1. Biology EQ: How can I work safely in a laboratory?

2. Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract
Must be signed by student and parent/guardian
NO CONTRACT --- NO LAB WORK!

3. GENERAL GUIDELINES Be RESPONSIBLE BY:
Following written AND verbal instructions
Clarifying before proceeding
Never working alone
NOT TOUCHING MATERIALS!
Not eating, drinking, or chewing gum
Behaving properly
Observing good housekeeping practices
Clearing the aisles
Knowing the locations of the safety equipment

4. More General Rules... Work in a well-ventilated area BE ALERT!
DISPOSE OF CHEMICAL WASTE PROPERLY
Label containers
Wash hands and clean work area
Do not wander
Do not enter unauthorized areas
Know the fire drill exits
Handle live and preserved specimens humanely
Use sharp instruments as directed

5. CLOTHING GOGGLES WILL BE WORN DURING ALL DESIGNATED LAB ACTIVITIES
Contact Lenses should not be worn when using chemicals
Proper attire required
Lab aprons are a must!!!

6. ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
Report ALL accidents immediately
Flush eyes/skin with water for at least 20 minutes if chemical accident occurs
Notify instructor of broken thermometers

7. HANDLING CHEMICALS
All chemicals in the lab are considered dangerous… DO NOT INDULGE!
Check labels
Do NOT cross-contaminate
Never suction chemicals by mouth
Handle acids with extreme caution
When transferring materials, hold containers away from you
Use caution when handling flammable materials
DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING FROM THE LAB
Use care when transferring materials from one place to another in the room

8. HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT
To minimize injury:
Carry glass tubing vertically
Never handle broken glass with bare hands
Dispose of broken glassware properly
Use water bottles as designated
Grasp the plug not the cord!
EXAMINE ALL GLASSWARE BEFORE USE
Report all damaged equipment to the instructor
Ask the instructor for assistance
Do not immerse hot glassware into cold water

9. HEATING SUBSTANCES Use CAUTION when working with Bunsen Burner!
Do NOT reach over an exposed flame!
Never leave a lit burner or hot plate unattended!
TURN OFF when not in use!
Point test tubes away from you and others
Let things COOL before handling

10. LET’S PREVENT ACCIDENTS LIKE THIS BY FOLLOWING THE SAFETY RULES!