Lab Safety

Why is Lab Safety Important? Lab safety is a major aspect of every lab based science class. Lab safety is a major aspect of every lab based science class. Lab safety rules and symbols are needed so that students do not injure themselves or their classmates. Lab safety rules and symbols are needed so that students do not injure themselves or their classmates.

Lab Safety Rules 1. Always follow the teacher’s directions and only do lab work when a teacher is present. 2. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. No Horseplay! 3. Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials until told to do so. 4. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the lab. Do not use lab glassware as food or beverage containers 5. Report ALL accidents to your teacher immediately, even if you think it is minor. 6. If you do not understand what you are doing, ASK. Do not continue.

Clothing Wear: Goggles/safety glassesGoggles/safety glasses Closed-toed shoesClosed-toed shoes Clothing made of natural based fiber such as cottonClothing made of natural based fiber such as cotton Tie back long hairTie back long hair Do NOT Wear: Sandals Dangling jewelry Loose or Baggy clothing

Lab Safety Equipment Safety Goggles Eye Wash

Lab Safety Equipment FireExtinguisher If a fire erupts, notify the teacher. She will use the extinguisher.

Special Instructions for Using Chemicals and Specimens Treat all chemicals in the lab (including foodstuffs) as if they may be hazardous Treat all chemicals in the lab (including foodstuffs) as if they may be hazardous Never remove any items from the lab (chemicals, specimens, equipment) Never remove any items from the lab (chemicals, specimens, equipment) Never make up your own experiment Never make up your own experiment Never touch any teacher’s chemical preparation area Never touch any teacher’s chemical preparation area

Accidents and Injuries Report ALL accidents and injuries to your teacher immediately!!! Report ALL accidents and injuries to your teacher immediately!!! Be aware of safety hazards associated with each chemical you use. Be aware of safety hazards associated with each chemical you use. Eye accident – Wash the eye with copious amounts of water for at least 15 min. Eye accident – Wash the eye with copious amounts of water for at least 15 min.

Waste Disposal First ask your teacher where/how to dispose of waste. First ask your teacher where/how to dispose of waste. Never pour anything down the drain unless you are told to do so. Never pour anything down the drain unless you are told to do so. A waste bottle will be supplied for substance that cannot go down the drain A waste bottle will be supplied for substance that cannot go down the drain

Reasons for proper waste disposal Hazardous chemicals down the drain can lead to pollution of ground water, lakes, rivers, etc. Hazardous chemicals down the drain can lead to pollution of ground water, lakes, rivers, etc. Plants and animals will die if they are exposed to hazardous chemical waste. Plants and animals will die if they are exposed to hazardous chemical waste. Serious health problems will become present in people if hazardous waste finds its way into drinking water. Serious health problems will become present in people if hazardous waste finds its way into drinking water.

Equipment and Work Areas You will be instructed in the proper use of all lab equipment You will be instructed in the proper use of all lab equipment If equipment is not working properly, you must If equipment is not working properly, you must –Stop –Turn it off –Inform the teacher

Glassware Safety Rules, part I 1. Chipped or cracked glassware should not be used. It should be shown to the teacher. 2. Broken glassware should not be disposed of in a classroom trashcan. There is a special glass disposal container for it. 3. When pouring liquids into glassware, make sure the container you are pouring into is resting on a table at least a hands-breadth from the edge. 4. Pour down a glass stirring rod to prevent liquids from splattering.

5. If a piece of glassware gets broken, do not try to clean it up by yourself. Notify the teacher. 6. When inserting glass tubing into a rubber stopper, apply a lubricant to the glass and use a turning motion. 7. Do not place hot glassware in water. The rapid cooling may cause it to break. Glassware Safety Rules, part II

Electrical Safety Rules 1. Lay electrical cords where no one can trip on them or get caught in them. 2. Be sure your hands and your lab area are dry before using electrical equipment. 3. Never poke anything into electrical outlets. 4. Unplug cords by pulling the plug and not the cord. 5. Unplug all electrical equipment at the end of the lab period.

Heating Safety Rules, part I 1. Let burners and hotplates cool down before touching them. Test to see if they are cool enough by bringing the back of your hand close to them. 2. Use tongs and/or protective gloves to handle hot objects. 3. Never reach across an open flame or burner. 4. When lighting a burner, wait until the match is struck or the striker is in place before you turn on the gas.

Heating Safety Rules, part II 5. The amount of air can be adjusted by the air supply valve below the tube of the burner. This regulates the temperature and color of the flame. 6. Never leave a burner or hotplate unattended. 7. When heating a test tube, tilt it away from people and move it around slowly over the flame to distribute the heat evenly. 8. Glassware must be dry before heating.

Proper cleanup Wash your hands with soap and water after you finish Wash your hands with soap and water after you finish –Working with chemicals –Using biological specimens –Working with other lab substances Clean your work area and equipment Clean your work area and equipment Return all equipment to their proper storage areas Return all equipment to their proper storage areas

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