• Lab Safety
     
    lab  
     
    A chemistry lab can be a dangerous place to work. There are electrical equipment, flammable solvents, toxic and corrosive chemicals, glassware and more. Lab safety is a very important aspect of science. Without lab safety, someone can face serious injury or even death. To reduce the risk, all individuals and as a member of a group have to follow certain procedures use in various of situations such as preparing or cleaning up an experiment, identifying and using safety equipment, and handling hazardous or biological materials. The most important safety precaution you can take is to come to lab completely prepared, and to think about what you are doing every step of the way.
     

    LABORATORY SAFETY RULES

     

    GENERAL GUIDELINES:

      1.       Plan your work:

    a.         Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. 

    b.        Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully and perform only those experiments authorized by            the instructor.

    c.         No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present.

     2.      Practice Good Housekeeping and Personal Hygiene:

    a.         Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all time in the lab.

     b.         Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory.

     c.         Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times.

     d.         Keep aisles clear.

     e.         All stools should be under lab stations during the experiments.

     f.         Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals.

     h.        Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments.

     i.         Clean with detergent, rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces.

     j.          Keep clean the sink.

     k.         Return glassware and equipment to the proper storage area after experiments.

     l.         Place broken or waste glassware in the designated disposal container.

     3.       Know Emergency Procedures:

     a.         Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit,             eyewash station, safety shower, first extinguisher and fire blankets.

     b.         Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors.

     c.         Never place your head into the fume hood.

     d.         Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.

     e.         Containers must be closed, and gas valve, fume hoods, and electrical equipment must be turned off in             case of a fire drill during a laboratory period.

     f.         Report any accident (spills, breakage, etc) or injury (cut, burn, etc) to the instructor immediately.

     4.        Clothing:

     a.         Jackets, ties, and loose garments should be removed.

     b.         Long sleeves should be rolled up.

     c.         Long hair should be tied back, especially close of an open flame.

     d.         Safety goggles and lab apron should be worn at all times.

     e.        Shoes must be completely covering the foot. No sandals allowed.

     

    To view the Lab Safety PowerPoint: Science Safety PowerPoint
     
    Science Laboratory Safety Test: Safety Exam
     
    Science Laboratory Safety Test In Spanish: Spanish Safety Exam
     
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