SAFETY UNIT GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES
Follow all instructions carefully. Never perform unauthorized experiments. Do only those experiments assigned by the teacher. Never work alone in the laboratory, and never work without the teacher’s supervision. Never eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in the laboratory. Do not store food or beverages in the lab area. Approach laboratory work with maturity. Never run, push, or engage in horseplay or practical jokes of any kind in the laboratory.
Keep your work area clean and uncluttered. Store items such as books, purses, etc., in designated areas. Dispose of used chemicals, matches, and living or preserved specimens only as directed by the teacher. Turn off all electrical equipment, water, and gas when it is not in use, especially at the end of the lab period. Know the location and how to operate all safety equipment in the classroom, including fire extinguisher, fire blankets, sand, safety showers, eyewash fountains, and first-aid kit. Do not use the sink to discard matches, filter paper, or other solid or slightly soluble materials.
LABORATORY APPAREL PRECAUTIONS Do not wear loose-fitting sleeves, bulky outerwear, or open-toe shoes. Tie back long hair. Wear safety goggles when using chemicals, hot liquids, lab burners or hot plates. Wear plastic gloves when working with preserved specimens or with poisonous, corrosive, or irritating chemicals.
ACCIDENT PROCEDURES Report all accidents or injuries and all breakage or spills, no matter how minor, to the teacher. If a chemical spills on your skin or clothing, wash it off immediately with plenty of cool water and notify the teacher. If a chemical gets into your eyes or on your face, wash immediately at the eyewash fountain with plenty of water. Wash for at least 15 minutes and notify the teacher. Clean up all spills immediately. Use a dustpan and a brush to pick up broken glass.