Lab Safety Why is lab safety important to

Lab Safety

Why is lab safety important to know? �To prevent injuries �To make lab experiences more enjoyable for everyone �To make lab time a valuable learning time �To prevent Mrs. Agate, Mrs. Stoddard, or Mrs. Budd from getting VERY, VERY upset

An Unsafe Lab

How to Dress for Lab �Don’t wear loose fitting clothes, sandals, or dangling jewelry �Pull back long hair �Wear goggles, aprons, and/or gloves when required

First Aid �Know the locations of the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, eyewash station, shower, first aid kit, telephone, and exits. �If a chemical spills on the table, gets on your clothes, or on your skin, rinse it off and tell your teacher. �If something gets into your eyes go directly to the eyewash station.

Heating & Fire Safety �Never reach across an open flame. �Never leave a lighted burner unattended. �Never heat a container that is closed or one that is not thoroughly dry on the outside. �Use the back of your hand to test how hot a container is before picking it up. �When heating a test tube, be sure that it is not pointing at anyone.

Chemical Safety �Never mix chemicals unless you are told to. �Dispose of chemicals as instructed by your teacher. �Never smell chemicals directly… waft! �When chemicals are not in use, be sure the container is closed tightly. �When diluting an acid, always pour acid into water. (A – n – W)

Chemical Safety

Safety with Glassware �Never pick up glassware that has been heated without first testing that it is cool enough (back of hand method). �If glass breaks, put the pieces in the appropriate container, NOT the garbage can. �Thoroughly clean and dry glassware at the end of a lab.

Other Rules �Read all directions BEFORE doing the lab. �Never perform unauthorized experiments. �Never eat or drink in the lab. �No gum chewing either. �No horseplay, rough housing, fooling around in the lab. �Keep lab area clean and neat.

Clean up Rules �At the end of lab turn off/unplug electrical equipment (microscopes, hot plates, etc. ). �Clean work area and return materials to their original locations. �Dispose of waste as instructed by your teacher. �Wash your hands thoroughly.

Safety Symbols, Rules, & Contract �Safety symbols and rules can be found in Appendix A in the back of each of your textbooks. �Safety contracts must be signed or you will not be permitted to do any labs!!! Read the safety rules in your textbook and have the contract signed by your parents/guardians by Monday!!