Laboratory Safety

Recognize Safety Symbols In the following slides, you will see a safety symbol that is represented on your sheet of paper. Guess the symbol as a class and then record what the symbol is and discover what it means! You only really need to know what the symbol means, the rest is common sense. – (You can download all these slides from my webpage if you want to know all the information later.) Afterwards, determine how people in the pictures are not following proper safety rules! Get ready and good luck!

What am I?

Safety Goggles Used for Eye protection. The most common used safety item in the biology laboratory. Use when there are Chemicals, Flames or Heating. They give you protection against flying objects or toxic substances. If your eyes come into contact with a substance, use the eye wash immediately.

What am I?

Poison Do not let it on your skin or inhale its vapor. Wash your hands after handling. Can cause death if eaten or drunk. Let your teacher know immediately if you come into direct contact. Always hold test tubes or flasks away from your nose and face and waft odors towards you.

What am I?

Fire Hazard Wear safety goggles with fire hazards. Tie back loose hair and clothing. Ask your teacher about lighting and extinguishing fires during a lab.

What am I?

Physical Safety This activity involves physical activity. Use caution to avoid injuring yourself and others. Follow all instructions from your teacher. Alert your teacher if there is any reason you should not participate in this activity.

What am I?

Glassware Hazard Glassware is present and can cause injury. Wear safety goggles when using glassware. Alert your teacher if there is any broken glassware. Broken glass goes in a special “sharps” container, not in the regular trash.

What am I?

Sharp Object Scissors, scapels, pins, and knives are sharp so use care. Always direct sharp edges and points away from yourself and others. If you are cut or bleeding, let your teacher know immediately. Use only as directed.

What am I?

Heat Hazard Use an oven mitt or gloves when handling hot materials. Use clamps or tongs to hold hot objects. Always heat objects in a test tube away from you and others. Hot plates, hot water and hot glassware can cause burns. Glassware never looks different when hot or cold, so use care when heating any type of glass. Rapid changes in glass temperature can cause it to expand, crack and/or explode! Plastic tools should never be heated on a hot plate! – They will melt! Never touch hot objects with your bare hands.

What am I?

Corrosive Chemical Indicates an acid or other corrosive chemical. Avoid getting in skin or eyes. Do not inhale vapors. Wash your hands after lab activity.

What am I?

Electrical Hazard Avoid electric shock. Never use electrical equipment around water or when your hands are wet. Be sure cords are untangled and unplugged when not in use.

What am I?

Animal Safety Treat live animals with care. Be careful when dissecting preserved animals. – Wear safety goggles! – Wear latex gloves! Wash your hands after lab.

Now it’s your turn! Determine the following reasons these people are violating laboratory safety rules. Try to use terms you have already learned through the 10 basic safety symbols.

What’s wrong with this picture?

What is wrong with this picture?