2. Laboratory Safety

3. General Rules The laboratory is for serious work. There will be no horseplay in the lab. Study your lab assignments before going into the lab. If you have any questions, ask the teacher.

4. Handling Equipment Never pipette a liquid with your mouth. Use the pipette bulb. Do not perform any experiments that are not authorized. Beware of any Bunsen burner. It may be lit and the flame invisible.

5. More About Equipment Be careful to check for cracks before heating. Be sure to give hot glass items adequate time to cool before touching. Hot glass may not appear to be hot. Never submerge hot glass into water. Keep the counters cleared of other material at all times. Clean and rinse stirring rod and spatulas between uses to avoid contamination.

6. Handling Chemicals Always add acid to water. “Do what you oughta, add acid to water” Never taste chemicals. In order to smell chemicals, WAFT. Do not return chemicals to original container. Read labels very carefully. If you get any chemicals on your skin, immediately wash the substance off with water. If it is a large spill on your skin or clothing use the safety shower. Try to remove only the amount you need to not waste or create hazard. Do not return chemical to the original container.

7. Safety Precautions Wear the safety equipment provided for you: goggles and aprons. Keep long hair tied back. Loose clothing is often a hazard. ALWAYS notify teacher of any broken glass!!! Remove all dangly jewelry (necklaces, earrings and bracelets) Long pants and close toed shoes should be worn to protect skin.

8. Microscope Use Carry a microscope correctly, with one hand under the base and one hand around the arm. Never let the cord dangle to the floor. Do not use the oil immersion lens.

9. Dissection Do not carry any sharp instruments unless they are in a container. Unless actively dissecting, the instruments should be on the counter or in the container. Always hand a scalpel to a person blade down, handle first OR put it on the counter. Treat specimens with respect.

10. Safety Equipment Know the location of fire extinguishers. Know the location of the first aid kit. Know the location of the safety goggles. Know the location of the aprons. Know the location of the eyewash station. Know the location of the safety shower. Always wear your protective clothing and safety gear.

11. How to use a fire extinguisher It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good. You want to hit the fuel. Squeeze the top handle or lever. This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. Sweep from side to side until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.

12. In Case of Fire: Never run! If clothing catches on fire, quench the fire with water. When heating a substance in a test tube, be careful not to point the tube at another person or yourself.

13. In Case of Chemical Spill: If you get any chemical in your eyes, wash out the eyes with running water for 15 minutes. REQUIRED!!! If you spill any chemical on your skin, wash with water immediately. If you have chemical all over you, hit the safety shower!

14. More About Chemical Spills: Immediately tell the teacher about any chemical spills. Do not attempt to clean up any chemical spills until notifying teacher. There are some spills that only teachers should clean up.

15. It is important to know the meaning of safety symbols in the science lab. Safety symbols are pictures used to point out hazardous substances and necessary precautions to be aware of. This is a chart of important symbols to know before conducting any experiment.

17. More safety symbols Do not touch broken glass Corrosive chemical- this symbol indicates the presence of an acid or other corrosive chemical. General Safety symbol. You may see this symbol when none of the symbols before apply. Wear disposable gloves to protect yourself from contact with chemicals or organisms that may be harmful.

18. Lab Clean-Up Solid substances should be placed in the correct containers. Keep insoluble waste materials out of the sink. Wipe off all counters. Clean and rinse equipment thoroughly. Never attempt to pick up broken glass. Tell the teacher and stay away from the area while it is cleaned. Wash your hands before beginning an assignment and after completing a lab.

19. Before You Go! Be sure to turn off the water and gas. Return materials and equipment to the proper place. Once again, make sure counters are wiped and hands are washed!

20. Review Questions Whom should you call in case of an emergency in the lab? What would immediately be used if your clothing caught for or if a large chemical spill had occurred on your clothing? What should be worn in a laboratory at all times to decrease the likelihood of eye injury? What should be done if a chemical gets in the eye?

21. Review Questions, continued What procedure should be followed if glass is broken? Describe the procedure used to operate a fire extinguisher. (hint: pass) What precautions are needed with long hair and beards? What type of footwear is required in the lab? Eating, drinking and chewing gum are not permitted in the lab because?

22. Review Questions, continued Are there any conditions under which a student may work alone? Why are no unauthorized experiments permitted in the lab? What should be the very last function performed in the lab before you leave? Describe the procedure for smelling a chemical.