Lab Safety

The Does and Don'ts

GENERAL SAFETY Never work without the teacher present To prevent accidents - Follow all

directions Reread procedures if you do not

understand If you still do not understand – ask the

teacher Do not touch equipment until told Perform only experiments told

GENERAL SAFETY CONTINUED

If equipment is not working tell the teacher Keep lab area clean – it is ALL students

responsibility Keep aisles clear Be alert Never fool around Know locations, operating procedures, and

who is responsible for using all safety equipment

SAFETY EQUIPMENT First aid kit – front of room Fire blanket – front of room Fire extinguisher – front of room when do lab

requiring Eye wash – back corner of room Shower – back corner of room Goggles – front of room Aprons – back of room in drawer Glass disposal box – back of room on the

floor

GENERAL SAFETY CONTINUED Do not roam around the room – stay in

your group only Walk to get supplies and clean up Do not enter storage area Follow instructions if there is a fire drill Never remove materials from the lab Do not use lab equipment for eating Do not eat, drink, or chew gum

GENERAL SAFETY CONTINUED

Make sure all equipment is clean, dry, and working in proper order

Handle all materials respectfully Report any medical conditions and injuries If there is a fire

Follow the directions of the teacher Use the fire blanket if a person is on fire Use the fire extinguisher if equipment or

chemicals are on fire

CLOTHING Tie long hair pack No baggy cloths or dangling jewelry Wear close toed and close healed shoes Wear goggles when using chemicals,

heat, or glassware – do not remove until done cleaning

Wear aprons when instructed and until done cleaning

ACCIDENTS Report all accidents to the teacher If cut - Immediately apply pressure with

paper towel and tell the teacher If burned - Immediately get under cold

water and tell the teacher

HANDLING CHEMICALS Do not touch, taste, smell unless told to do so Check labels to make sure you are not mixing

the wrong stuff Dispose of unused and used chemicals as

directed by the teacher Never have flammable materials near open

flames If spilled – stand back and tell the teacher for

instructions In eyes - flush 20 min with water and tell the

teacher

HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT

Never use broken or dirty glassware Do not place hot glass on bare counter

or in water Check plugs for exposed wires Unplug electrical equipment using plug

not the cord Make sure hands are dry when dealing

with electricity

HEATING MATERIALSDo not reach over the heat sourceKeep flammable materials away from

flamesNever leave hot plates or burners

unattendedDo not heat closed containersPoint test tubes away from all peopleUse hot hands to handle hot materialsTurn off gas or burner when done

When Finished With Lab

Clean and dry all materials Put materials away where instructed Wash and dry lab table/counter Fold and neatly put away aprons Neatly return goggles to cabinet Wash hand with soap and water Go to desk to finish lab report