Guidelines to Maintain a Safe Environment While Conducting Experiments Lab Safety Guidelines to Maintain a Safe Environment While Conducting Experiments

Why do we have lab safety guidelines? This is a hands-on laboratory class. Safety in the lab is an important part of the scientific process. Science activities may have potential hazards. Equipment and animals used in experiments can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Accidents Happen In 1997 an explosion occurred at the University of Kentucky. A student placed a chemical into a container that had not been cleaned after the last use. The student placed a cap on the container and walked away. A minute later, there was an explosion. Glass shrapnel flew across the room and hit other students. Glass hit one students goggles. No one was seriously injured.

Statistics 93% of lab accidents occur because students do not read and fully understand the lab safety guidelines. In the last four years, over 150 students have been SERIOUSLY injured in lab accidents.

How to PREVENT accidents: Safety First! Follow all guidelines. If you are unsure, ask. Lab experiments can be fun and exciting if guidelines are followed and precautions are taken to ensure safety.

Guidelines: Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the science room. NO horseplay, practical jokes, or pranks. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask your teacher questions if you do not understand the instructions. Perform only authorized and approved experiments. Do not conduct any experiments when the teacher is out of the room. Absolutely no food or drinks in the lab.

Symbols Safety Goggles Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes in any activity involving chemicals, flames or heating, or the possibility of broken glassware.

Symbols Lab Apron Wear a laboratory apron to protect your skin and clothing from damage.

Symbols Breakage Material that may break, i.e. glass containers, glass tubing, thermometers, or funnels. Do not touch broken glassware.

Symbols Heat-Resistant Gloves Use hand protection when handling hot materials. Hot plates, hot glassware, or hot water can cause burns. Do not touch objects with your bare hand.

Symbols Heating Use a clamp or tongs to pick up hot glassware. Do not touch hot object with your bare hands.

Symbols Sharp Object Examples: pointed-tip scissors, scalpels, knives, needles, pins, and tacks. They can cut/puncture your skin. Always direct the sharp edge away from yourself.

Symbol Electric Shock Never use electrical equipment around water, when the equipment is wet, or when your hands are wet. Be sure cords are untangled and cannot trip anyone. Disconnect the equipment when it is not in use.

Symbols Corrosive Chemical Acid or other corrosive chemical. Avoid getting on skin, clothing, or eyes. Do not inhale vapors. Wash hands after activity.

Symbols Poison Do not let any poisonous chemical come in contact with your skin. Do not inhale vapors. Wash hands after the activity.

Symbols Physical Safety Take precautions when physical activity is required in an experiment. Alert the teacher prior to the experiment if there is any reason you should not participate.

Symbols Animal Safety Treat live animals with care to avoid harming the animal or yourself. Use caution when working with animal parts or preserved animals. Wash hands after activity.

Symbols Plant Safety Alert teacher if you are allergic to any plants. Do not touch harmful plants, i.e. poison ivy. Wash hand after activity.

Symbols Flames Lab burner, candle, or matches. Tie back loose hair and clothing. Follow directions about lighting and extinguishing.

Symbols No Flames Flammable materials may be present. No flames, sparks, or other exposed heat sources present.

Symbols Fumes When poisonous/unpleasant vapors are present, work in a well ventilated area. Avoid inhaling vapors directly. When testing an odor, use a wafting motion.

Symbols Disposal Chemicals and materials must be disposed of safely.

Symbols Hand Washing Wash hand THOROUGHLY when the activity is complete. Use antibacterial soap and warm water. Lather both sides of hands and in between fingers. Rinse well.

Symbols General Safety Awareness You may see when no other symbols appear. When present, follow all specific instruction provided. You may see this when you develop your own procedures in a lab. Be sure to get APPROVAL from the teacher before conducting your own procedures.