SAFETY IN THE LAB All experiments are designed with safety in mind. Still, a safe laboratory setting can only be achieved if students thoroughly understand safe laboratory practices. Below is a list of basic rules of conduct for any science laboratory. Read these rules and observe them while working in the laboratory. Your adherence to these rules will help create a safe, fun, hands‐on learning environment. 1. Locate and learn to use all laboratory safety equipment. 2. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics or hair spray in the laboratory. Do not store food or beverages in the lab area. Never taste anything in the laboratory. Never remove lab glassware from the laboratory, and never use this glassware for eating or drinking. 3. Never do an experiment without your instructor's supervision. 4. Read all parts of an experiment before you begin work. Follow your teacher's directions completely. 5. Never run, push, play, or fool around in the laboratory. 6. Keep your work area clean and uncluttered. Store items such as books and purses in designated areas. Keep glassware and containers of chemicals away from the edges of your lab bench. 7. Turn off electrical equipment, water, and gas when not in use. 8. Pay attention to safety CAUTIONS. Wear safety goggles and a lab apron whenever you use heat, chemicals, solutions, glassware, or other dangerous materials. 9. Dress properly for the laboratory. Do not wear loose‐fitting sleeves, bulky outerwear, baseball caps, dangling jewelry, or open‐toed shoes. Tie back long hair and tuck in ties and scarves when you use moving objects, heat or chemicals. 10. Never touch hot objects with your bare hands. Use a clamp, tongs, or heat‐resistant gloves when handling hot objects. 11. Use care in handling electrical equipment. Do not touch electrical equipment with wet hands or use it near water. Check for frayed cords, loose connections, or broken wires. Use only equipment with three‐prong plugs. Make sure cords do not dangle from work tables. Disconnect appliances from outlets by pulling on the plug, not on the cord. 12. Handle toxic, combustible, or radioactive substances only under the direction of your teacher. Use care when working with chemicals. Keep all such materials away from your face and off your skin. Keep your hands away from your face while working with these substances. NEVER smell a substance directly. If a chemical gets in your eyes or on your skin or clothing or if you spill acid or another corrosive chemical, wash it off immediately with plenty of water. Report all incidences to your instructor. 13. Use the safety equipment provided for you. Know the location of the fire extinguisher, safety shower, fire blanket, eyewash station, and first aid kit. 14. Report accidents to your teacher immediately. Do not touch broken, cracked, or chipped glassware. 15. Always clean your equipment work space after you finish an experiment. Always wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the laboratory. L_01x02 Safety 1 Safety Symbols Throughout the experiments you will see a variety of symbols relating to safe laboratory procedures. These symbols and their meanings are shown below. Study this information. Always become familiar with all cautions in an experiment before you begin your work. Biological Hazard Fume Alert ...when chemicals, This symbol appears when reactions, or other agents there is danger involving could cause dangerous fumes. bacteria, fungi, or protists. Laser Safety ...when care must Chemical Safety ...when be taken to avoid staring chemicals or other agents directly into a laser or bright used can cause burns or are reflections. poisonous if absorbed through the skin. Open Flame Alert ...when use Clothing Protection ...when of an open flame could cause a substances used will stain or fire or explosion. burn clothing. Plant Safety ...when Disposal Alert ...when care poisonous plants or plants with must be taken to dispose of thorns are handled. materials properly. Poison Alert ...when Electrical Safety ...when care poisonous substances are should be taken in using used. electrical equipment. Radiation Alert ...when Explosion Alert ...when the radioactive materials are used. misuse of chemicals or other agents could cause an explosion. Sharp Object Alert ...when a Eye Safety ...when a danger to danger of cuts or punctures eyes exists. Goggles should be exists. worn when this symbol appears. Thermal Alert ...when care Fire Alert ...when care should should be taken handling hot be taken around open flame. objects (use gloves). L_01x02 Safety 2 First Aid in the Laboratory Report all accidents, injuries, and spills to your teacher immediately. SITUATION SAFE RESPONSE Burns Flush with cold water. Cuts and bruises Treat as directed by instructions included in your first aid kit. Electric shock Provide person with fresh air; have person recline in a position such that the head is lower than the body; if necessary, start CPR. Fainting or Collapse See electric shock. Fire Turn off all flames and gas jets; wrap person in fire blanket, use fire extinguisher to put out fire. DO NOT use water to extinguish fire, as water may react with the burning substance and intensify the fire. Foreign matter (eye) Flush with plenty of water; use eye bath. Poisoning Note the suspected poisoning agent, contact your teacher for antidote; if necessary, call poison control center. Severe bleeding Apply pressure or a compress directly to the wound and got medical attention immediately. Acid Burns Wash area with plenty of water; use safety shower; use sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO3 (baking soda). Base Burns Use boric acid, H3BO3 Care of Laboratory Equipment An extensive laboratory has been set up for this course which includes equipment and reagents ranging from micrometers to microscopes to acids to computer driven equipment. This equipment is designed to withstand damage during normal usage. Any student who causes undo damage to equipment will be held financially responsible for all repair costs beyond those which warranties cover. L_01x02 Safety 3 Lab Safety Sign‐Off Sheet Your copy.... I, ______________________________, have read the laboratory safety guidelines as set forth in this document and agree to follow the instructor's instructions at all times. I agree that I am responsible for my own safety. I will abide by the following safety regulations: • I will practice the laboratory techniques used in each experiment before I perform the experiment. • I will protect my eyes, face, hands, and body while conducting class experiments. • I will learn the location and proper use of first‐aid and fire‐fighting equipment in the classroom. • I will report any accident to the teacher immediately. • I will conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times in a laboratory situation. • After each experiment, I will follow my teacher's directions for cleanup and disposal procedures. • I understand that I will be responsible for any unwarranted damage to laboratory equipment. • If I engage in any behavior that endangers myself or anyone else in the lab, I understand that I will be removed from lab activities until a parent conference can be held. • I will dress properly for the laboratory, not wear loose‐fitting sleeves, bulky outerwear, baseball caps, dangling jewelry, or open‐toed shoes. I will tie back long hair and tuck in ties and scarves. Student signature N/A___________________________________ Date N/A______________ Parent Signature N/A___________________________________ Date N/A______________ Keep this page for your reference. Sign and return the other copy. L_01x02 Safety 4 Safety Equipment Find each of the following safety items in the lab. Clearly describe where each item is located and how to use it. Safety Item Location How to use Name _____________________ Per ___ Due Date ____________ Emergency Shower Eye Wash Fire Alarm Fire Blanket Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Gas Emergency Shut‐off Safety Goggles and Glasses Heat Gloves Latex Gloves Emergency Exit Evacuation Route Staging Area L_01x02 Safety 5