lab safety guidelines to maintain a safe environment while conducting experiments
TRANSCRIPT
Lab SafetyGuidelines 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.