Transcript Lab Safety

Lab Safety
Guidelines to Maintain a Safe
Environment While Conducting
Experiments
Why do we have lab safety guidelines?
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This is a hands-on laboratory class.
Safety in the lab is an important part of the
scientific process.
Science activities may have potential
hazards.
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Equipment and animals used in experiments can
be dangerous if not handled properly.
Accidents Happen
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In 1997 an explosion occurred at the University of Kentucky.
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A student placed a chemical into a container that had not been cleaned
after the last use. The student placed a cap on the container and
walked away. A minute later, there was an explosion.
Glass shrapnel flew across the room and hit other students. Glass hit
one students goggles.
No one was seriously injured.
Statistics
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93% of lab accidents occur because
students do not read and fully understand
the lab safety guidelines.
In the last four years, over 150 students
have been SERIOUSLY injured in lab
accidents.
How to PREVENT accidents:
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Safety First!
Follow all guidelines.
If you are unsure, ask.
Lab experiments can be fun and exciting if
guidelines are followed and precautions are
taken to ensure safety.
Guidelines:
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Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all
times in the science room.
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Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully.
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Ask your teacher questions if you do not understand the
instructions.
Perform only authorized and approved
experiments.
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NO horseplay, practical jokes, or pranks.
Do not conduct any experiments when the teacher is out
of the room.
Absolutely no food or drinks in the lab.
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Safety Goggles
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Always wear safety
goggles to protect your
eyes in any activity
involving chemicals,
flames or heating, or the
possibility of broken
glassware.
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Lab Apron
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Wear a laboratory apron
to protect your skin and
clothing from damage.
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Breakage
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Material that may break,
i.e. glass containers,
glass tubing,
thermometers, or
funnels.
Do not touch broken
glassware.
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Heat-Resistant Gloves
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Use hand protection
when handling hot
materials.
Hot plates, hot
glassware, or hot water
can cause burns.
Do not touch objects
with your bare hand.
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Heating
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Use a clamp or tongs to pick up hot glassware.
Do not touch hot object with your bare hands.
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Sharp Object
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Examples: pointed-tip
scissors, scalpels,
knives, needles, pins,
and tacks.
They can cut/puncture
your skin.
Always direct the sharp
edge away from
yourself.
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Electric Shock
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Never use electrical equipment around water, when the
equipment is wet, or when your hands are wet.
Be sure cords are untangled and cannot trip anyone.
Disconnect the equipment when it is not in use.
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Corrosive Chemical
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Acid or other corrosive chemical.
Avoid getting on skin, clothing, or eyes.
Do not inhale vapors.
Wash hands after activity.
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Poison
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Do not let any
poisonous chemical
come in contact with
your skin.
Do not inhale vapors.
Wash hands after the
activity.
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Physical Safety
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Take precautions when
physical activity is
required in an
experiment.
Alert the teacher prior to
the experiment if there is
any reason you should
not participate.
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Animal Safety
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Treat live animals with
care to avoid harming
the animal or yourself.
Use caution when
working with animal
parts or preserved
animals.
Wash hands after
activity.
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Plant Safety
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Alert teacher if you are
allergic to any plants.
Do not touch harmful
plants, i.e. poison ivy.
Wash hand after activity.
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Flames
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Lab burner, candle, or
matches.
Tie back loose hair and
clothing.
Follow directions about
lighting and
extinguishing.
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No Flames
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Flammable materials
may be present.
No flames, sparks, or
other exposed heat
sources present.
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Fumes
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When
poisonous/unpleasant
vapors are present,
work in a well ventilated
area.
Avoid inhaling vapors
directly.
When testing an odor,
use a wafting motion.
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Disposal
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Chemicals and materials must be disposed of safely.
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Hand Washing
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Wash hand
THOROUGHLY when
the activity is complete.
Use antibacterial soap
and warm water.
Lather both sides of
hands and in between
fingers.
Rinse well.
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General Safety Awareness
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You may see when no other symbols appear.
When present, follow all specific instruction provided.
You may see this when you develop your own procedures in a
lab. Be sure to get APPROVAL from the teacher before
conducting your own procedures.