters If you have an allergy to lab materials or suffer from a medical condition which may affect you in the laboratory ensure that your supervisor knows.

When in doubt ASK! Do not carry out a new or unfamiliar procedure until you have been fully trained & understand the precautions necessary for safe working DO NOT GUESS!!!!

BEFORE AND AFTER LAB