Safety in the Laboratory
General Guidelines
• Conduct yourself in a responsible manner!!
• Follow all written and verbal instructions.
• Never work alone.
• Don’t touch anything until you are told to do so.
• Do not eat, drink, or chew gum during a lab.
• Only perform the experiment you are supposed to be working on.
• Keep your work area clean.
• Keep aisles clear. Put your backpack under or on top of an empty table.
• Know where the safety equipment is located.
• Be alert and cautious.
• Dispose of chemicals properly. Different chemicals need to be disposed of in different ways.
• Read chemical labels carefully before you use them.
• Keep hands away from face and eyes during a lab, and always wash your hands when you are done.
• Don’t leave your lab station unattended while you are working.
Clothing• ALWAYS WEAR YOUR GOGGLES.
There are no exceptions.
• Don’t wear contact lenses.
• No loose, long hair (pull it back).
• No dangling jewelry. • No open-toed shoes.
Handling Chemicals
• ALL CHEMICALS IN THE LAB ARE DANGEROUS. Handle them with care.
• Never return unused chemicals to the original container.
• Handle acids with special care.• Always add acid to water, not
water to acid.
• Never remove chemicals from the lab.
Handling Glassware and Equipment
• Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a dustpan.
• Dispose of glass in approved container only
• Never use cracked or chipped glassware.• Report damaged equipment immediately.• Do not put hot glassware in cold water.
• Do not point scalpel blades towards others.
• Carry dissection tools with sharp end facing the ground.
• When unplugging equipment, pull the plug, NOT the cord, and NOT the piece of equipment.
Heating Substances• Use caution when
using the hot plates.
• Never leave a hot plate unattended.
• Remember—hot glass and metal stay hot for a long time. BE CAREFUL!
• Always treat specimens with respect
• Never dispose of specimens or parts down the sink or in the trash can.
Handling Specimens
Accidents and Injuries
• Report all accidents to the teacher right away.
• If you splash chemicals on your skin or clothing, or in your eyes, immediately rinse with plenty of water.
• If you break a scalpel blade, glassware, or slide, report it.
• See your teacher if you cut or puncture your skin with a tool or specimen.
• Know our fire escape route
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