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 handle any lab materials unless instructed to do so. 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 immediately. 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. Use the back of your hand to feel for heat. 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 “Do like you oughta, add acid to water ” rule. Dispose of all chemicals as instructed by your teacher.

Using Glassware Safely Never use broken or chipped glassware, alert teacher to the condition of the glassware. If any glassware is broken during use, immediately report it to teacher for proper disposal, do not try and dispose of it yourselves. 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.

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 “Do like you oughta, add acid to water” 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. Have your parent/guardian sign and return the handouts regarding lab safety. These must be returned for you to participate in any lab activity. Study your notes from class today for a QUIZ over these safety rules.