Lab Safety
#1 Do not bring food, drink, or tobacco into the lab. Do not invite friends into the lab. Keep pencils, fingers, etc. out of your mouth, ears, eyes, nose, etc.
#2 Wear protective clothing at all times. Shoes are always required Open-toed sandals are not allowed.
#3 Do not take any cultures out of the lab for any reason.
#4 Wipe the bench tops down with disinfectant both before you begin your work and after you have completed your work.
#5 Keep nonessential books and clothing far away from your work area.
#6 Wash your hands with soap and water for 15 seconds before and after you work in the lab, or if you leave the lab for any reason.
#7 Do not mouth pipette ever!!!!!!!!!!
#8 Be careful near bunsen burners. Tie long hair back away from the face. Turn off burners when not in use.
#9 Beware of the chemicals and reagents used in biochemical tests.
#10 Report any accidents (spills, broken glass, cuts, or injuries) to your instructor immediately.
#11 Dispose of contaminated or used materials quickly and in the manner set forth by your instructor.
#12 Label all of your tubes and plates exactly as directed by your instructor. Place all cultures for incubation exactly where instructed or you risk their loss. Any cultures not handled accordingly will be discarded!!!
#13 Keep microscopes clean and the objectives free of oil.
Why is Lab Safety Important? 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 1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. No Horseplay! 2. Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials until told to do so. 3. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the lab. Do not use lab glassware as food or beverage containers 4. Report ALL accidents immediately, even if you think it is minor.
Clothing Wear: Do NOT Wear: Goggles/safety glasses Closed-toed shoes Clothing made of natural based fiber such as cotton Tie back long hair Do NOT Wear: Sandals Jewelry Loose or Baggy clothing
Lab Safety Equipment Safety Shower Eye Wash Safety Goggles
Lab Safety Equipment Fire Extinguisher Fire Blanket Fume Hood
Lab Safety Symbols Found in your textbook Glassware Heat Eye and Face Sharps Electrical Animal Chemical Fire
Other Chemical Hazards and Symbols Flammable Explosive Toxic/Poison Irritant Corrosive Environmental
Chemical Hazard Symbols and Definitions Flammable – Any substance that will burn if exposed to an open flame. Explosive – A substance that may explode if exposed to heat or flame.
Chemical Hazard Symbols and Definitions Toxic/Poison – A substance that can lead to death if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed by the skin. Corrosive – A substance that can destroy or burn living tissue and can eat away at other materials.
Chemical Hazard Symbols and Definitions Irritant - A substance that causes inflammation upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. Environmental - Substances that are harmful to the environment. They must be disposed of properly, not washed down the drain.
Accidents and Injuries Report ALL accidents and injuries immediately!!! 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. Fire Burns – Stop, Drop, and be covered with a fire blanket or soaked with water. Do not remove clothing stuck to victim. Get medical attention immediately.