Laboratory Safety

Why is it important to know about laboratory safety? Science is a way of learning more about the natural world around us. You will learn more about the natural world by conducting experiments. This will help you better understand the concepts you will explore throughout the year.

What are the most common safety rules to observe in the lab? In order to safely perform experiments you need to follow basic safety rules and guidelines. To prepare yourself for a safe year in the laboratory, read over the following safety rules.

Dress Code To protect yourself from possible eye injury, wear safety goggles whenever you are working with chemicals, burners, or any substance that might get into your eyes. Wear a lab apron whenever you are working with chemicals or heated substances.

Dress Code cont. Tie back long hair to keep your hair away from any chemicals, burners and candles, or other lab equipment. Remove or tie back any article of clothing or jewelry that can hang down and touch chemicals and flames. Due to the dangers of broken glass and corrosive liquid spills, do not wear sandals or open-toed shoes.

General Safety Rules Be serious when working in the lab. Never “horse around” as this could lead to injury. Be prepared to work when you arrive in the lab. Make sure that you understand the procedure and the possible hazards associated with it. Read all directions over first. If you are in doubt about any part of the procedure, ask your teacher for assistance.

General Safety Rules cont. Work in the lab only when the teacher is present or when you have permission to do so. Take care not to spill any materials. If a spill occurs, inform your teacher immediately so that the proper clean up procedure can be used.

General Safety Rules cont. Never eat, or taste anything in the lab. This includes food, drinks, candy, and gum, as well as chemicals. Know the location and proper use of safety equipment such as the fire extinguisher, safety shower, and eye wash station. Keep the laboratory area clean. Remove any unnecessary books, papers, and equipment.

First Aid Report all accidents, no matter how minor, to your teacher immediately. Learn what to do in case of specific accidents, such as getting acid in your eyes or on your skin. (Rinse acids off your body with lots of water.) Report any fires to your teacher at once.

Heating and Fire Safety Keep all materials away from flames. Never reach across a flame. Make sure you know how to light a Bunsen burner. If the flame leaps out at you turn the gas off immediately. Never leave a lighted burner unattended.

Heating and Fire Safety Point a test tube or bottle that is being heated away from you and others. Chemicals can splash or boil out of a heated test tube. Never pick up a container that has been heated. Use a clamp, tongs, or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot containers.

Chemical Safety Never touch, taste, or smell a chemical that you do not know for a fact is harmless. Many chemicals are poisonous. Never smell a material in a test tube, beaker, or flask directly. If you are instructed to note the fumes, gently “wave” or “waft” your hand over the opening of the container and direct the fumes toward your nose. Do not inhale the fumes directly from the container.

Chemical Safety cont. Dispose of all chemicals as instructed by your teacher. Be extra careful when working with acids or bases. Pour these chemicals over the sink, not over your work bench. When diluting an acid, always pour the acid into the water. Rinse any acid off your skin or clothing with water. Immediately notify your teacher of any acid spill.

Glassware Safety Never pick up glassware without first checking to see if it is hot. Never use broken or chipped glassware. If glassware breaks, notify your teacher and dispose of the glassware in the proper trash container. Never eat or drink from laboratory glassware. Clean glassware thoroughly before putting it away.

Sharp Instrument Safety Be careful when handling sharp, pointed objects such as scissors, pins, and probes. Handle sharp instruments with extreme care. Never cut material toward you; cut away from you. Notify your teacher immediately if you cut yourself or receive a cut.

End of Lab Safety When an investigation is completed, clean up your work area and return all equipment to its proper place. Wash your hands after every investigation. Turn off all Bunsen burners before leaving the laboratory.

What are the basic safety symbols used in the lab? Hazardous Fumes Open Flames Being Used

What are the basic safety symbols used in the lab? Toxic/Poisonous Use Eye Protection

What are the basic safety symbols used in the lab? Protect Clothing Fragile Material/Breakage

What are the basic safety symbols used in the lab? Sharp Object Corrosive Material

What are the basic safety symbols used in the lab? Use Heat Resistant Gloves Use Protective Gloves

What are the basic safety symbols used in the lab? General Safety Awareness Dispose of Materials Properly