Safety and Laboratory Rules

The scientific laboratory is a place of adventure and discovery. However, the laboratory can also be quite dangerous if proper safety rules are not followed at all times. In order to prepare yourself for a safe year in the laboratory, you need to be sure you understand each of the rules listed on the sheet provided. Some of the rules need additional attention and will be discussed in the following slides.

1. Always wear safety goggles or glasses whenever you are working with chemicals, burners, or any substance that might get into your eyes.

2. Lab aprons or coats should also be worn whenever working with chemicals or heated substances.

5. Sandals will not protect the feet. They should not be worn on lab days.

6. Read all directions for an experiment several times. Follow the directions exactly as they are written. If you are not sure, ask the teacher.

7. Never perform activities that are not authorized by your teacher. Always get permission before “experimenting” on your own.

10. Never eat or drink in the laboratory. Wash your hands before and after each experiment.

11. There should be no loud talking or horseplay in the laboratory.

13. Know the location and use of all safety equipment.

First Aid16. Report all accidents to your teacher immediately

Heating and Fire Safety21. Always maintain a clean work area and keep all

materials away from flames. Never leave a flame unattended.

24. Always point a test tube that is being heated away from yourself and others. Chemicals can splash or boil out of a heated test tube.

Using Chemicals Safely27. Never mix chemicals for the “fun of it”. You might

produces dangerous, possibly explosive substances. No unauthorized experiments should be performed.

28. Dispose of all chemicals as instructed by your teacher.

37. Do not contaminate the chemical supply.

47. Never use broken or chipped glassware. If glassware breaks, notify your teacher and dispose of the glassware in the proper trash container.

48. Never eat or drink from laboratory glassware. Always thoroughly clean any glassware before putting it away.

49. Handle scalpels or razor blades with extreme care; Never cut any material towards you; always cut away from you. Carry with sharp edge pointing down.

50. Notify your teacher immediately if you are cut in the laboratory.

51. Properly mount, dissecting specimens to the dissecting pan before making cut.

* Never insert metallic objects into an outlet

56. When disconnecting a piece of electrical equipment, pull the plug and not the wire.

57. Never connect, disconnect, or operate a piece of electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor.

59. When you are finished, always clean up your work area and return all equipment to its proper place.

60. Wash your hands after every experiment.

61. Check that the gas line leading to the burner is off when you are finished.

63. Synthetic fingernails are highly flammable and should not be worn in the lab.

64. If you wear contact lenses, the teacher must be notified if a substance gets into your eyes.

What’s wrong with these images?

What were they thinking?

Actions have consequences.

Think before you

act!

Lab Safety SymbolsDisposal Alert – this symbol appears when care must be taken to dispose of materials properly.

Sharp Object Safety – danger of cuts or punctures from the use of sharp objects

Biological Safety – when there is a danger involving bacteria, fungi, or protists

Fume Safety – chemicals or chemical reactions could cause dangerous fumes

Open Flame Alert – use of an open flame could cause fire or an explosion.

Electrical Safety – care should be taken when using electrical equipment.Plant Safety – poisonous plants or plants with thorns are handled.

Thermal Safety – reminder to use caution when handling hot objects

Animal Safety – live animals are studied. The safety of the animals and students are ensured.

Radioactive Safety – radioactive material is used.

Clothing Protection Safety – substances could stain or burn clothing.

Fire Safety – care should be taken around open flames

Explosion safety – misuse of chemicals could cause an explosionEye Safety – danger to the eye exists

Poison Safety – when poison substances are used

Chemical Safety – chemicals used can cause burns or are poisonous if absorbed through the skin.