CN: Safety in the Laboratory
#10
EQ: Why is preparation important in the lab and what should you do if
an accident occurs?
 Swimming alone at a lake is unsafe. Need to be sure
to be safe in all matters of life, including a classroom
laboratory
Safety During Investigations
 Good preparation helps you conduct careful
scientific investigations by planning for safety.
 Thinking about how to deal with something going
wrong and knowing how to use science equipment is
all part of being prepared in the lab.
Preparing for the lab
 Preferably, lab preparation should be done before
the lab
 Read through the procedures from the beginning to
end
 Be sure you understand the procedures
 Review the safety guidelines in Appendix A,
especially to the guidelines that are related to the
equipment being used
 Not sure of a direction, ask your teacher before
starting a lab!!!
Performing a Lab
 Follow all instructions/directions (teacher and
textbook) exactly.
 Ask your teacher first before trying something new
CN: Safety in the Laboratory
#10
 Keep work area clean and organized
 Take your time (avoid rushing through the lab)
 Show respect and courtesy to teacher and
classmates
 Read the safety symbols (they alert you to the
dangers of the lab and the safety equipment you will
need to use in the lab)
 Symbols are explained in detail in Appendix A
Ex:
Can cause an electric shock
End of Lab Procedures
 Clean your work area
 Turn off and unplug equipment (don’t pull from the
cord, pull from the plug)
 Return equipment to its proper place
 Dispose waste as instructed to by the teacher
 Wash hands
Safety in the Field
 Working in the field includes a forest, school yard,
park (anywhere outside)
 Always tell an adult where you will be
 Never do a field investigation alone (have an adult or
fellow classmate with you)
 Beware of safety hazards such as bad weather,
traffic, wild animals, and poisonous plants
 Plan ahead and use common sense when working in
the field to avoid dangerous situations
CN: Safety in the Laboratory
#10
In Case of an Accident
 Accidents may occur, so it’s good to know what to do
if one happens
 When any accident occurs, no matter how minor,
notify your teacher immediately. Then listen to your
teacher’s directions and carry them out quickly.
 Know the location of the emergency equipment and
where to find it.
Ex: In room 27, broken glass container is red and
located next to the front door. The fire extinguisher
and fire blanket are hanging on the wall next to the
front door. Emergency bucket is also located next to
the front door.
Structure:
Function:
Complementary:
 Emergency procedures you should know
1. Immerse burns in cold water
2. Cover cuts with a clean dressing (band aid) and
apply pressure to stop bleeding
3. Flush skin with a lot of water to remove spilled
chemical
4. Flush eye with a lot water to remove foreign
object and seek medical attention